10 Specific Ways WWE Could Debut NXT Stars On The Main Roster

3. Tommaso Ciampa

The Velveteen Dream
WWE

Much like EC3, a character of Ciampa’s incredible ambition can only prosper if that ambition is reciprocated; otherwise, like Bobby Roode, a so-so midcard run would only bring into focus an hysterical degree of delusion.

Ciampa presents himself as nothing less than the greatest sports entertainer of all time. Short of retiring the Undertaker, a very optimistic prospect too unrealistic to suggest here, it’s actually realistic to instead emphasise the other key aspect of his awesome act: the legitimately sadistic and legitimately despised best heel in wrestling.

Really, the best and perhaps only protagonist for this antagonist to immediately terrorise is Daniel Bryan.

Admittedly, this is a potential - and immediate - diminished return of the Johnny Gargano rivalry that, after so long, is now losing its dramatic heft. We have seen - and are some are slowly tiring of - Ciampa tormenting an underdog.

But, equally, we haven’t yet seen something to truly stir the excitement promised by Bryan’s improbable return. Ciampa, a fantastic modern heel worker, represents the ideal opponent for the Yes! man, with the sheer potential of the programme drowning out the echoes.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!