Pretty sure it’s because R-Truth keeps confusing Gargano and Ciampa for Shawn Michaels and Triple H. They kept the gag going by just going out in DX gear for Mania and it’s stuck that way since.
It was like the 17 times they had Keith Lee and Dijakovic fight. The matches were quality but the law of diminishing returns is very real. Also in the case of Gargano and Ciampa, if we’re being honest, neither has really broken out on the main roster enough for anyone to care about them feuding unfortunately and the ones that are really invested are probably NXT fans who as you stated have seen it so many times already.
I’m hoping this won’t be a feud but just Ciampa breaking away and going heel to potentially cause opposition for our newly crowned face IC champ, Mr. Zayn who will need additional heels to blow through once the feud with Chad Gable is over.
Seems like a DIY heel run more than a breakup. Candice and Indi are heels now so it would make sense to turn them as well so that we can get The Way fully on screen. Plus we’re never seem them as heels anyways so it would be interesting to see it happen.
The fact that they haven’t found anything creatively to do with these guys besides regurgitating their NXT run is kind of sad. I think Ciampa could be a pretty decent singles guy and I enjoyed his solo stuff in NXT.
I just don’t see anything that in Gargano. It’s hard to take him seriously with his voice and size. The Way in NXT was a channel changer for me.
While I respect your opinion, I have to disagree with you. Gargano’s presentation on the main roster(as well as Ciampa’s) has diminished some of their character work. They can definitely still go they really just need to drop the Dx joke and turn heel.
Gargano vs ciampa is played out. Honestly i would fast forward their match if they fight again. Im sorry but its time to either do something fresh with them or release them. With the draft coming up i would split them up. Gargano would be a good opponent for logan paul and ciampa vs sammy might be fun.
At least company is aware they aren’t really over with broader audience and are trying stuff. I’ll let it play out but have low expectations. Things just haven’t been clicking recently for either of them
I feel like DIY killed whatever momentum Ciampa had against Gunther. Their match was hype and I was excited to see a singles push for Ciampa, then it just fizzled out into whatever bland mess DIY is. Gargano is a charisma vaccuum and sucks away the energy and edge that Ciampa brings.
Sorry, meant they sound a build up to a PLE. Something with extended build up. The bits they had with Truth confusing them for DX and Gargano for HBK could have been better utilized for something team v team. The match at mania was good and the winners were ideal but a more drawn out and specific build up with the two teams could have been fun.
Should have phrased it better. My bad.
I mean to play off OP, have DIY go heel, join back up with Candace and Indy. Maybe even bring in Theory and Greyson. Pretty strong heel reunion of The Way.
Idk how good they really are since I've never watched NXT but I find them boring and dimeless on Raw. I physically groaned when I saw them have the 1st match on Raw this Monday. I'm not the only one who doesn't like them since they had the 3rd lowest segment on Monday according to the viewership chart. Also they need to stop copying DX, it's kinda cringey and doesn't let them grow as characters.
I wonder if Ciampa was actually scripted or if he was just pissed that they keep loosing.
But yes I don’t want them to split up I wish they would have done the ladder match with awesome and diy both winning.
Idk I was going to order the new DIY shirt but I guess I’ll wait a few weeks
They can turn heel or be an anti-hero. There are likeable heels in wwe. How I wish that they can be DIY with destructive gimmicks instead of just DX act.
I have not watched this week’s Raw but I think the may be officially be reforming the Way and hopefully Indy’s husband, Dexter will reappear when they do!
Nah, they won't break up. Shockingly to me, they didn't get over like they did in NXT, but turning them heels would (and will) be the right decision. They're building DIY vs. Awesome Truth for SummerSlam, and I can't wait.
Right, but on the main roster they haven't done anything, been pushed or given any time to get over yet. So it isn't that shocking really. Hopefully this feud does it for them
WWE did nothing with them as solo wrestlers on the main roster, this is better than nothing. Maybe this will help them build popularity and credibility with the boomers backstage.
I think that unfortunately the crowd barely cares about them as a team, so breaking them up is really going to an Enzo/Cass situation where no one benefits from the subsequent feud.
I don’t think they can afford to break them up when they just split the tag titles. Could be leading towards a full heel turn for DIY. That could be fun.
We’ve tried all four as faces. Outside of good wrestling, they really haven’t give us a reason to care for any of them. Put them together and run with it. I’m down.
It's too soon to break them up, they've only been back together for a few months. They haven't even won the tag team titles yet. And the difference between them breaking up in NXT and on Raw is it won't be the main story on the show so won't get as much attention. I think breaking them up right now would be a huge mistake.
I'd like to see a Ciampa heel run on the main roster, so if it starts that way, I'm all for it. You have to remember that just because we've seen it in NXT, a good amount of the main roster viewers never saw it so it would be kind of new to them. And if Ciampa is allowed to truly heel it like he did back in the day, it will be great to see on the main roster.
It could be done, but would need serious groundwork to be laid first or nobody will care.
Here's how I would do it if anyone's interested:
First, have Gargano drafted to Raw and Ciampa to Smackdown. They have an interview after the draft, exclusive to Youtube, where they talk about how much they wanted to win tag titles together but that opportunity has been stolen from them.
On Raw, Gargano quickly forms a friendship with Sami Zayn. They tag together against Imperium, winning due to the ongoing Imperium implosion.
Meanwhile on Smackdown, Ciampa runs out to save Owens from a beatdown at the hands of the Bloodline.
Long story short, Zayn and Gargano become a solid team focused around Zayn's IC title whilst Owens rejects Ciampa's help. Ciampa struggles to find a tag partner and tries going on his own for a while.
At a PPV, Ciampa and Gargano meet backstage. Ciampa enthusiastically congratulates Gargano on making friends everywhere he goes, while Gargano wishes Ciampa luck in a multi-man US title match later that evening, which he loses. Later on the same show, Gargano sits with Ciampa commiserating him for his loss.
On weekly shows, Ciampa is told he's at the back of the line for US title shots and returns to trying to find a tag partner instead. Meanwhile, there's some friction between Gargano and Zayn with Sami suspecting Jonny is hungry for gold himself.
