Tommaso Ciampa Faces Lengthy Injury Spell - Won't Wrestle Until 2018?

An ACL injury is expected to keep Tommaso Ciampa out of action until early 2018, according to Pro Wrestling Sheet.

The 32-year-old, who looked set to launch a singles run after an acrimonious split with former tag team partner Johnny Gargano in May, has reportedly undergone surgery which will sideline him for at least the remainder of the year.

Ciampa and Gargano - collectively #DIY - were forever touted as potential stars on the main roster, but the ill-timed injury to the former could be a serious setback for both, with the expected feud between them now on ice.

The NXT male singles division, meanwhile, is now looking a little thin on the ground, particularly as Bobby Roode - who has held the brand's main eponymous title since January, edges closer to graduation.

Ciampa, whose original spell with WWE in the mid-2000s ended in release, looks better equipped to withstand a blow like this in 2017. His character's ruthless betrayal of his running mate ensures, at least, that he won't be short of heat when he finally makes his return.