Here's your Wrestling News Briefing for Wednesday, January 22, 2026, covering the biggest stories from WWE, AEW, and the world of professional wrestling.
Tommaso Ciampa Confirms WWE Departure, Files New Trademarks
Tommaso Ciampa has officially announced that he will be departing WWE in the "very near future." The former NXT Champion confirmed the news on Wednesday, ending his second run with the company.
Ciampa isn't wasting any time preparing for life after WWE. On the same day he announced his departure, he filed two new trademarks with the USPTO: "Psycho Killer" and "Psycho King."
Both filings cover entertainment services including wrestling exhibitions, merchandise, and media appearances—suggesting these could be ring names or branded personas he'll use on the independent scene.
The 40-year-old Ciampa first joined WWE's developmental system in 2015 and became one of NXT's most beloved performers during the black and gold era. His departure marks another significant roster change as WWE continues to reshape its talent pool.
AEW Cancels Collision Taping in Texas, Will Tape Tonight in Orlando
A winter storm sweeping across Texas has forced AEW to cancel Saturday's planned Collision taping in Arlington. The company announced Wednesday that this week's Collision episode will instead be taped tonight following Dynamite in Orlando, Florida.
Fans who purchased tickets for the Arlington event will receive refunds. The decision was made to ensure the safety of talent, crew, and fans as severe weather conditions are expected to impact the Dallas-Fort Worth area through the weekend. AEW has not yet announced rescheduling plans for a future Arlington date.
Bishop Dyer Makes AEW Debut in Pre-Show Match
Former WWE star Baron Corbin, now going by Bishop Dyer, worked his first match in an AEW ring Wednesday night. Dyer competed in an eight-man tag match taped before Dynamite in Orlando, teaming with Martin Stone and Better Together against Billy Gunn, Austin Gunn, Brady Booker, and Elijah Drago.
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Dyer was released by WWE in November 2024 and has since been working for MLW. His appearance in AEW adds to the growing list of former WWE talent appearing with Tony Khan's promotion. It remains unclear whether this was a one-time booking or if Dyer will become a regular presence in AEW.
Bobby Duncum Sr. Passes Away at 81
The wrestling world is mourning the loss of Bobby Duncum Sr., who passed away at the age of 81. WWE issued a statement acknowledging the legendary performer who competed across multiple territories during the territorial era.
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Duncum transitioned from a professional football career to wrestling and became a fixture in promotions throughout Texas, the Mid-South, and eventually the WWF. He was the father of Bobby Duncum Jr., who also had a career in professional wrestling before his untimely passing in 2000.
Netflix Releases WWE Viewing Data for Second Half of 2025
Netflix has published its biannual "What We Watched" report, revealing viewing data for WWE content on the streaming platform from July through December 2025. The data includes metrics for premium live events, SmackDown, and NXT programming that aired on the platform during that period.
Wrestlenomics' Brandon Thurston provides detailed analysis of the figures, which will offer insights into how WWE content has performed since the landmark Netflix deal began earlier this year.
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Quick Hits
- Motor City Machine Guns on AAA: The WWE tag team champions will appear on this weekend's Lucha Libre AAA on FOX Latin America, continuing WWE's cross-promotional relationship with its recently acquired Mexican promotion.
- WWE Files "Royce Keys" Trademark: WWE submitted a trademark application for "Royce Keys" on January 20, believed to be a potential ring name for an incoming talent. Speculation has linked the name to former AEW star Powerhouse Hobbs, whose contract recently expired.
- R-Truth Defends WWE Unreal: The former 24/7 Champion responded to criticism that Netflix's WWE docuseries "exposes the business," defending the show's behind-the-scenes approach and storytelling.
- Roman Reigns Shares Street Fighter Photos: The Tribal Chief posted new behind-the-scenes images from the upcoming Street Fighter film, where he plays villain Akuma. The movie is set to hit theaters in October 2026.
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- Seth Rollins on Injury Recovery: In an interview with Men's Health, Rollins described his current shoulder rehabilitation as "awful" and "way worse" than previous knee injuries, but remains hopeful to return by WrestleMania 42.
- Marc Mero Reveals $71 Royalty Check: The former Intercontinental Champion shared his 2019 WWE royalty statement showing just $71.47 in payments despite $39,590 in content revenue, highlighting ongoing concerns about legacy talent compensation.
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Stay tuned to SEScoops for continuing coverage of these stories.