WWE Superstar Johnny Gargano has urged SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis to schedule a Buried Alive Match featuring Gargano’s rival against the entire SmackDown roster. This demand follows recent tensions and backstage confrontations on the blue brand involving Gargano and other wrestlers.
Last week, Gargano, disguised as the masked character Axiom, attacked Nathan Frazer, who was tag team partner to Fraxiom. The situation nearly escalated, but Fraxiom intervened just in time. Since then, Gargano has been consistently posting videos as Axiom, continuing the storyline.
Most recently, Gargano shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) showing someone wearing Axiom’s mask emerging from a public restroom, claiming the Spanish star clogged the toilet. Gargano argued that this incident warranted a severe penalty—a Buried Alive Match against the entire roster.
“That toilet is for EVERYONE! What’d you do in there? I’m sorry @RealNickAldis. Your talent had to perform with full bladders because this guy clogged the toilet. You should put him in a Buried Alive match against the whole Smackdown roster as punishment. #EvilAxiom,” Johnny Gargano wrote.
Tommaso Ciampa’s Absence and Contract Status
Meanwhile, Johnny Gargano’s longtime tag team partner Tommaso Ciampa has been missing from SmackDown broadcasts for several weeks. Reports suggest that the 40-year-old wrestler does not intend to renew his WWE contract and may soon depart from the Stamford-based organization.
Nick Aldis Strengthens SmackDown Roster with New Talent
In the early part of the year, WWE promoted several notable wrestlers from NXT to its main rosters. On the SmackDown side, General Manager Nick Aldis has signed Trick Williams to the brand. This addition follows RAW’s acquisition of Je’Von Evans by Adam Pearce.
Aldis also secured the signing of Jordynne Grace, a former three-time TNA Knockouts World Champion, who made an impressive SmackDown debut by defeating Alba Fyre. Following her victory, WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill appeared to confront Grace, signaling the potential start of a significant title rivalry ahead of the Royal Rumble event.
Implications for WWE SmackDown’s Future Storylines
Johnny Gargano’s push for a Buried Alive Match highlights ongoing tensions within SmackDown’s roster, intensifying the drama for viewers. Tommaso Ciampa’s departure could impact Gargano’s storylines and the tag team division. Meanwhile, Nick Aldis’s aggressive recruitment aims to bolster SmackDown’s competitiveness, with Jordynne Grace positioned as a key figure in the women’s division.
The buildup toward the Royal Rumble is shaping up to feature intense rivalries, especially with Jade Cargill and Jordynne Grace’s confrontation. Fans can expect further developments involving Gargano’s demand and the new talent integrating into SmackDown’s roster.
That toilet is for EVERYONE! What'd you do in there?
I'm sorry @RealNickAldis. Your talent had to perform with full bladders because this guy clogged the toilet. You should put him in a Buried Alive match against the whole Smackdown roster as punishment.#EvilAxiom pic.twitter.com/gG5I4rktDx
— Johnny Gargano (@JohnnyGargano) January 14, 2026
