Tommaso Ciampa is officially backand hes no longer holding back.
Just days after launching new Psycho Killer merchandise and trademark filings signaled a fresh chapter outside WWE, Ciampa made a dramatic appearance during the January 28, 2026 episode of AEW Dynamite. Under his new post-WWE persona, Psycho Killer, he appeared live on the show and inserted himself into AEWs world without saying a word.
As Mark Briscoe stood in the ring, issuing an open challenge for this Saturdays episode of AEW Collision, the lights suddenly cut out. Then, the music hit. When the lights came back on, the man now known again as Psycho Killer was standing in the ringface-to-face with Briscoe. The crowd erupted, and then AEW immediately cut to commercial, leaving fans buzzing and the challenge unspoken, but crystal clear.
This marks Ciampas first wrestling appearance since his WWE departure was confirmed. Earlier this month, he thanked the company in a public statement and announced his intent to wrestle for another decade. His Pro Wrestling Tees store launched five brand-new shirts and a hoodie under the Psycho Killer and Psycho Kid branding, just as he filed trademarks for Psycho Killer and Psycho King.
Reports had hinted at talks with NJPW, interest from AEW, and a wide-open indie schedule. But this surprise AEW appearance shows that Ciampa didnt just leave WWEhes kicking the door down elsewhere.
From mystery lights-out moments to a silent confrontation that spoke volumes, Ciampas AEW arrival as Psycho Killer isnt just a returnits a statement. Hes here, hes unhinged, and hes ready for Collision. Saturday night, its Briscoe vs. Psycho Killerand weve only seen the beginning.
Are you glad to see Ciampa land in AEW? What do you think of the Psycho Killer persona making its return? Drop your thoughts below and let us know how big this run could be.
