In a matter of days, Tommaso Ciampa’s wrestling journey took a major turn. After spending a decade with WWE, he made the leap to AEW, where he instantly captured the AEW TNT Championship in his debut match. While it might appear to be a sudden shift, the experience felt even more intense for Ciampa himself.
Following his first appearance on AEW’s “Dynamite” and just before winning the TNT title, Ciampa spoke on “SHAK Wrestling” about the overwhelming reaction he received. He shared that, just like fans had wondered if he’d still be remembered, he too had wondered the same and felt those jitters until he began his debut.
Ciampa explained, “I can really soak it all in and be present in the moment. When Psycho Killer’s theme hit, I realized maybe only about 30% of the crowd could connect the dots since I hadn’t used that persona publicly in 12 years. When the name and the lights hit, it shook me to my core.”
He added, “I was genuinely shocked. The online feedback, interviews, and messages from peers and fans were overwhelmingly positive. It’s a wild feeling because usually, performers get mixed reactions in this business. To receive nearly unanimous praise was mind-blowing. I want to hold onto this moment, even knowing it won’t last forever. Honestly, I still can’t believe it.”
Fan Take:
Tommaso Ciampa’s stunning entrance and instant success in AEW signal a fresh era for both the wrestler and the promotion, energizing fans with high expectations. This moment highlights AEW’s growing appeal as a place where established talent can reinvent themselves and make a significant impact, potentially reshaping the wrestling landscape.