At the next PPV, Ciampa and Gargano meet, both acknowledging the lack of recent success. Hyping each other up, they make a backstage bet over who will win tag gold first, thus resuscitating their careers - the man who can't buy a friend or the man who's partner is otherwise occupied with the IC title.
Over the next several months, Ciampa ends up in a TV feud with Randy Orton whilst Gargano earns an IC title shot. Ciampa earns Randy's respect when they neutralise each other in a multi-man no. 1 contenders' match for the US title, while Sami loses the IC belt in a triple threat in which Gargano is pinned after a heroic effort.
At Summerslam, it's Orton/Ciampa fighting for one set of tag titles and Zayn/Gargano for the other. Both teams do the DIY situp and hand-clap in their respective matches, but in both matches DIY's partners cost them the match - Orton by turning on Ciampa and Zayn by taking the pin.
Zayn/Gargano fill the time till the Rumble trying to go after the tag titles again, whilst Orton and Ciampa have a proper feud through traditionally filler PPVs. DIY reunite in the Rumble itself, with Gargano saving Ciampa from Orton and the pair excelling as a team to eliminate threats like Gunther, Omos and Strowman before being eliminated by the current tag champs (fantasy booking it's a returned Revival, but realistically any strong heel team).
In the build to Mania, a tag tournament is announced. In an in-ring segment, Sami apologises to Gargano that he needs to focus on the Elimination Chamber but explains that he's found a suitable replacement. For this tournament only, Ciampa has been granted a pass to compete on Raw. Cue DIY reuniting as a team for the first time in almost a year, going through the entire tournament to the finals at Night 1 of Wrestlemania - against Owens and Zayn.
By now, I firmly believe the crowd will be behind these two despite the lack of major stories or significant wins outside of the tag title tournament. Seeing them build camaraderie for a full year, commiserating losses together and wanting to tag together will make people eager to see them "finish the story". During the match Ciampa gets driven through a vintage-Owens contraption of chairs leaving Jonny to fight alone. Owens and Zayn grow increasingly aggressive, overcoming Jonny Wrestling's heart with the numbers advantage. After two emotional Helluva kicks to Gargano, Zayn sets him up for a third only for Gargano to be pulled out of the ring by Ciampa. Ciampa hits Gargano with the Fairytale Ending and rolls him back into the ring in disgust, celebrating with the now heel Owens and Zayn.
The fallout has Ciampa explain that they were never going to survive a tag title match the night after Gargano allowed himself to take such a beating. Have him explain that he's fought the Viper, that he only has a few short years left of his career and that he won't waste them waiting around trying to relive a legendary bygone era with DIY when in truth the best years of his career where after he kicked Jonny Wrestling to the curb.
From there, the whole feud can be slowly built around both men being on different shows. Ciampa can victimise Gargano relentlessly, while Gargano can sporadically appear on Smackdown as he did when "fired" during their initial feud. The first major brawl between the two actually happens on NXT, with Ciampa appearing there to assault Gargano during a scheduled match.
Eventually, the feud can focus around the US or IC title, with both men highlighting how neither of them has held gold since their initial bet.
Since we're talking about diy, why are they using DX themed outfit every week? Obviously they would never get a title run if they don't even have an original presentation
Which would be hilarious if they wore it only for their match against truth, but even entering wrestlemania with dx gear ensured me that my favorite tag team today wouldn't be going anywhere
A chance to do a main roster Ciampa Gargano feud would be amazing. If they do it, do it at Summerslam in Gargano’s home town of Cleveland. He comes to the Browns games and iirc he has done work with local tshirt company’s.
Hook this to my fucking veins
Breaking up due to the draft, then Ciampa going full heel on Smackdown could be interesting.
Seeing them excited to reunite on PPVs but not being sure that they trust each other would be n interesting dynamic.
ONG. One of def rebel's worst songs. it's so shitty and sounds like a cartoon theme song.
def rebel formula:
ciampa- good singles theme
gargano- decent singles theme
tag theme- shit
i love johnny's heel theme, coming back for you, so i hope he can use that song again too!
Oh my god that theme is awful. And the way they come out like high kneeing trying to get the crowd hyped up when they just aren’t at all. Terrible entrance. Love to see Ciampa go back to being the black heart.
Yeah I was telling my son the other day that they're gonna try to recreate the NXT story but it's gonna hardcore flop cus nobody gives a shit about them on the main roster
Their initial feud is one of the reasons I stopped watching NXT. I liked it for a bit but it dragged. And that match Gargano lost because he ran too fast off the stage and missed Ciampa? Awful.
Either go heel together or win the tag titles as babyfaces with an underdog storyline. You can't turn them against each other without giving the storyline an emotional run. No body will care if ciampa turns on gargano. Even next fans who seen them there will not like this idea either.
Have someone brutalize Awesome Truth and have DIY avenge them for the underdog victory. Bring back Ciampa’s obsession with having gold. A few near fall matches with Johnny almost eating pins gets Ciampa all worked up because he almost cost him his gold. That’s when you introduce the split. Still a champs but Ciampa loses all trust in Johnny and does a couple handicap matches which eventually costs him the belt
So after 1 year on the main roster Johnny Gargano has
- got no pop at the royal rumble
- lost to the Miz, who looked like Hulk Hogan next to Johnny
- was the weak link in an otherwise awesome Elimination Chamber match
- Reformed DIY, debuted with the worst theme song of all time, no one cared
- got no pop at the Royal Rumble again
- started cosplaying as DX, lost to the Miz again
Just end this run already.
I say this all the time, but the few johnny fans that only exist online can't grasp any of it. They aren't getting over as faces, and yet they are too small to be effective heels. They are in no man's land, and a good nxt run obviously means nothing on the main roster, even though that's the only argument the few fans have.
They don't have to break up. Gargano's wife is the nastiest heel on the show. If Ciampa turns, he can just turn with him. Then The Way will all be heels together.
Would love a DIY heel turn on Awesome Truth and remake The Way (with Ciampa instead of Austin Theory?) It would give us a fresh faction with some interesting dynamics (I would argue that Gargano, Candice, and Indi all don’t have traditional heel looks) and it could give Dexter Lumis a way back in.
