Tommaso Ciampa’s tenure with WWE seems to be approaching a close for the foreseeable future, sparking interest among fans and industry professionals alike. The former NXT Champion has not appeared on SmackDown since the show’s December 19 episode, where he and his longtime tag team partner, Johnny Gargano, were defeated by Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes.
While Ciampa has been absent, Gargano has remained a visible and active competitor on the Blue Brand. He participated in a thrilling match against Hayes for the Men’s United States Championship, although he did not secure the title. Gargano is also scheduled to face Axiom next week in Berlin, Germany, as he continues to carve out his path in singles competition.
According to sources from BodySlam, Ciampa’s contract with WWE is set to expire, and he is reportedly opting not to renew it. The reasons behind his decision remain ambiguous; it is uncertain whether he plans to seek opportunities outside of WWE or if he is simply looking to take some personal time away from wrestling.
Ciampa and Gargano, known collectively as #DIY, reunited in October 2022 and made their WrestleMania debut together in 2024. While they did not win the Raw or SmackDown Tag Team Titles during their appearance, they successfully captured the newly rebranded WWE Tag Team Championship twice since then.
It is noteworthy that Ciampa’s departure comes at a time when he appeared to be gaining momentum for a potential singles push. His ongoing rivalry with Dragunov was building excitement, but ultimately, it did not culminate in a championship win.
As fans await updates regarding Ciampa’s future in professional wrestling, the narrative surrounding both him and Gargano adds a layer of intrigue to the WWE landscape. The organization continues to evolve, showcasing the talents of its superstars and providing opportunities for new storylines and rivalries to emerge.