Tommaso Ciampa revived the infamous WWE betrayal of Johnny Gargano during the 2017 NXT era on the latest AEW Collision episode, showcasing his signature heel turn once again. This marked a notable moment as Ciampa’s WWE betrayal theme returned in his new AEW environment, drawing attention to his evolving character while using his well-known tactic of turning on trusted allies.
From DIY Beginnings to a Legendary Split
Ciampa and Gargano originally formed the tag team DIY in WWE NXT in 2016, quickly establishing themselves as a formidable duo with their NXT Tag Team Championship victory at NXT TakeOver Toronto the same year. Their partnership came to a dramatic end in 2017 when Ciampa shocked audiences by attacking Gargano, driving him into the titantron in a defining moment of wrestling history. This betrayal launched Ciampa’s singles career, eventually earning him two NXT Championship titles.
Transition to AEW and Renewed Rivalries
Following a reunion on WWE’s main roster, the partnership between Ciampa and Gargano concluded definitively when Ciampa’s contract expired in January, leading to his departure from WWE. Shortly thereafter, Ciampa debuted at AEW, where he secured the TNT Championship title within a week. After losing the championship to Kyle Fletcher, Ciampa’s allegiance became a focal point, with the tag team FTR attempting to recruit him.
Reenacting a Classic Betrayal Within AEW
On AEW Collision, Ciampa further cemented his heel persona by echoing his past betrayal, this time targeting Mark Briscoe instead of Gargano. After Briscoe approached him in the ring, Ciampa rejected any alliance and replicated the titantron attack that ended his partnership with Gargano nine years earlier, signaling a similar fracture in his new wrestling circle.
WHAT THE HELL, @MRTOMMASOCIAMPA?! Watch #AEWCollision LIVE on TNT & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/v7N7HN3155
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 8, 2026
Implications for Ciampa’s AEW Career and Future Storylines
This reenactment of Ciampa’s infamous WWE betrayal serves to deepen his character’s narrative in AEW, emphasizing a consistent willingness to sever ties when beneficial. It also opens doors for new rivalries and alliances within AEW’s competitive environment, suggesting ongoing tension and storyline developments involving Ciampa and other prominent figures like FTR and Mark Briscoe. Fans and commentators will be watching closely how this heels’ trajectory unfolds after his dramatic actions on Collision.
WHAT THE HELL, @MRTOMMASOCIAMPA?!
Watch #AEWCollision LIVE on TNT & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/v7N7HN3155
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 8, 2026