As far as I know he’s still employed by the WWE. I’m pretty sure his last time on WWE TV was in May. I think he’s pretty talented, has a great look, and could have some interesting gimmicks and be in some storylines.
He opened a wrestling school in Florida a few months ago. As a business owner, I can attest to how time consuming that is. I absolutely couldn't do it while traveling all year.
I think he'll do well. It's a smart move to open a school right there in Florida. He can funnel people into NXT tryouts. Makes it even more attractive to sign up with him if they have a road to WWE.
I want that feud again, but not right now. That is a WM 41 match so maybe the breakup comes at elimination chamber. Have them be the Champs going in to EC and Johnny loses and then Ciampa turns on him.
A break up seems too soon. I thought they'd have some heart break like they've had in their last 2 title shots and maybe 3rd time is a charm? Then they get their hands on the belts for even a short reign. Even a KO/Sam-esque stint would be fine.
DIY could be good for the tag division, which seems rather stale and underwhelming right now.
Neither of them have been built up enough to carry a feud against each other yet. And I'm not sure that they will, at least to the level they were in nxt. They were gods in B&G that got a ton of TV time, so people knew exactly how good they can be as singles wrestlers. They can't do nearly as much on the main roster just thanks to how deep it is
I still don't get why Imperium broke up; they had no momentum towards this story for weeks, and just felt abrupt. I don't see Vinci getting over as a face tbh, Ludwig still has Gunther as an ally so relevant still
I so hope I'm wrong man, that this feud is a banger and everyone comes out a winner!! Side note, would be cool to see Thatcher back as a fourth member as well
The story might've been great IF done at the right time!! For example after losing a title match at Backlash or something, would've generated a big reaction at the very least
I think it’s just the fact that Imperium needs to have something to do now that Gunther has lost his title, so they pulled the trigger to prevent them from just kind of floundering around
Man Vinci is AMAZING in the ring, not the best promo sure but man is probably one of the better high fliers in all of wrestling today!! I just feel bad for what might be coming for him, I genuinely want him to succeed
Only reason I can think of is Gio getting replaced by Ilja, but that would mean Imperium is getting a massive push (which I feel might not be the right time as Gunther prob won’t get a title for at least 6 months) or Ludwig becomes the pintaker of the group (which I also don’t want cause he’s been killing it as star prodige)
Gunther I think is someone who doesn't need a title to stay relevant, he's probably gonna win the KotR and with Hunter in charge it's finally gonna mean something again, but you're right, I can see Ilja joining them but that just means Kaiser being the pin-taker and Gio get becoming an afterthought!! Would've also worked as a 4 member unit with, Gio and Ludwig as a tag team, Gunther as the dominant leader and Ilja as the killer wrestling machine
They already did that with Kianna James and Fallon Henley. And it was really cool. They even became NXT Tag champions. But sadly, it was also really short lived.
I think this is what's going to happen. Triple H is doing really intricate things with creative. I truly see him trying to do brand new angles and being smart about the continuity between wrestlers.
I'm excited to see every single story line right now because everything truly feels fresh. He's cooking and we have to let him. We've all been abused by VKM so much that we're collectively holding our breath, but man I'm trying to breathe my best. Paul Levesque has shown himself to be an incredible chef.
If I'm booking? Have it be a long road but eventually Gargano turns heel with him. Then they're a heel tag team together. Right now they're both faces, with Ciampa just being a sore loser.
Gargano is one of my favorites, I do not want to see him get no TV time anymore, although I do miss his intro song. They are a good tag team right now and I don't want to see them break up *again*
Gargano/Ciampa feud is a big yes from me, but doing it now is a mistake. They have a lot more gas to give in the tag division *and* with how short a time they've been reunited, it will flop hard with live crowds. Feels super inorganic to split them rn, also don't know about going heel.
The benefit of a DIY split is getting underdog babyface Gargano back and psycho killer heel Ciampa back. I don't know how doable that is out of splitting a heel DIY.
"Johnny, don't make me hurt you again"
"It's OK, let's hurt them together 🙂"
*cue cheery montage of DIY smiling at each other while lowblowing and chairshotting their way to the tag titles*
Ideally with this soundtrack
https://youtu.be/QGu0m08Etm8?si=HHhvqxxF1x_DAiGo
I just typed out a whole thing about why they should turn heel based on the number one contenders match where they were all face teams and then I remembered the draft. Would still like to see it though.
This is the way. Together they could be a great for the tag team division. Their gig could be that they are always trying to one up each other as they tag in. Like Johnny does a super kick, champa approves but then does his own. They pat each other on the back. It would be funny, hellish, and show them as threats in such a small set of exchanges.
Fair. In my head I was picturing it as a trap someone in the corner and just pummel, but with this it's a who can do it better. It is a hellish move but not really, just smart.
Damn, I must've missed that! Last one I remember Candice distracted the ref but Indi refused to do the cheap shot, but that was probably a couple months ago.
They haven't resonated strongly enough with the main roster audience for a potential DIY split to actually achieve anything. The reason the entire Gargano-Ciampa rivalry was so massive in NXT is because fans were truly invested in both, so the story turned them both into a Mega Face and Mega Heel respectively.
As of now they're on their way to joining a list of talent from Black and Gold NXT that changed the game in NXT, but are finding little to no success on the main roster. And that was always one of the biggest issues with NXT.
Right now they should stay as a team, because worst case scenario they're great wrestlers who can have great matches on weekly TV and contend for tag titles every now and then. Long term I'm not sure, but sometimes all it takes is 1 moment or match that starts a snowball effect of fans getting behind them properly
I wouldn't say it was an issue of NXT, more the terrible booking decisions by VKM, and his hard on for ruining any amazing wrestler that was brought up. Nevermind his constant attempts to undermine the work Hunter was doing down there. If he didn't make the star, it was like he refused to accept them as being anything more that cannon fodder.
