Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher Teaming Together In WWE NXT Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic 2021

Throughout their rivalry, Tommaso Ciampa and Timothy Thatcher have exhibited a begrudging respect for one another. That respect was on display in Fight Pit II as Thatcher forced Ciampa to tap out with a Modified Stretch Muffler while The Blackheart's leg was trapped in the cage. The Thatch-As-Thatch-Can teacher immediately let go of the move after the bell and didn't try to attack his opponent.

Ciampa caught up with Thatcher after the show in the parking lot and asked "The Professor Of Pain" why he didn't break his leg. After a brief pause, Thatcher said he respects Ciampa. Thatcher then started to walk away but Ciampa pointed out there was an open spot in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.

Thatcher didn't respond at the time, but William Regal has since announced the two men will team together in the tournament.

Regal tweeted: "Well, @NXTCiampa is partially correct. There WAS an opening for the #DustyClassic, but it seems you two have just filled that vacancy... good luck gentlemen. #WWENXT."

Ciampa and Thatcher's first-round match will take place on tonight's episode of 205 Live against Tony Nese and Ariya Daivari. The winners will face The Undisputed ERA's Adam Cole and Roderick Strong in the quarter-finals.