Following the tapings for the September 4 episode of SmackDown at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, hometown favorite Johnny Gargano delivered an emotional address to the crowd.
Gargano challenged CM Punk for the WWE Undisputed Championship in the main event of the broadcast. Although Punk retained the title via pinfall, Gargano stood in the ring after the cameras stopped rolling alongside Punk and Cody Rhodes to thank the fans and reflect on his journey.
“I Am Living Proof”
Addressing the Cleveland crowd, Gargano recalled his early days as a wrestling fan in the same arena, watching a young CM Punk compete in a WWE dark match before breaking out on the global stage.
“As a Clevelander, I want to say one thing. Back when I was just a fan sitting in those stands, I vividly remember a moment where a young CM Punk had a dark match here in Cleveland, Ohio. And as a fan, I remember seeing that and going, that’s CM Punk, he’s one of the best in the world, he belongs here.”
Gargano emphasized how surreal it felt to share the ring with the champion in his hometown main event, using the moment to send a message of perseverance to the fans in attendance.
“And to be able to get in this ring in my hometown with the best in the world, with the WWE Champion CM Punk in main event SmackDown. Guys, I am living proof for anyone out there in the crowd: If you have a dream, if you want to do something, if you work hard enough, you can make anything happen in this lifetime.”
Praise for Cody Rhodes and Candice LeRae
Gargano shifted his attention to Cody Rhodes, revealing the close mentor relationship they share behind the scenes when making major career decisions.
“I put over CM Punk enough. I’m also standing in the ring with QB1. Cody Rhodes, a lot of people don’t know this because we don’t publicize it, but when I’m going through significant career choices, I reach out to this man right here. Because he and CM Punk both have paved the way for guys like me, and it is an honor.”
Before concluding his speech, Gargano acknowledged his wife, Candice LeRae, thanking her for her unwavering support during his career journey.
“Candice [LeRae] too. I’m not gonna forget her, by the way. I’m talking a lot. Let’s give it up for Candice. What a great wife! She stood by my side for 8 months while I played on a box, and she never gave up on me. Just like I have never given up on you, Cleveland, Ohio.”
For complete WWE SmackDown taping results, backstage analysis, and ongoing news, stay tuned to WrestlingAttitude.com.
RELATED: Johnny Gargano Contract Status Clarified Following Online Departure Rumors
Johnny Gargano addresses the crowd after Smackdown ended. (After his match with CM Punk.) #smackdown pic.twitter.com/qKIzID9erS
— 💀 Boogeyman 💀 (@DeathByAxe) August 29, 2026
WA on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wrestlingattitude/
WA on Facebook (Women's Wrestling) - https://www.facebook.com/WrestlingDivas/
WA on X/Twitter - https://x.com/wa_wrestling
WA on Instagram (Women's Wrestling) - https://www.instagram.com/wa_wrestlingattitude/
WA on Google News - https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMJf3owsw2oG8Aw
WA on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlingattitude.bsky.social
