Backstage update on Danhausen’s WWE brand status & Johnny Gargano’s contract - Report

Since his debut, Danhausen has become a fan-favorite star.

Following a somewhat underwhelming debut at Elimination Chamber 2026, Danhausen has quickly connected with WWE audiences, drawing some of the loudest reactions whenever he appears.

Since his debut, he has been featured regularly on both Raw and SmackDown and has shared segments with several top stars. Some of these fan-favorite interactions have also led to the infamous Danhausen Curse, with names like Dominik Mysterio, The Miz, and “Original” El Grande Americano all ending up on the receiving end of it.

Danhausen is still listed as a free agent internally

Notably, Danhausen has been making appearances on both Raw and SmackDown, and during a Q&A by Mike Johnson on PWInsider, he has provided some updates regarding his brand status.

According to the report, Danhausen is still categorized internally as a free agent. WWE’s creative team is currently evaluating potential storyline directions, including deciding which rivalries he may be placed in moving forward.

Additionally, according to Fightful Select, many within WWE believed Danhausen’s debut fell short of what had been anticipated. Despite that, he reportedly stayed upbeat and handled the situation well. The report added that people spoken to within the company are now pleased with how he has managed to turn things around in the time since.

This report refers to Danhausen’s debut at Elimination Chamber, where he emerged from the mystery crate. The segment received some criticism from fans both inside the arena and online, largely because many had expected it to reveal a major returning star, such as Chris Jericho.

Also Read: Five potential opponents for Danhausen at WWE WrestleMania 42

Johnny Gargano is still under contract with WWE

Since Tomasso Ciampa’s exit, fans have been speculating about his former tag partner Johnny Gargano’s status with the promotion. The two have frequently been paired together in NXT as well as on the main roster. Before Ciampa’s exit, the two were in a tag team known as ‘#DIY.’

Amid speculations,  Fightful Select has provided an update regarding Gargano’s contract with the Stamford-based promotion. The outlet notes that they have inquired about the same on multiple occasions and have been informed that he is “firmly under contract” with the WWE.

Notably, the report does not provide details on the duration of Gargano’s contract or whether he plans to remain with the company, only confirming that he is presently signed to a deal.

Gargano’s current character is being portrayed as emotionally worn down and struggling after losing Axiom’s mask and even his tag partner, Ciampa. Candice LeRae, Gargano’s wife, and some of the tag teams, including Alex Shelley from MCMG, have been trying to cheer him up.

Two weeks ago on SmackDown, after receiving some encouragement from LeRae, he issued an open challenge, only for Oba Femi to respond and decisively defeat him in minutes, further reinforcing Johnny’s current downturn.

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