Tommaso Ciampa’s reign as TNT Champion may have been brief, but his match against Kyle Fletcher on the February 11 episode of AEW Dynamite left a lasting impression. Fletcher shocked the world by defeating Ciampa to regain the title just days before Grand Slam Australia. Speaking to Vice prior to the bout, Ciampa revealed the high regard he holds for his young opponent.
“He’s Ready for the Spotlight”
Ciampa compared his mindset going into the match to his legendary run in NXT. “That feels like a TakeOver mentality I have going into that one,” he said. “Kyle is one I’m extremely keen on. I think he’s just an incredible worker, athlete, promo, and presentation.”
The veteran wrestler emphasized that Fletcher embodies what the TNT Championship represents. “It’s hard for me to pick a TNT champion who made the title and the title made him more so than Kyle Fletcher… He’s a big boy, he’s young, he’s athletic. He wants the title.” Ciampa noted that during their initial face-off on Collision, he saw zero hesitation in Fletcher’s eyes. “He’s not nervous. He’s ready for the spotlight.”
