Popular AEW Star Explains Why He Left WWE For AEW

AEW

A popular AEW name has explained why he left WWE to join Tony Khan’s AEW.

Claudio Castagnoli made his debut for AEW during AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door on June 26.

He quickly established himself with the promotion and acquired the Ring of Honor Championship from Jonathan Gresham during ROH Death Before Dishonor on July 23.

Castagnoli has since aligned himself with the Blackpool Combat Club, joining Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Wheeler Yuta and of course, William Regal.

Before his current AEW run, Castagnoli (FKA Cesaro) was perhaps best known for being one half of WWE tag-team, ‘The Bar’ with Sheamus.

‘The Bar’ were brought together by Mick Foley in 2016 while Foley was serving as Raw’s General Manager.

Despite his popularity with the WWE fanbase, the Swiss Cyborg left WWE in February 2022 when his contract expired.

During an Ask Me Anything session with Bleacher Report, Claudio Castagnoli was asked what the tipping point was for him leaving WWE and joining the rival promotion.

He said:

“There were a few points that influenced that. I wanted to challenge myself and change is scary in any part of life. 

“I’m not at the beginning of my career. I don’t know what part I’m in, but to grow as a human and a performer, you have to take a leap of faith.”

When asked what the major difference are between WWE and AEW, the former ROH champion said:

“AEW is something new and fresh that I needed in my career at the point I was at.

“AEW is 3 or 4 years old almost while WWE is well over 50. That’s just two different companies at two different stages.

“I wanted to be part of AEW’s creative process to help where I can. There’s a lot of freedom and moving parts that still need to be discovered and that’s very fun.”

At AEW Full Gear on November 19, Claudio Castagnoli will face Bryan Danielson, Sammy Guevara and current ROH champion, Chris Jericho, in a championship match.

Transcription via Bleacher Report.

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• Claudio Castagnoli
• Cesaro
• AEW
• wwe

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