Twitter loses it after Claudio Castagnoli, formerly Cesaro, is revealed as Zack Sabre Jr’s opponent at Forbidden Door
By Scott Rogust

Bryan Danielson’s handpicked opponent to take on Zack Sabre Jr. at AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door was none other than Claudio Castagnoli, formerly known as Cesaro in WWE.
At AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door, Bryan Danielson was scheduled to take on Zack Sabre Jr. in a battle to see who was the best technical wrestler in the world. Unfortunately, Danielson revealed that he is not cleared to compete for the event. But, he did announce that he will handpick his replacement to not only take on Sabre at the pay-per-view, but join the Blackpool Combat Club stable and participate in the Blood and Guts cage match on the June 29 episode of AEW Dynamite.
There was much anticipation heading into the event as to who would be the person to take on Sabre at the supershow. As it turned out, it was none other than Claudio Castagnoli, formerly known as Cesaro in WWE.
#ZSJ's opponent is none other than Claudio Castagnoli @ClaudioCSRO, the newest member of the #BlackpoolCombatClub, here at #ForbiddenDoor! Order the PPV right now! #AEWxNJPW pic.twitter.com/uZdC9x5eFG
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 27, 2022
Claudio Castagnoli debuts in AEW as Zack Sabre Jr’s opponent at Forbidden Door: Best tweets, memes
Twitter users lost their minds after seeing Cesaro debut in an AEW ring.
Claudio Castagnoli is All Elite #ForbiddenDoor pic.twitter.com/WheiqhwlT1
— Scott Fishman (@smFISHMAN) June 27, 2022
Holy CRAP what a pop for Claudio! #ForbiddenDoor #AEW #NJPW
— Jon Alba (@JonAlba) June 27, 2022
Claudio is here!!!! LFG!!!!
— Andy (@AndyNemmity) June 27, 2022
Haven’t heard a pop like this since Claudio won the Andre.
— colette arrand (@colettearrand) June 27, 2022
https://twitter.com/realrubysoho/status/1541245642617618437
Seeing Claudio getting that huge pop in AEW is great to see #ForbiddenDoor
— Ross (@RossIsClutch) June 27, 2022
If you know, you know.
— Drainmaker 🌧️ 💵 (@DrainBamager) June 27, 2022
Claudio played along with the Easter Egg. pic.twitter.com/fF50Vz9BNV
In the match, Castagnoli got off to a strong start with a vicious running uppercut and a Gotch-Style Neutralizer to Sabre, which resulted in a two count. Castagnoli showed off his strength by carrying Sabre from the floor, up the ringside steps and to the ring with one arm. The two would exchange submission holds, but it was Castagnoli who was victorious after hitting Sabre with a Ricola Bomb.
.@ClaudioCSRO not wasting a single second in his first moments here at #AEW! Order #ForbiddenDoor right now! #AEWxNJPW pic.twitter.com/5FSq07xM4k
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 27, 2022
The strength of @ClaudioCSRO and he just dumps #ZSJ into the ring! Order the #ForbiddenDoor PPV right now! #AEWxNJPW pic.twitter.com/0BEdIk8xza
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 27, 2022
The power of @ClaudioCSRO on display here at #ForbiddenDoor! Order the PPV right now! #AEWxNJPW pic.twitter.com/7y7mrmftrW
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 27, 2022
Castagnoli had been a free agent since this past February after his contract with WWE expired and both parties could not reach an agreement on a new deal.
Fightful Select (subscription required) reported in the lead up to the pay-per-view that the company had promotional material produced for the Blood and Guts match that featured Castagnoli. However, the outlet noted that they were not explicitly told that Cesaro would be Danielson’s replacement.
Castagnoli is now in AEW as the newest member of the Blackpool Combat Club, and he will take on Jericho Appreciation Society.
Next. AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door live results, highlights, commentary. dark
Be sure to stay tuned to FanSided for all your WWE, AEW and Pro Wrestling coverage from unique analysis to fun angles, to viral content and much more.