WWE set for another exit as top star nears contract end: “Finishing his time up”

WWE could soon be preparing for another notable departure, with reports indicating that Tommaso Ciampa is approaching the end of his current contract.

According to Bodyslam.net, later corroborated by F4WOnline, the veteran star is expected to leave the company once his deal expires, which is believed to be imminent.

The report adds that Ciampa “plans on finishing his time up with the company without a renewal,” signaling a clear end to his current WWE chapter.

While no official confirmation has come from WWE or Ciampa himself, the situation points toward an impending exit rather than extended negotiations.

At this stage, it remains unclear whether the former NXT Champion intends to sign with another promotion or step away from in-ring competition altogether.

Recent absence raises further questions

Tommaso Ciampa has not competed on WWE programming since mid-December, with his last match taking place during a December 15 SmackDown taping in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

That bout aired on December 19 and saw Ciampa team with longtime partner Johnny Gargano in a losing effort against Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes.

Since then, Ciampa has been absent from television, further fueling speculation about his contractual status.

In contrast, Gargano is expected to continue with WWE as a singles competitor on SmackDown, suggesting that any potential exit would be limited to Ciampa rather than the DIY pairing as a whole.

A decorated career inside WWE

Ciampa’s résumé inside WWE is one of sustained success, particularly during his time in NXT. The 40-year-old is a two-time NXT Champion and played a major role in shaping the brand during its most critically acclaimed era.

Alongside Gargano, he also captured the NXT Tag Team Championships, cementing their legacy as one of the brand’s most influential duos.

His success extended to the main roster as well, where he became a two-time WWE Tag Team Champion. Prior to his WWE run, Tommaso Ciampa also held the ROH World Television Championship, underlining his credibility across multiple major promotions.

With his contract nearing its conclusion and no renewal expected, Ciampa’s next move remains one of the more intriguing questions heading into the new year.