Tommaso Ciampa on Triple H, DIY, Johnny Gargano, Being Muhammad Hassan's Lawyer

Tommaso Ciampa (@ciampawwe) is a professional wrestler with WWE. He sits down with Chris Van Vliet in Ontario, CA to talk about his incredible matched in NXT, winning the NXT Championship twice, being trained by Killer Kowalski who also trained Triple H, his friendship and rivalry with Johnny Gargano and their tag team DIY, making his WWE debut in 2005 and playing Muhammad Hassan's lawyer, getting chokeslammed by The Undertaker, how his work in Ring Of Honor got him on WWE's radar, the psychology of being a heel, his diet and workout plan with our mutual friend nutritionist AJ Simms (@cementfactory), being a girl dad and much more!
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00:00 Intro
00:37 Growing out his beard
02:05 What’s it like for him being a dad?
03:59 Finding time to workout around parenting
05:46 His incredible fitness transformation
10:54 Training at Killer Kowalski’s wrestling school
15:24 Being Muhammad Hassan’s lawyer
21:20 People mispronouncing his name
23:05 What went wrong in Deep South Wrestling?
27:02 How did he decide to be a pro wrestler?
28:45 Bret Hart’s amazing matches
30:07 What was the last straw with ROH?
32:35 Brian Gerwitz helping him get his WWE tryout
34:58 Getting signed by WWE
40:43 Who came up with the name for DIY
42:43 Origins of the glorious bomb
46:16 Dealing with Injuries
51:17 How does he feel right now?
54:18 The mindset backstage at NXT
57:30 His matches with Johnny Gargano
59:39 Would he go back to NXT?
1:00:30 Which match with Johnny is he most proud of?
1:03:37 Playing a menacing heel
1:06:17 Will DIY return in WWE?
1:09:50 Making the most of opportunities in WWE
1:11:33 3 Things Tommaso Ciampa is grateful for
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#wwe #tommasociampa #nxt #johnnygargano

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Thanks for checking out this conversation with Tommaso! Get your exclusive NordVPN Deal at nordvpn.com/cvv Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! 💪

[@GryHen-pg9iy]

Chris buddy, you gotta tell these wrestlers to speak up! He's so quiet. Also as you know,we need to do this interview man, even ciampa wants to see it.

[@firstinstinct420]

You should interview sharkboy

[@GryHen-pg9iy]

@@firstinstinct420 and vinnymac!

[@IngasPingas14]

@@GryHen-pg9iy Turn your volume up. He was fine for me.

[@GryHen-pg9iy]

@@IngasPingas14you can clearly hear Chris louder, also commercials were fine, get your ears checked!

[@Kalel2.0]

The Ciampa and Gargano rivalry drew so many similarities to the HHH and HBK rivalry with the whole Good Friends Better Enemies schtick. Hope they both succeed on the main roster

[@sholabolaji2975]

What about KO & Sami Zayn

[@KegOfMeat]

That first match they had at New Orleans was fantastic. Very SummerSlam 02ish.

[@gamingman5453]

@@elijahhill6602and plus Gargano and Ciampa rivalry only happened once Sami and KO happened like 3 or 4 times.

[@IngasPingas14]

This might be one of your best yet Chris. Ciampa felt so real and open throughout this interview.

[@ChrisVanVliet]

One of my favs!

[@peterarvanitis6497]

Amazing interview sir

[@Windsofthesix]

Im sorry for those who missed Ciampa's blackheart run in NXT...that was some great shxt no lies...forever a Ciampa fan

[@theharv1490]

I remember when Tomasso was the most hated heel in NXT and everyone loved Johnny. No entrance Ciampa was a menace I miss those days….

[@KurtIsRandom]

This run got me back into wrestling, I got my feet wet with Black and Gold at the Takeover with Dream vs Aleister and tuned into the next one a few months later. I saw Johnny/Cien Almas and then the crutch shot heard around the world ... I was hooked

[@78zappaf]

Amazing that Ciampa and Gargano never met before being teamed up. His no entrance music and refusal to sell shirts during his heel year.. the stories being told during that rivalry, and the "heel DIY"such an amazing time. Great interview.

[@ChrisLT]

Love Ciampa. Saw him at a house show early in NXT, and the crowd started shouting Psycho Killer. It was the first time he really caught my eye.

