The WWE Universe is buzzing with speculation as Tommaso Ciampa’s future with the company appears to be hanging in the balance. The 38-year-old wrestler, known for his fierce persona and pivotal role in the black-and-gold era of NXT, has been noticeably absent from WWE television for the past two weeks. Reports from multiple reputable sources, including Bodyslam.net and BodySlam+, now suggest that Ciampa’s contract is nearing its expiration, and he does not intend to renew his deal with WWE. This development has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, as fans and insiders alike try to piece together what might come next for the "Sicilian Psychopath."
Ciampa’s absence has not gone unnoticed. While his longtime tag team partner Johnny Gargano has continued to make appearances on WWE SmackDown—most recently challenging Carmelo Hayes for the United States Championship on January 2, 2026—Ciampa has been missing from the spotlight. Gargano’s wife, Candice LeRae, has also been featured alongside him, further fueling speculation about the status of the beloved DIY tag team. The last time Ciampa was seen on WWE programming was the December 19, 2025 episode of SmackDown, where he and Gargano suffered a defeat at the hands of Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes in tag team action.
According to Bodyslam.net, "Sources indicate to Bodyslam that Tommaso Ciampa's contract is coming up, and he plans on finishing his time with the company without a renewal. It's unclear if Ciampa chose not to sign a new deal and is planning on going elsewhere or wants to take time off without a deal." This statement echoes across nearly every report, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding Ciampa’s next move. Will he seek new opportunities in another promotion, such as AEW, or will he take a well-deserved break from the ring, perhaps to recover from his well-documented neck injuries? For now, the answer remains elusive.
Ciampa’s journey with WWE began in 2015, and he quickly became one of the cornerstones of NXT. His intense rivalry and eventual partnership with Johnny Gargano as DIY defined a golden era for the brand, producing some of the most acclaimed matches in recent memory. Together, DIY captured the WWE Tag Team Titles on December 6, 2024, defeating The Motor City Machine Guns and holding the belts for 98 days before dropping them to The Street Profits on March 5, 2025. Their chemistry, both as partners and adversaries, earned them a special place in the hearts of wrestling fans.
Ciampa’s individual accolades are equally impressive. He is a two-time NXT Champion, and his reign in 2018—though ultimately cut short by a serious neck injury—was marked by a series of brutal, dramatic matches that showcased his resilience and storytelling prowess. Reflecting on his time in NXT, Ciampa once told Chris Van Vliet, "I hope I get what I want out of this. Because I felt like there was a time in NXT where I felt very satisfied I guess, I don't know if that's the exact right word. But I felt very accomplished with like what we did and created. When we were in NXT. Like, there's this false, awful narrative that has now since been created that drives me crazy because people will look back at some of the NXT stuff and just be like, Yeah, well, they didn't want to go up or they didn't want to get called up or like they were scared of this or it's like no, no, we were creating, like, that group of guys."
He continued, "NXT blew up when it came from, like Sami Zayn and Claudio Cesaro, to the Kevin stuff to Bayley and Sasha and then our group coming in like with Finn and Shin and then into like Johnny and I and Undisputed. Like if you were in that room at that moment, like you knew how special it was, it'd be like going to ECW and saying like, Hey, Tommy Dreamer, and Sandman and Raven. You guys don't want to leave this place and go, you know, because WWE that's where the big stars are. You're wanting to do like WrestleMania isn't like, yes, but yeah, I want to see if we can make this WrestleMania first."
Despite his storied run in NXT, Ciampa’s main roster tenure has been less decorated. Since moving up, he has yet to achieve a major milestone individually, though his reunion with Gargano as DIY was celebrated by fans. In recent months, the duo had been booked as comedic heels, a shift that some believe may have contributed to Ciampa’s decision to seek a new challenge or step away from the business for a while.
The speculation about Ciampa’s future is only intensified by the uncertainty surrounding his next steps. With no official word from the man himself, fans are left to wonder if he’ll show up in another major promotion or simply take some time to heal and reflect. His history of neck injuries is well-known, and a break from the grueling WWE schedule could be just what the doctor ordered. Still, the possibility of a fresh start in a different wrestling environment is an enticing prospect for both Ciampa and his supporters.
Meanwhile, Johnny Gargano continues to carry the DIY banner on SmackDown, albeit without his iconic partner. His recent challenge for the United States Championship, though unsuccessful, demonstrated that Gargano remains a significant player on the blue brand. With Candice LeRae by his side, Gargano’s storylines have taken on new dimensions, but the shadow of Ciampa’s absence looms large.
The impact of Ciampa’s potential departure cannot be overstated. He has been a cornerstone of the Triple H era and a driving force behind some of WWE’s most compelling storytelling. Whether as a ruthless heel or a gritty underdog, Ciampa’s intensity and authenticity have set him apart in a crowded field. If this truly is the end of his WWE journey, he leaves behind a legacy defined by passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.
As of now, fans and insiders alike are left waiting for official confirmation on Ciampa’s plans. Will he walk away from the business altogether, or is a new chapter about to begin elsewhere? Only time will tell. For now, the wrestling world watches and waits, knowing that whatever Tommaso Ciampa decides, it will be a decision made on his own terms.
One thing’s certain: Ciampa’s story in WWE has been nothing short of remarkable. Whether this is the final act or merely a pause, he has earned his place in the annals of wrestling history. Stay tuned for further updates as Ciampa’s next move unfolds.
