The last we saw Tommaso Ciampa, he was getting squashed by Karrion Kross at TakeOver: In Your House.
He disappeared after that, maybe to put over the story. Maybe because he wanted to stay away for awhile to keep his family safer during COVID.
A big question coming into his return tonight was whether he’d still be a babyface or move back to heel. His match with Jake Atlas strongly points to him being a big baddy again.
This is a remarkably @NXTCiampa.....a side that hasn't been seen in quite some time on #WWENXT! pic.twitter.com/sGfCS4VeOV
— WWE (@WWE) August 27, 2020
He squashed Atlas with a headbutt, a stomping, and a Widow’s Bell for the win. But after the match, he unleashed a nasty, prolonged beating on Jake. This included a slingshot with Atlas under the ring, injuring his neck. And then when the paramedics put the poor man on the stretcher, Ciampa delivered a DDT to him from there.
So no doubt that Tommaso has realized being evil is the way to go. Daddy is indeed home.
With an opening at the top of the card due to Karrion Kross relinquishing the title, it looks like he’s poised to take back what’s his.
You can find the results from tonight’s episode at the live blog here.