Giovanni Vinci has addressed his professional future for the first time since his WWE release, revealing on Insight with Chris Van Vliet that while conversations with other promotions have taken place, nothing has been finalized. The former Imperium member was released by WWE in February 2025, with his non-compete clause expiring in May of that year.
“Not really — not right away. I did eventually have some good conversations. But nothing is set in stone yet. I just know that the way I’m working out now, I think I’m good to go already, and the longer it goes on, the better setup I will be. And when that opportunity comes, wherever it is, I know I’m going to go all in and I’m going to kill it,” Vinci said when asked about discussions with AEW or TNA following his non-compete expiration.
Giovanni Vinci Says Wrestling Has Been His Passion Since Age 13 and He Simply Needed Time to Recharge
Vinci was also candid about his mental state following the release and why he chose to take time away rather than immediately pursue his next opportunity. “It was my passion since I was 13 years old. It gave me purpose in life. I wouldn’t have made the decision myself, but the decision was made for me. When it happened, I was like, okay, well, that’s that — I’m gonna take some time away, take some time for myself, and when I’m ready, I’m going back to doing the things that I love.” After 14-15 years of non-stop wrestling including his WWE run, Vinci framed the break as a necessary recharge rather than any form of bitterness toward the business. His training updates suggest a return to the ring is close.
