WWE One Shots

44. Johnny Gargano- Advantage?

 Johnny Gargano had always dreamed of making it big in WWE. Ever since he was a young boy, wrestling was more than a sport to him; it was a passion, a calling. Now, standing in the ring at NXT TakeOver, with thousands of fans chanting his name, he felt like he was living that dream. But dreams can be complicated, especially when personal life intersects with professional ambitions. 

It began a year ago when Johnny met Claire Levesque. Claire, a bright and ambitious woman, worked behind the scenes in WWE's corporate division. As the younger sister of Triple H, Paul Levesque, she had grown up in the wrestling world but preferred the business side over the chaos of the ring. Despite their different roles, Johnny and Claire hit it off immediately. They shared a love for wrestling, a deep respect for the hard work it required, and an undeniable chemistry that neither could ignore.

Their relationship started off discreetly. They didn't want Claire's familial connections to overshadow Johnny's achievements. But as their bond grew stronger, hiding it became more challenging. The wrestling community is tight-knit and full of keen observers. Eventually, rumors began to swirl.

One evening, after a particularly grueling match, Johnny sat in the locker room, his body aching but his spirits high. He had just won a significant bout, and the victory felt like validation for all his hard work. Claire met him backstage, her eyes sparkling with pride.

"You were amazing out there, Johnny," she said, wrapping her arms around him. "I knew you could do it."

He smiled and kissed her gently. "Thanks, Claire. Your support means everything to me."

But their moment was interrupted by a couple of fellow wrestlers passing by. They exchanged glances and snickered, loud enough for Johnny and Claire to hear.

"Guess it pays to have connections, huh?" one of them remarked, clearly insinuating that Johnny's win had more to do with his relationship than his talent.

Johnny felt his stomach churn. He had worked tirelessly to reach this point, and the insinuation stung. Claire squeezed his hand, her expression serious.

"Don't let them get to you," she whispered. "We know the truth."

But it wasn't that simple. The rumors grew louder, spreading through the locker rooms, social media, and even among the fans. Johnny's accomplishments were increasingly overshadowed by whispers of favoritism and nepotism. The respect he had earned over years of hard work seemed to be slipping away.

One day, as Johnny prepared for another big match, he overheard a conversation between two veteran wrestlers.

"It's a shame, really," one of them said. "The kid's got talent, but no one's gonna take him seriously with Triple H's sister hanging off his arm."

"Yeah," the other agreed. "He'll always be in Triple H's shadow now."

Johnny's heart sank. He knew he couldn't control what people thought, but it hurt to hear such things from people he admired. The pressure began to affect his performance. He found himself second-guessing his moves, wondering if every victory would be met with skepticism.

Claire noticed the change in him. At home, he was quieter, more withdrawn. One night, as they sat together on the couch, she took his hand and looked into his eyes.

"Johnny, this isn't fair to you," she said softly. "You've worked so hard for everything you've achieved. We can't let these rumors ruin it."

"I know," he replied, his voice heavy with frustration. "But what can I do? Every time I step into that ring, I feel like I have to prove myself all over again."

Claire thought for a moment. "Maybe we need to address this head-on. Be open about our relationship. Show people that what we have is real and has nothing to do with your career."

It was a daunting idea, but Johnny agreed. Together, they decided to confront the rumors publicly. They arranged an interview with a well-respected wrestling journalist known for his integrity and fairness.

During the interview, Johnny spoke candidly about his relationship with Claire. He explained how they met, their shared love for wrestling, and how they supported each other. Claire, too, spoke about her respect for Johnny's dedication and how their relationship had always been separate from his professional life.

"We're just two people who love each other," Claire said, her voice steady. "Johnny's success is because of his talent and hard work, not because of me or my brother."

The interview was honest and heartfelt. It received mixed reactions from the public. Some fans supported them, appreciating their openness. Others remained skeptical, convinced that Johnny's relationship with Claire gave him an unfair advantage.

Despite the mixed reception, Johnny felt a weight lifted off his shoulders. He had nothing to hide anymore. He threw himself back into his training with renewed determination, focusing on what he could control: his performance in the ring.

One evening, as Johnny prepared for a major pay-per-view event, he received an unexpected visit from Triple H himself. Paul Levesque, a towering figure both in stature and reputation, walked into the locker room and closed the door behind him.

"Johnny," Paul began, his tone serious but not unkind. "I wanted to talk to you."

Johnny nodded, feeling a knot of anxiety in his stomach. Despite their personal connection, he respected Paul immensely and knew how significant this conversation could be.

"I've been hearing the rumors," Paul continued. "I know it's been tough on you and Claire. I just want you to know that I believe in you. You've earned your spot here."

Johnny felt a surge of emotion. "Thank you, Paul. That means a lot."

"But," Paul added, "you have to understand that perception is reality in this business. The only way to change that perception is through undeniable performance. Keep doing what you're doing, and let your work speak for itself."

With those words, Paul left, leaving Johnny with a renewed sense of purpose. He knew he couldn't control what others thought, but he could control his actions and his attitude. He decided to let his passion for wrestling shine through, no matter what.

The months that followed were challenging but transformative. Johnny pushed himself harder than ever, delivering standout performances and proving his critics wrong. He won several high-profile matches, earning respect from fans and fellow wrestlers alike. Gradually, the rumors began to fade, replaced by admiration for his resilience and talent.

Claire stood by his side through it all, their relationship growing stronger with each challenge they faced. They became an inspiration to others, a testament to the power of love and perseverance.

One night, after yet another hard-fought victory, Johnny stood in the ring, the crowd's cheers echoing around him. He looked out into the audience and saw Claire, her eyes shining with pride. He knew then that they had overcome the worst of it.

Backstage, as they embraced, Johnny whispered, "We did it."

Claire smiled, her eyes filled with tears of joy. "No, Johnny. You did it. You proved them all wrong."

Their journey had been anything but easy, but it had made them stronger. Johnny Gargano had faced down rumors and doubt, emerging victorious not just in the ring, but in life. And as he looked into Claire's eyes, he knew that with her by his side, he could overcome any challenge that lay ahead.