New report links Ciampa to New Japan as he opens bookings and files fresh trademarks
Summary
– Dave Meltzer reports there is talk of Tommaso Ciampa trying to get into New Japan Pro-Wrestling after leaving WWE
– Ciampa announced he is open for appearances and indie bookings for the first time in more than a decade
– New trademark filings for “Psycho Killer” and “Psycho King” hint at his next character direction outside WWE
Tommaso Ciampa’s next chapter is already taking shape, and a new report suggests Japan could be the landing spot. In the January 23, 2026, Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that there is talk of Ciampa trying to join New Japan Pro-Wrestling following his WWE departure.
The report also explained why an AEW move may not be immediate, despite Ciampa’s style aligning with the promotion’s in-ring approach. Meltzer noted AEW’s stacked roster makes it difficult to break through quickly and pointed out that Ciampa’s push of independent bookings could indicate he did not exit WWE with an AEW deal already lined up, even if that door remains possible down the road.
Ciampa has also made it clear he is ready to work everywhere. He posted that his contract is ending soon and that he is available for a wide range of outside opportunities, including appearances, signings, seminars, media projects, and sponsorships, marking his first open availability in more than ten years.
At the same time, Ciampa is establishing his identity in the post-WWE world. Trademark filings show applications for “Psycho Killer” and “Psycho King,” signaling a potential branding shift and a return to an aura longtime fans associate with his earlier independent run.
If Ciampa does land in New Japan, it could give him a fresh platform to quickly rebuild momentum, with a clear lane for high-level matches and a global spotlight. Wherever he shows up first, the early signs point to a wrestler moving fast to control his brand and map out his next major run.
