Claudio Castagnoli

Claudio Castagnoli was born in Lucerne on 27 December 1980. He played basketball, football, and tennis in his youth, and supported his hometown football club FC Luzern.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67560847|title=Premier League predictions: Chris Sutton v AEW wrestler Claudio Castagnoli|publisher=BBC Sport|first1=Rob|last1=Butler|first2=Chris|last2=Bevan|date=3 December 2023}} He became a fan of professional wrestling after discovering it on a German TV station, then found an advertisement on an online forum that encouraged him to train to become a wrestler.

Castagnoli received his initial training in his homeland from fellow Swiss wrestler SigMasta Rappo,{{cite web |last=Heinen |first=Frederik |title=Claudio Castagnoli / Antonio Cesaro |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios2/castagnoli.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429202050/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios2/castagnoli.html |archive-date=29 April 2015 |access-date=7 July 2017 |website=SLAM! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} and made his debut on Christmas Eve 2000 in Essen for the Germany-based Westside Xtreme Wrestling under the name Double C, losing to SigMasta Rippo.{{Cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |title=wXw Extreme Wrestling Party results |url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=2737 |access-date=29 July 2007 |website=Cagematch}} He first used a Japanese gimmick before changing it to a Swiss banker, along with Ares, together known as Swiss Money Holding. While performing in England, Castagnoli received training from Dave Taylor. In Switzerland, he met Chris Hero and Mike Quackenbush, who invited Swiss Money Holding to perform in the United States.{{cite web|url=http://www.claudiocastagnoli.com/p/more-about-me.html|title=More about me...|access-date=6 July 2010|work=ClaudioCastagnoli.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110118004706/http://www.claudiocastagnoli.com/p/more-about-me.html|archive-date=18 January 2011|url-status=dead}} They competed in IWA Mid-South and Chikara and received training from Hero before returning to Europe. In 2004, Castagnoli received permanent United States residency in his first try at the green card lottery and moved to the United States, where he began making regular appearances for Ring of Honor and Chikara, while Ares remained in Switzerland and formed the new Swiss Money Holding with Marc Roudin.

{{Main|Kings of Wrestling}}

Castagnoli and Ares made their Chikara debuts on 5 July 2003, at the 2003 Tag World Grand Prix, from which they were eliminated after drawing with the SuperFriends (Chris Hero and Mike Quackenbush). Castagnoli returned to Chikara in 2004 as a member of Larry Sweeney's Sweet 'n' Sour International faction. The following year Castagnoli teamed up with Arik Cannon to form AC/CC. The team entered the 2005 Tag World Grand Prix and ended up winning the tournament after Hero turned on his partner Quackenbush in the final of the tournament.{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=674|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103232248/http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=674|archive-date=3 January 2010|title="Tag World Grand Prix 2005: Night Three" – 2/20/2005|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=ChikaraFans}} Together, Castagnoli, Cannon, and Hero formed the Kings of Wrestling faction. Cannon left the promotion at the end of 2005, leaving Hero and Castagnoli to form a regular tag team. They entered the 2006 Tag World Grand Prix, defeating Equinox and Hydra, Ranmaru and Sumie Sakai, the North Star Express (Ryan Cruz and Darin Corbin), Incoherence (Hallowicked and Delirious), and finally Team Dragondoor (Skayde and Milano Collection A.T.) to become the inaugural Chikara Campeones de Parejas.{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=728|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104000345/http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=728|archive-date=4 January 2010|title="Tag World Grand Prix 2006: Night One" – 2/24/2006|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=ChikaraFans}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_16749.shtml|title=Tape Review: Chikara Pro, "Tag World Grand Prix," night 3, Feb. 26, 2006, with Hero, Castognoli, Delirious, Milano|date=11 May 2006|last=Vetter|first=Chris|access-date=28 November 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}

On 17 November 2006 at the Chikara show Brick in Reading, Pennsylvania, Castagnoli and Hero lost the Chikara tag titles to Team F.I.S.T. (Icarus and Gran Akuma) in a two out of three falls match. Following the match, Hero and Team F.I.S.T. turned on Castagnoli and attacked him.{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=767|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104000204/http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=767|archive-date=4 January 2010|title="Brick" – 11/17/2006|access-date=31 October 2009|publisher=ChikaraFans}} In November 2006, it was revealed that Castagnoli had signed a developmental deal with the World Wrestling Entertainment, having impressed them with an appearance on Raw (as a police officer in a backstage segment) and a successful tryout for Deep South Wrestling. Shortly after, Castagnoli was released from his WWE contract.

File:Claudio Castagnoli Ice Cream.jpg

Castagnoli returned to Chikara on 16 February 2007 as a masked character named "A Very Mysterious Ice Cream", part of Los Ice Creams.{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=823|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104005858/http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=823|archive-date=4 January 2010|title="King of Trios 2007: Night One" – 2/16/2007|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=ChikaraFans}} Afterward Castagnoli started feuding with his former partner Chris Hero. On 22 April 2007, at Rey de Voladores Hero defeated Castagnoli and as per stipulation of the match Castagnoli was forced to re-join the Kings of Wrestling.{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=835|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104005550/http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=835|archive-date=4 January 2010|title="Rey de Voladores" – 4/22/2007|access-date=31 October 2009|publisher=ChikaraFans}} The following month Hero, Castagnoli and Larry Sweeney joined forces with Team F.I.S.T. (Icarus, Akuma and Chuck Taylor) to form the Kings of Wrestling superstable, which was later joined by Mitch Ryder, Max Boyer and Shayne Hawke. On 22 September 2007, at Cibernetico & Robin the Kings of Wrestling faced Los Luchadores in the annual torneo cibernetico match. The Kings won the match with Hero, Castagnoli and Mitch Ryder as the survivors, but since the match could only have one winner, they were forced to face each other. Castagnoli forced Hero to tap out and then pinned Ryder to win not only the match, but also his freedom from the Kings of Wrestling.{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=857|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104004854/http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=857|archive-date=4 January 2010|title="Cibernetico & Robin" – 9/22/2007|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=ChikaraFans}} On 9 December 2007, Castagnoli defeated Hero to finally end their long feud.{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=872|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104005447/http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=872|archive-date=4 January 2010|title="Stephen Colbert > Bill O'Reilly" – 12/9/2007|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=ChikaraFans}} After the match, Hero left the company and Castagnoli took over his training duties at the Chikara Wrestle Factory.

In 2008, Castagnoli started a new feud, this time with Brodie Lee. On 7 September Castagnoli defeated Lee in the first steel cage match in Chikara history to win the feud.{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=812|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103225500/http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=812|archive-date=3 January 2010|title="Style and Substance" – 9/7/2008|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=ChikaraFans}} On 19 October 2008, Castagnoli won a seven-on-seven Global Gauntlet match where Chikara wrestlers faced off with wrestlers from Big Japan Pro Wrestling.{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=1080|title="The Global Gauntlet: Night Two" – 10/19/2008|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=ChikaraFans}}

{{Main|Bruderschaft des Kreuzes}}

{{multiple image

|align = right

|direction = horizontal

|width =

|total_width = 350

|image1 = Claudio Castagnoli BDK cropped.jpg

|image2 = Bruderschaft des Kreuzes.jpg

|caption1 = Castagnoli at a Chikara event in 2010

|caption2 = The Bruderschaft des Kreuzes (Castagnoli, Tursas and Ares) as Campeonatos de Parejas

|caption_align = center

|footer_align = centre

}}

Castagnoli entered the 2009 King of Trios teaming with Bryan Danielson and Dave Taylor as Team Uppercut. The team advanced to the finals of the tournament, where they were defeated by F.I.S.T. (Icarus, Akuma and Taylor).{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=3198 |title=King of Trios 2009: Night 1" – 3/27/2009 |access-date=16 December 2009 |publisher=ChikaraFans |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104001153/http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=3198 |archive-date=4 January 2010 }}{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=3241|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104001345/http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=3241|archive-date=4 January 2010|title=King of Trios 2009: Night 2" – 3/28/2009|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=ChikaraFans}}{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=3452|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104001644/http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=3452|archive-date=4 January 2010|title=King of Trios 2009: Night 3" – 3/29/2009|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=ChikaraFans}} After the tournament Eddie Kingston, whose team The Roughnecks had been eliminated by Castagnoli and his team, claimed that he had been embarrassed and disrespected by Castagnoli. On 24 May 2009, Kingston, who had claimed technical superiority over Castagnoli, pinned him cleanly with an Oklahoma roll.{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=3993|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104001035/http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=3993|archive-date=4 January 2010|title="Aniversario Yang" – 5/24/2009|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=ChikaraFans}} After Castagnoli defeated Kingston via countout at the 2009 Young Lions Cup,{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=4574|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104001204/http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=4574|archive-date=4 January 2010|title="Young Lions Cup VII: Night Three" – 8/16/2009|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=ChikaraFans}} the two of them were booked in a "Respect Match" on 22 November 2009, at the season eight finale Three-Fisted Tales, where the loser of the match had to show respect to the winner. Castagnoli won the match, but instead of showing respect, Kingston attacked him, claiming that both Castagnoli and his former partner (Chris Hero) were shady and did not deserve respect.{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?p=5036|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103151600/http://chikarafans.com/?p=5036|archive-date=3 January 2010|title="Three-Fisted Tales" ~ Live Results|access-date=15 December 2009|publisher=Chikara Fans}} At the conclusion of the show Ares revealed himself as the man who had been stalking UltraMantis Black, at which point Castagnoli turned rudo by attacking Mike Quackenbush. After beating the entire tecnico roster Castagnoli aligned himself with Ares, Tursas, Pinkie Sanchez, Tim Donst, Sara Del Rey, and Daizee Haze to form the Bruderschaft des Kreuzes.