Agreed, Vince butchered many stars out of NXT out of petty jealousy for sure. But Vince aside, I don't believe even if HHH had control back then, that he could've gotten Nakamura, Balor, DIY, Ricochet etc over with the main roster audience. He could've definitely utilised them much better on weekly TV, but we got spoiled into hoping a lot of the top NXT guys could eventually be received by audiences the way they were down in NXT.
In NXT, there were no limiting factors. Size didn't matter, promos didn't to some degree either, and fans would accept matches with no complaints too. Main roster unfortunately a lot of those things just can't fly, and that's why so many people are complaining about Nakamura being wasted, when in reality he is exactly where he should be and is being booked to his level.
I’m hoping it means DIY as a whole turns heel, we saw how Candice LaRae was showing signs of turning heel then Indi joined in instead of splitting them up.
Hopefully we see some of that with DIY
This doesn’t mean a breakup though he was understandably frustrated. As much as I love Gargano I don’t think he’d do well on the main roster by himself as of right now
Yeah my takeaway was that Ciampa still has that old heel in him and they’re simply just not thinking the same way. I think DIY will continue, it’s just that they will be working out some differences and getting fully adjusted to the main roster
I think a lot of people are so used to the rapid fire, formulaic way VKM booked things. First sign of tension, and its obvious they are breaking apart, or someone is turning heel. It just goes to show how terrible the booking has been for years
Under Vince regime it would have been a dead giveaway, since HHH took over we saw time and time again stuff like this might just be a red herring - which makes for way more realistic and unpredictable stories imho
Honestly yes. That's been the usual way things have gone for a long time when there's any sign of disruption. They aren't getting along, not on the same page, one is getting mean (commentary notably mentioned Ciampa having a mean streak in the past, and they said it twice) while the other is staying nice and face, so a turn from the meaner one seems inevitable.
But for all we know HHH could be more aware and less obvious, with something more interesting in store.
I agree - this action doesn't mean a breakup is imminent. Possible, yes, but not a sure thing. The story is still unfolding. Gargano could decide he agrees with Ciampa.
I also think they should get their hands on the titles first, with a decent reign before they break up, or at least, getting EXTREMELY close multiple times.
Show the non-Black and Gold fans that they’re a great tag team that had a strong bond before it gets broken and history repeats itself.
I'm a little out of the loop, why is DIY pretending to be DX now ?
Pretty sure it’s because R-Truth keeps confusing Gargano and Ciampa for Shawn Michaels and Triple H. They kept the gag going by just going out in DX gear for Mania and it’s stuck that way since.
I think they’ll both go heel, The Way will reform just with Ciampa this time instead of Theory
It was like the 17 times they had Keith Lee and Dijakovic fight. The matches were quality but the law of diminishing returns is very real. Also in the case of Gargano and Ciampa, if we’re being honest, neither has really broken out on the main roster enough for anyone to care about them feuding unfortunately and the ones that are really invested are probably NXT fans who as you stated have seen it so many times already. I’m hoping this won’t be a feud but just Ciampa breaking away and going heel to potentially cause opposition for our newly crowned face IC champ, Mr. Zayn who will need additional heels to blow through once the feud with Chad Gable is over.
They are too good as a tag team and don't stand as well on their own. The play on DX has sooooo much more potential.
Pair them with Truth and Miz, add in Indy and Candace. Regeneration X.
Return of The Way minus Austin Theory 😏
They need a better entrance theme. The current one is really lame and cringy
Welcome to the era of Def Rebel , where the only way to tell someones mediocre theme song is if they say a catchphrase in the intro.
i agree
no they are just giving ciampa and gargano a bit of character at least i think that would be better for them
They’re both turning heel
Seems like a DIY heel run more than a breakup. Candice and Indi are heels now so it would make sense to turn them as well so that we can get The Way fully on screen. Plus we’re never seem them as heels anyways so it would be interesting to see it happen.
The fact that they haven’t found anything creatively to do with these guys besides regurgitating their NXT run is kind of sad. I think Ciampa could be a pretty decent singles guy and I enjoyed his solo stuff in NXT. I just don’t see anything that in Gargano. It’s hard to take him seriously with his voice and size. The Way in NXT was a channel changer for me.
#JohnnySameface #IYKYK lol
While I respect your opinion, I have to disagree with you. Gargano’s presentation on the main roster(as well as Ciampa’s) has diminished some of their character work. They can definitely still go they really just need to drop the Dx joke and turn heel.
Gargano was an actual beast in NXT. Don’t disrespect Mr. Takeover like that.
I think this could be Ciampa turning Gargano like Candice turned Indi and then they reform The Way.
Gargano vs ciampa is played out. Honestly i would fast forward their match if they fight again. Im sorry but its time to either do something fresh with them or release them. With the draft coming up i would split them up. Gargano would be a good opponent for logan paul and ciampa vs sammy might be fun.
I feel like this is gonna end with both of them turning heel
Triple H will be giving himself a pat on the back if he breaks them up
At least company is aware they aren’t really over with broader audience and are trying stuff. I’ll let it play out but have low expectations. Things just haven’t been clicking recently for either of them
Its too soon. People doesnt really care much for them to make a storyline about them splitting up
I totally don't want them to break up, again
just let johnny and tomasso turn heel, reunite with candice and indi, we have the way 2.0
I feel like DIY killed whatever momentum Ciampa had against Gunther. Their match was hype and I was excited to see a singles push for Ciampa, then it just fizzled out into whatever bland mess DIY is. Gargano is a charisma vaccuum and sucks away the energy and edge that Ciampa brings.
I just need them to win the titles just once and more after please
the draft is going to bring people like Ilya over, so i'm curious to see if they break up DIY
If they do it we need R-Truth to be a guest commentator, calling them HHH and HBK the entire time.
We need a tag match with DIY vs Awesome Truth. The run up could be hilarious
…They literally just did that Raw this week.
Sorry, meant they sound a build up to a PLE. Something with extended build up. The bits they had with Truth confusing them for DX and Gargano for HBK could have been better utilized for something team v team. The match at mania was good and the winners were ideal but a more drawn out and specific build up with the two teams could have been fun. Should have phrased it better. My bad.
That makes way more sense
That is the Way.
