AEW
Claudio Castagnoli has revealed that he was aiming to pursue powerlifting before he got the call for his AEW debut.
Castagnoli was revealed to be Bryan Danielson’s replacement for a match against Zack Sabre Jr at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door.
Following the bout, it was revealed that Tony Khan initially had other plans for Castagnoli’s first AEW appearance.
Speaking with Sports Illustrated, Castagnoli noted that he was originally preparing for a powerlifting meet on June 27, the day after Forbidden Door.
Stating that he had to significantly change up his training ahead of his AEW debut, Castagnoli said:
“I was trying to gain weight and be a powerlifter, and that was a very good challenge, but it needed to change once I needed to be in peak ring shape. Zack Sabre Jr. is a technical master, and that night in Chicago, that was magic. I proved I can still deliver in the ring.”
Explaining why he chose to sign with AEW, Castagnoli said:
“I came to AEW for new challenges, that’s why I fit perfectly in the Blackpool Combat Club. Like (William) Regal said, ‘You either step up or get stepped on.’ I loved coming in with the BCC because I’ve known those guys for such a long time, and I know they have my back no matter what.
“It feels like everything here is clicking in AEW. It doesn’t feel like it’s only been a couple weeks. I’m extremely excited to find out what the future holds.”
Setting his sights on the AEW World Title, Castagnoli noted:
“This is my pursuit—the main event and the world heavyweight championship. I’ve seen that pursuit destroy people. Those sacrifices ate them up, always seeking one more run. I’ve never sacrificed my authenticity or integrity.
“My destiny is my journey. I want to take fans on that ride, and hopefully win the world title along the way.”
Castagnoli is currently undefeated in AEW. Stay up to date with AEW win/loss records for 2022 using our tracker right here.
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2 years ago by Sanchez Taylor
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