Tommaso Ciampa Poised to Exit WWE in 2026: What Lies Behind the Rumors
3 January 2026
Context
Tommaso Ciampa, the longtime WWE veteran who rose through NXT, is reportedly nearing the end of his current WWE contract, with no public explanation yet given.
The year 2026 could begin with a notable departure from WWE, as reports indicate Ciampa is close to leaving when his deal expires.
According to BodySlam, Ciampa, just weeks after losing the tag team titles on SmackDown, does not intend to sign a new deal, meaning his exit would be official unless circumstances change.
He remains a veteran name inside the company, and would depart at the end of his current deal if things stay as they are.
What Happens Next
Earlier in discussions he was seen as someone being groomed for a long run under Triple H, one of the most influential decision-makers in the company.
With information scarce, several scenarios have emerged: Ciampa could have been offered a contract extension or a new deal, but the two sides failed to reach an agreement.
It is also possible WWE is not interested in offering a new contract at all, not an uncommon stance under the TKO ownership era, where expirations are allowed instead of immediate terminations.
Given Ciampa's recent WWE history, the move is intriguing. He was a top NXT star and a favorite of Triple H since that period.
Some believe the lack of promotion to the main roster under Triple H's creative leadership is surprising.
This could be one reason why Ciampa has decided to leave, perhaps because he felt underutilized after moving to the main shows.
Fans will remain curious until there is clarity about Ciampa's future.
Punchline 1: Ciampa's next move might be a heel-turn toward a new contract more suspense than a last-minute SmackDown cliffhanger.
Punchline 2: If this is a long con to get more money, at least he’ll be paid by the hour the way my coffee machine runs on Fridays.
