Speaking through his official Facebook page, independent wrestling star, WWE Cruiserweight Classic entrant and occasional WWE NXT superstar Johnny Gargano updated fans on his current status on the independent wrestling scene and noted that his final appearance on the independent wrestling scene will take place on September 23rd in Cleveland, Ohio.

“When I signed my first real wrestling contract, Gabe Sapolsky gave me advice that has resonated with me throughout my entire career. Being a wrestling is kind of like being a doctor. You can’t just go in and start operating on people and be successful at it…you have to go to school, you have to hone your craft and you have to learn. That’s what the indies are for. Do everything you possibly can and learn from it and when it’s time to move on…you’ll be ready.

I’ve been an independent wrestler for almost 12 years. It’s a big part of who I am. It always will be. I’ve been extraordinarily lucky and take great pride in what I’ve accomplished throughout these years. Honestly, at the end of the day, it wasn’t the t-shirt sales or the amount of money I made…from a chubby little 8-year-old kid that just wanted to be a pro wrestler to now…the most important thing to me was that you guys just thought I was pretty good.

They say you never REALLY know if you’re actually ready for something…but I know that you’ll also never REALLY find out unless you try. That said…September 23rd in Cleveland, OH will be my last independent wrestling match. This chapter of my story may be closing, but the end is far from written yet. So for the next few months…let’s just enjoy writing the last few paragraphs of it…together.”