Johnny Gargano

Johnny Gargano is one of the most beloved wrestlers of his generation—an underdog technician with the heart of a lion and a résumé that spans the globe. Known for redefining independent wrestling in the US and his era-defining run in NXT, Gargano’s brief appearance in PROGRESS Wrestling left an indelible mark.

Gargano stepped into the Electric Ballroom at Chapter 32: 5000 To 1 (26 June 2016), issuing an open challenge while holding the Smash Wrestling Championship. His opponent? None other than the red-hot Mark Haskins. In what many fans and critics still regard as a sleeper classic, Gargano and Haskins delivered a gripping 19-minute bout that blended high-impact strikes, lightning-quick counters, and ferocious submission work.

Calling it “one of the most polished and passionate matches in PROGRESS history,” reviewers praised both men for crafting a contest that could’ve headlined anywhere in the world. Ultimately, Haskins shocked the Ballroom by dethroning Gargano, a moment that ignited the crowd and boosted Haskins’ trajectory.

Though his time in PROGRESS was brief, Johnny Wrestling’s influence was felt immediately. Outside the Ballroom, Gargano became the first-ever NXT Triple Crown Champion, taking part in legendary rivalries with the likes of Tommaso Ciampa, Adam Cole, and Andrade. Across PWG, EVOLVE, and WWE, he built a reputation on resilience, storytelling, and heart.

Johnny Gargano doesn’t need a long list of appearances to be unforgettable, just a spotlight and the will to steal the show. And at Chapter 32, he did exactly that.

PROGRESS Wrestling tickets are available for all future shows via the dice app.

You can see Johnny Gargano wrestling matches by subscribing to DEMAND PROGRESS PLUS.

Johnny Gargano may be best known as “Johnny Wrestling” thanks to his iconic run in NXT, but his legacy stretches far beyond just one brand—and includes a memorable moment inside a PROGRESS ring.

Gargano made his lone in-ring appearance for PROGRESS Wrestling at Chapter 32: 5000 To 1 on 26 June 2016, walking into London’s Electric Ballroom as the reigning Smash Wrestling Champion. Issuing an open challenge, Gargano went to war with UK standout Mark Haskins in a hard-fought, show-stealing contest. After nearly 19 minutes of high-octane action, Haskins pulled off the upset, ending Gargano’s title reign and making a major statement in front of the British faithful.

Though it was his only PROGRESS outing, Gargano’s impact was instant—and unmistakable. Beyond the Ballroom, Gargano has cemented himself as one of the most respected wrestlers of his generation.

From PWG to EVOLVE, and eventually NXT where he became the first-ever Triple Crown Champion, Gargano’s blend of heart, precision, and storytelling earned him fans worldwide. Whether facing the likes of Tommaso Ciampa, Andrade, or Adam Cole, Johnny Gargano always delivered, proving that no matter the continent or company, Johnny Wrestling lives up to the name.

All matches are available to watch on DEMAND PROGRESS PLUS.