After picking up the three points needed in order to challenge for the Campeonatos de Parejas in just one weekend,{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/columns/131899/The-CHIKARA-Special-3.07.10:-A-Day-Late,-a-Dollar-Short.htm|title=The CHIKARA Special 3.07.10: A Day Late, a Dollar Short|last=Ford|first=Kevin|work=411Mania|date=7 March 2010|access-date=21 March 2010}} Castagnoli and Ares defeated The Colony (Fire Ant and Soldier Ant) on 20 March 2010, to win the championship, making Castagnoli the first two-time Campeon de Parejas in Chikara history.{{cite web| url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1269358039.php?style=dark|title=CHIKARA: Results from weekend events|last=Martin|first=Adam|date= 23 March 2010|work=WrestleView|access-date=26 April 2010}} In April Castagnoli, Ares and Tursas defeated the teams of The Osirian Portal (Amasis and Ophidian) and Sara Del Rey, Team Perros del Mal (El Alebrije, Cuije and El Orientál), Team Big Japan Wrestling (Daisuke Sekimoto, Kankuro Hoshino and Yuji Okabayashi) and The Colony (Fire Ant, Soldier Ant and Green Ant) over a three-day tournament to win the 2010 King of Trios.{{cite web|url=http://www.chikarapro.com/results.shtml |title=Chikara – Official results |work=Chikara |access-date=26 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080608052507/http://www.chikarapro.com/results.shtml |archive-date=8 June 2008 }} On 23 October Castagnoli represented BDK in the torneo cibernetico match, where they faced a team composed of Chikara originals. He eliminated himself from the match by low blowing Eddie Kingston, but his plan did not work out as Kingston came back to eliminate Tursas and win the match.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/18049/|title=Chikara Torneo Cibernetico show review|last=Carroll|first=John|date=24 October 2010|access-date=24 October 2010|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} At the season nine finale on 12 December, Castagnoli and Ares lost the Campeonatos de Parejas to Jigsaw and Mike Quackenbush. On 13 March 2011, Castagnoli and Eddie Kingston finally faced each other in a grudge match fifteen months in the making, with Castagnoli emerging victorious after hitting Kingston with a chain.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/19827/|title=Mon. update: Last night's main events, UFC specials this week, Snooki, UFC activities|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=14 March 2011|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|access-date=14 March 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1300474356 |title=Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |date=18 March 2011 |work=WrestleView |access-date=18 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110324125003/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1300474356 |archive-date=24 March 2011 }} In May, Castagnoli entered the 12 Large: Summit to determine the first ever Chikara Grand Champion. During the Chikarasaurus Rex weekend on 30 and 31 July, Castagnoli was involved in two main event matches, both of which were also a part of the 12 Large: Summit. After losing to Mike Quackenbush on Night 1, Castagnoli suffered an upset loss against his BDK stablemate Sara Del Rey on Night 2, after which he turned on not only Del Rey, but also Daizee Haze as she was standing up for her regular tag team partner.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1312312490 |title=Indy News #4: Chikara weekend results |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=2 August 2011 |work=WrestleView |access-date=2 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110825110636/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1312312490 |archive-date=25 August 2011 }} At the following event on 27 August, Castagnoli was defeated by Icarus, eliminating him from contention in the 12 Large: Summit.

In late 2004, Castagnoli made his way to Combat Zone Wrestling, where he teamed up with Chris Hero to once again form the Kings of Wrestling.{{cite web|title=Breaking Point: Let The Kaos Begin|url=http://www.czwrestling.com/archives/2004/BreakingPoint.php|work=Combat Zone Wrestling|access-date=26 September 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030070552/http://www.czwrestling.com/archives/2004/BreakingPoint.php|archive-date=30 October 2012}} Eventually, on 10 September 2005 they defeated The Tough Crazy Bastards of Necro Butcher and Toby Klein to win the CZW World Tag Team Championship.[http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=4735 CZW Big Mutha F'N Deal results], Cagematch.net, retrieved 30 July 2007. While feuding with BLKOUT, Castagnoli and Hero lost the titles to Eddie Kingston and Joker. In September the Tag Team Championship was vacated when Joker left the company and on 14 October 2006, at Last Team Standing Castagnoli and Hero defeated Human Tornado and Justice Pain in the finals of a tournament to regain the championship.[http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=8555 CZW Last Team Standing results], Cagemetch.net, retrieved 30 July 2007. With their victory, Castagnoli and Hero held the tag team titles of three of the top American independent companies simultaneously (CZW, Chikara, and ROH).

After news broke that WWE was interested in Castagnoli, he and Hero dropped the CZW World Tag Team Titles to the BLKOUT of Sabian and Robbie Mireno on 11 November 2006.[http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=8915 CZW Night of Infamy results], Cagematch.net, retrieved 30 July 2007. Castagnoli has not returned to the company since the loss.

Castagnoli made his Ring of Honor debut on 16 July 2005, at Fate of an Angel.{{cite web|url=http://rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Ring of Honor: Past Results|access-date=26 September 2011|publisher=Ring of Honor|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913070006/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=13 September 2012|url-status=dead}} For the rest of the year, he feuded with Pure Champion Nigel McGuinness. On 17 December at Final Battle 2005 McGuinness defeated Castagnoli in a match for the title and as a result Claudio could no longer challenge for the title as long as McGuinness was the champion. At the beginning of 2006 Castagnoli's partner from other promotions, Chris Hero, along with other Combat Zone Wrestling wrestlers invaded ROH and started a cross-promotional war. Castagnoli initially sided with ROH, but on 22 April 2006, at The 100th Show turned on the company and assisted Hero, Super Dragon and Necro Butcher in defeating Team ROH (Samoa Joe, B. J. Whitmer and Adam Pearce) in a six-man main event match.{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/42322/ROH-THE-100TH-SHOW.htm|title=ROH THE 100TH SHOW|date=29 June 2006|first1=Brad|last1=Garoon|last2=Ziegler|first2=Jacob|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=411Mania}} On 15 July 2006, at Death Before Dishonor 4 Team ROH defeated Castagnoli, Hero, Necro Butcher, Nate Webb and Eddie Kingston in a Cage of Death match to end the feud. Due to having a contract with ROH prior to the invasion however, Castagnoli was allowed to stay in the company, while the rest of Team CZW were forced out. Hero returned to the company during the August tour of United Kingdom{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/47476/ROH---Unified-DVD-Review.htm|title=ROH – Unified DVD Review|date=13 November 2006|first1=Brad|last1=Garoon|last2=Ziegler|first2=Jacob|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=411Mania}} and on 16 September he revealed that he had stolen the ROH World Tag Team Championship belts from champions Austin Aries and Roderick Strong in order to get himself and Castagnoli a match for them.{{cite web|url=http://chrishero.livejournal.com/26036.html |title=These Will Be Ours |date=17 August 2006 |last=Hero |first=Chris |access-date=16 December 2009 |publisher=Chris Hero on LiveJournal |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723011102/http://chrishero.livejournal.com/26036.html |archive-date=23 July 2011 }} That match took place on 16 September 2006, at Glory By Honor V Night 2, where the Kings of Wrestling defeated Aries and Strong to become the new Ring of Honor tag team champions.{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/49736/ROH---Glory-By-Honor-V-Night-2-DVD-Review.htm|title=ROH – Glory By Honor V Night 2 DVD Review|date=18 January 2007|first1=Brad|last1=Garoon|last2=Ziegler|first2=Jacob|access-date=31 October 2009|publisher=411Mania}}

With the news of WWE showing interest in Castagnoli, the Kings of Wrestling dropped the ROH World Tag Team Championship to Christopher Daniels and Matt Sydal on 25 November 2006, at Dethroned. On 23 December at Final Battle 2006 the Briscoe Brothers (Jay and Mark) defeated Castagnoli and Hero in what was scheduled to be their last match together. After the match, Castagnoli announced that he would not be leaving for WWE after all, and promised great things for the Kings of Wrestling in 2007. Hero shook Castagnoli's hand, but left with his manager Larry Sweeney who promised Hero big things in 2007, thus ending the Kings of Wrestling.{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/53364/ROH---Final-Battle-2006-DVD-Review.htm|title=ROH – Final Battle 2006 DVD Review|date=23 April 2007|first1=Brad|last1=Garoon|last2=Ziegler|first2=Jacob|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=411Mania}}

Castagnoli wrestled on Ring of Honor's first pay-per-view Respect is Earned on 12 May 2007, teaming with Matt Sydal to challenge the Briscoe Brothers for the ROH World Tag Team Championship.[http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=11218 ROH Respect Is Earned results], Cagematch.net, retrieved 29 July 2007. Despite losing the match, Castagnoli was granted a rematch with the partner of his choosing. He chose former partner Chris Hero, but the duo lost to the Briscoes on 9 June.[http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=11898 ROH Domination results], Cagematch.net, retrieved 29 July 2007.

