Silent debut signals a new chapter outside WWE
Summary
– Tommaso Ciampa appeared on the January 28 AEW Dynamite under the Psycho Killer name
– The debut came during a lights-out confrontation with Mark Briscoe
– It marked Ciampa’s first on-screen appearance since leaving WWE
Tommaso Ciampa made his return to professional wrestling television with a surprise appearance on the January 28, 2026, episode of AEW Dynamite.
Appearing under the revived Psycho Killer persona, Ciampa entered without speaking and immediately made a dramatic entrance.
As Mark Briscoe stood in the ring issuing an open challenge for the upcoming episode of AEW Collision, the arena lights abruptly went out.
When the lights returned, Ciampa was standing directly across from Briscoe, drawing an instant reaction from the crowd.
AEW cut to commercial moments later, leaving the confrontation unresolved but clearly setting the stage for what comes next.
The appearance followed recent trademark filings for Psycho Killer and Psycho King, as well as the launch of new merchandise tied to the character.
Ciampa previously confirmed his departure from WWE earlier this month and stated his intention to continue wrestling for years to come.
While reports had linked him to multiple promotions, this surprise Dynamite moment confirmed his immediate presence within AEW.
Without a single word spoken, Ciampa’s return delivered a clear message and shifted attention toward Collision this Saturday.
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
