Tommaso Ciampa ‘Very Close’ To NXT Return

Last night it was reported that Tommaso Ciampa was backstage at Full Sail ahead of NXT’s USA Network debut. Many speculated that he would make his return at the historic show.

However, the former NXT Champion did not appear on the broadcast at all, and is seemingly still on the sidelines following major neck surgery.

After the show, Triple H held a conference call with the media where he discussed a variety of topics, including Tommaso Ciampa’s status:

“He’s getting very close. That last couple of percent to getting to a hundred percent is the most frustrating part for an athlete because you feel like you’re ready to take on the world but you can’t quite. He’s the racehorse right now stomping and pushing at that gate, and when that doctor tells him go, he’s gonna come flying out of there.”

Ciampa might not be too far away from a return, so an NXT Championship match with Adam Cole might be on the cards for NXT TakeOver: War Games III in November.

During his chat with the media, Triple H also discussed his opinion on Lio Rush and how Vince McMahon felt about last night’s show.

Thanks to Cultaholic for the transcription.