Castagnoli gained success in ROH singles competition on 28 July 2007, by winning Ring of Honor's Race to the Top Tournament, a 16-man, two-night event. He defeated Hallowicked, Mike Quackenbush and Jack Evans en route to the final, where he defeated El Generico.[http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=12765 ROH Race to the Top Tournament Day 2 results], Cagematch.net, retrieved 29 July 2007. He faced Takeshi Morishima for the ROH World Championship at Death Before Dishonor V: Night One on 10 August, but lost. He received a second shot, this time a three-way match with Brent Albright, later that month, but was again unable to win the title.[http://www.rohwrestling.com/News/Article.aspx?id=679 Hartford, CT- Caged Rage August 24th] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927174141/http://www.rohwrestling.com/News/Article.aspx?id=679 |date=27 September 2007 }}, Ring of Honor, retrieved 18 August 2007. On 29 December 2007, one year after Hero had abandoned Castagnoli, the two of them faced each other at the second ROH pay-per-view Rising Above. If Castagnoli won the match, he would get five minutes with Larry Sweeney, but if he lost, would have had to join Sweet 'n' Sour Inc. He won,{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_24740.shtml|title=RADICAN'S ROH RISING ABOVE PPV REPORT 3/7 (McGuinness-Aries, Briscoes-NRC)|last=Radican|first=Sean|date=4 March 2008|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=PWTorch}} but was defeated by Sweeney the following night at Final Battle 2007, when Sweet & Sour, Inc. member Daniel Puder interfered.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_24072.shtml|title=12/30 ROH Final Battle 2007: Danielson vs. Aries vs. Hero vs. Morishima: "Greatest Match I Have Ever Seen Live."|last=Vasquez|first=Steve|date=31 December 2007|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=PWTorch}}

On 28 June 2008, Castagnoli scored one of his biggest victories in Ring of Honor by pinning Bryan Danielson in their first meeting in ROH.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news08/1214766442.shtml|title=Ring of Honor Results: 6/28 – Chicago Ridge, IL (Nigel/Jerry Lynn – info)|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=29 June 2008|access-date=28 January 2010|publisher=WrestleView}} The following month, on 26 July, Castagnoli received a match for the ROH World Championship against Nigel McGuinness, but lost. On 2 August, Castagnoli failed a Championship rematch against McGuinness. Along with Bryan Danielson and ROH World Tag Team Champion Tyler Black, he competed in a four-man elimination match. He wound up being the first eliminated by Danielson and afterwards snapped and beat Danielson down setting him up to be eliminated by the eventual winner McGuinness. After turning heel Castagnoli started referring to himself as "very European", joined Prince Nana's heel stable The Embassy and feuded with Brent Albright.

File:KoW - Big Swing Combo.jpg as Hero waits to dropkick the spinning opponent]]

On 19 December 2009, at Final Battle 2009, ROH's first live pay-per-view, Castagnoli reunited with his former Kings of Wrestling partner Chris Hero as they attacked the new ROH World Tag Team Champions, the Briscoe Brothers.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_37521.shtml|title=Caldwell'S Ring Of Honor PPV Report 12/19: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of ROH's first online PPV – Austin Aries vs. Tyler Black|date=19 December 2009|first=James|last=Caldwell|access-date=20 December 2009|publisher=PWTorch}} The two adopted Shane Hagadorn as their manager and Sara Del Rey as an associate.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_39047.shtml|title=2/13 ROH in New York City: Detailed report on Tyler Black's ROH Title victory, Brian Kendrick vs. Roderick Strong, Richards vs. Generico|date=15 February 2010|last=Bonanno|first=Nicholas|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=19 December 2010}} On 3 April 2010, at The Big Bang! Castagnoli and Hero defeated the Briscoes to win the ROH World Tag Team Championship for the second time.{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1270355448|title=4/3 ROH Big Bang PPV Results|date=4 April 2010|last=Gerweck|first=Steve|access-date=4 April 2010|publisher=WrestleView|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718122444/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1270355448|archive-date=18 July 2011}} At the following pay-per-view, Death Before Dishonor VIII, on 19 June Castagnoli and Hero successfully defended their Championship against the Briscoes in a No Disqualification match.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_42063.shtml|title=Caldwell's Ring of Honor PPV report 6/19: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Death Before Dishonor VIII Internet PPV|date=19 June 2010|access-date=20 June 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} In July, ROH announced the return of Tag Wars, where 12 tag teams competed in three blocks to determine new challengers for the Kings of Wrestling in an Ultimate Endurance match.{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/tag-wars-brackets-revealed/|title=Tag Wars Brackets Revealed!|access-date=29 August 2010|work=Ring of Honor|archive-date=26 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100726065830/http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/tag-wars-brackets-revealed/|url-status=dead}} On 28 August the Kings of Wrestling defeated The Dark City Fight Club (Jon Davis and Kory Chavis), The All Night Express (Kenny King and Rhett Titus) and the Briscoes to retain their championship and win the 2010 Tag Wars.{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1283101639 |title=8/28 ROH Results: Charlotte, North Carolina |date=29 August 2010 |access-date=29 August 2010 |last=Magee |first=Bob |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504205959/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1283101639 |archive-date=4 May 2012 }} On 2 September it was announced that Castagnoli had signed a contract with ROH, which gave the company priority in his independent bookings.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_43507.shtml|title=ROH News: Ring of Honor announces contract signings with ROH tag champions|date=2 September 2010|access-date=2 September 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}

At the following pay–per–view, Glory By Honor IX on 11 September, the Kings of Wrestling picked up a major victory by defeating Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team (Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin) in a non–title match.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_43710.shtml|title=9/11 ROH internet PPV live results: Caldwell & Radican's coverage of "Glory by Honor IX" – ROH Title match, Haas & Benjamin debut|first1=James|last1=Caldwell|last2=Radican|first2=Sean|date=11 September 2010|access-date=12 September 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On 18 December at Final Battle 2010 the Kings of Wrestling ended their feud with the Briscoe Brothers in a six-man tag team match, where Jay, Mark and their father Mike defeated Castagnoli, Hero and Shane Hagadorn.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_46163.shtml|title=Caldwell's Ring of Honor PPV report 12/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of "Final Battle 2010" – Strong vs. Richards, Generico vs. Steen|date=18 December 2010|access-date=18 December 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On 4 January 2011 Castagnoli and Hero became the longest reigning ROH World Tag Team Champions by breaking the previous record of 275 days, set by the Briscoe Brothers.{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/history-is-made/|title=History Is Made!|date=5 January 2011|access-date=5 January 2011|work=Ring of Honor|archive-date=9 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110109013112/http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/history-is-made/|url-status=dead}} On 26 February at the 9th Anniversary Show, Castagnoli and Hero successfully defended the ROH World Tag Team Championship against The All Night Express.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_48078.shtml|title=Caldwell's Ring of Honor PPV report 2/26: Complete "virtual time" coverage of "9th Anniversary Show" – Strong vs. Homicide ROH Title match, Briscoes vs. Haas & Benjamin main event|date=26 February 2011|access-date=27 February 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On 1 April at Honor Takes Center Stage, the Kings of Wrestling lost the ROH World Tag Team Championship to Haas and Benjamin, ending their reign at 363 days.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_48952.shtml|title=ROH Internet PPV report 4/1: Caldwell & Radican's "virtual-time" coverage of live ROH PPV from Atlanta|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|last2=Radican|first2=Sean|date=1 April 2011|access-date=2 April 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} Castagnoli and Hero received their rematch for the ROH World Tag Team Championship on 13 August at the first Ring of Honor Wrestling tapings under the Sinclair Broadcast Group banner, but were unable to regain the championship from Haas and Benjamin.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/99-other-mma/21732-roh-tv-tapings-report-8-13-chicago|title=ROH TV tapings report 8-13 Chicago|first=Kenneth|last=Slater|date=14 August 2011|access-date=14 August 2011|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}

File:Castagnoli's Giant Swing.jpg in 2009]]

On 6 August 2005, Castagnoli made his debut for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, losing to Joey Ryan.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2005/show0031.html| title=Zombies Shouldn't Run|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla}} On 2 September 2006, Castagnoli entered his first Battle of Los Angeles tournament, but ended up being eliminated in the first round by Jack Evans.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2006/show0056.html|title=2006 Battle of Los Angeles – Night Two|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla}} On 21 October, at Horror Business Castagnoli and Hero attempted to win the PWG World Tag Team Championship to hold four different sets of Tag Team titles simultaneously, but were unable to dethrone the Champions Super Dragon and Davey Richards.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2006/show0059.html|title=Horror Business|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla}} They received another match for the Championship during the 2007 DDT4 tournament, but were defeated in the first round by the Briscoes.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2007/show0070.html|title=Dynamite Duumvirate Tag Team Title Tournament – Night One|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla}} In August 2007, Castagnoli competed in his second Battle of Los Angeles. He defeated Doug Williams in the first round, but lost to Pac in the second.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2007/show0074.html|title=2007 Battle of Los Angeles – Night One|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla}}{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2007/show0076.html|title=2007 Battle of Los Angeles – Night Three|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla}}

