Weather issues and timing led to a rapid-fire signing and title win
Summary
– Tony Khan details the fast process behind Tommaso Ciampa joining AEW
– Severe weather disruptions influenced last-minute booking decisions
– Ciampa debuted and won the TNT Title in his first AEW appearance
Tony Khan has revealed how Tommaso Ciampa’s unexpected AEW arrival and immediate championship win came together in a matter of days.
Speaking on The Battleground Podcast, the AEW President explained that severe weather heavily impacted AEW’s Dallas-area residency. Multiple events were affected, and attendance suffered as fans were unable to travel, prompting Khan to look for a major moment to reward those who made it to the final Collision in Arlington.
Khan noted that the Arlington show marked the end of AEW’s Dallas residency, making it important to deliver something memorable. Given circumstances beyond the company’s control that affected earlier events, he felt the remaining fans deserved a standout attraction.
The situation shifted quickly when Ciampa became available. Khan described the opportunity as one that could not be ignored, citing Ciampa’s reputation, in-ring credibility, and history in Ring of Honor as key factors in the decision.
Once the call was made, events moved rapidly. Ciampa was signed, placed into a high-stakes matchup, and positioned for an immediate impact. Khan highlighted that AEW prides itself on showcasing elite-level wrestling, and Ciampa fit that standard seamlessly.
Ciampa went on to defeat Mark Briscoe in a hard-hitting match to capture the TNT Championship, closing the show with a moment that surprised fans and reshaped the title picture.
The story illustrates how quickly AEW can pivot when opportunity meets circumstance. What began as a response to weather-related setbacks turned into one of the most talked-about debuts of the year.
