10 WWE NXT Stars Who Have Been Down In Developmental For 5 Or More Years
2. Tommaso Ciampa
Tommaso Ciampa's journey in NXT is essentially the same as Johnny Gargano's in that he started out as a utility player and worked his way up the tag team ranks to become one of the best all-around performers on the brand.
A call-up to the main roster appeared to be the next logical step for him after he wrapped up his run as NXT champion in the spring of 2019, but a serious neck injury put those plans on hold. There's a very good chance he and Gargano would have joined the main roster full-time before WrestleMania 35 if their pair of matches on Raw and SmackDown were anything to go by.
If it wasn't for his injury, there's no telling where he would be today.
Ciampa has since returned from his setback and has made it abundantly clear in interviews that he wishes to remain with NXT for the rest of his career. He went so far as to say that he'd announce his retirement if WWE forced him to make the move to the main roster. Plus, with NXT being a viable third brand now on USA Network, he's perfectly justified in feeling that way.
In other words, get used to seeing The Blackheart on Wednesday nights for a long time to come.