The long and storied tenure of Tommaso Ciampa in WWE appears to be reaching its conclusion. Reports indicate that the “Sicilian Psychopath,” a cornerstone of the NXT brand and a key figure on the main roster as part of DIY, is set to depart the company upon the expiration of his current contract.
Over the last two weeks, eagle-eyed fans have noticed a significant change in the presentation of Johnny Gargano. The “Rebel Heart” has been appearing on WWE television accompanied only by his wife, Candice LeRae, with his tag team partner notably absent.
This sudden shift has now been contextualized by a report from BodySlam.net. The report claims that Ciampa’s absence is indicative of his looming exit.
According to the report, Ciampa’s contract is “coming up,” and he has made the decision to finish his time with the company without signing a renewal. While the exact date of his final day remains unconfirmed, the writing appears to be on the wall for the former NXT Champion.
“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 sign a new deal and is planning on going elsewhere or wants to take time off without a deal,” the report stated.
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Ciampa was last seen on WWE programming during the December 19 episode of “Friday Night SmackDown.” On that night, he teamed with Gargano in a losing effort against the powerhouse duo of Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes.
The match, which showcased the rising stock of Dragunov and Hayes, may serve as the unceremonious swan song for one of the modern era’s most beloved tag teams. The uncertainty surrounding Ciampa’s future moves adds an intriguing layer to the story.
It remains unknown whether the 40-year-old veteran intends to jump to a competitor like AEW, where he would likely find fresh matchups and creative freedom. Or if he plans to step away from the ring entirely to heal his body.
Ciampa has a well-documented history of severe neck injuries, and a break from the WWE schedule could be a motivating factor in his decision. If this is indeed the end of Ciampa’s WWE run, it marks the close of a significant chapter.
His rivalry and partnership with Gargano defined the “Black and Gold” era of NXT. It produced some of the most acclaimed matches in company history. Their reunion on the main roster as DIY was a fan-service moment many thought would lead to a lengthy Tag Team Championship reign. However, with Gargano now moving forward with LeRae by his side, WWE seems to be quietly preparing for a future without the “Blackheart.”
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