Tommaso Ciampa is officially back—and he’s 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 AEW’s world without saying a word.
As Mark Briscoe stood in the ring, issuing an open challenge for this Saturday’s 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 ring—face-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 Ciampa’s 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 didn’t just leave WWE—he’s kicking the door down elsewhere.
From mystery lights-out moments to a silent confrontation that spoke volumes, Ciampa’s AEW arrival as “Psycho Killer” isn’t just a return—it’s a statement. He’s here, he’s unhinged, and he’s ready for Collision. Saturday night, it’s Briscoe vs. Psycho Killer—and we’ve only seen the beginning.
