Disappointing news hit the WWE Universe and wrestling fans everywhere when news about the 231-day NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa was pulled from event dates.
WWE reported on March 7, 2019, NXT Champion and #DIY member Tommaso Ciampa will undergo neck surgery. Ciampa has been scheduled for an anterior cervical fusion.
Anterior cervical fusion is a surgical procedure to treat the nerve root or spinal cord. Recovery time for this type of surgery is on average 3 months, but reports are talking about Ciampa being out of action from 9 to 14 months. However, WWE has not released any information on when Ciampa is expected to return.
Ciampa reportedly had been dealing with a neck injury the past month. The NXT Champion has also been removed from some upcoming events. Along with Gargano, they were initially scheduled to be involved in a Fatal 4-Way tag match. However, due to Tommaso Ciampa’s unfortunate neck injury, the two were removed from the card.
According to reports, Ciampa will have to vacate the title and the expected NXT TakeOver: New York match between him and Gargano obviously won’t happen either. WWE had originally hoped Ciampa could work through the injury to get by WrestleMania weekend, but things have worsened in the past week to change that plan.
Ciampa and Gargano have shared their fair number of disputes in the ring. These disputes would lead to some of the best matches that can be viewed on NXT. Ciampa suffered a ruptured ACL in his right knee, he had a successful surgery and returned. Upon returning Ciampa would turn against his long-term friend and partner.
He would attack Johnny Wrestling from behind when Gargano failed in his attempt to capture the NXT Championship. This would lead to one of the most iconic matches in NXT history. The two friends fought in the main event of NXT TakeOver: New Orleans in an unsanctioned match. Gargano won that epic match. On December 19, 2018, the two rivals would reunite as friends and become #DIY again.
Sadly with the type of injury and the surgery Ciampa has to undergo, all storylines leading up to NXT TakeOver: New York will have to be adjusted. Changes and story adjustments will start on NXT TV tapings set next week.
WWE stated they will keep the fans updated on the Champion’s condition via social media and their news section. We all are hoping for a speedy recovery for the NXT Champion and look forward to seeing him in, in-ring action soon.
All pics courtesy of WWE.com