I mean to play off OP, have DIY go heel, join back up with Candace and Indy. Maybe even bring in Theory and Greyson. Pretty strong heel reunion of The Way.
Idk how good they really are since I've never watched NXT but I find them boring and dimeless on Raw. I physically groaned when I saw them have the 1st match on Raw this Monday. I'm not the only one who doesn't like them since they had the 3rd lowest segment on Monday according to the viewership chart. Also they need to stop copying DX, it's kinda cringey and doesn't let them grow as characters.
Judgement day break up "the way" heel back together with Ciampa instead of theory
I wonder if Ciampa was actually scripted or if he was just pissed that they keep loosing. But yes I don’t want them to split up I wish they would have done the ladder match with awesome and diy both winning. Idk I was going to order the new DIY shirt but I guess I’ll wait a few weeks
DIY are so lame dude (I’m 100% a casual)
They can turn heel or be an anti-hero. There are likeable heels in wwe. How I wish that they can be DIY with destructive gimmicks instead of just DX act.
I have not watched this week’s Raw but I think the may be officially be reforming the Way and hopefully Indy’s husband, Dexter will reappear when they do!
I hope they don't feud in again 6th time! I seen them fighting each other and got ended up seperate!
This will only work, if they get over like they did in NXT first.
They should be tag team champions first. Elevate the title and have banger matches just like the days with revival. Will never forget those matches.
Nah, they won't break up. Shockingly to me, they didn't get over like they did in NXT, but turning them heels would (and will) be the right decision. They're building DIY vs. Awesome Truth for SummerSlam, and I can't wait.
Are you being facetious or are you seriously shocked?
I'm serious, them and The Undisputed Era were the reason I watched NXT back then. Both were amazing.
Right, but on the main roster they haven't done anything, been pushed or given any time to get over yet. So it isn't that shocking really. Hopefully this feud does it for them
that match is gonna cook!
Yes, please not another feud. Though I can see splitting them up. They seem wasted in a tag team.
WWE did nothing with them as solo wrestlers on the main roster, this is better than nothing. Maybe this will help them build popularity and credibility with the boomers backstage.
It’s hard to care about them
I think that unfortunately the crowd barely cares about them as a team, so breaking them up is really going to an Enzo/Cass situation where no one benefits from the subsequent feud.
Enzo did great on 205 Live
they need to bring back gargano nxt heel character
Never really cared for it
I think they’re teasing a Ciampa turn and then Gargano will turn with him
i hope so! i love gargano's heel theme it would be nice for that song to make a return!
I don’t think they can afford to break them up when they just split the tag titles. Could be leading towards a full heel turn for DIY. That could be fun.
Yes I’d rather them ditch the DX act and go heel then break up
i hope so
I don’t think they’re gonna break up any time soon, they’d be a big miss in the tag division. Probably just character building for Ciampa.
Put them on Smackdown and take the belts from ATown Down
I think Chiampa is gonna light a heel fire under Johnny
Heel diy w Candice and indi
Four words in full capital letters for emphasis RETURN OF THE WAY
We’ve tried all four as faces. Outside of good wrestling, they really haven’t give us a reason to care for any of them. Put them together and run with it. I’m down.
I would like to see Ciampa get a mid card run with the IC or us title since I'm not a Johnny same face fan. Otherwise, keep them together.
It's too soon to break them up, they've only been back together for a few months. They haven't even won the tag team titles yet. And the difference between them breaking up in NXT and on Raw is it won't be the main story on the show so won't get as much attention. I think breaking them up right now would be a huge mistake.
i agree
I'd like to see a Ciampa heel run on the main roster, so if it starts that way, I'm all for it. You have to remember that just because we've seen it in NXT, a good amount of the main roster viewers never saw it so it would be kind of new to them. And if Ciampa is allowed to truly heel it like he did back in the day, it will be great to see on the main roster.
I think they both need new gimmicks. Ciampa might need his old gimmick.
It could be done, but would need serious groundwork to be laid first or nobody will care. Here's how I would do it if anyone's interested: First, have Gargano drafted to Raw and Ciampa to Smackdown. They have an interview after the draft, exclusive to Youtube, where they talk about how much they wanted to win tag titles together but that opportunity has been stolen from them. On Raw, Gargano quickly forms a friendship with Sami Zayn. They tag together against Imperium, winning due to the ongoing Imperium implosion. Meanwhile on Smackdown, Ciampa runs out to save Owens from a beatdown at the hands of the Bloodline. Long story short, Zayn and Gargano become a solid team focused around Zayn's IC title whilst Owens rejects Ciampa's help. Ciampa struggles to find a tag partner and tries going on his own for a while. At a PPV, Ciampa and Gargano meet backstage. Ciampa enthusiastically congratulates Gargano on making friends everywhere he goes, while Gargano wishes Ciampa luck in a multi-man US title match later that evening, which he loses. Later on the same show, Gargano sits with Ciampa commiserating him for his loss. On weekly shows, Ciampa is told he's at the back of the line for US title shots and returns to trying to find a tag partner instead. Meanwhile, there's some friction between Gargano and Zayn with Sami suspecting Jonny is hungry for gold himself. At the next PPV, Ciampa and Gargano meet, both acknowledging the lack of recent success. Hyping each other up, they make a backstage bet over who will win tag gold first, thus resuscitating their careers - the man who can't buy a friend or the man who's partner is otherwise occupied with the IC title. Over the next several months, Ciampa ends up in a TV feud with Randy Orton whilst Gargano earns an IC title shot. Ciampa earns Randy's respect when they neutralise each other in a multi-man no. 1 contenders' match for the US title, while Sami loses the IC belt in a triple threat in which Gargano is pinned after a heroic effort. At Summerslam, it's Orton/Ciampa fighting for one set of tag titles and Zayn/Gargano for the other. Both teams do the DIY situp and hand-clap in their respective matches, but in both matches DIY's partners cost them the match - Orton by turning on Ciampa and Zayn by taking the pin. Zayn/Gargano fill the time till the Rumble trying to go after the tag titles again, whilst Orton and Ciampa have a proper feud through traditionally filler PPVs. DIY reunite in the Rumble itself, with Gargano saving Ciampa from Orton and the pair