Johnny Gargano Claims Anyone Who Still Calls NXT ‘Developmental’ or Raw and Smackdown the ‘Main Roster’ Is ‘Stupid,’ Addresses Turning on Tommaso Ciampa

– TMZ Sports recently interviewed NXT Superstar Johnny Gargano, who addressed his recent heel turn at NXT TakeOver: Portland. Gargano appeared to be pushing his new heel character in the interview. Below are some highlights and a video of the chat.

If he’s gotten hate for his recent heel turn: “I honestly haven’t looked. I haven’t checked any of that out. The show happened Sunday. It happened. What happened, happened, and I think, like I said earlier, the people that know why, they’ll figure it out. Like I said, you look deep down inside yourself, you’ll find your answer.”

Gargano on his message to his fans who now see him as a bad person: “I’m still the same Johnny Gargano. I think for the first time in a long time, my eyes are wide open. I’m seeing things from a new perspective. I’m seeing things from a new light, and we’ll see what comes of that, but I’m still the same guy. I’m still the same Johnny. I wake up, look at Candice, I look in the mirror, and I have a smile on my face because I know I’m a good person.”

Gargano on Finn Balor and Tommaso Ciampa: “Now is the time. Well, about Finn, about Tommaso, I have nothing to say about them, but I will say as the face of NXT, as the heart and soul of NXT, as possibly the greatest performer of a generation, I will say to watch every Wednesday night, USA Network, 8:00 pm, you’re not going to want to miss it.”

Gargano on people who call NXT minor leagues: “Yeah, that’s BS. That’s BS. That’s complete garbage, and it’s something that me and a lot of guys have worked to dispel for a very, very long time. So, anyone out there who uses the words ‘main roster’ when talking about Raw and SmackDown, how about you watch the show on Wednesday night. You’ll see the real main roster. You’ll see the best wrestling show on the planet. You will see the best locker room on the planet, led by me! That’s what you’ll see on Wednesday night. So main roster, developmental, you’re stupid if you use those words. You’re stupid. Quit it.”

If using any of the above quotes, please credit TMZ, with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.