11 Ups & 7 Downs For NXT In 2018

8. Supervillain

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WWE

Though Johnny Gargano languished in the second half of 2018, his former partner soared to greater heights than ever before, not only establishing himself as one of the best wrestlers on the planet, but perhaps the most compelling supervillain in all of wrestling.

Tommy Champion is unreal. Last year's injury could (and should) have been a disaster, but rather than letting himself rot, Ciampa spent his time away from the ring refining his game. He returned a better performer than ever before. Demonstrating masterful crowd control in his silent early-year appearances, he built great suspense for the Gargano programme, then showed few signs of ring rust upon returning to the squared circle, with the duo's acclaimed first match drawing plaudits from all corners of the internet.

Things have only improved since Ciampa unseated Aleister Black as NXT Champion. Only Becky Lynch rivals him as a 'top champion' character. Everything from the way he spikes peoples opponents' heads into the mat to the way he gazes lovingly at Goldy after entering the ring hits the mark, and if he holds onto the belt for a few defences more, he'll have surpassed even Finn Balor's awesome run on top. He's that good.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.