Tommaso Ciampa recently addressed his brief reign as AEW TNT Champion after losing the title to Kyle Fletcher just eleven days following his debut victory. The former WWE star captured the championship on the AEW Collision episode that aired shortly after his arrival in AEW on January 28, 2024, but Fletcher quickly regained the belt, ending Ciampa’s short tenure.
Ciampa’s AEW Debut and Title Win
After departing WWE earlier this year, Ciampa made his AEW debut by answering an open challenge issued by Mark Briscoe for the TNT Championship. The match was held during the next AEW Collision event, where Ciampa emerged victorious and claimed the TNT title. However, his reign was cut short when Kyle Fletcher defeated him less than two weeks later.
Insights from Ciampa’s Interview with 98.5 Kygo
In a recent conversation with the 98.5 Kygo radio station, Ciampa reflected on his loss to Fletcher, who had traveled to Australia and had not returned as expected. The host commented on Fletcher’s extended stay abroad, which prompted Ciampa to offer his thoughts on the situation:
“He’s not coming back! He still ain’t back! What’s going on?”
Ciampa said.
“I think he’s celebrated for a bit too long.”
“I’ll tell you that when I came here, there were all these talents I’d never crossed paths with and he was on that list for sure, being like that’ll be a fun one.”
“He is a hell of a talent, and I feel like, in pro-wrestling, just like sports, it’s ‘any given Sunday’, and he got the win that night, and I’ll take nothing against that. The better man won that night.”
“But, I do feel he’s staying a little bit extra in Australia. It’s almost like he’s wondering if I’m going to disappear or am going away, but I ain’t going away. I ain’t going anywhere. I’m here for the long haul.”
?Tommaso Ciampa, AEW Wrestler
Kyle Fletcher’s Title Defense and Appreciation Post
After regaining the TNT Championship on February 11, Kyle Fletcher successfully defended the title against Mark Briscoe in a ladder match at AEW Grand Slam Australia. Following this significant victory, Fletcher expressed his gratitude to Australian fans through a message shared on social media, acknowledging their support during his championship run.
Implications of Ciampa’s TNT Championship Journey
Tommaso Ciampa’s swift rise and fall as AEW TNT Champion highlights the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling, where momentum can shift rapidly. His comments signal his determination to remain a prominent figure in AEW despite the short setback. Meanwhile, Fletcher’s extended presence in Australia and ongoing defense of the TNT title may influence future storylines and rivalries within the promotion.