In late 2007, Chris Hero was involved in a feud with Human Tornado and when Hero's scheduled tag team partner Eddie Kingston turned on him in a mystery tag team partner match and sided with Tornado instead, Castagnoli came out and took Kingston's place as Hero's partner. However, when Hero went to tag Castagnoli, he nailed him with a European uppercut, turned heel and joined Tornado and Kingston. On 5 January 2008, at All Star Weekend 6: Night One Tornado, Castagnoli and Kingston defeated Hero, Necro Butcher and Hero's girlfriend/valet Candice LeRae in a six-person tag team match to earn Tornado a match with LeRae.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2008/show0082.html|title=All Star Weekend 6 – Night One|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla}} On 21 March 2008, Hero defeated Castagnoli in a grudge match.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2008/show0087.html|title=1.21 Gigawatts|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla}} On 6 July 2008, at PWG's fifth anniversary show Life During Wartime Castagnoli wrestled his last match at the time for the promotion, defeating Phoenix Star.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2008/show0092.html|title=Life During Wartime|access-date=16 December 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla}}

Castagnoli returned to the company for the annual Battle of Los Angeles Tournament on 4 September 2010.{{cite web|url=http://prowrestlingguerrilla.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=3445&sid=90f398cb787256c418803c4135dcfd3f&start=0|title=2010 Battle of Los Angeles takes place September 4 & 5!|date=8 August 2010|access-date=14 August 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla}} Castagnoli made it to the semifinals of the tournament, defeating Ricochet and Roderick Strong, before losing to the eventual winner Joey Ryan.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/17411/|title=PWG Battle of LA Night One report|last=Alvarez|first=Bryan|author-link=Bryan Alvarez|date=5 September 2010|access-date=6 September 2010|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/17421/|title=Battle of Los Angeles Night II report with one of the best matches of the year|last=Alvarez|first=Bryan|author-link=Bryan Alvarez|date=6 September 2010|access-date=6 September 2010|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} Ryan should then have earned a match for the PWG World Championship, but as Davey Richards was stripped of the championship, Castagnoli and the three other Battle of Los Angeles semifinalists – Brandon Gatson, Chris Hero and Joey Ryan – were placed in a four-way match to determine a new Champion.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_43760.shtml|title=PWG News: Davey Richards relinquishes PWG World Title, four-way match announced for next show to determine new champion|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=14 September 2010|access-date=9 October 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On 9 October's The Curse of Guerrilla Island, Castagnoli defeated Gatson, Hero and Ryan to win the PWG World Championship, his first major singles title in the United States.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2010/show0117.html|title=The Curse of Guerrilla Island|access-date=9 October 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_44404.shtml|title=PWG News: ROH tag champion Claudio Castagnoli captures PWG Title; Pic of the new champ following Saturday night's title match|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=10 October 2010|access-date=10 October 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ccastagnoli/status/26915760442|title=It took me over 6 years but I finally won my first big singles title in the US. I am the PWG World Heavyweight Champion! Hard work pays off|last=Castagnoli|first=Claudio|date=10 October 2010|access-date=13 December 2010|publisher=Twitter}}

Castagnoli and Hero were scheduled to face PWG World Tag Team Champions, ¡Peligro Abejas! (El Generico and Paul London), in a non–title match at the following event. Due to Castagnoli's title win, the Champions agreed to put their belts on the line as long as Castagnoli agreed to give the victor a shot at the PWG World Championship, should the Kings lose. After Castagnoli had agreed to the stipulation, ¡Peligro Abejas! defeated him and Hero to retain the World Tag Team Championship and earn El Generico a shot at the PWG World Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/166011/PWG-Cyanide:-A-Loving-Tribute-to-Poison-Report-12.11.10.htm|title=PWG Cyanide: A Loving Tribute to Poison Report 12.11.10|last=Csonka|first=Larry|date=13 December 2010|access-date=13 December 2010|work=411Mania}} On 29 January 2011, during the WrestleReunion 5 weekend, Castagnoli made his first successful defense by defeating El Generico.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_47214.shtml|title=1/29 PWG results in Los Angeles: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of PWG Title match, Kaval vs. Davey, Roberts retirement, Legends Battle Royal|last=Massingham|first=Matt|date=30 January 2011|access-date=30 January 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On 4 March Castagnoli and Hero entered the 2011 DDT 4 Tournament, defeating the Cutler Brothers (Brandon and Dustin Cutler) in their first-round match. However, in the semifinals of the tournament the Kings of Wrestling suffered an upset loss against the Nightmare Violence Connection (Akira Tozawa and Kevin Steen) when Tozawa rolled Hero up for the win.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_48254.shtml|title=3/4 PWG results in Reseda, Calif.: complete DDT4 tag tournament results – TNA tag team in finals, PWG Title match announced for next show|last=Massingham|first=Matt|date=5 March 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=5 March 2011}} On 9 April Castagnoli defended the PWG World Championship against the Battle of Los Angeles winner, Joey Ryan, who had knocked him out of the previous year's tournament.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_49196.shtml|title=PWG News: TNA tag team captures PWG Tag Titles at "Winning," Steen scratched, Low-Ki, Claudio retains top title|date=10 April 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=10 April 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On 27 May, during the first night of All Star Weekend 8, Castagnoli successfully defended the PWG World Championship against his longtime tag team partner Chris Hero.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_50410.shtml|title=5/27 PWG All-Star Weekend Night 1 results: Hero vs. Claudio main event, ROH champ vs. Shelley, GenMe, GenNext|date=28 May 2011|access-date=28 May 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} The following night, Castagnoli defeated Low Ki to retain the title.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_50423.shtml|title=5/28 PWG All-Star Weekend Night 2 results: Low-Ki challenges for PWG Title, GenMe vs. GenNext, ROH champion|date=29 May 2011|author=Matt|access-date=29 May 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On 23 July at PWG's eighth anniversary show, Castagnoli defeated Hero in a rematch for the PWG World Championship. After the match Castagnoli accepted a challenge from Kevin Steen and ended up losing the title to him in the impromptu match, ending his reign at 287 days.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_51641.shtml|title=PWG News: New PWG champion – impromptu title match concludes "PWG 8" Saturday night|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=24 July 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=24 July 2011}}

On 20 August, after both Castagnoli and Hero were eliminated from the 2011 Battle of Los Angeles in the first round, they challenged PWG World Tag Team Champions, The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), to a match for the title. The match, which took place later that same evening, saw the Kings of Wrestling once again fail to win the PWG World Tag Team Championship.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_52395.shtml|title=8/20 PWG results in Reseda, Calif.: BOLA tournament winner, Young Bucks not shaking hands turned into angle, Tag Title match, Finlay debuts|last=Massingham|first=Matt|date=21 August 2011|access-date=21 August 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}

Castagnoli made his debut for Pro Wrestling Noah on 15 February 2008, when he teamed up with Chris Hero in a losing effort against Jun Akiyama and Kentaro Shiga.{{cite web|url=http://cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=257&view=matches&gimmick=&jahr=&liga=8®ion=&land=&art=&artmatches=&partner=Partner&gegner=Gegner&suchbegriff=Suchbegriff#matches|title=Pro Wrestling Noah matches|access-date=28 January 2010|publisher=Cagematch}} He primarily wrestled in the promotion as Chris Hero's tag team partner and in January 2010 the Kings of Wrestling entered the Global Tag League, where they ended up losing all of their matches. Castagnoli and Hero returned to Noah on 19 November 2010, for a three-week-long tour. The team went undefeated in tag team matches, before being defeated on the final day of the tour, 5 December, by Takuma Sano and Yoshihiro Takayama in a match for the GHC Tag Team Championship.{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-furious-flashbacks-noah-joe-higuchi-memorial-show/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210020720/https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-furious-flashbacks-noah-joe-higuchi-memorial-show/ |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |title=The Furious Flashbacks – NOAH Joe Higuchi Memorial Show |work=411Mania |last=Furious |first=Arnold |date=June 4, 2011 |access-date=February 14, 2023}}

The Kings of Wrestling returned to Noah in April 2011 to take part in the 2011 Global Tag League, where they managed to win two out of their seven-round robin matches, finishing seventh out of eight teams in the block.{{cite web|title=Global Tag Team League Tournament 2011 |url=http://www.noah-usa.cc/Global%20Tag%20Team%20Tournament%202011.html |work=Pro Wrestling Noah |access-date=29 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515033758/http://noah-usa.cc/Global%20Tag%20Team%20Tournament%202011.html |archive-date=15 May 2011 }} On 15 May, he traveled to Germany to challenge Takashi Sugiura's GHC Heavyweight Championship on "Genesis in Germany", co-promoted by local Westside Xtreme Wrestling and NOAH. However, he was unsuccessful in his challenge, losing after an Olympic Slam.{{cite web|title=NOAH Genesis in Germany – 15.5. – Results |url=http://www.wxw-wrestling.com/index2.php?content=show_news&id=1649 |work=Westside Xtreme Wrestling |access-date=16 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002191543/http://www.wxw-wrestling.com/index2.php?content=show_news&id=1649 |archive-date=2 October 2011 }}

File:Claudio Castagnoli at a 2CW event.jpg

In November 2006, he wrestled Antonio Thomas in one half of the main event at MXW Pro Wrestling's Capital Collision show in Albany, New York. In April 2007, Castagnoli represented Chikara in the inaugural King of Europe Cup, a sixteen-man tournament held in Liverpool, England. He lost in the opening match against CZW's representative and former partner, Chris Hero.[http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=11013 King of Europe Cup 2007 Day 1 results], Cagematch.net, retrieved 29 July 2007. "King Of Europe Cup 2007 First Round Match: Chris Hero [defeated] Claudio Castagnoli."

