Johnny Gargano Stripped of #1 Contendership

In late-breaking news Thursday evening, PWO officials have rendered a major decision, effectively stripping Johnny Gargano of his status as #1 Contender to the PWO Heavyweight Championship and current titleholder “M-Dogg 20” Matt Cross, citing breach of contract as their reasoning.

Fans will recall that at our final live event of 2008, broadcasted nationwide on Sports Time Ohio, Gargano requested television time to allegedly announce his retirement from the ring, citing the worsening condition of his broken back. Johnny went on to say his goodbyes, thanking longtime ally Josh Prohibition, and apologizing to rivals M-Dogg and Gregory Iron. However, before the impact of Gargano’s announcement could even truly be felt, Gargano revealed his teary-eyed speech as a giant swerve, cheap-shotting his apparent newfound friend Cross, and revealing he was still in possession of the contract guaranteeing him a title opportunity as soon as he was healthy. It was a giant swerve to get into the head of the champion, by an apparent immature and insecure individual. Therein, says PWO officials, lies the problem.

“Gargano gave us the same sob story he forced all of our great fans to sit through on television.” said one PWO official on the condition of anonymity, “Gargano claimed it would be months before he’d be physically fit, and against our better judgment, we showed compassion and allowed Gargano time to recover. However, based on the fact he wasn’t nearly as hurt as he had claimed, we find him in breach of contract, and the conditions agreed upon in said contract are now null and void! If Johnny Gargano wants a PWO Championship opportunity, he’s going to earn it. Gargano could be a tremendous champion, no doubt, but as we’ve seen time and again, the only thing holding him back is his attitude. There are plenty of other athletes deserving of a title shot, and Gargano will find out the hard way when he WILL return to the ring to compete for the #1 Contendership, and it WILL take place in Brook Park on March 13!”

With that, it has been confirmed. Friday, March 13 at the Brook Park Recreation Center, Johnny Gargano will have to earn his title opportunity all over again. PWO officials promise to release the specific details of the match early this upcoming week, and caution that the circumstances may end up TWICE as bad as Gargano may think.

We will update this story within the next couple of days – check back for further information, and don’t forget to join us live March 13!

Pro Wrestling Ohio’s next LIVE television taping, Friday night, March 13 at the Brook Park Recreation Center, 17400 Holland Rd., Brook Park, Ohio 44142. Doors open at 7 pm with a 7:30 pm belltime. To reserve your tickets safely and securely now, go to www.pwowrestling.com/tixstore.html and place your order! Tickets will be held for you until the day of the event.