Former NXT Champion Returns To WWE Raw, Joins Roster Full Time

WWE's Raw roster scored a major new addition last night.

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WWE

Tommaso Ciampa is an NXT wrestler no more, having confirmed his full-time move to the main roster on last night's episode of Raw.

The two-time NXT Champion was involved in a backstage segment with Kevin Patrick, who introduced Ciampa as a full-timer on Monday nights before the duo were interrupted by Ezekiel. Insisting, once again, that he isn't Elias but the former Drifter's younger brother, Ezekiel was cut off by Kevin Owens, who argued to the contrary.

Ciampa took Ezekiel's side in the segment, irritating KO by repeating that Ezekiel is not Elias.

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That Tommaso was on his way to the Raw roster was reported prior to last night's Raw hitting the airwaves. Whether or not he was scheduled to appear on the broadcast wasn't clear at the time, however.

Although the 36-year-old has competed primarily on NXT since arriving in WWE in 2015, this will actually be his second main roster spell, following on from an ill-fated run commencing in February 2019. Alongside Ricochet, Johnny Gargano, and Aleister Black, Ciampa was called up out of nowhere, though his run was cut short when it was revealed that he required major neck surgery, sidelining him for several months.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

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.