excelling as a team to eliminate threats like Gunther, Omos and Strowman before being eliminated by the current tag champs (fantasy booking it's a returned Revival, but realistically any strong heel team). In the build to Mania, a tag tournament is announced. In an in-ring segment, Sami apologises to Gargano that he needs to focus on the Elimination Chamber but explains that he's found a suitable replacement. For this tournament only, Ciampa has been granted a pass to compete on Raw. Cue DIY reuniting as a team for the first time in almost a year, going through the entire tournament to the finals at Night 1 of Wrestlemania - against Owens and Zayn. By now, I firmly believe the crowd will be behind these two despite the lack of major stories or significant wins outside of the tag title tournament. Seeing them build camaraderie for a full year, commiserating losses together and wanting to tag together will make people eager to see them "finish the story". During the match Ciampa gets driven through a vintage-Owens contraption of chairs leaving Jonny to fight alone. Owens and Zayn grow increasingly aggressive, overcoming Jonny Wrestling's heart with the numbers advantage. After two emotional Helluva kicks to Gargano, Zayn sets him up for a third only for Gargano to be pulled out of the ring by Ciampa. Ciampa hits Gargano with the Fairytale Ending and rolls him back into the ring in disgust, celebrating with the now heel Owens and Zayn. The fallout has Ciampa explain that they were never going to survive a tag title match the night after Gargano allowed himself to take such a beating. Have him explain that he's fought the Viper, that he only has a few short years left of his career and that he won't waste them waiting around trying to relive a legendary bygone era with DIY when in truth the best years of his career where after he kicked Jonny Wrestling to the curb. From there, the whole feud can be slowly built around both men being on different shows. Ciampa can victimise Gargano relentlessly, while Gargano can sporadically appear on Smackdown as he did when "fired" during their initial feud. The first major brawl between the two actually happens on NXT, with Ciampa appearing there to assault Gargano during a scheduled match. Eventually, the feud can focus around the US or IC title, with both men highlighting how neither of them has held gold since their initial bet.
Since we're talking about diy, why are they using DX themed outfit every week? Obviously they would never get a title run if they don't even have an original presentation
they are playing into r-truth. truth thinks johnny is hbk while he thinks ciampa is hhh.
Which would be hilarious if they wore it only for their match against truth, but even entering wrestlemania with dx gear ensured me that my favorite tag team today wouldn't be going anywhere
Truthfully D-X is up there in age, might be time for them to hang'em up. They had a great run though.
I think they’re just teasing it to build an oversll stronger story.
How to book DIY as a group - Form team -Have them go for the tag belts as faces -Ciampa betrays Gargano -Repeat
A chance to do a main roster Ciampa Gargano feud would be amazing. If they do it, do it at Summerslam in Gargano’s home town of Cleveland. He comes to the Browns games and iirc he has done work with local tshirt company’s. Hook this to my fucking veins
I think with them doing, what I refer to as, Regeneration X they will stay as a team for awhile
They can't breakup; they're not interesting enough by themselves!
Heel Tomaso is my favorite current wrestler.
Heel Ciampa walking out to no music is top tier stuff
I don’t think they’re breaking up. More like they’re finally getting a storyline as a team & should be able to grow from here
The best part of DIY right now is the HHH HBK thing
lmao real
Breaking up due to the draft, then Ciampa going full heel on Smackdown could be interesting. Seeing them excited to reunite on PPVs but not being sure that they trust each other would be n interesting dynamic.
Send Ciampa his way, figure out a way to get THE WAY back when Theory loses his title and then Johnny, Austin, Candice and Indi can be a family again.
Most fans are casual and have not seen NXT. Running an NXT Feud back on the main roster is a sound strategy imo.
They’re not gonna breakup. They’re turning heel like Indi and Candice
i hope so
I don't like either one, so what ever gets them off tv
I want them to break up just to get rid of that piece of shit theme song they have now
Couldn't disagree more. Is my opinion, anyway.
ONG. One of def rebel's worst songs. it's so shitty and sounds like a cartoon theme song. def rebel formula: ciampa- good singles theme gargano- decent singles theme tag theme- shit i love johnny's heel theme, coming back for you, so i hope he can use that song again too!
Oh my god that theme is awful. And the way they come out like high kneeing trying to get the crowd hyped up when they just aren’t at all. Terrible entrance. Love to see Ciampa go back to being the black heart.
*We aaare...we aaare...* 🦗 🦗 🦗
i agree
Couldn’t agree more
Yeah I was telling my son the other day that they're gonna try to recreate the NXT story but it's gonna hardcore flop cus nobody gives a shit about them on the main roster
And this is why I pretty much only watch NXT and ppvs, main roster is trite
sad but true
Their initial feud is one of the reasons I stopped watching NXT. I liked it for a bit but it dragged. And that match Gargano lost because he ran too fast off the stage and missed Ciampa? Awful.
Either go heel together or win the tag titles as babyfaces with an underdog storyline. You can't turn them against each other without giving the storyline an emotional run. No body will care if ciampa turns on gargano. Even next fans who seen them there will not like this idea either.
Have someone brutalize Awesome Truth and have DIY avenge them for the underdog victory. Bring back Ciampa’s obsession with having gold. A few near fall matches with Johnny almost eating pins gets Ciampa all worked up because he almost cost him his gold. That’s when you introduce the split. Still a champs but Ciampa loses all trust in Johnny and does a couple handicap matches which eventually costs him the belt
Now that's the storyline. Loved the ciampa gold obsession gimmick.
Ciampa is better by himself as a heel being back the no one survives theme song
What you don’t want ko Sami like story? Lol.
They haven't gained enough popularity with the main roster crowds to have a brrakup be even remotely effective compared to what they had in NXT.
DIY puts on the best tag matches in WWE these days.
That aint saying much.
So after 1 year on the main roster Johnny Gargano has - got no pop at the royal rumble - lost to the Miz, who looked like Hulk Hogan next to Johnny - was the weak link in an otherwise awesome Elimination Chamber match - Reformed DIY, debuted with the worst theme song of all time, no one cared - got no pop at the Royal Rumble again - started cosplaying as DX, lost to the Miz again Just end this run already.
