Originally published on ProWrestlingSheet.

Tommaso Ciampa is expected be out of action for the foreseeable future after suffering a neck injury that requires surgery.

Dave Meltzer first reported the news on Wrestling Observer Radio. We've since confirmed with WWE that Ciampa's neck is injured and he's scheduled to undergo surgery soon.

According to Meltzer, the NXT Champion wont be back in the ring for a “long, long time.”

In case you missed it, Ciampa recently pulled out of two appearances at upcoming independent shows and his injury seemed to be the reason.

No news yet on what this means for Ciampa's title reign.

UPDATE: WWE says Ciampa will undergo an anterior cervical fusion surgery tomorrow.