Tommaso Ciampa’s Next Destination After WWE Exit Revealed

Tommaso Ciampa may have just walked away from WWE, but his next move could be just as big—and according to a new report, it might not be AEW.

In the January 23, 2026 edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer revealed that Ciampa is reportedly eyeing a move to New Japan Pro-Wrestling following his WWE departure. Meltzer wrote: “There is talk of him trying to get into New Japan.”

While Ciampa has the in-ring intensity and grit that would fit AEW’s style, Meltzer explained why a debut there may not be immediate. He also noted that Ciampa’s recent push for independent bookings might suggest he didn’t leave WWE with an AEW deal already in place.

“He’d fit in style wise with AEW but AEW has such a large roster filled with top talent so it’s a tough place to break through. The fact he’s pushing indie bookings would seem to indicate he didn’t leave for AEW and a deal there, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see such a deal happen given Tony Khan signing so many people and he’s a strong in-ring wrestler.”

That indie push seems to be in full swing. On January 21, Ciampa confirmed on Instagram that his contract will end soon and he’s open to all outside appearances for the first time in over a decade. His statement read:

“With that said, 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.”

Now, the former NXT Champion is also taking steps to lock down his post-WWE identity. According to trademark records, Ciampa filed new trademarks for “Psycho Killer” and “Psycho King,” under serial numbers 99606768 and 99606774.

Longtime fans will remember Psycho Killer as a nickname Ciampa used during his early indie run—often paired with a cold stare and the haunting sounds of Talking Heads. Psycho King looks to be the natural evolution of that persona, refined for a wider audience and a possible international stage.

With WWE in the rearview and his creative slate wide open, Ciampa may be about to reinvent himself in a way that few wrestlers get the chance to do. Whether it’s Tokyo, Jacksonville, or a coast-to-coast indie run—he’s no longer the Blackheart of NXT. He’s now the king of his own destiny.

Where do you want to see Tommaso Ciampa go next—Japan, AEW, or something else entirely? Let us know in the comments and drop your booking dream match.

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