In a recent candid revelation, WWE Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley opened up about a rare moment in his storied wrestling career—how taking a signature move from AEW star Claudio Castagnoli actually made him feel physically ill. This unusual admission highlights just how impactful and intense the Cesaro Swing, Castagnoli’s famed maneuver, can be when executed with true force and precision.
D-Von Dudley’s Painful Encounter With The Giant Swing
D-Von Dudley, known for his toughness and resilience over decades of WWE competition, is no stranger to enduring punishing moves. However, during a recent conversation, he admitted that one particular maneuver from Claudio Castagnoli (formerly known in WWE as Cesaro) unexpectedly affected him much more than the typical wrestling move.
The culprit? The Giant Swing, a move Claudio has revitalized and made his trademark over the years. Dudley said the fast, relentless rotations left him feeling dizzy and nauseous—an uncommon result given his experience. “I’ve taken a lot of beatings in my day,” D-Von said, “but when Claudio got me in that swing, man, I actually got sick from it. It was unlike anything else” [source].
According to insiders, this moment happened during a cross-promotional setting, where D-Von was working with or around AEW talent, and Claudio demonstrated why the Giant Swing remains such a physically demanding and formidable maneuver.
What is the Giant Swing and Why Is It So Intense?
The Giant Swing consists of lifting an opponent by the legs and spinning them around rapidly in a circular motion. The move dates back to wrestling’s carnival era but gained renewed life thanks to Claudio Castagnoli, who has showcased the swing’s aesthetic and physical impressiveness to today’s wrestling audience.
Castagnoli has been known to perform extremely long sequences of the Giant Swing—famously spinning opponents 80-plus times in some matches—demonstrating astonishing strength and endurance. Wrestling historians trace the Giant Swing to as far back as the 1930s, but Cesaro/Claudio revived it as his signature move, blending tradition with modern athleticism[1][2].
In one notable example from Castagnoli’s earlier days in the indie scene, he reportedly completed a 100-rotation Giant Swing at a CHIKARA event, a feat that wowed fans and wrestlers alike[3]. This level of intensity explains how someone like D-Von, despite his rugged career, could feel genuinely ill after taking the move.
Claudio Castagnoli’s Legacy: More Than Just a Move
Claudio’s journey from European wrestling circuits to WWE (as Cesaro), and now AEW, has been marked by his technical prowess and innovative in-ring style. The Giant Swing is just one of his signature elements that displays his power and control. He’s also known for trademark moves like the Neutralizer and Master Lock, but the Giant Swing uniquely combines spectacle with physicality[1].
In interviews, Claudio has expressed pride in bringing this traditional move back into the spotlight, appreciating its entertainment value while respecting its history. He stated in 2013 that the Giant Swing remains one of the “most traditional and entertaining” moves in wrestling, and he feels honored to introduce it to new fans[2].
Backstage Insight: Why Wrestlers Dread The Giant Swing
Sources close to AEW and WWE locker rooms reveal that many wrestlers fear taking the Giant Swing because of how disorienting it can be. One backstage insider shared:
“Claudio’s strength and technique make the Giant Swing brutal. It’s not just the physical strain—spinning around that quickly messes with your balance and can induce nausea. Guys like D-Von are tough as nails, but even they admit that move is something else.”
This reputation adds to Claudio’s aura, making the move both a feared weapon and a highlight of any match he’s involved in.
AEW and WWE: Cross-Promotion Moments Bring Unique Stories
With the rise of All Elite Wrestling as a major competitor and collaborator in the wrestling world, crossover events and talent exchanges have brought unique moments and stories. D-Von Dudley’s experience with Claudio Castagnoli exemplifies the kind of unpredictable and memorable spots that result from mingling wrestling veterans with today’s stars.
Such encounters allow legends like D-Von to pass the torch in a literal and figurative sense, while also highlighting AEW’s high-caliber talent and the physical storytelling that keeps modern pro wrestling compelling.
The Bigger Picture: Athleticism and Respect in Professional Wrestling
This story about D-Von Dudley and Claudio Castagnoli’s Giant Swing underscores the incredible athleticism required in pro wrestling. Moves that look impressive on camera are often very taxing on both performer and recipient, demanding trust and precision.
D-Von’s rarity in admitting illness from a move affirms the high level at which Claudio operates. It is a testament to both men’s dedication—the veteran resilient enough to admit the impact, and the star able to deliver historic, punishing moves with finesse.
For fans, it enriches the appreciation of wrestling as a physically intense and carefully choreographed form of entertainment that blends history, athleticism, and storytelling.
D-Von Dudley’s admission to Wrestling Inc. that Claudio Castagnoli literally made him sick with the Giant Swing adds a fascinating chapter to the ongoing narrative of wrestling’s toughest and most innovative moves[original source]. As AEW continues to carve its legacy, and with WWE legends like Dudley still engaged, moments like these remind fans why professional wrestling remains a captivating spectacle around the world.