Tommaso Ciampa's Feud with Johnny Gargano: A Reflection on a Landmark NXT Story
Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano's rivalry is a cornerstone of NXT history, but it's a narrative that Ciampa now wishes had ended differently. In a recent interview, Ciampa expressed his thoughts on the feud, revealing his perspective on the pivotal moments and the impact of their journey.
A Feud Like No Other
Ciampa and Gargano's alliance began in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, a competition that launched their careers together. They won the NXT Tag Team Titles, feuded over the NXT Championship, and their story became a cornerstone of NXT's golden age. However, Ciampa acknowledges that the intensity of their real-life dynamics sometimes made it challenging to appreciate the narrative from an outsider's perspective.
"I feel like I’m not removed enough to look back with what I assume the appreciation is," Ciampa said. "[Our careers] will be interlinked. We understand that and have accepted it over the years." The tryout, the Dusty Classic, the Cruiserweight Classic, and the New Orleans match were all pivotal moments that shaped their journey. But it was the ACL tear and subsequent neck surgery that truly tested their resolve.
The Turning Point: NXT TakeOver New York
The climax of their feud came at NXT TakeOver New York, where Gargano defeated Adam Cole for the NXT Title. Ciampa, however, was sidelined due to neck surgery and watched from the sidelines. Despite the setback, he felt a sense of closure when Gargano won the match and they hugged on stage.
"I remember feeling like, the fact that they sent me out at the end and had us hug on stage, that was the closure and it should be over," Ciampa recalled. "When I came back, I voiced that opinion. ‘I don’t think we should come back to this.’" This sentiment highlights Ciampa's desire to leave the feud in the past, even if it meant temporarily setting aside their rivalry.
The Impact of the Pandemic
The pandemic played a significant role in altering their plans. The warehouse match, a highlight of their feud, lacked the production value and crowd energy they had envisioned. Ciampa reflected on the challenges of adapting to the new reality, saying, "What was supposed to be a one-off at the Performance Center became regular weekly shows at the Performance Center because we couldn’t have a crowd."
A Wish Fulfilled
Despite the challenges, Ciampa's ultimate wish was for the feud to end on a high note. "I do wish it ended in New York. Ideally, I wish it ended with me having a match, him winning the title," he said. This sentiment underscores the importance of closure and the emotional impact of their journey.
Moving On
Ciampa's departure from WWE in January 2025 marked the end of an era. His last match with Gargano on WWE SmackDown was a testament to their enduring connection. Looking back, Ciampa acknowledges the complexity of their relationship, both professionally and personally.
"In real time, some of the stuff that happened during it, from us doing the tryout, getting the ‘no,’ coming in for the Dusty Classic, getting to the Cruiserweight Classic, all the way through New Orleans, even after New Orleans, we did a Chicago street fight," Ciampa reminisced. "It was a little too soon for that. I think everyone knew, but it was making the best out of a bad situation."
A Legacy in NXT
The feud's impact on NXT's legacy is undeniable. Ciampa's reflection highlights the emotional investment fans had in the story, even if it meant enduring setbacks and unexpected twists. "I do wish we just left it alone," he said, emphasizing the importance of closure and the desire to move on.
In conclusion, Tommaso Ciampa's interview provides a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a landmark feud. His honesty and reflection offer a deeper understanding of the challenges and emotions that come with such a significant chapter in wrestling history.