During mid-2007, Castagnoli competed in the Reclaiming the Glory Tournament for the newly vacated NWA World Heavyweight Championship under the Terry Funk bracket.[http://nwawrestling.com/champ/ National Wrestling Alliance – Reclaiming the Glory] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070705180615/http://nwawrestling.com/champ/ |date=5 July 2007 }}, NWAWrestling.com, last accessed 18 August 2007. He defeated Pepper Parks in the first-round qualifiers and Sicodelico Jr. in the second[http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=12652 Chikara Showdown in CrisisLand results], Cagematch.net, retrieved 29 July 2007. "NWA World Heavyweight Title Tournament Quarter Final: Claudio Castagnoli [defeated] Sicodelico Jr." before losing to Brent Albright in the semi-finals on 12 August in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Later in September, Castagnoli competed in Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South's Ted Petty Invitational 2007 tournament. He defeated Nigel McGuinness in the first round, Davey Richards in the quarterfinals, and Brent Albright in the semifinals to compete in a three-way elimination match, with finalists Mike Quackenbush and IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Champion Chuck Taylor. He was first eliminated by the eventual winner, Quackenbush, being pinned following a Quackendriver II. Castagnoli replaced Fergal Devitt in the eight-man NWA Australian Championship Tournament which was held in November 2007.

On 13 March 2010, Castagnoli made his debut for Evolve Wrestling, at the promotion's second event, defeating Bobby Fish.{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/132749/EVOLVE-2-Results-From-New-Jersey.htm|title=EVOLVE 2 Results From New Jersey|last=Csonka|first=Larry|work=411Mania|date=15 March 2010|access-date=22 April 2010}} At the following show on 1 May Castagnoli was defeated by Chuck Taylor.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_45279.shtml|title=Radican's Evolve DVD review series: "Evolve 3: Rise or Fall" 5/1 – Castagnoli vs. Taylor, Fish vs. Hero|last=Radican|first=Sean|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=15 November 2010|access-date=16 November 2010}}

File:Antonio Cesaro WWE debut.jpg in 2012]]

In September 2011, Castagnoli signed a contract with WWE and began working in its developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) under the new ring name Antonio Cesaro.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_53356.shtml|title=Claudio Castagnoli no more – former ROH tag champ signs with WWE, changes name|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=16 September 2011|access-date=16 September 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/3-news/22183-claudio-castagnoli-gets-his-wwe-name|title=Claudio Castagnoli gets his WWE name|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|date=16 September 2011|access-date=16 September 2011}} He worked on the television program FCW until March 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/27737-fcw-results---10-24-11|title=FCW Results – 10/24/11|last=Namako|first=Jason|work=WrestleView|date=25 October 2011|access-date=2 November 2011}}{{cite web |last=Trionfo |first=Richard |date=7 March 2012 |title=FCW Television Report For 3/4: Three Titles On The Line; Dean Ambrose Spreads Some Sunshine On The Mic |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=66454 |access-date=22 July 2013 |publisher=PWInsider}}{{cite web |last=Trionfo |first=Richard |date=10 July 2012 |title=FCW Television Report For 7/8: Steamboat And Rollins Defend Their Titles; Ohno; Rollins; And More |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=70089 |access-date=24 July 2013 |work=PWInsider}}

File:Antonio Cesaro 2013 A.jpg in 2013]]

Cesaro made his WWE television debut on 20 April episode of SmackDown, appearing in a backstage segment with Aksana.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_60603.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE SmackDown results 4/20: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Smackdown on Syfy – six-man tag main event, roster changes|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=20 April 2012|access-date=20 April 2012}} On 3 July live episode of The Great American Bash SmackDown, Cesaro suffered his first loss when he and Aksana were defeated in a mixed tag team match by The Great Khali and Layla.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_63002.shtml|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 7/3: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the live Great American Bash special, including 20-man Battle Royal; winner acts as GM for Smackdown next week|last=Parks|first=Greg|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=3 July 2012|access-date=5 July 2012}} On the SummerSlam pre-show on 19 August, Cesaro defeated Santino Marella to win the WWE United States Championship, his first singles title in WWE.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_64430.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE SummerSlam PPV report 8/19: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Lesnar vs. Triple H, Punk vs. Cena vs. Show|date=19 August 2012|access-date=20 August 2012|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} Cesaro retained the title against Zack Ryder on 16 September at Night of Champions.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_65243.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Night of Champions PPV report 9/16: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Punk vs. Cena, six title matches|date=16 September 2012|access-date=18 September 2012|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On 21 September SmackDown, Cesaro ended his relationship with Aksana after an inadvertent distraction from her cost him his non-title match with Santino Marella.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/27594-wwe-smackdown-tv-report-edge-returns-tons-of-kane-a-bryan|title=WWE Smackdown TV report – Edge returns, tons of Kane & Bryan|date=21 September 2012|access-date=21 September 2012|last=Shannon|first=James|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} This led to a title rematch between Cesaro and Marella the following week, where Cesaro was able to retain his title easily.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_65587.shtml|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 9/28: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday night show, including Randy Orton vs. The Big Show|date=28 September 2012|access-date=28 September 2012|last=Parks|first=Greg|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}

At Hell in a Cell on 28 October, Cesaro successfully retained the United States Championship against Justin Gabriel.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_66245.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Hell in a Cell PPV report 10/28: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Will WWE pull the trigger on Ryback as top champ?|date=28 October 2012|access-date=28 October 2012|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} Cesaro then began feuding with R-Truth after Truth saved Kofi Kingston from a post-match assault from Cesaro on 29 October Raw.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=29 October 2012 |title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 10/29: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – PPV fall-out, Foley returns |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66271.shtml |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On 18 November at Survivor Series, Cesaro defeated R-Truth to retain the United States Championship.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=18 November 2012 |title=CALDWELL'S WWE SURVIVOR SERIES PPV REPORT 11/18: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Punk-Cena-Ryback |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_66714.shtml |access-date=19 November 2012 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} The feud continued on the following SmackDown, with Truth defeating Cesaro in a non-title match.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=23 November 2012 |title=CALDWELL'S WWE SMACKDOWN RESULTS 11/23: Complete coverage of Ziggler vs. Orton main event, Cena on Miz TV |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_66816.shtml |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}} Cesaro then defeated Truth in two more matches, first in a four-way match, which also included Kofi Kingston and Wade Barrett on 3 December Raw and second on 16 December at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs in a singles match, to retain his title.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=3 December 2012 |title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 12/3: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – McMahon returns, Punk takes a Test |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66980.shtml |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}}{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=16 December 2012 |title=CALDWELL'S WWE TLC PPV RESULTS 12/16: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of final 2012 PPV – Cena vs. Ziggler main event, Shield makes a statement |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_67280.shtml |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On 31 December Raw, Cesaro issued a title challenge to Sgt. Slaughter as part of the "Champion's Choice Night" and then defeated Slaughter in the match that followed to retain his championship.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=31 December 2012 |title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 12/31: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of New Year's Eve episode – Champion's Choice Night ends with Cena dressing down Ziggler |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_67506.shtml |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}} At the Royal Rumble pre-show on 27 January 2013, Cesaro defeated The Miz to retain the United States Championship.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=27 January 2013 |title=CALDWELL'S WWE ROYAL RUMBLE PPV RESULTS 1/27: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Punk vs. Rock, 30-man Rumble |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_68181.shtml |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On 17 February at Elimination Chamber, he retained the United States Championship against Miz via disqualification after Miz accidentally hit him in the groin.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=17 February 2013 |title=CALDWELL'S WWE ELIMINATION CHAMBER PPV RESULTS 2/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Rock-Punk II, Elimination Chamber match, Shield beats Team Cena |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_68713.shtml |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}} Cesaro and Miz faced off in a two-out-of-three falls match for the title on 1 March SmackDown, where Cesaro retained his title to end their feud.{{cite web |last=Parks |first=Greg |date=1 March 2013 |title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 3/1: Complete coverage of Friday night show, including Social Media Smackdown and Big Show vs. Randy Orton |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69036.shtml |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On 15 April Raw, Cesaro lost the United States Championship to Kofi Kingston in an upset victory, ending his long-lived reign at 239 days.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=15 April 2013 |title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/15: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Lesnar returns, Punk walks away, WM29 fallout, new U.S. champion, more |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70029.shtml |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}}

