A shocking development in the world of professional wrestling occurred on January 28, 2026, as former NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa made his surprise debut on AEW Dynamite. In a stunning turn of events, it has now been confirmed that Ciampa has officially signed with All Elite Wrestling, leaving WWE behind.
The Unexpected Arrival
Ciampa’s arrival on Dynamite caught fans and insiders off guard, with many believing he would continue to be a key player in the WWE. However, sources close to the former Ring of Honor World Champion have revealed that negotiations between Ciampa’s team and AEW had been ongoing for several months.
“Tommaso had been feeling undervalued in WWE and was looking for a new challenge,” a WWE insider revealed. “He’s a highly talented wrestler who had a lot to offer, and AEW was the perfect opportunity for him to showcase his skills and be a part of a new and exciting venture.”
AEW’s Big Win
The signing of Ciampa marks a significant coup for AEW, which continues to solidify its position as a major player in the world of professional wrestling. With the likes of Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, and The Young Bucks already on board, the addition of Ciampa further cements AEW’s reputation as a destination for top talent.
“Tommaso is an incredible addition to our roster,” AEW President, Tony Khan, stated in a press release. “He’s a proven champion with a wealth of experience, and we’re excited to see what he can bring to our company.”
Ciampa’s WWE Legacy
Ciampa’s departure from WWE marks the end of an era for the former NXT Champion, who was a key figure in the brand’s success during its early years. During his time in WWE, Ciampa won several championships, including the NXT Championship and the NXT Tag Team Championship.
Ciampa’s departure is also a significant blow to WWE’s tag team division, with his former partners, The Undisputed Era, left to navigate the absence of one of their top stars.
AEW’s Plans for Ciampa
While the specifics of Ciampa’s role in AEW have not been revealed, sources close to the company have indicated that he will be a key player in their tag team division.
“Tommaso is going to be a huge asset for us in the tag team division,” a source close to AEW revealed. “He’s got a lot of experience in the ring and is an expert at working with partners. We’re looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the table.”
WWE’s Response
WWE has thus far remained silent on the matter, with no official statement released regarding Ciampa’s departure. However, sources close to the company have indicated that they are “disappointed” by Ciampa’s decision to leave.
“We’re always sad to see talented wrestlers leave the company,” a WWE insider revealed. “However, we wish Tommaso all the best in his future endeavors and are confident that he will go on to achieve great things in AEW.”
What’s Next for Ciampa?
As Ciampa embarks on a new chapter in his career, fans are left wondering what’s next for the highly talented wrestler. With AEW’s tag team division looking stronger than ever, Ciampa is sure to be a key player in the company’s plans.
One thing is certain: with Ciampa on board, AEW is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional wrestling.
Related Articles
- AEW Dynamite Recap: Tommaso Ciampa Makes Surprise Debut
- Tommaso Ciampa’s Best Matches in NXT
- The Future of AEW’s Tag Team Division
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