The new NXT North American champion Johnny Gargano spoke with Yahoo Sports about his pro-wrestling career. In the interview, Gargano talks about his recent appearance in the Royal Rumble match, and the upcoming Halftime-Heat special that will air at the midway point of the Rams and Patriots Superbowl Game. Highlights are below.
On Halftime Heat: This is such a big deal. I remember when I heard about it, I wasn’t aware of how big it would actually be. I’m a huge wrestling fan so I remember the first “Halftime Heat.” It was 20 years ago, I was 11 years old. I thought it was absolutely amazing. Now to be able to be a part of it and to show the world what NXT is all about and what we do. I believe what we do is put on a show unlike anyone else. I think it’s extremely special and I use that word a lot because I believe that’s what NXT is. I’m so excited for everyone from the non-wrestling fan to the hardcore fan to tune in and say “Wow, this stuff is cool, I have to check it out more.”
If he’s nervous with the distribution the event will get: I don’t think so. I think we have the right six guys to do it. Those are six of the best professional wrestlers in the world. If you look at our “TakeOver” events, our live events, our TV show, we always bring it. It doesn’t matter if there are 15 people in the crowd or 15,000, we bring it. I know this Sunday we are going to bring it like only NXT can and we’re going to open up a lot of eyes. We’re hungry, we’re excited and we’re going to put on a show that no one has ever seen before.
Appearing in the Royal Rumble: It was a dream come true, and that’s putting it lightly. It’s so cool to get to share this with my wife [fellow WWE superstar Candice LeRae] because she is such a huge wrestling fan as well. We both know how big this is. What was also cool was that my mom came in for “TakeOver” and I got to tell her she had to stick around for the next day. Candice’s parents also came and watched her perform. To have our family there and get to share it together, it doesn’t feel real at times. It’s super awesome.
Superbowl Pick: It’s hard to bet against Tom Brady. As much as everyone hates him, and everyone hates him because he’s a winner, I’ve got to go with Tom Brady. If I’m going with my brain, I have to pick Tom Brady and the Patriots.