File:Cesaro, Colter, Hager.jpg

In May, Cesaro started a feud with Sami Zayn in NXT, where the two held some of what would later be considered the best matches of 2013. On 22 May episode of NXT, Zayn scored an upset victory over Cesaro in his debut match.{{cite web|title=WWE NXT report: Sami Zayn's debut is not generic; a feud that most will want to see; Mason Ryan returns; Wyatt versus Graves; big announcement and battle royal next week|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=77735|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|date=22 May 2013|access-date=23 May 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}} Cesaro later defeated Zayn in a rematch on the 13 June episode of NXT.{{cite web|last=Namako|first=Jason|title=WWE NXT Results – 6/13/13 (Big E vs. Bo Dallas – NXT Title)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/42035-wwe-nxt-results-6-13-13-big-e-dallas-nxt-title|access-date=14 June 2013|publisher=WrestleView|date=14 June 2013}} On 17 June episode of Raw, Cesaro became to work with Zeb Colter and Jack Swagger as The Real Americans.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 6/17 (Hour 2): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Orton vs. Bryan, A.J. Lee-Stephanie McMahon promo exchange, U.S. Title match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71352.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=24 July 2013}}{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=15 July 2013 |title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/15 (Hour 2): The Wyatts Week 2, Rhodes Scholars explode |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71983.shtml |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On 21 August episode of NXT, Cesaro defeated Zayn in a two-out-of-three falls match to conclude the feud.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=79778|title=WWE NXT report: Zayn versus Cesaro two out of three falls; Divas title match; Dolph Ziggler in Action; a Tough Enough alumnus in action; The Ascension; CJ Parker and Tyler Breeze; and more|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|date=22 August 2013|access-date=23 August 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}

On 15 September at the Night of Champions pre-show, The Real Americans competed in a #1 contenders Tag Team Turmoil match for the WWE Tag Team Championship, in which they were the last team eliminated by The Prime Time Players (Darren Young and Titus O'Neil).{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=15 September 2013 |title=CALDWELL'S WWE NOC PPV RESULTS 9/15 (Pre-Show): Night of Champions kicks off with five-team #1 contender match |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_73319.shtml |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}} At Hell in a Cell on 27 October, they lost to Los Matadores (Diego and Fernando).{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=27 October 2013 |title=CALDWELL'S WWE HIAC PPV RESULTS (Hour 2): Cena returns in World Title match, Punk vs. Ryback HIAC match |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_74179.shtml |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}} The following night on Raw, The Real Americans defeated WWE Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes and Goldust in a non-title match.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=28 October 2013 |title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 10/28 (Hour 3): Orton Title Celebration closes Raw, Punk vs. Ryback, Wyatts, more |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_74220.shtml |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On 18 November Raw, a fan handed out a hundred simple black and white signs on standard printer paper with the words "Cesaro Section" printed on them. A group of fans held them up together in Cesaro's match and this made it to air and was remarked on by the commentators, as well as by Cesaro himself after the show; this was picked up by other fans, and the Cesaro Section phenomenon quickly spread from there to other arenas and events."{{Cite web |last=Atkin |first=Nicolas |date=19 September 2016 |title=Sooner or later, Cesaro "can't be denied" |url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/17589368/wwe-superstar-cesaro-feels-sooner-later-denied-top-level-performer |access-date=29 October 2022 |publisher=ESPN}}

Cesaro competed in the 30-man Royal Rumble match at Royal Rumble on 26 January, entering at #21 but was eliminated by Roman Reigns.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2013/royal-rumble-match-26080784/page-5 |title=Full list of Royal Rumble Match participants and eliminations |publisher=WWE |date=28 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131095418/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2013/royal-rumble-match-26080784/page-5 |archive-date=31 January 2013 |access-date=28 January 2012 |url-status=dead }} On 31 January episode of SmackDown, Cesaro defeated Dolph Ziggler to earn a spot at the Elimination Chamber match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web |last=Parks |first=Greg |date=31 January 2014 |title=PARKS'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 1/31: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including The Shield vs. Daniel Bryan & Sheamus & Rey Mysterio |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_76063.shtml |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On 14 February SmackDown, while his ring name was shortened to Cesaro, he defeated WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton clean in a non-title match.{{cite web |last=Parks |first=Greg |date=14 February 2014 |title=Parks's WWE SmackDown report 2/14: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday night show, including Orton vs. Cesaro |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_76371.shtml |access-date=15 February 2014 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=WWE SmackDown results – 2/14/14|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/46780|publisher=WrestleView|access-date=15 February 2014}}

At Elimination Chamber on 23 February, Cesaro was eliminated by Cena via submission.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE E. CHAMBER PPV RESULTS 2/23 (Hour 3): Elimination Chamber WWE Title main event|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_76568.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=23 February 2014}} On 27 February at NXT Arrival, Cesaro defeated Zayn again, but embraced Zayn after the match.{{cite web|last=Namako|first=Jason|title=WWE NXT Arrival Results – 2/27/14 (New NXT Champion)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/47041-wwe-nxt-arrival-results-2-27-14-new-nxt-champion|publisher=Wrestleview|access-date=1 March 2014|date=28 February 2014}}

File:Hogan congratulates Cesaro.jpg endorsed and congratulated Cesaro for winning the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania XXX]]

During the WrestleMania XXX pre-show on 6 April, The Real Americans were the final team eliminated during a fatal four-way tag team elimination match for the WWE Tag Team Championship.{{cite web |last=Melok |first=Bobby |title=The Usos vs. Los Matadores vs. The Real Americans vs. Ryback & Curtis Axel (WWE Tag Team Championship Fatal 4-Way Match) |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/30/usos-real-americans-matadores-ryback-curtis-axel-26214918 |publisher=WWE |access-date=26 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404170631/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/30/usos-real-americans-matadores-ryback-curtis-axel-26214918 |archive-date=4 April 2014 |url-status=live }} Jack Swagger blamed Cesaro for the loss and put Cesaro in the Patriot Lock before Colter demanded that the duo to shake hands. Cesaro instead retaliated with a Cesaro Swing on Swagger.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=6 April 2014 |title=WrestleMania 30 PPV results (Pre-Show): Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Tag Title match, big face turn, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_77518.shtml |access-date=8 April 2014 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} Later during the pay-per-view Cesaro was a surprise entrant in the inaugural André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, which he won by making the final elimination of the Big Show, body slamming him over the top rope and out of the ring in a manner reminiscent of Hulk Hogan's body slam of André at WrestleMania III.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=6 April 2014 |title=WrestleMania 30 PPV results: (Hour 2): Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Cena vs. Bray, big moment for Cesaro in the Andre Battle Royal, Shield vs. Outlaws |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_77520.shtml |access-date=8 April 2014 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} In a 2015 interview, Cesaro would describe this victory as his "career highlight" to that point.

{{Main|Tyson Kidd and Cesaro}}

On the post-WrestleMania Raw on 7 April, Hogan endorsed Cesaro's WrestleMania victory. Cesaro proceeded to dump Colter as his manager, instead revealing that he was a Paul Heyman guy.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=7 April 2014 |title=Raw news: Bryan's first night as champ, Taker update, Cesaro joins Heyman, Warrior returns, RVD returns, Paige debuts & wins Divas Title, other NXT intros, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_77549.shtml |access-date=8 April 2014 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} After Cesaro was eliminated by Rob Van Dam from a tournament for an Intercontinental Championship title shot,{{cite web |last1=Tucker |first1=Ben |date=21 April 2014 |title=Instant Reaction – Raw: 4/21: Daniel Bryan returns under tough circumstances, and more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_77916.shtml |access-date=22 January 2015 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}} he defeated Van Dam and Swagger in an elimination match at Extreme Rules on 4 May.{{cite news |last1=Salha |first1=Ibrahim |date=4 May 2014 |title=WWE Extreme Rules 2014 results: How did Daniel Bryan, The Shield and Cesaro get on? |website=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wwe-extreme-rules-results-how-did-daniel-bryan-the-shield-and-cesaro-get-on-9323236.html |access-date=22 January 2015}} At Payback on 1 June, Cesaro faced Sheamus for the United States Championship in a losing effort.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/06/01/21709566.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160212043832/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/06/01/21709566.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 February 2016|title=WWE Payback: The Shield Evolved, Cena stood tall and Brie dropped a bombshell|date=1 June 2014|last=Asher|first=Matthew|access-date=7 June 2014|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} At Money in the Bank on 29 June, he competed in a ladder match for the vacant WWE World Heavyweight Championship, which was won by John Cena.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_79316.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S WWE MITB PPV RESULTS 6/29: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of WWE Title ladder match, MITB match, more|author=Caldwell, James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=29 June 2014|access-date=30 June 2014}} On 21 July Raw, Cesaro ended his partnership with Paul Heyman.{{cite web |last=Nemer |first=Paul |date=22 July 2014 |title=WWE RAW Results – 7/21/14 (Brock Lesnar returns) |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/49725-wwe-raw-results-7-21-14-live-results-from-miami |access-date=22 July 2014 |work=WrestleView}} In July 2014, WWE.com noted that one of Cesaro's signature moves, the Cesaro Swing, was "now a rarely used attraction" after previously being "a daily maneuver";{{cite web|last1=Liodice|first1=Tom|title=Editors' Choice: Who has the best arsenal in WWE?|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/editors-choice-best-arsenal/page-7|publisher=WWE|access-date=8 May 2016}}

also that month, it was reported that WWE officials had told Cesaro to stop using the Cesaro Swing because it was making him too popular, and they did not want him being cheered as a heel.{{Cite web |last=Middleton |first=Marc |date=26 July 2014 |title=What Happened To Cesaro's Swing Finisher?, WWE Network Learning From Previous Mistakes |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/0726/579388/what-happened-to-cesaro-swing-finisher/ |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Wrestling Inc.}}

