Former WWE Superstar Cesaro made his shocking debut at AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door. He faced Zack Sabre Jr. as Bryan Danielson's replacement.
As fans eagerly awaited the newcomer's arrival, Cesaro emerged under his former ring name Claudio Castagnoli to an immense pop from the crowd. The match was nearly over as soon as it started as the Swiss Superman hit a running uppercut and Gotch-Style Neutralizer within ten seconds of the starting bell. However, he was only able to draw a two count. What ensued afterward was a contest of physicality and technicality until Cesaro scored the victory over ZSJ.
Bryan Danielson was scheduled to face the NJPW star this weekend but was sidelined due to an injury. The American Dragon is also out for the upcoming Blood & Guts match against the Jericho Appreciation Society. This past week on AEW Dynamite, he teased that he had found a replacement befitting his own wrestling style and a good fit for his Blackpool Combat Club stable.
Claudio Castagnoli's arrival not only marks a new addition for AEW, but he is the latest to join the BCC. After winning his singles debut, he will now look to collaborate with his team against the Jericho Appreciation Society at this week's Blood & Guts match.