End Of An Era: Tommaso Ciampa Confirms WWE Departure Once Contract Expires
The heartbeat of NXT’s “Black and Gold” era is officially moving on. After a decade that saw him rise from a tag team specialist to a two-time NXT Champion, Tommaso Ciampa has confirmed that he will be leaving WWE upon the expiration of his contract.
For wrestling fans, this isn’t just a roster change; it is the closing of a definitive chapter. Ciampa wasn’t just a wrestler on the brand; for many years, he was the brand of the Black and Gold Era Of NXT.
The Announcement Heard ‘Round the World
Ciampa broke the news directly to his fanbase via a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter). Rather than a bitter exit or a sudden release, the message signaled a mutual conclusion to a ten-year run. In his statement, Ciampa took the high road, expressing gratitude to the production crews, the creative staff, and the locker room.
He specifically thanked the “black and gold family,” a nod to the specific era of NXT where he did his best work. No Joke he was my favorite heel of that era of wrestling and it broke my heart hearing all about that neck surgery.
Reports had been circling for weeks that negotiations were at a stalemate. Industry insiders noted that Ciampa’s contract was nearing its end date. His confirmation validated those rumors, shifting the conversation from “will he stay?” to “where will he go?”
A Heartfelt Tribute from Johnny Gargano
You cannot talk about Tommaso Ciampa without talking about Johnny Gargano. Their careers are inextricably linked as #DIY—a tag team that defined excellence. They were also very bitter rivals who produced a series of matches that are often cited as some of the best the company has ever produced.
Fittingly, Gargano was one of the first to publicly acknowledge the news. He didn’t write a long essay or post a video. Instead, he shared a simple, poignant backstage photo of the two of them, captioned only with a black heart emoji.
It was an understated but powerful gesture. For fans who have followed their journey from the independent circuit to the main event of TakeOver specials, the image spoke volumes. It represented the end of a partnership that has been the backbone of NXT programming for years. The reaction from the wider locker room was similar, with tributes pouring in that highlighted the immense respect Ciampa commands as a veteran and a locker room leader.
The Legacy of the “Black and Gold” Brand
To understand the weight of this departure, you have to look at Ciampa’s resume. He re-signed with WWE in 2016, and his trajectory was almost vertical from that point on.
As one half of DIY, he helped revitalize tag team wrestling in WWE. As a singles competitor, his turn on Gargano at TakeOver: Chicago remains one of the most shocking moments in recent memory. His subsequent run as “Goldie’s” protector—the NXT Champion—cemented him as the top villain, and eventually the top anti-hero, of the brand.
Ciampa represents a specific style of wrestling: hard-hitting, narrative-driven, and intensely physical. His exit leaves a significant creative gap. WWE loses a veteran who could be slotted into any position on the card, from opening tag matches to main event title fights, and deliver a credible performance.
What Comes Next for Ciampa and WWE?
For Ciampa, the world is wide open. Once his contract officially expires, he will be a free agent. The wrestling landscape in 2026 is vast with options including AEW, NJPW, CMLL, Independent Circuit, MLPW, etc. Out of the options, I think TNA would be very interesting. Especially with TNA now on AMC and loosing notable names as well, Ciampa would easily stand out in that promotion.
FAQ
Q: Is Tommaso Ciampa leaving WWE immediately?
A: Not necessarily “immediately” in terms of walking out the door today, but he has confirmed his contract is expiring soon. He will likely finish out any remaining dates before officially becoming a free agent.
Q: Was Ciampa fired?
A: No. His contract is expiring, and he has chosen to move on. His farewell message indicated a grateful and deliberate exit rather than a termination.
Q: How did Johnny Gargano react to the news?
A: Gargano posted a photo of the two of them backstage with a black heart emoji, a silent but emotional tribute to their long history together.
Looking Forward To Ciampa’s Future
Given his pedigree and his ability to tell long-term stories, Ciampa will be a high-priority signing for any promoter. Whether he chooses to reunite with old friends elsewhere or carve out a completely new path, the industry will be watching his social channels closely for that first post-WWE booking.
One thing is certain: Tommaso Ciampa is leaving WWE on his own terms, leaving behind a legacy of excellence that will be hard to replicate.
