Giovanni Vinci is preparing for his in-ring return after stepping away from wrestling following his WWE release in February 2025.
Vinci, whose real name is Fabian Aichner, has not competed since December 2024. After more than a year away, he discussed his departure and future during an appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, explaining that he needed time to reset before making his next move.
“I just knew that after the call — because it was such a surreal feeling, man,” Vinci said. “It was like, on the one hand, it sucked that that chapter was over because that’s what I wanted to do since I was 13 years old. But on the other hand, because it was such a roller coaster leading up to that, it felt freeing in a way.
“Like, I told a friend of mine, he asked me if I was okay. I said, ‘Yeah, man, I’m good.’ It’s almost like when you’re in school and school ends and you go on summer vacation. Just all the weight was off because at least I knew. At least I knew. There was no more thinking about it. And really, after that, all I did was, I just knew I was taking some time. Didn’t know how much it was. And, yeah, I didn’t think about how long exactly I was going to be out for. Just like, okay, I’m going to need some space, take some time for myself, figure myself out, and, yeah, enjoy life a little bit.”
Vinci admitted he had mixed feelings about the release. While he hoped SmackDown’s expansion to three hours would create more opportunities, his singles run after splitting from Imperium did not develop as expected.
He confirmed there is no set timeline for his return but noted that discussions are ongoing and that he is preparing for when the right opportunity comes.
“I feel like there’s way more things to do for me,” Vinci said. “I feel like I haven’t reached my full potential yet. I feel like some people know what I can do, but I know I can do a lot more. And I just really, like, yeah, I wanted to take enough time to not come back and go in halfway. So I definitely work out, like I want to wrestle again. I feel like there’s many things still to do. Nothing set in stone yet, but when that opportunity comes, I know I’ll be ready for it.”
Looking ahead, Vinci emphasized a shift in mindset. He wants to focus less on pressure and more on enjoying his work.
“Whereas nowadays, I just want to have fun, man,” he said. “I want to go out there — because that’s what it’s supposed to be. It’s just fun.
“I want to have great matches. I want to be authentic. I want to tear it up with whoever I’m in the ring with. Just have a good time and enjoy the process. Live in the moment. And I know that’s when great things are going to happen.”
Vinci’s comments indicate he is nearing a return, with the focus now on timing and the right opportunity.
WA on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wrestlingattitude/
WA on Facebook (Women's Wrestling) - https://www.facebook.com/WrestlingDivas/
WA on X/Twitter - https://x.com/wa_wrestling
WA on Instagram (Women's Wrestling) - https://www.instagram.com/wa_wrestlingattitude/
WA on Google News - https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMJf3owsw2oG8Aw
WA on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlingattitude.bsky.social
