10 Things We Learned From Tommaso Ciampa On Edge & Christian’s Podcast

3. WWE Didn't Tell Him What To Do When Congratulating Gargano

Tommaso Ciampa Johnny Gargano Candice LeRae
WWE.com

Ciampa was handed a brief reprieve from his recovery at TakeOver: Brooklyn over 'Mania weekend. There, in front of a loving Barclays Center crowd, Tommaso came out to congratulate Johnny Gargano on becoming the new NXT Champion, and it was a personally gratifying moment for the guy.

It wasn't one WWE wanted to muscle in on.

Right before going though the curtain, Ciampa was told to do whatever he felt was right. That curious statement said to him that WWE trusted his judgement. Still, the only thing he could think of was to embrace a man he'd done so much with and against, then raise his hand in the air as fans responded in kind with booming cheers.

The fact WWE were willing to leave the moment up to Ciampa's interpretation shows how much they've grown to trust him. There's a good reason for that. As NXT Champion for 237 days, he more than proved his worth as a performer who makes the right calls.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.