Johnny Gargano Reacts to Tommaso Ciampa’s WWE Exit Announcement

Tommaso Ciampa is officially done with WWE — and his longtime tag partner Johnny Gargano just weighed in.

Hours after Ciampa confirmed the end of his WWE tenure via a heartfelt two-page Instagram statement, Gargano took to Instagram with his own emotional post. He uploaded a backstage photo of himself watching Ciampa on a monitor and simply captioned it with a black heart emoji: 🖤 — a direct reference to Ciampa’s longtime WWE nickname, The Blackheart.

For longtime fans of DIY and the black-and-gold era of NXT, that one emoji said it all. The Blackheart has always been Ciampa’s identity in WWE, and the gesture wasn’t just a nod—it was a tribute. One friend seeing off another, not with words, but with respect.

Ciampa’s own message made it clear he’s stepping away on good terms. He thanked everyone from crew members to his black-and-gold family, fans, and especially his wife and daughter. He framed the end of his WWE run not as retirement, but as the next chapter in a three-decade wrestling journey.

“In the very near future, my contract with WWE will officially come to an end,” Ciampa wrote. “I have one decade remaining and I’m beyond excited for whatever challenges lie ahead. For the first time in over ten years, I am available for all appearances, signings, photo ops, seminars, movies, TV appearances, fitness collaborations, sponsorships and so forth.”

Gargano’s tribute didn’t need to spell anything out. DIY’s story—marked by triumph, betrayal, redemption, and brotherhood—was always more than just wrestling. And now, that story enters its next phase… apart, but never disconnected.

As Ciampa leaves WWE with grace and gratitude, Johnny Gargano’s silent tribute reminds fans just how much the DIY story meant. One black heart, one era ended, and maybe someday—one reunion still to come.

What did you think of Johnny Gargano’s tribute to Tommaso Ciampa? Do you want to see DIY reunite in WWE one day? Drop your thoughts below!