Veteran wrestler Dustin Rhodes expressed strong admiration for the newest AEW signing, Tommaso Ciampa, following Ciampa’s surprise television debut. The former NXT Champion, who recently left WWE, made his AEW appearance on Dynamite by responding to Mark Briscoe’s open challenge for the TNT Championship. Dustin Rhodes praised Ciampa’s toughness and dedication, emphasizing his belief that Ciampa will excel in AEW.
AEW president Tony Khan later confirmed Ciampa’s official signing by presenting him with the “All Elite” graphic. The wrestling community has shown mixed reactions to Ciampa joining AEW, but Rhodes stood out with his positive take when asked about the new star on the social platform X.
“Yes. @CiampaWWE is a gift to pro wrestling. He has ripped his way through the scene with grit! I have always watched and love his work. NOW @AEW HAS HIM. Watch him shine and not be put on the shelf. He is a bada**.🤘🏼”
?Dustin wrote.
Details on Tommaso Ciampa’s Upcoming AEW Matches
After his initial appearance, AEW confirmed that Ciampa’s in-ring debut will happen soon. He is set to challenge Mark Briscoe for the TNT Championship on the upcoming Collision episode this Saturday. This match marks a significant opportunity for Ciampa to showcase his skills to the AEW audience and establish his position in the company.
Dustin Rhodes Shares Update on His Possible Return Date
Dustin Rhodes himself has been sidelined since July 2025, when he lost the TNT Championship on Collision. Recently, he offered an update on his rehabilitation and hinted at a potential return timeline via a reply to a fan on X. Despite ongoing pain, particularly in the mornings, Rhodes said he remains determined to make a comeback, estimating he could return around March.
“They still hurt a bit, especially in the mornings. I do have a good ways to go. Remember I am 56 and pushing hard, just takes time. Not young anymore. Prob March I should be ready to kill everyone lol. Maybe, I am pushing hard my man,”
?Dustin wrote.
The wrestling world awaits to see when “The Natural” will resume competing in AEW events, as his experience and charisma continue to make him a fan favorite.
Yes. @CiampaWWE is a gift to pro wrestling. He has ripped his way through the scene with grit! I have always watched and love his work. NOW @AEW HAS HIM. Watch him shine and not be put on the shelf. He is a badass.🤘🏼 https://t.co/CYilnVoDH5
— Dustin Rhodes (@dustinrhodes) January 30, 2026
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