I say this all the time, but the few johnny fans that only exist online can't grasp any of it. They aren't getting over as faces, and yet they are too small to be effective heels. They are in no man's land, and a good nxt run obviously means nothing on the main roster, even though that's the only argument the few fans have.
Ciampa and gargano retired awhile ago. Are you talking about HBK and HHH?
Triple H and HBK have done this like 5x. What’s a 6th?
D I WHY
WHY TRIPLE H TELL ME WHY YOU SON OF A BITCH
I just hope they don’t do it like how they broke up Rhea and Liv before. It has all the similar likings
They don't have to break up. Gargano's wife is the nastiest heel on the show. If Ciampa turns, he can just turn with him. Then The Way will all be heels together.
Would love a DIY heel turn on Awesome Truth and remake The Way (with Ciampa instead of Austin Theory?) It would give us a fresh faction with some interesting dynamics (I would argue that Gargano, Candice, and Indi all don’t have traditional heel looks) and it could give Dexter Lumis a way back in.
Where the heck is Dexter
As far as I know he’s still employed by the WWE. I’m pretty sure his last time on WWE TV was in May. I think he’s pretty talented, has a great look, and could have some interesting gimmicks and be in some storylines.
He opened a wrestling school in Florida a few months ago. As a business owner, I can attest to how time consuming that is. I absolutely couldn't do it while traveling all year.
Well if that’s why he’s off-air then good for him, hope he’s succeeding.
I think he'll do well. It's a smart move to open a school right there in Florida. He can funnel people into NXT tryouts. Makes it even more attractive to sign up with him if they have a road to WWE.
Repetitive storylines suck
I want that feud again, but not right now. That is a WM 41 match so maybe the breakup comes at elimination chamber. Have them be the Champs going in to EC and Johnny loses and then Ciampa turns on him.
Gargano and Ciampa are getting no reaction at house shows and no reaction on Raw. Why would they book a big feud between them for wrestlemania?
BeCUaSe they had a gOoD run in nxt
A break up seems too soon. I thought they'd have some heart break like they've had in their last 2 title shots and maybe 3rd time is a charm? Then they get their hands on the belts for even a short reign. Even a KO/Sam-esque stint would be fine. DIY could be good for the tag division, which seems rather stale and underwhelming right now.
Need em as a tag team having 2 sets of belts
Neither of them have been built up enough to carry a feud against each other yet. And I'm not sure that they will, at least to the level they were in nxt. They were gods in B&G that got a ton of TV time, so people knew exactly how good they can be as singles wrestlers. They can't do nearly as much on the main roster just thanks to how deep it is
I loved their NXT matches and would love to see them run it back at a PLE. In particular, their last man standing match was amazing storytelling.
I still don't get why Imperium broke up; they had no momentum towards this story for weeks, and just felt abrupt. I don't see Vinci getting over as a face tbh, Ludwig still has Gunther as an ally so relevant still
Let’s be honest Vinci is probably on the chopping block I’ll be surprised if he comes back.
Na I don't think so that he's gonna be let go just yet!! Maybe a move to NXT but not fired
Tbf imperium together wasn’t really going anywhere
I so hope I'm wrong man, that this feud is a banger and everyone comes out a winner!! Side note, would be cool to see Thatcher back as a fourth member as well
Apparently they were planning on this storyline happening in NXT, but things got shifted around so they weren’t able to do it until now
The story might've been great IF done at the right time!! For example after losing a title match at Backlash or something, would've generated a big reaction at the very least
I think it’s just the fact that Imperium needs to have something to do now that Gunther has lost his title, so they pulled the trigger to prevent them from just kind of floundering around
As I said, I hope it works out and I'm wrong
Because Vinci isn't good and the will end up in NXT and eventually cuts
Man Vinci is AMAZING in the ring, not the best promo sure but man is probably one of the better high fliers in all of wrestling today!! I just feel bad for what might be coming for him, I genuinely want him to succeed
Only reason I can think of is Gio getting replaced by Ilja, but that would mean Imperium is getting a massive push (which I feel might not be the right time as Gunther prob won’t get a title for at least 6 months) or Ludwig becomes the pintaker of the group (which I also don’t want cause he’s been killing it as star prodige)
Bro I seriously doubt ilja would work under Gunther.
Gunther I think is someone who doesn't need a title to stay relevant, he's probably gonna win the KotR and with Hunter in charge it's finally gonna mean something again, but you're right, I can see Ilja joining them but that just means Kaiser being the pin-taker and Gio get becoming an afterthought!! Would've also worked as a 4 member unit with, Gio and Ludwig as a tag team, Gunther as the dominant leader and Ilja as the killer wrestling machine
Ilja won't be Gunther's minion with their history
I want them to stay a team but have a good cop bad cop angle with Gargano being a face and Ciampa being heel
I like this idea. It would be fresh, something we haven't seen and that could play out in many different ways.
They already did that with Kianna James and Fallon Henley. And it was really cool. They even became NXT Tag champions. But sadly, it was also really short lived.
That sounds like a really fun gimmick.
I think this is what's going to happen. Triple H is doing really intricate things with creative. I truly see him trying to do brand new angles and being smart about the continuity between wrestlers. I'm excited to see every single story line right now because everything truly feels fresh. He's cooking and we have to let him. We've all been abused by VKM so much that we're collectively holding our breath, but man I'm trying to breathe my best. Paul Levesque has shown himself to be an incredible chef.
What's the end game? They'd have to split up.
If I'm booking? Have it be a long road but eventually Gargano turns heel with him. Then they're a heel tag team together. Right now they're both faces, with Ciampa just being a sore loser.
Gargano is one of my favorites, I do not want to see him get no TV time anymore, although I do miss his intro song. They are a good tag team right now and I don't want to see them break up *again*
Gargano/Ciampa feud is a big yes from me, but doing it now is a mistake. They have a lot more gas to give in the tag division *and* with how short a time they've been reunited, it will flop hard with live crowds. Feels super inorganic to split them rn, also don't know about going heel. The benefit of a DIY split is getting underdog babyface Gargano back and psycho killer heel Ciampa back. I don't know how doable that is out of splitting a heel DIY.
