10 Best NXT Champions Of The Black And Gold Era

8. Tommaso Ciampa

Tomasso Ciampa Goldie
WWE.com

Ciampa might be one of the most decorated men in NXT: former tag team champion and a multi-time NXT Champion and, more than just shiny props, he was also the representation of one of the show’s greatest eras.

In part, he had great company to put on some truly terrific matches with, such as clashes with Aleister Black, Adam Cole and his career-defining story with Johnny Gargano. However, it was also because he was proud of NXT. He practically bled black and gold.

After the betrayal of former tag partner Gargano, Ciampa would walk to the ring with no music, to smother himself in the jeers of Full Sail. But his devotion to the brand and its Championship - who he lovingly referred to as “Goldie” - made him hard to hate. Fans were broken-hearted when an injury saw him relinquish Goldie and fear for the future of his career.

When he finally returned to NXT’s title picture, it was as the old guard - a steering commander of the brand as it faced imminent and worrying changes.

The Psycho Killer represented the last great bastion of Black and Gold when he finally left NXT. So much so that on the way he dropped the belt to Bron Breakker, a man who had just taken a chainsaw to the show’s previous logo. Subtlety, thy name is Bron.

Ciampa did it all in NXT, including a truly excellent run as champion.

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The Red Mage of WhatCulture. Very long hair. She/they.