Author: Thomas Lowson

During the April 11, 2022 episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, Tommaso Ciampa had his call-up to the main roster, appearing in a segment with Kevin Owens and Ezekiel.

For his run on the red brand, Ciampa has aligned himself with The Miz, and both lost and regained his first name.

Change of Plans

Ciampa may be seen on the main roster these days, but for years, the two-time former NXT Champion was against being called-up.

In an appearance on a 2019 episode of After the Bell, Ciampa told Corey Graves that he would rather retire than leave NXT.

Speaking to Fightful, Ciampa explained his previous comments, saying that at the time, he felt his career was coming to an end soon, and he does not feel that way now.

Instead, the former NXT Champion said he now feels to be finished with the first half of his career, because he’s learned to wrestle with his neck injury, andnjot be in pain.

Addressing the call-up, Ciampa said that lot of things changed, from the world, his life and maturity that made him more open to joining the main roster.

Creative Freedom

Speaking about his time on Raw, Ciampa addressed his passionate promo during the July 25, 2022 edition of Raw Talk.

Ciampa said that he was given a lot more freedom than expected, and was told to say what he wants as long as he made the relevant points.

The Miz, who was also in the promo, encouraged Ciampa to improvise along the way.

Cruiserweight Classic

In 2016, Ciampa competed in the Cruiserweight Classic, the tournament of cruiserweights which was won by TJP.

Ciampa’s time in the tournament was short-lived, as he lost to his friend and rival Johnny Gargano in the first round.

Tommaso told Fightful that he was not planned to be in the tournament at first, but told William Regal he wanted to be included and wanted to face Gargano.

Regal, then the NXT GM, encouraged Ciampa to pitch the idea to Triple H, who approved the change.

Ciampa Names ‘Craziest, Funniest’ Part Of Vince McMahon’s Retirement

In July, Vince McMahon announced his retirement from WWE, bringing his four-decade-plus run as head of the company to an end. 

McMahon’s retirement came one month after stepping down as CEO and Chairman of the promotion, due to the ongoing investigation against him. 

The now former Chairman is alleged to have paid millions in NDAs to female employees he had extramarital relationships with, with at least one claim of pressuring a woman into sex. 

The Change

Since McMahon retired, a lot have changes have happened, and now a subtle change may have been revealed.

During last weekend’s Clash at the Castle event, a six-woman tag opened the main show, pitting Damage Control against Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, Asuka and Alexa Bliss. 

During multiple parts of the match, there was interference from both teams that did not result in a disqualification. 

On the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer pointed out that Damage Control were not DQ’d when IYO SKY performed a moonsault on Belair. 

Meltzer explained how for years, the act of an illegal Superstar attacking the legal opponent would have resulted in a DQ, and suggested that the rule has been removed in this post-Vince McMahon era.

Other Changes

There have been several changes made to WWE since McMahon’s retirement, which have been well-received by fans. 

WWE has undone the ban on certain words, including “hospital” and “wrestler” which were outlawed during recent years under McMahon. 

WWE is also undoing McMahon’s ban on real names, which has resulted in Austin Theory getting his first name back.

Cody Rhodes on WWE Rule: ‘They Can Fine Me Every Time’