WWE
The landscape of professional wrestling shifted once again on Wednesday night as Tommaso Ciampa made his surprise debut on AEW Dynamite. The arrival comes just days after reports surfaced that the veteran performer had opted not to renew his contract with WWE. While fans knew he was a free agent, few expected him to resurface on national television with such immediacy, wasting no time in making his presence felt in his new home.
The stage was set following a hard-hitting TNT Championship match. The current champion, Mark Briscoe, successfully defended his title against El Clon in a gritty contest. Following the bell, Briscoe grabbed the microphone to address the live crowd and the audience watching at home. Looking for his next fight, Briscoe issued an open challenge for this Saturday’s episode of AEW Collision, which takes place in Arlington, Texas. However, the champion added a specific caveat to the challenge: he would fight anyone, as long as they were not a member of the Don Callis Family.
Tommaso Ciampa Answers The Call For Collision
As Briscoe awaited an answer, the arena plunged into darkness, a classic trope that sent the crowd into a frenzy. When the lights came back up, Tommaso Ciampa was standing in the ring. The former WWE star stared down the champion, officially accepting the open challenge. The segment confirmed that Ciampa will wrestle his first match for the promotion this Saturday night with gold on the line.
Ciampa’s transition to AEW has been lightning-fast. It was only earlier this month that reports confirmed his contract was set to expire and that he would be leaving the company. Just last night, his profile was officially removed from the WWE roster page, signaling the formal end of his tenure there. By appearing on Dynamite less than 24 hours later, Ciampa has made it clear that he intends to be a major player immediately. Fans in Arlington will now be treated to a blockbuster title match between two of the most intense competitors in the industry.
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The "Psycho Killer" Tommaso Ciampa has answered @SussexCoChicken's challenge #AEWCollision for THIS SATURDAY NIGHT!
Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/YPnzLL2hZo
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) January 29, 2026
https://x.com/WrestlePurists/status/2016691048374845748
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