Tomasso Ciampa is one of the trademark stars of WWE NXT, and while he has appeared on RAW & Smackdown a handful of times, he never wants to be a permanent part of either brand. “I’ve vocalized to them that if I have to go to RAW or Smackdown I’m going to retire and become a Producer or Coach” said Ciampa on Lilian Garcias ‘Chasing The Glory Podcast”.
Tommaso Ciampa And His Reasons
One of the main reasons he doesn’t want to be part of RAW & Smackdown is their absolutely grueling travel schedule, and with his history of injuries his body would simply not hold up. In the past few years, he has been sidelined with knee and neck injuries, so keeping him on an easier travel schedule like that of NXT’s will keep Ciampa on our screens much longer.
Another reason is that he doesn’t view it as worth it for him or his family. Ciampa is a family man, and not just towards Goldie. Fans were introduced to his daughter Willow in a set of videos for the WWE PC Youtube channel, and it is clear that their connection isn’t worth the extra money he’d earn on the more intense schedule.
Both are incredibly understandable reasons why Ciampa is apprehensive and reportedly fought the initial attempt to have him join one of WWE’s flagship brands.
NXT For Life
With NXT becoming the third brand of WWE, it needs its consistent stars to keep viewers coming back for more. People like Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, Velveteen Dream, and The Undisputed Era will be those stars. Others like Keith Lee, Rhea Ripley & Matt Riddle are destined for a much bigger stage, while others are needed to be the backbone of the brand.
Considering that bunch have been crucial in NXT’s recent boom, and with other established NXT alumni like Finn Balor returning to the brand, it strengthens and gives structure as it grows. There will always be another ‘hottest free agent’ for NXT to scoop up, but what is a hot new talent without established stars to make them shine?
I for one am happy that people like Ciampa will continue to call NXT their home, it just means my favorite brand in WWE is going to remain that way for a long time.
