Tommaso Ciampa Debuts in AEW, Challenges for TNT Title

The 'Psycho Killer' explains his decision to leave WWE and join All Elite Wrestling

Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:23pm

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Tommaso Ciampa shocked the wrestling world by debuting in All Elite Wrestling just days after his WWE contract expired. In an exclusive interview, Ciampa discussed his reasoning for leaving WWE after a decade-long tenure, citing his desire to be part of the passionate fanbase and energy of AEW. He's excited to finally bring his 'Psycho Killer' persona to a larger audience and challenge for the TNT Championship against Mark Briscoe this Saturday on AEW Collision.

Why it matters

Ciampa's move to AEW is a significant signing for the company, as he brings a proven track record of success and a unique character that should resonate with the AEW fanbase. His debut also highlights the ongoing competition between WWE and AEW for top talent, as both companies look to build their rosters and attract viewers.

The details

Ciampa announced his departure from WWE on January 21, with his contract expiring on January 26. He had been discussing the move with his family for some time, ultimately deciding that AEW was the best fit for the next chapter of his career. Ciampa was immediately inserted into the TNT Championship picture, answering an open challenge issued by champion Mark Briscoe on this week's Dynamite. The two have a history dating back over a decade to their time in Ring of Honor.

  • Ciampa announced his WWE departure on January 21, 2026.
  • Ciampa's WWE contract expired on January 26, 2026.
  • Ciampa will challenge for the TNT Championship this Saturday, January 31, 2026, on AEW Collision.

The players

Tommaso Ciampa

A veteran professional wrestler who spent over a decade in WWE, known for his 'Psycho Killer' persona. He has now signed with All Elite Wrestling.

Mark Briscoe

The current AEW TNT Champion, a longtime independent wrestling star who is part of the legendary Briscoe Brothers tag team.

Tony Khan

The president and founder of All Elite Wrestling, who welcomed Ciampa to the company with open arms.

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What they’re saying

“If I wrestled in the 90s, I'd wanna be a part of ECW… Early 2000s, you wanna be a part of Ring of Honor. I was lucky I got to do that a little bit. 2010s, I think for me at least, I wanted to be part of NXT Black and Gold. And when I looked at the landscape of professional wrestling in the 2020s… the answer was AEW, man. That's what I want to be a part of.”

— Tommaso Ciampa

“For a long time, I had to listen to people tell me, not so much directly to my face but more so online, that 2018 was prime Ciampa. I'm a hundred times better now than I was then. That was nothing. That was absolutely nothing. I'm physically better. I'm mentally sharper. My storytelling, my psychology is on a whole different level than it was back then… what people are about to see is going to blow their minds. It's gonna shock the world, because I finally have a shot to find out if I'm as good as I think I am.”

— Tommaso Ciampa

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Ciampa's move to AEW represents a significant acquisition for the company, as they continue to build their roster and challenge WWE's dominance. The 'Psycho Killer' persona should resonate with the passionate AEW fanbase, and his match against Mark Briscoe for the TNT Championship this Saturday has the potential to be a highlight of the young year in pro wrestling.