Tommaso Ciampa may be charting a brand-new course after WWEbut according to Jim Ross, theres one place that makes perfect sense for him: AEW.
During an episode of Grilling JR, the legendary announcer weighed in on the chatter surrounding Ciampas WWE exit and where he might end up next. With JR fresh off a segment about Powerhouse Hobbs leaving AEW, the conversation quickly turned to Ciampa and whether Tony Khan should make a move.
JRs comments come at a pivotal moment. Ciampa recently confirmed his WWE contract is ending and for the first time in over a decade, hes open to outside appearances, bookings, and even acting gigs. The former NXT Champion is also trademarking Psycho Killer and Psycho King, signaling a possible character reboot on the indie sceneor beyond. But its not just AEW in the conversation.
In the January 23, 2026 edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that Ciampa could be headed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, not AEWat least not right away.
While Meltzer acknowledged that Ciampa fits AEWs style, he pointed out that the companys crowded roster might make it harder for him to stand out. Ciampas recent push for indie dates also suggests he didnt leave WWE with a Tony Khan deal already in place:
So where does that leave Ciampa? Japan. AEW. Or everywhere in between. Hes got the freedom nowand JR believes the right call might still be coming from Jacksonville.
With WWE behind him and nothing locked in yet, Ciampa might be about to reinvent himself on his own terms. Whether its a violent reset in New Japan, a surprise debut on Dynamite, or a coast-to-coast indie renaissance under the Psycho King bannerhes no longer NXTs Blackheart.
Where do you want to see Tommaso Ciampa landJapan, AEW, or a full indie takeover? Drop your dream booking scenario in the comments.
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