Claudio Castagnoli’s unexpected absence from AEW’s recent Grand Slam show in Mexico sparked a wave of speculation among fans and wrestling media alike. Despite no prior announcement or explanation, sources close to AEW have now clarified that Castagnoli remains under contract and is very much a part of the company’s plans moving forward.
The Sudden Silence: Fans and Media React
When AEW’s Grand Slam event unfolded without any sign of Claudio Castagnoli—a prominent figure in AEW and a former AEW World Trios Champion—worry and curiosity quickly took hold. The Swiss wrestling star, known for his intense in-ring style and work rate, had been scheduled to appear, but was noticeably absent both from the card and the event’s promotional materials. Without official word from AEW, rumors swirled about possible injury, creative disagreements, or even contract disputes.
Many fans took to social media and wrestling forums to voice confusion, feeding the growing mystery around Castagnoli’s status. Given his significance within AEW and his active role across multiple divisions including AEW and ROH (a sister promotion), his silence was unusual and alarming to supporters[1][5].
AEW Sources Provide Reassurance
According to insiders speaking with Fightful Select and corroborated by RingSide News, Claudio Castagnoli is still under a valid contract with AEW and has a substantial amount of time left on that deal[5]. These reports dismiss the injuries or contract expiration narratives that had been swirling.
A source close to AEW shared, “Tony Khan values Claudio highly and has made it clear he wants him to be part of AEW’s future for a long time. There’s no intention of letting him go anytime soon.” This sentiment aligns with AEW’s recent push to build strong tag and trios divisions, where Castagnoli has played a pivotal role since joining the company in 2022 following a prolific WWE career under the name Cesaro[3].
What Sparked the Absence?
While no specific reason has been publicly confirmed for the Grand Slam no-show, industry insiders speculate that it might have been either a storyline decision or a minor undisclosed injury requiring rest. AEW’s booking patterns occasionally call for wrestlers to miss certain events to build anticipation for their return.
One backstage source noted, “Claudio’s absence felt like a strategic move. AEW tends to protect its top talents with smart scheduling, especially as they gear up for significant upcoming shows like AEW All In Texas, where he is expected to make a strong comeback.” AEW All In Texas 2025, scheduled for July 12, is widely expected to feature Castagnoli’s return to active competition[4].
Recent AEW Activity Despite Absence
Castagnoli’s in-ring activity underscores his ongoing importance to AEW. He has recently participated in high-profile matches teaming with Wheeler Yuta and engaging in fierce multi-man contests. During AEW Dynamite on September 10, 2025, Castagnoli was involved in a chaotic main event that displayed his technical skill and toughness, even amid a difficult environment against top contenders like Bandido and the Young Bucks[7][8].
His alliance with Wheeler and the Death Riders faction continues to be a critical storyline thread in AEW programming. This ongoing involvement also reduces concerns over any long-term injury or contract issues.
A Look Back: Claudio Castagnoli’s Wrestling Journey
Before joining AEW, Claudio Castagnoli made his mark wrestling under the ring name Cesaro in WWE for over a decade from 2011 to 2022. He earned a reputation as one of the most technically gifted and physically impressive wrestlers of his era.
Castagnoli’s journey began in the European independent circuit in 2000. He enjoyed tremendous success in various promotions including Ring of Honor, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), and Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW). Notably, he formed the legendary tag team, The Kings of Wrestling, with Chris Hero. Their 364-day reign as ROH World Tag Team Champions remains one of the longest in Ring of Honor history[1].
His AEW tenure has further cemented his status as a premier competitor, consistently contributing to the company’s trios and tag team divisions while maintaining a strong singles presence.
What’s Next for Claudio Castagnoli in AEW?
Given AEW management’s apparent commitment to Castagnoli, fans can anticipate his return to weekly programming and major pay-per-view events soon. AEW has shown a willingness to strategically stagger appearances for top-tier wrestlers to maximize impact and audience interest.
“Claudio’s skill set and veteran presence make him an indispensable asset. Tony Khan and creative envision him playing a major role in upcoming storylines through 2025,” noted a wrestling insider familiar with AEW’s backstage discussions.
As AEW builds toward future marquee events, Castagnoli’s anticipated reemergence on AEW television is expected to be highly welcomed by fans and critics alike.
With his contract secure and status affirmed, Claudio Castagnoli remains a cornerstone of AEW’s roster. Though his sudden absence at Grand Slam had stirred uncertainty, the backstage confirmation clears the air—he is far from gone and will continue to thrill wrestling audiences around the world.