{{Quote box|width=30%|align=left|quote=Cesaro "was on the verge of big things with fans getting behind what they expected would be a babyface turn... Then it fell apart. They did a heel turn to put him with Paul Heyman, and apparently figured that enabled them to not give him wins at all since Heyman was with him... but he'd stay over [... this was] before his big babyface turn fell completely apart and the turn was forgotten about".|source=Dave Meltzer on Cesaro winning the 2014 Wrestling Observer Newsletter award for Most Underrated.}}

Cesaro lost to Rob Van Dam at the SummerSlam pre-show on 17 August.{{cite web|last1=Clapp|first1=John|title=Rob Van Dam vs. Cesaro (Kickoff Match)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2014/rob-van-dam-cesaro-kickoff-26571861|publisher=WWE|access-date=16 August 2014}} By defeating Van Dam in a rematch on Raw, Cesaro earned a United States title match against Sheamus,{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 8/25: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Cena's Return, plus Hogan & Flair & HBK Forum, re-matches, re-matches, and more re-matches|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_80417.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=25 August 2014|access-date=25 August 2014}} but lost again at Night of Champions on 21 September.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=21 September 2014 |title=Caldwell's WWE NoC PPV Report 9/21: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV – Lesnar vs. Cena |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_80844.shtml |access-date=21 September 2014 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}} Instead, Cesaro switched his sights to another title, the Intercontinental Championship held by Dolph Ziggler, as Cesaro became #1 contender after winning a battle royal.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2014-09-26/results-september-26-2014-26679922/page-2|title=SmackDown Results – Sept. 26, 2014: Big Show knocked out Rusev; Ambrose stole Rollins' Money in the Bank briefcase|last=Burdick|first=Michael|date=26 September 2014|publisher=WWE}} From September to November, Cesaro faced Ziggler in a title match on five occasions, on Raw, SmackDown and on 26 October at Hell in a Cell, but lost every match, including three-way matches and a two-out-of-three falls match.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2014-09-26/results-september-26-2014-26679922/page-5|title=SmackDown Results – Sept. 26, 2014: Big Show knocked out Rusev; Ambrose stole Rollins' Money in the Bank briefcase|last=Burdick|first=Michael|date=26 September 2014|publisher=WWE}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/10/26/22031761.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160525002846/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/10/26/22031761.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 May 2016|title=Cena and Rollins survive Cell stipulations|date=26 October 2014|last=Asher|first=Matthew|access-date=28 October 2014|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

In a December 2014 interview, Stone Cold Steve Austin asked Vince McMahon why Cesaro had not gotten over yet and asked whether Cesaro was getting a proper push. McMahon replied that Cesaro was lacking in charisma, verbal skills, and the "it" factor, "might be because he's Swiss ... and the European style". McMahon concluded that he was not certain what could be done to restore Cesaro's momentum, but McMahon was not giving up.{{cite news|last1=Oster|first1=Aaron|title=Raw overshadowed by Steve Austin-Vince McMahon postshow|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/pro-wrestling/ring-posts-blog/bal-wwe-raw-steve-austin-vince-mcmahon-podcast-20141202-story.html#page=1|newspaper=The Baltimore Sun|access-date=24 December 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/51937-vince-mcmahon-addresses-cm-punk-on-stone-cold-podcast|title=Vince McMahon addresses CM Punk on Stone Cold Podcast |date=2 December 2014|access-date=2 December 2014|publisher=WrestleView}}

File:Cesaro Kidd Tag Champions March 2015.jpg in pursuit of the WWE Tag Team Championship]]

Cesaro began teaming with Tyson Kidd on the 1 December episode of Raw and were eliminated from a gauntlet match for a tag title shot by The Usos.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=1 December 2014 |title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 12/1: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Anonymous GM, TLC hype, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_82049.shtml |access-date=1 December 2014 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} At the Royal Rumble pre-show on 25 January, Cesaro and Kidd defeated The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods). Later that night, Cesaro entered the Royal Rumble match at #28 but was eliminated by Dolph Ziggler.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_82945.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S ROYAL RUMBLE PPV REPORT 1/25: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of Lesnar vs. Cena vs. Rollins for WWE Title, annual Royal Rumble match, more|date=25 January 2015|access-date=25 January 2015|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|author=Caldwell, James}} At Fastlane on 22 February, Cesaro and Kidd defeated The Usos to capture the WWE Tag Team Championship.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_83486.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S WWE FAST LANE PPV RESULTS 2/22: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of Bryan vs. Reigns, Cena vs. Rusev, Sting-Hunter confrontation, final PPV before WM31|author=Caldwell, James|date=22 February 2015|access-date=22 February 2015|website=Pro Wrestling Torch}} They retained their titles in a rematch the following night on Raw after their valet Natalya caused a disqualification.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_83511.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 2/23: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Fast Lane fall-out, no Lesnar, Orton & Rollins vs. Bryan & Reigns main event, WM31 build-up, more|author=Caldwell, James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=23 February 2015|access-date=24 February 2015}} Cesaro and Kidd retained their titles at the WrestleMania 31 pre-show on 29 March in a fatal four-way tag team match.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/31/wwe-tag-team-championship-fatal-4-way-27201648|title=WWE Tag Team Champions Tyson Kidd & Cesaro def. The Usos, Los Matadores and The New Day's Big E & Kofi Kingston|author=Taylor, Scott|website=WWE|date=29 March 2015|access-date=22 April 2015}} Cesaro also competed in the André the Giant memorial battle royal, but was eliminated by Big Show.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/31/andre-the-giant-memorial-battle-royal-27139785|title=Big Show won 2nd Annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal (Kickoff Match)|author=Laboon, Jeff|website=WWE|date=29 March 2015|access-date=22 April 2015}} Cesaro and Kidd reignited their feud against The New Day, where a double turn took place; Cesaro and Kidd turned face by displaying a fighting spirit, marking Cesaro's first ever face turn in WWE, while The New Day turned heel by using underhanded tactics during their matches. At Extreme Rules on 26 April, Cesaro and Kidd lost the titles to The New Day (Big E and Kofi Kingston).{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_84687.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S EXTREME RULES PPV REPORT 4/26: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV – Rollins vs. Orton steel cage, Cena vs. Rusev, Last Man Standing, more|author=Caldwell, James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=26 April 2015|access-date=26 April 2015}} They failed to regain the championship at Payback in a 2-out-of-3 falls match on 17 May due to Xavier Woods' interference.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85054.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S PAYBACK PPV REPORT 5/17: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of four-way WWE World Title match, I Quit, more|author=Caldwell, James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=17 May 2015|access-date=17 May 2015}} At Elimination Chamber on 31 May, they failed to win the titles in the inaugural tag team Elimination Chamber match.{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=31 May 2015 |title=CALDWELL'S WWE E. CHAMBER PPV REPORT 5/31: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of WWE Title match, Cena vs. Owens, two Elimination Chamber matches, more |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85340.shtml#.Y13abHbMKUn |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On 7 June, it was announced that Kidd had suffered a legitimate spinal injury and would be out of action for over a year.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/tyson-kidd-suffers-injury-27476779 |title=Tyson Kidd suffers injury |date=7 June 2015 |access-date=12 June 2015 |website=WWE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610030542/http://www.wwe.com/inside/tyson-kidd-suffers-injury-27476779 |archive-date=10 June 2015 }}

File:Cesaro Section.jpg

{{Quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="... Cesaro's one main undesirable attribute: being a super talented wrestler whom the fans clearly want to see succeed, but is never given any serious push because of the decision of one man based on vague, shaky reasons."|source=Zach Dominello writing for the Wrestling Observer website in 2015.}}

On 29 June episode of Raw, Cesaro answered John Cena's United States Championship open challenge and won by disqualification after Kevin Owens interfered and assaulted Cesaro.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_85926.shtml |title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 6/29: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – The Shield trio in big tag match, Cena's U.S. Title Open Challenge, Dolph/Lana|last=Caldwell|first=James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=29 June 2015|access-date=29 June 2015}} He unsuccessfully challenged Cena for the title again the next week on Raw. Both matches were critically praised, and the second one was awarded the Slammy Award for "Best John Cena U.S. Open Challenge".{{cite web |date=22 December 2015 |title=2015 Slammy Award winners |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2015-12-21/2015-slammy-award-winners-28378657/page-4 |access-date=11 January 2016 |website=WWE}} On 13 July episode of Raw, Cesaro confronted Kevin Owens and Rusev about who should face Cena for the championship. This resulted in a triple threat match, where the winner would face Cena immediately after, which Rusev won.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_86178.shtml |title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/13: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Brock Smash, final Battleground PPV hype|last=Caldwell|first=James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=13 July 2015|access-date=13 July 2015}} On 16 July episode of SmackDown, Cesaro became only the second man (after John Cena) to pin Rusev in a singles match.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2015-07-16/results-july-16-2015-27661373/page-4 |title=Cesaro def. Rusev|last=Burdick|first=Miceal|website=WWE.com|date=16 July 2015|access-date=16 July 2015}} At SummerSlam on 23 August, Cesaro lost to Owens.{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=23 August 2015 |title=CALDWELL'S SUMMERSLAM REPORT 8/23: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Lesnar vs. Taker, Title vs. Title, more matches |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_87122.shtml |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}} Around this time, with Cesaro now firmly established as a fan favorite, the Cesaro Section phenomenon that originated in early 2014 again found traction, and home-made printed "Cesaro Section" signs again became circulated widely for fans to hold up during events to show their support for Cesaro. Cesaro defeated Sheamus on 9 November episode of Raw to advance to the quarterfinals in a tournament to crown a new WWE World Heavyweight Champion at Survivor Series after previous champion Seth Rollins injured his knee at a house show in Dublin, but lost to Roman Reigns in the semi-finals on 16 November. On 23 November, WWE announced that Cesaro needed surgery for a torn rotator cuff muscle in his left shoulder that had been injured for at least two months, and that would leave him out of action for four to six months.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/cesaro-injured-interview |title=Exclusive interview: Cesaro on his shoulder injury and plans for return|last=Pappolla|first=Ryan|website=WWE|date=23 November 2015|access-date=23 November 2015}}