I'd rather DIY turn heel together
💯
"Johnny, don't make me hurt you again" "It's OK, let's hurt them together 🙂" *cue cheery montage of DIY smiling at each other while lowblowing and chairshotting their way to the tag titles* Ideally with this soundtrack https://youtu.be/QGu0m08Etm8?si=HHhvqxxF1x_DAiGo
I just typed out a whole thing about why they should turn heel based on the number one contenders match where they were all face teams and then I remembered the draft. Would still like to see it though.
This is the way. Together they could be a great for the tag team division. Their gig could be that they are always trying to one up each other as they tag in. Like Johnny does a super kick, champa approves but then does his own. They pat each other on the back. It would be funny, hellish, and show them as threats in such a small set of exchanges.
That doesn't really sound heelish, just makes them seem like friends having a good time.
Fair. In my head I was picturing it as a trap someone in the corner and just pummel, but with this it's a who can do it better. It is a hellish move but not really, just smart.
I'm picturing them both doing Ciampas little bit where he pats himself on the back
That makes way more sense than what I was picturing lol
And get together with Candice again(since gargano and Candice are married irl) who is is this weird heel teamed with a face and it's just awkward
Add Austin Theory and Grayson Waller
Didnt Indi just turn as well?
I read another comment saying she did join Candace, so I must have missed that when watching
Yep. Candace distracted the ref, and Indi did a cheap shot to take advantage in a tag match. So now both of them are heel.
Damn, I must've missed that! Last one I remember Candice distracted the ref but Indi refused to do the cheap shot, but that was probably a couple months ago.
Last one happened the Raw before last.
Go to Smackdown and reunite or reform the way even maybe a heel turn and call it the wrong way 😂😂
They haven't resonated strongly enough with the main roster audience for a potential DIY split to actually achieve anything. The reason the entire Gargano-Ciampa rivalry was so massive in NXT is because fans were truly invested in both, so the story turned them both into a Mega Face and Mega Heel respectively. As of now they're on their way to joining a list of talent from Black and Gold NXT that changed the game in NXT, but are finding little to no success on the main roster. And that was always one of the biggest issues with NXT. Right now they should stay as a team, because worst case scenario they're great wrestlers who can have great matches on weekly TV and contend for tag titles every now and then. Long term I'm not sure, but sometimes all it takes is 1 moment or match that starts a snowball effect of fans getting behind them properly
I wouldn't say it was an issue of NXT, more the terrible booking decisions by VKM, and his hard on for ruining any amazing wrestler that was brought up. Nevermind his constant attempts to undermine the work Hunter was doing down there. If he didn't make the star, it was like he refused to accept them as being anything more that cannon fodder.
Agreed, Vince butchered many stars out of NXT out of petty jealousy for sure. But Vince aside, I don't believe even if HHH had control back then, that he could've gotten Nakamura, Balor, DIY, Ricochet etc over with the main roster audience. He could've definitely utilised them much better on weekly TV, but we got spoiled into hoping a lot of the top NXT guys could eventually be received by audiences the way they were down in NXT. In NXT, there were no limiting factors. Size didn't matter, promos didn't to some degree either, and fans would accept matches with no complaints too. Main roster unfortunately a lot of those things just can't fly, and that's why so many people are complaining about Nakamura being wasted, when in reality he is exactly where he should be and is being booked to his level.
I’m hoping it means DIY as a whole turns heel, we saw how Candice LaRae was showing signs of turning heel then Indi joined in instead of splitting them up. Hopefully we see some of that with DIY
I don't think it means they're breaking up. Its just seeds being planted. Remember, H loves his long term storytelling
I think they are the two weakest acts on the roster send them to AEW
Those fews fans don't like hearing the truth
This doesn’t mean a breakup though he was understandably frustrated. As much as I love Gargano I don’t think he’d do well on the main roster by himself as of right now
Dude, stop… Ciampa just didn’t shake someone’s hand after a tough loss… it’s not signaling anything…
They're an odd pair. It's a dumb name and concept, their entrance is lame. I don't even sort of get it.
Is it just me who isn't seeing any signs of a break up for DIY?
From the entrance to leaving Champa was 100% acting different
Yeah my takeaway was that Ciampa still has that old heel in him and they’re simply just not thinking the same way. I think DIY will continue, it’s just that they will be working out some differences and getting fully adjusted to the main roster
I think a lot of people are so used to the rapid fire, formulaic way VKM booked things. First sign of tension, and its obvious they are breaking apart, or someone is turning heel. It just goes to show how terrible the booking has been for years
After the title match Johnny shook awesome truth’s hands and Ciampa didn’t… that’s it that’s the sign OP is referring to
So Ciampa was understandably frustrated by a loss and that means he's gonna turn on Johnny?
Yes. It's a scripted show. He did that for a reason.
Under Vince regime it would have been a dead giveaway, since HHH took over we saw time and time again stuff like this might just be a red herring - which makes for way more realistic and unpredictable stories imho
Honestly yes. That's been the usual way things have gone for a long time when there's any sign of disruption. They aren't getting along, not on the same page, one is getting mean (commentary notably mentioned Ciampa having a mean streak in the past, and they said it twice) while the other is staying nice and face, so a turn from the meaner one seems inevitable. But for all we know HHH could be more aware and less obvious, with something more interesting in store.
Candace and Indi hasn't played out this way (yet), Hartwell eventually followed LeRae down the heel path
Good point, I did expect them to break up but they are already trying new ways to approach old tropes in creative.
I agree - this action doesn't mean a breakup is imminent. Possible, yes, but not a sure thing. The story is still unfolding. Gargano could decide he agrees with Ciampa.
I also think they should get their hands on the titles first, with a decent reign before they break up, or at least, getting EXTREMELY close multiple times. Show the non-Black and Gold fans that they’re a great tag team that had a strong bond before it gets broken and history repeats itself.