[@TheRandomGoofball]

This is quite probably one of my favorite interviews that you have done with one of my favorite wrestlers, and I agreed with the sentiment of there being more positives in the world.

[@DEYOCLUB]

So cool to hear how it all happened for him! CVV interviews don't miss!

[@terencecaron2922]

Every 2 minutes theres another anecdote I never knew, wow, clearly the best Ciampa itw ever

[@scubasteve5857]

I echo Ciampa's sentiments about your positive message, Chris. I've followed, watched, and commented on many over the years. You're the real deal and a genuine human being. As Tommaso said, there was a period with a LOT of negativity, not even in wrestling but in the world. Throughout the entire pandemic, I recall watching so many of your interviews, just passing the hours. I'm in healthcare and needless to say, the die-hard wrestling fan in me has enjoyed your rise to success every step of the way. Thank you for offering such a wonderful distraction from some of the world's challenges, with such a positive message. Be well!

[@ChrisVanVliet]

I appreciate it, Scuba Steve!

[@thAnrax_]

Watching this post DIY reunion on main roster, going to enjoy it while it's here but very excited to see if they let Johnny and Tommaso do the heel turn storyline.

[@Shaun_Singletary]

He has such a great menacing look/voice. Great interview.

[@Chavito875]

We need a Gargano interview now

[@ChrisVanVliet]

👀

[@phantomsnake7910]

I absolutely loved DIY in NXT to the point that their 2/3 falls match with The Revival is still my favourite modern day WWE match. I was so sure that The Revival were winning that when Gargano and Ciampa tapped both of them out i was literally standing in my living room on my own applauding 👏 Then what we got after with the split and then the rivalry, it was absolutely golden. Ciampa was the perfect heel to Garganos perfect baby face. They main evented NXT New Orleans witch was in my opinion the best takover. The only shame is that we never got the 2/3 falls for the title match. Adam Cole filled in and done a stellar job and fought in one of the best title matches ever....but it should've been Ciampa.

[@perceivedvelocity9914]

Great interview. NXT Black and Gold was my favorite period of time in modern wrestling. He was amazing in the NXT.

[@issadiallo6224]

Man just yesterday I was watching Garganno vs Ciampa and asking myself "When is CVV gonna interview this guy ?" 😂😂😂

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Sounds like you made this interview happen!

[@11sdownie]

@@ChrisVanVlietyou’re the best wrestling interviewer Chris! Love your vids.

[@11sdownie]

P.S May 19th! You’re gonna trigger Kane!

[@zackwyatt169]

And I question when he'll interview sheamus

[@tommydeamon7657]

Thank you both for youre time and this kick ass interview

[@ChrisVanVliet]

And thank YOU for watching!

[@LeapinLarryK22]

Chris not only do you conduct the best intetviews in the biz, but the guests that you enlist to come aboard are of great minds of the industry in addition to being extremely passionate. High praise and kudos to you well done. 👏👏👏👏👏💯👍🤘

[@Synapsse]

One of the best! Thanks for having him

[@MisfitKotLD]

His work with Johnny, in tag and as foes, was such magic; it sucked me in like Magnum/Tully and Magnum/Nikita when I was a kid. He had such a special run in NXT.

[@boots_33]

The NXT run of Ciampa Gargano is one of the greatest wrestling stories ever told.

[@Hapexwrestling]

Very consistent with great episodes lately Chris! (As always) 🤘🏼

[@judahandtheasantetribe4life]

Awesome interview. I hope Ciampa gets a world title push one day. He respects the business and has a passion for the art of Wrestling.

[@emanuelfernandes7544]

@ChrisVanVliet is one of the best interviews today in my opinion. The conversation go really smooth with your guests and the positivity that goes through is something we don't see every day

[@seanwallace79]

My absolute favorite!!! The NXT heel run was soooo good......I cheered even more.

[@bencromwell707]

Another Great Interview Chris💯👍

[@andrewthegiant8803]

Great interview. Love listening to him talk he has such a great attitude. I'm always rooting for Ciampa. I'm also a girl dad so related to a lot of what you were both saying

[@stevestefanis8520]

Great interview.

