10 Things We Learned From Tommaso Ciampa On Edge & Christian’s Podcast
3. WWE Didn't Tell Him What To Do When Congratulating Gargano
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.