Tommaso Ciampa recently spoke about his upcoming AEW in-ring debut, which will see him face TNT Champion Mark Briscoe. This highly anticipated match was set up after Briscoe successfully defended his TNT title against El Clon on Dynamite and issued an open challenge for Collision, which Ciampa accepted.
Respect and Anticipation Between Two Competitors
Ciampa expressed deep respect for the Briscoe family, particularly Mark, calling him “the ultimate babyface” and praising his fire and charisma. He described the moment they connected visually during Briscoe’s Dynamite match as perfect and said:
I love the Briscoes so much,
Tommaso Ciampa said.
I have so much respect for them. Mark has always been, to me, the ultimate babyface. He’s impossible to dislike. His fire, his charisma… the second I saw him [Wednesday night on Dynamite] and locked eyes, it was just perfect.
First Meeting in a Decade
Saturday’s bout marks the first time Ciampa and Briscoe will confront each other since their 2013 match at ROH Pursuit night two, a match recently resurfaced on ROH’s YouTube channel. Ciampa indicated their approach to the match would be spontaneous and adaptive, emphasizing the natural flow between them.
He shared:
I think the finest product comes out when it’s organic, and Saturday night, man, it’s gonna be like we’ve touched for the first time ever. And I can’t wait to just figure it out as we go. He hits hard and he can take a licking and I think everyone knows what to expect. It’s gonna be smashmouth.
I’m excited ’cause I get to go do what I do with one of my buddies, who I haven’t even seen for over a decade. I know we have chemistry and I just can’t wait to get in there with him and test myself. All Elite Wrestling is where the best professional wrestlers in the world play. Let’s find out.
Mark Briscoe’s Title Reign and Recent Defenses
Mark Briscoe is aiming to defend the TNT Championship for the fourth time since claiming it from Kyle Fletcher at Full Gear. His title defenses have included victories over Daniel Garcia, Hechicero, and El Clon, confirming his status as a dominant champion.
What This Match Means for AEW and Wrestling Fans
The match between Ciampa and Briscoe is significant for many reasons, not least because it pits two respected veterans, reunited after more than a decade, against each other on one of AEW’s biggest stages. For Ciampa, this represents not only a personal challenge but an opportunity to prove himself in a promotion known for showcasing top-tier professional wrestling talent.
Fans can look forward to a physical and intense contest shaped by mutual respect and competitive fire, embodying AEW’s commitment to high-quality wrestling.
