Tommaso Ciampa, formerly a WWE star, has taken on a villainous role in AEW since his debut in January 2026. Just days after arriving in the Jacksonville-based promotion, he captured the TNT Championship from Mark Briscoe and defended it successfully in notable matches. However, his reign ended when Kyle Fletcher defeated him on Dynamite, prompting Ciampa to turn heel by betraying the veteran Briscoe, evoking memories of his infamous betrayal of Johnny Gargano in WWE NXT.
Highlights of Ciampa’s AEW Championship Run and Rivalries
Ciampa’s initial impact in AEW was swift and decisive. After winning the TNT Championship from Mark Briscoe only three days after his first appearance, he showcased his dominance by retaining the belt in a challenging three-way match against Claudio Castagnoli and Roderick Strong. Despite this strong start, his hold on the title was relatively short-lived, as Kyle Fletcher dethroned him on Dynamite, marking a turning point in Ciampa’s AEW career.
Following the loss, Ciampa remained determined to reclaim his championship but suffered an unsettling defeat to Daniel Garcia due to unintended interference from Briscoe. This incident sparked palpable tension, setting the stage for Ciampa’s drastic shift to a heel persona within the AEW locker room.
Ciampa’s Intense Public Callout of Mark Briscoe
In a moment charged with frustration and raw emotion, Ciampa took to X to express his grievances sharply directed at Mark Briscoe. He questioned Briscoe’s presence at the arena despite him being on commentary, then launched into a candid statement about feeling underappreciated and ready to cast aside pretenses.
“Mark, you have had your chance. Matter of fact, you had seven chances, and you lost. It is time for you to move on. Time for you to go away. And if you can’t figure out how to do that on your own, allow me to help you go away. I’m tired. I am tired. I’m exhausted. Tired of pretending. since day one, smile more, say the right things, Mark Briscoe, class act, nothing but love and respect. Wrong! Wrong, lies. It feels good. It feels good because I guess I’m a villain at heart and that’s okay. I’m okay with that. What feels good is to no longer pretend. What doesn’t feel good is the disrespect. I’m sick of it. Because I’m the best me. I’m the best damn wrestler alive. And nobody, not a soul. I mean, nobody gives me the respect that I deserve. So, you want to get real? Yeah, we can get real. Let’s get real. Because sh*t’s about to get real. Everybody, everybody’s on notice… The Psycho Killer is alive.”
— Tommaso Ciampa, AEW Wrestler
This confrontation signals Ciampa’s full embrace of his darker persona as “The Psycho Killer,” a name known to fans from his previous career, now revitalized in AEW.
The Impact of Ciampa’s Heel Turn on AEW Storylines
Ciampa’s change in character not only harks back to his WWE days, particularly recalling his betrayal of Johnny Gargano, but also injects a new intensity into the AEW narratives. His public declaration and rejection of respect from fellow wrestlers set a hostile and tense tone throughout the locker room. Fans and insiders alike are watching closely to see how this heel turn will reshape power dynamics, rivalries, and future championship pursuits within the promotion.
The transition also deepens the significance of Ciampa’s ongoing feud with Mark Briscoe, promising renewed confrontations and emotional storytelling that could become a central AEW storyline. As he fully adopts his “villain at heart” identity, Ciampa brings a sense of unpredictability and menace to the promotion.
Fans Anticipate The Psycho Killer’s Next Moves
The wrestling world now awaits what The Psycho Killer will do following this fierce declaration. Whether Ciampa’s heel role leads to a comeback for the TNT Championship or escalates into fresh, high-stakes rivalries, his presence in AEW guarantees compelling action. His articulate and intense grievances reveal a wrestler determined to prove his worth and demand respect, setting the scene for exciting developments ahead.
For those following AEW, keeping an eye on Ciampa’s journey will be essential as he navigates this darker path and strives to redefine himself within a new wrestling landscape.
— Tommaso Ciampa (@MrTommasoCiampa) March 8, 2026
