10 Greatest Title Changes In NXT History
5. Tommasso Ciampa Beats Aleister Black – NXT (July 18th 2018)
Where to start with Tommasso Ciampa?
Once a member of beloved tag team, #DIY, Ciampa broke the hearts of millions when he betrayed partner, Johnny Gargano, at NXT TakeOver: Chicago.
This story was then put on an agonising pause, as Ciampa had injured himself in the preceding match. When Ciampa returned, though, he re-targeted Johnny, even costing him his career on an episode of NXT.
This led to a series of matches between the two, with both men trading wins. At TakeOver: Chicago II, Ciampa beat Gargano in a Street Fight, which he used to stake his claim as the next Number 1 Contender for the NXT Championship. In a truly shocking move, Ciampa beat champion, Aleister Black, on an episode of NXT in July 2018, after Johnny inadvertently assisted his former partner. The most hated man in NXT now held its top prize.
Ciampa’s victory over Black drew such a visceral reaction from the NXT crowd that it was like going back in time; a time when wrestling was “real” and people despised heels with all their might. It was spectacular.
Ciampa is undoubtedly one of the best heels in the business right now, and his dedication to his character and commitment to telling a great story is more than deserving of a lengthy title reign.
Here’s hoping we get to chant swear words at him for many months to come.