Tony Khan’s English Soccer League Rival Pays Tribute to 42-Year-Old Former WWE Star Amidst 60,000 People

There have been many instances where sports like soccer have paid tribute to pro wrestling. Be it featuring wrestlers at their events or playing wrestler’s theme songs at halftime! It is considered a badge of honor when other sports do this. For one former WWE and current AEW star, this happened recently. However, it was during a game across the pond, aka soccer.

This occurred at the English soccer team Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, with 60,000 people in attendance.

Arsenal FC acknowledges Claudio Castagnoli

Many AEW fans love Claudio Castagnoli; however, WWE fans remember him as Cesaro, or better yet, The Swiss Superman. Not only was he over with the fans, but they also loved his insane in-ring abilities. Moving to AEW, he continued to wow fans after his lackluster booking in the WWE.

As it turns out, Claudio isn’t just loved by AEW fans but also by soccer fans. This comes with proof as he posted a new video on social media. This video went viral among fans for the love the wrestler is getting, but also for the place of origin from where it emanated.

Taking to social media at the Emirates Stadium in Holloway, London, Claudio posted something incredible. During the halftime between Arsenal and French soccer club RC Lens during a UEFA Champions League game, the home team played Castognoli’s theme song. This was a surprise, as Arsenal is a rival to Tony Khan’s English team, Fulham. The Gunners won the game against Lens 6-0.

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Claudio made his AEW debut on June 16, 2023. He replaced Bryan Danielson at the PPV event Forbidden Door against Zack Sabre Jr. Claudio won the match and was the newest member of the Blackpool Combat Club (BCC). But why exactly did the now AEW star leave WWE to join their rivals?

Why Claudio left the WWE to join AEW

The February 11, 2022, episode of SmackDown would serve as Claudio’s last match in the WWE. On 24 February, he would leave the WWE as his contract expired. This would end his 11-year tenure with the company.

The WWE fans were shocked at him walking away from the company. As mentioned earlier, fans loved him, and he was over despite being a heel. However, according to reports, he was not happy with the new WWE contract he received. He then chose to explore his options and WWE’s rivals immediately approached him to acquire him. The rest, as they say, is history.

What do you think about the tribute to Claudio? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

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