[@AJMashUps2863]

Renegade for Ciampa was bad, but Bet on Yourself is a perfect theme for Gargano, it also has lyrics related to his NXT career. Just because Rebel Heart is better doesn't mean Bet on Yourself is bad

[@Sky_FMJ]

V1 Bet on Yourself is very bad, but somehow they managed to save it with the second version.

[@hiryu619]

THE GREATEST NXT Champion, fantastic Interview 💯

[@stephencarpenter3733]

Amazing interview though. Thank you both for being so positive and genuine

[@rebelwhite]

Very awesome interview, got to see a different version of Ciampa, definitely came away with a new respect.

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@phild8238]

When I was a kid I had burnt CDs with wrestling theme songs on em, all of my action figures had an entrance. Seeing my son play with his own action figures fills my heart with joy!

[@skymcgrew9857]

Can you imagine your first wwe promo being something serious that you perform in front of the The People . Vince , HHH and Taker …. I would freeze up and prob never recover not gonna lie lol that’s wild . That’s amazing

[@phild8238]

Typically an interviewer is some nobody that no one has heard of. It’s great to see wrestlers praise Chris van vliet and tell him that they’re a fan of his work. CVV is the best of the best!

[@ChrisVanVliet]

🙏🙏

[@donavanterbay]

Really enjoyed this one! Chris just keeps spoiling us back to back 😭👊🏾🔥

[@ChrisVanVliet]

More to come!

[@donavanterbay]

@@ChrisVanVliet 🙏🏾!

[@andrewbenjamin3835]

Love this already one of my favourite wrestlers ever

[@Berserker_2024]

Loved this Interview like always. WWE should give him freedom and his killer gimmick.

[@L.m.CeeTee]

Besides the Falir and Hogan interviews. This guy is on a roll

[@KamoMustafaWWE]

Finally DIY is back together.

[@mrlaven5020]

Awesome interview 🤙😊 seems like such a great person

[@AJMashUps2863]

def rebel should do Bet on Yourself + No one Will Survive mashup theme for DIY

[@veryananduren8513]

I admire his confidence in himself, he seems to be both very proud and very realist about his capacities, his accomplishements and his aspirations.

[@SamuelDuplessis12]

I feel like more wrestlers should be like him and Gargano. They check their egos at the door and work with what they're given, they don't bitch and complain about their position on the show. Obviously, they have big goals they want to achieve but they're not gonna bitch if they're not on the show one week.

[@ringslider]

TC is one of a kid pro wrestler. You can tell that Paul Heyman talked to him. How he talks about wrestlers just being organic, give them time to develop and the air time to build a fanbase. That's a man who loves the business.❤❤❤ Outstanding interview CVV 5/5 Star Interview!

[@LordDaLutaLivre]

I loved old Man Ciampa Phase

[@erykahm4307]

Chris is on a roll!! Another great one!

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Thanks!

[@stephencarpenter3733]

This has made me want to re-watch nxt from 2012 until The start of 2.0, think I might just do that.

[@chrisweez109]

my favorite wrestler off all time cant wait for this one !! 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@kirank287]

One of my favorite wrestlers 🖤🔥

[@JoltingZ]

Nice and Easy Daddy - Undertaker lmfaooooo okay that kills me lmaoo

[@christophlohnherr]

Bryan Danielson, Ciampa and Neville / Pac have always been my absolute favorites. Love their in-ring-work and bad ass personas - and believe that they are super nice, humble guys in real life.

[@Andrew-Antioch-Kim]

I would love to see TC be at least an IC or US champ, if he won't become a world champion! I've liked him since ROH and PWG and he delivers on the mic and more importantly in the ring!

[@GrapplingHour]

Another fantastic one, sir. Let this man be a heel!!!

[@Goisy420]

Another flawless interview. When will you interview Creed Brothers?

[@peterarvanitis6497]

A great performer 100% solid love this guy

[@angelocolonhezi7985]

He is a great dude cheers to you bro 👏👏👏

[@NathanMilton-fw8pg]

Yes my favourite wrestler love your interviews Chris

[@kirank287]

Same

[@tkyr.r]

And funny enough we just had the DIY reunion on these past 2 Raw's , can't wait to see what they have coming

[@MaxCarroll]

Great video

[@talentrippin3535]

Great interview as usual chris 👍🏽is it possible for you to get Kevin Owens on here somehow ?

