Mark Briscoe is preparing to face Tommaso Ciampa in Ciampa’s first AEW ring appearance, set for this weekend’s AEW Collision. This highly anticipated match will include Briscoe defending the TNT Championship, following Ciampa’s surprise debut on AEW Dynamite the previous night.
Ciampa’s Return to AEW and Historical Connection with Briscoe
Tommaso Ciampa is making his first match outside WWE since September 2016, when he last competed for PROGRESS Wrestling. He answered an open challenge from Mark Briscoe for the TNT Championship on Dynamite, setting the stage for their Saturday bout. The two wrestlers share history dating back to their encounters in Ring of Honor in 2013, providing added depth to their upcoming match.
Mark Briscoe’s Enthusiasm About Their Upcoming Bout
In a post-Dynamite promo on Twitter, Briscoe expressed enthusiasm about Ciampa’s arrival in AEW and the opportunity to face him once again. He reflected on how the moment unfolded during Dynamite in Austin, Texas.
“You know, I couldn’t have took a spiral notebook and a ballpoint pen and wrote it down any better than the way it happened in Austin, Texas,”
Briscoe said.
He continued vividly,
“After I ran through El Clon, I made a challenge. Anybody who wants it, meet me in Dallas, baby! The lights went out, the flames got a-blazing. The music hit, and a familiar face showed up at the top of the ramp.”
Briscoe’s words captured the electrifying atmosphere surrounding Ciampa’s surprise appearance.
Looking ahead, Briscoe expressed his readiness for the contest, stating,
“Tommaso Ciampa, long time brother! But hey, that’s what I like. That’s what I want to see. I said I’m here to reign and defend. Not to duck, not to dodge. I want the battle, I want the war; I want to fight, baby! So Tommaso! Man, I can’t wait for Saturday Night Collision. TNA Title on the line. Welcome to TNT; welcome to AEW-Dub.”
Significance of the Match and What to Expect
Saturday’s AEW Collision match marks an important milestone for Ciampa, transitioning from his well-known WWE tenure back into AEW’s competitive environment. For Briscoe, defending the TNT Championship against a formidable and familiar opponent adds excitement and stakes to the event. Fans can anticipate a hard-fought battle reflecting both athletes’ experience and mutual respect, as well as a defining moment early in Ciampa’s AEW career.
"I'm here to reign and defend; not to duck, not to dodge. I want the battle, I want the war, I want the FIGHT, baby!"
EXCLUSIVE: TNT Champion @SussexCoChicken looks to welcome the 'Psycho Killer' Tommaso Ciampa to AEW when they collide THIS SATURDAY on #AEWCollision! pic.twitter.com/dBA2AYQFe0
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) January 29, 2026
