10 Reasons Tommaso Ciampa could become the greatest NXT champion ever

When Tommaso Ciampa's music hits, there's an immediate reaction. There is a chorus of boos, naturally--Ciampa is skilled at playing his heel role--but there is also undeniable excitement. That's because, whether they want him to win or lose, fans know that they are going to get top quality entertainment from the hard working Ciampa.

His road to the NXT title did not always go smoothly. This is actually Ciampa's second WWE run, though it's his first under his Sicilian Psychopath persona. His first run ended with a whimper when he was fired from OVW, then WWE's developmental territory.

Many people would have been devastated, but Ciampa kept chasing his dream. He worked his way up through the independent circuit, eventually earning a contract with Ring of Honor, which put him in the national spotlight.

Now he is the NXT champion, and his reign just might end up defining the brand. Here are ten reasons why Ciampa could become the greatest NXT champion ever.

1. His Humble Beginnings with Killer Kowalski

Tommaso Ciampa started his training with the legendary Killer Kowalski--the man who ripped an opponent's ear off during a match--fresh out of high school. The elderly Kowalski was impressed with Ciampa's work ethic. He proclaimed Ciampa as having that 'old school' grit that is missing from so many wrestlers in the modern era.

Of course, Ciampa didn't start off as the Sicilian Psychopath. Given his slight build, handsome boyish features, and learned eloquence, he adopted the identity of Tommy Penmanship. However, even in this somewhat gimmicky character he still managed to capture the Chaotic Wrestling New England championship, which he held for nearly a year.

2. An early brush with greatness

After kicking around Chaotic Wrestling for nearly two years, Ciampa got on WWE's radar. They were so impressed with his poise and presence that they almost immediately put him on television, where he portrayed Muhammed Hussein's lawyer.

He actually stood across the ring from the Undertaker, only days into his WWE contract. However, WWE believed that while Ciampa was quite skilled he needed to learn how to wrestle and look good on television at the same time, so he was sent to their Ohio Valley Developmental territory. Still, it's quite impressive that he managed to work an angle with Undertaker so quickly.

3. Proving he has charisma as well as ability in OVW

Tommaso Ciampa was impressing people in OVW with his in-ring work when tragedy struck. He suffered a serious injury, keeping him out of competition for most of the year. However, rather than release Ciampa or just have him sit at home, OVW decided to make use of his undeniable charisma and he became the manager Dr. Thomas, anger management specialist.

Ciampa proved that he can contribute to the wrestling product in multiple ways, not just with his athletic ability.

4. He shined bright on the independent scene

Ciampa was released from OVW in 2007, mostly because the company was worried he might be injury prone.

While it was a devastating blow to his career, Ciampa didn't give up. He redoubled his efforts, proving that he's not just in wrestling for a paycheck or the fame, but because he has a passion for the sport.

He defeated none other than current Smackdown champion AJ Styles and Impact Wrestling megastar Eddie Edwards in a three-way dance to claim the MWF television championship in a match that is still talked about today.

5. Ciampa showed his grit versus Jay Lethal

Ciampa got his next big break when he signed with Ring of Honor. He quickly engaged in a feud with Jay Lethal for the television title, which led to a two out of three falls contest at Boiling Point.

Unfortunately for Ciampa, early in the match he severely injured his knee, tearing ligaments so badly he would require surgery and miss nearly a year of action. However, the determined and gritty Ciampa didn't quit, working the match in its entirety in spite of the excruciating pain he was clearly in. Ciampa effectively turned babyface by winning over the crowd with his guts and heart, the same guts and heart that will make him a legendary NXT champion.

6. Winning the prestigious Ring of Honor Television championship

After nine years of wrestling nearly three hundred nights per year, Ciampa finally claimed his first major title, the Ring of Honor television championship.

The television title has become a great indicator of how a wrestler's career will go. Most of the time, those who wear the ROH Tv belt go on to even greater things, and that's just what Ciampa did by capturing the NXT championship from the seemingly unbeatable Alistair Black.

7. A triumphant return to WWE

In 2014, Ciampa received some great news; the WWE was once again interested in acquiring his services. No less than Triple H himself had personally singled out Ciampa as a man he wanted in NXT, which was undergoing a revolution that changed it from the developmental arm of WWE to its own unique brand.

Ciampa teamed with real-life best friend Johnny Gargano to win the first round of the Dusty Rhodes memorial tag team tournament. Of course, this was just the beginning...

8. Winning the NXT tag titles

Given the level of talent that has held the NXT tag team titles--American Alpha, ReDragon, and the Revival among others--winning those belts is quite the achievement.

Ciampa and Gargano defeated the Revival to gain their first, and probably only, NXT tag team title reign. The two were over not just in the ring, but on social media as well, where their videos and 'glorious bombs' resulted in millions of clicks.

9. He plays a despicable heel

Much like Ric Flair, Harley Race, and Shawn Michaels, Ciampa is at his best when he's working as a heel--a role he performs with great aplomb.

While some bad guy wrestlers just get 'X Pac' heat--meaning the fans legitimately dislike the person, not the character--or are too cool or 'too sweet' to be booed, Ciampa gets the fans riled up in his own old school intense way. It will serve him well as he hangs onto the NXT title with an iron fist.

10. He was already the top guy in NXT before he won the title

The feud between Ciampa and former ally Gargano has captivated NXT audiences for nearly a year. But, just like Joker overshadows Batman in all the movies, Ciampa overshadowed even the talented Gargano with his heel performance.

Great in the ring, great on the mike, and possessed of a fantastic look, Ciampa seems like a man who lives and breathes wrestling...because that's exactly what he is. The NXT title is just a formality, as he was already the top man in the company...and someday, he might just be the top guy in all of WWE.

There you have it; ten reasons Tommaso Ciampa may become the greatest NXT champion ever.