[@jamesmackay8062]

Great guy

[@indytops9183]

Chris your an Ontario legend, keep laying your mark brother❤️❤️🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@CJRozay]

Looking Ciampa in the face, I swear to God, him and Trent Barretta look like brothers

[@Habib_ApaKhabar]

I Hope CVV Can make Interview with Muhammad Hassan part 2! :D

[@mspacely6521]

Always have respected Ciampa. His nxt run was legendary.

[@HorrorGuru407]

I was there when he won his 1st nxt title insane times!

[@MR-RED428]

Tommaso ciampa truly one of the best heels in wwe in the last few years & one of NXTs greatest heels

[@AJMashUps2863]

Since Judgment Day are 2-time tag champs, why don't DIY defeat them ??

[@kamotegmail]

we will see the rebirth of the gargano/ciampa rivalry on the main roster. not right now but later. time, trips, ari, be good to these guys.

[@derekfogel7682]

Chris! You gotta make sure Kane isn’t around when you tell people your birthday!

[@davidratty2242]

I watched Ciampa on the new england independent scene. I always knew he'd make it big eventually.

[@shyl9311]

2:23 Although I already know that, it's still mind blowing seeing it.

[@maggotmusic757]

I swear, its like Chris interviews somebody, and then a few months later, everything they talk about wanting to happen starts to unfold and then Chris is like "oh what a perfect time to release this interview" lol

[@ruffin207]

Which bestfriends/sworn enemies? Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn, Tamaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano, Triple H & Shawn Micheals, Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins, or Kane & The Undertaker?

[@rtgjr3766]

there is a recent GloriousBomb they get Bobby in production meeting Micheal Hayes answers the door with the perfect look at them 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@brickwall5]

Ciampa’s legit great!

[@123thebigdog]

I loved his theme song. No one will survive.

[@DJMott53]

Cool to hear I share a bday with Tommaso

[@user-xk5qg8py4r]

Can someone Time Stamp the Triple H part please been trying to listen 👂 to that part....

[@DirtyBonnie]

DIY is my favorite tag team❤

[@smoovedudetv6153]

3:02 My grandmother was born on may 20th wowww

[@dcpettis9573]

Sinclair telling him he wouldn’t get more 20k is wild then the very next year he was making 6 figures amazing to see

[@thedustinsean]

How Arch never GOT signed is just mind blowing to me.

[@laciknuckles240]

Sounds like mocking Stephanie’s concern over her water might have done the job.

[@just_kez]

Ciampa could easily be top heel on Raw

[@earlofsandwich7884]

Could you do something about the audio? Too many times I struggle to hear what they are saying.

[@dylanbryant3547]

Imagine tommaso ciampa in the attitude era and 90s ecw

[@Epsilonsama]

Ciampa is right in that the presentation meaning the characters are what sell, the wrestling is what keeps them invested. But wrestling is not about doing The Flying Tijera de La Muerte 3000 but about the story of the match.

[@cnucca2411]

Ciampa gives off “Liver King” vibes…😂😂

[@NoLMAOnade]

when tommaso speaks i listen

[@viccrown8188]

2:59 Chris’s birthday is “May 19”?! 🤣 how awesome is that?

[@sebastianwagner8385]

Don’t tell kane your birthday chris😂

[@N1k0SP]

Hey look! Tommarso! It's you!

[@bumpofdeath666]

Necks never stop 🛑 edge

[@onielnunes8267]

Next interview please do aj styles

[@AnthonyJohnwinter]

I'm glad I watched this video I found a born on May 19 Idk Chris was😮😂💯

[@seifmilanista3540]

🔥🔥🔥

[@RazorTooths]

William Regal pronounced Ciampa's name as CHAMP-PEE-UH by the way, it was the funniest way to say it tbh

[@timothymosconi3848]

The first time I saw him in nxt he turned on Johnny

[@theharv1490]

The first time I saw him NXT was against Johnny at NXT Takeover New Orleans

[@heffman102]

Chris don't ever tell Kane your birthday

[@erikhoppe3914]

DIY has heals

[@HorrorGuru407]

What's my favorite Bret match? The one where he's not there anymore I've never liked Bret Hart. 😂