Tommaso Ciampa’s Journey in AEW

Tommaso Ciampa is on a high note these days. Since joining AEW in January 2026, this former WWE and NXT star has been enjoying amazing matches and adventures around the globe with his family. His year of dreams culminates in what feels like a homecoming as he prepares to face a well-known opponent from his NXT days—Andrade El Idolo—for the AEW National Championship at WrestleDream.

Recently, Ciampa teamed up with Samoa Joe to take on Will Ospreay and Andrade on AEW Dynamite. I had the chance to sit down with him to discuss the upcoming match, his wrestling journey, and what transitioning to AEW has meant for him.

One striking thing about Ciampa is his deep understanding of the wrestling business. He speaks highly of his fellow wrestlers and expresses gratitude for coming up during a different era in the industry.

“Honestly, if I had started today with the overwhelming influence of social media, I might’ve struggled to find my way,” Ciampa admits. “I feel fortunate to have trained in a time when hard work and dedication took precedence. If it had relied solely on social media, I would probably not have thrived.”

Not many active wrestlers can claim they trained under legends like Killer Kowalski and Harley Race, but Ciampa did just that in the New England independent scene. He worked for promotions like Chaotic Wrestling and Top Rope Promotions, where he really honed his craft. “Killer would take us out for lunch after training and would encourage us to ask as many questions as we wanted. His main message, ‘Make the people believe,’ shaped my approach to wrestling,” he reflects.

This ethos has helped define his current “Psycho Killer” character, and he anticipates that his showdown with Andrade at WrestleDream will feel quite different from their NXT battles.

“We’re witnessing the best version of Andrade right now,” Ciampa states, acknowledging his opponent’s remarkable performances and growing popularity, particularly with the “How you know?” catchphrase. “I had a three-way match with him in Mexico recently, and the response when his music played was electric.”

Clearly, Andrade is the favorite going into their match, something Ciampa recognizes. Yet, he believes that the true pressure lies internally for both competitors.

“It’s a fascinating dynamic between two men who are both driven and eager to prove themselves—perhaps more to themselves than to anyone else. Our careers have crossed paths in interesting ways, and now they’re converging again,” says Ciampa.

Ciampa’s transition to AEW has been smooth, especially given his extensive history with many wrestlers from his past. He reflects on being part of a faction in Ring of Honor with Prince Nana, his notable rivalries with figures like Hangman Adam Page and Roderick Strong, and how Samoa Joe even introduced him to his wife. Now, he’s back in a locker room with these familiar faces, although at a different point in his career.

“When you travel and spend time with someone for months or years, then go separate ways, it feels like reconnecting with an old friend once you meet again,” he shares. “I remember when I ran into Mark Briscoe again—just a big hug and right back to catching up on everything. It’s been a very natural adjustment.”

A significant part of this transition was ensuring that it worked for his family, particularly his eight-year-old daughter, Willow, who has cheered for him on AEW. It’s not just a chance to reunite with old friends; it’s also about creating new memories.

“We’ve traveled to places like London, Scotland, and Montreal. I hope to take them to Mexico or even France next. The experiences we’ve had together have been incredible and wouldn’t have happened if we hadn’t made this change. Looking back, it’s amazing to see how much it means for all of us, especially for Willow. A lot of what I do is for her,” he shares with warmth.

However, Japan is one place where Ciampa lacks significant experience. Outside of a WWE house show, he hasn’t faced many of the top wrestlers there. When asked about the growing AEW presence in NJPW, he quickly mentioned one name he’d like to wrestle.

“Shingo [Takagi] has always been on my mind as someone I’d love to share the ring with,” he responds thoughtfully. “I’m not sure how my body would handle a full tour or the G1 Tournament at this stage, but I’d be all in for a few shows.”

Gratitude and reflection guide Ciampa’s journey, which naturally leads me to ask wrestlers about their personal Mt. Rushmore of pro wrestling—those four figures who influenced them the most, not necessarily the best performers.

“First would be Ivar, known as Handsome Johnny, because we trained together at Chaotic Wrestling. He’s had a significant impact on my development as a wrestler due to the countless hours we spent together.”

“Second is Todd ‘Fat Pants’ Sinclair, the senior official from ROH. We both came up in the same school, and he’s shaped my wrestling psychology more than anyone else.”

“Then there’s Shawn Michaels, who guided me during my NXT period. His insights were invaluable, and there’s no one else who could teach me like he did.”

“Finally, Johnny Gargano. We journeyed together for over a decade. When we arrived in NXT, he was the underdog babyface while I was still finding my identity. He really helped me settle into my heel role. Without Johnny’s early support, I doubt either of us would have achieved what we have.”

As Ciampa’s impressive 21-year wrestling career enters a new era at WrestleDream this Saturday, he aims to claim his first piece of AEW gold against Andrade El Idolo. Regardless of the outcome, Tommaso Ciampa feels at home in his wrestling life, which he believes is more important than any titles.

AEW WrestleDream will be live at 8 p.m. ET on PPV, with a preshow starting at 7 p.m. ET free on YouTube.