Cesaro made his return from injury on the Raw after WrestleMania 32 on 4 April 2016 episode of Raw, introducing a new James Bond style entrance and attire to his character, including a tear-away business suit.{{cite web|last1=Cesaro|title=Cesaro (@WWECesaro) Twitter Feed|url=https://twitter.com/WWECesaro/status/717268929954123776|website=Twitter|publisher=Self|access-date=15 May 2016|date=5 April 2016|quote="The #professional is back. Incredible crowd made it extra special. Thank you" (includes animated gif of ring entrance with tearaway suit)}} He replaced Sami Zayn as a surprise entrant in the main event, a fatal 4-way match between himself, Kevin Owens, AJ Styles and Chris Jericho to determine the #1 contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, with the match being won by Styles.{{cite web |last=Tedesco |first=Mike |date=4 April 2016 |title=WWE RAW Results – 4/4/16 (Live in Dallas, Styles becomes No. 1 contender, NXT stars debut, WrestleMania fallout) |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/60113-wwe-raw-results-4416-live-dallas-wrestlemania-32-fallout-wwe-tag-team-titles-match-dudleys-vs-usos/ |access-date=5 April 2016 |website=WrestleView}} On 11 April edition of Raw, Cesaro defeated Kevin Owens to become the #1 contender for the Intercontinental Championship held by The Miz.{{cite web|title=Cesaro def. Kevin Owens to become No. 1 contender for the Intercontinental Championship|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2016-04-11|publisher=WWE|access-date=12 April 2016}} At Payback on 1 May, Cesaro failed to win the title after a distraction by Zayn and Owens, allowing Miz to retain the title.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Intercontinental Champion The Miz vs. Cesaro|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2016/miz-cesaro|publisher=WWE|access-date=11 April 2016}}{{cite web |last1=Pappolla |first1=Ryan |date=9 May 2016 |title=Intercontinental Champion The Miz vs. Kevin Owens vs. Cesaro vs. Sami Zayn (Fatal 4-Way Match) |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2016/miz-kevin-owens-cesaro-sami-zayn-intercontinental-championship |access-date=13 May 2016 |website=WWE}} A fatal 4-way match for the title between Cesaro, Miz, Owens, and Zayn was then made for the Extreme Rules pay-per-view on 22 May. The Miz ultimately prevailed by pinning Cesaro after Zayn executed a Helluva Kick on Cesaro.{{cite web |last1=Artus |first1=Matthew |date=22 May 2016 |title=Intercontinental Champion The Miz won a Fatal 4-Way Match |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2016/intercontinental-championship-fatal-4-way-results |access-date=28 May 2016 |website= |publisher=WWE}} The following night on Raw Cesaro defeated Miz for a spot in the Money in the Bank ladder match.{{cite web |date=23 May 2016 |title=Cesaro def. Intercontinental Champion The Miz to qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2016-05-23#full-detail-40005871 |access-date=28 May 2016 |website= |publisher=WWE}} On the following episode of SmackDown, The Miz retained the title against Cesaro.{{cite web |date=26 May 2016 |title=Intercontinental Champion The Miz def. Cesaro – Intercontinental Title Match |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2016-05-26#full-detail-40006080 |access-date=28 May 2016 |website= |publisher=WWE}} At Money in the Bank on 19 June, Cesaro was unsuccessful as the match was won by Dean Ambrose.{{cite web |last=Powers |first=Kevin |date=19 June 2016 |title=Dean Ambrose won the Money in the Bank Ladder Match |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2016/money-bank-ladder-match-results |access-date=19 June 2016 |publisher=WWE}}

{{Main|The Bar (professional wrestling)}}

On 19 July at the 2016 WWE draft, Cesaro was drafted to Raw.{{cite web|title=2016 WWE Draft results: WWE officially ushers in New Era|url=http://www.wwe.com/2016-wwe-draft-results|publisher=WWE|access-date=19 July 2016}} Afterwards, while being interviewed live on the WWE Network by JoJo, Cesaro legitimately complained about how he should have been drafted "at least top 10" and thought he would be a better fit on the more wrestling-oriented SmackDown brand, as well as criticizing the decision to have the storyline focus on the potential drama between Stephanie McMahon and Raw General Manager Mick Foley as opposed to the wrestlers themselves. While WWE would eventually continue this as part of an angle, Dave Meltzer confirmed on Twitter that the interview was a shoot and that Cesaro had unexpectedly gone off-script.{{cite tweet|url=https://twitter.com/davemeltzerWON/status/755818081742495744|user=davemeltzerWON|title=Shoot [in response to a question asking if Cesaro's promo was scripted or not]|number=755818081742495744|author=Dave Meltzer|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=21 July 2016|accessdate=19 August 2016}} After the draft, Cesaro would then begin a rivalry with Sheamus, and Mick Foley announced that the pair would face each other in a Best of Seven Series, with the first match taking place on 21 August on the SummerSlam kick-off show, which Sheamus won.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=21 August 2016 |title=8/21 WWE Summerslam Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Live Report |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/21/summerslam2016resultsfinal/ |access-date=21 August 2016 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} Sheamus would defeat Cesaro in the second and third matches,{{cite web |last1=Keller |first1=Wade |date=29 August 2016 |title=KELLER'S WWE RAW REVIEW 8/29: Ongoing coverage of fatal four way for the WWE Universal Title |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/29/kellers-wwe-raw-review-829-ongoing-coverage-fatal-four-way-wwe-universal-title-match-kevin-owens-seth-rollins-roman-reigns-big-cass/ |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901173718/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/29/kellers-wwe-raw-review-829-ongoing-coverage-fatal-four-way-wwe-universal-title-match-kevin-owens-seth-rollins-roman-reigns-big-cass/ |archivedate=1 September 2016 |accessdate=29 August 2016 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=5 September 2016 |title=9/5 WWE Raw Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Live TV Report |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/05/sept5rawresults/ |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907203332/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/05/sept5rawresults/ |archivedate=7 September 2016 |accessdate=5 September 2016 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} but Cesaro defeated Sheamus in the fourth, fifth and sixth match, tying the series 3–3.{{cite web|last1=Wortman|first1=James|title=Cesaro defeats Sheamus in Match No. 4 of their Best of Seven Series|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/cesaro-sheamus-london-wwe-live-event-results|work=WWE|date=7 September 2016|accessdate=19 September 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911012154/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/cesaro-sheamus-london-wwe-live-event-results|archivedate=11 September 2016}}{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=9 September 2016 |title=9/12 WWE Raw Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Live TV Report |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/12/sept12rawresults/ |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915113034/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/12/sept12rawresults/ |archivedate=15 September 2016 |accessdate=12 September 2016 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=19 September 2016 |title=9/19 WWE Raw Results – CALDWELL'S Complete TV Report |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/19/sept19rawresults/ |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922000423/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/19/sept19rawresults/ |archivedate=22 September 2016 |accessdate=19 September 2016 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} The two faced in the seventh and deciding match at Clash of Champions, which ended in a no contest, leaving the result of their series unclear.{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=25 September 2016 |title=9/25 WWE C. of Champions Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Report |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/25/clashppvresults/ |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927133708/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/25/clashppvresults/ |archivedate=27 September 2016 |accessdate=15 September 2016 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} The next night on Raw, Mick Foley decided to make the two men partners.{{cite web |last=Tedesco |first=Mike |date=26 September 2016 |title=WWE RAW Results – 9/26/16 (Live from Cincinnati, two championship rematches from Clash of Champions) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/67477-wwe-raw-results-92616-live-cincinnati-two-championship-rematches-clash-champions/ |access-date=27 September 2016 |work=WrestleView}} In spite of the two not getting along, Cesaro and Sheamus received a match for the Raw Tag Team Championship against The New Day (Big E and Xavier Woods) at Hell in a Cell on 30 October, winning the match by disqualification but not the titles since championships cannot change hands by disqualification.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Cesaro & Sheamus def. Raw Tag Team Champions The New Day via Disqualification|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2016/new-day-vs-cesaro-sheamus-results|work=WWE|access-date=30 October 2016}}

File:Cesaro and Sheamus 2017.jpg in May 2017]]

At Survivor Series on 20 November, Cesaro and Sheamus made up part of Team Raw as they defeated Team SmackDown in a 10-on-10 Survivor Series elimination tag team match.{{cite web |last1=Burdick |first1=Michael |title=Team Raw def. Team SmackDown LIVE in a 10-on-10 Traditional Survivor Series Tag Team Elimination Match |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2016/raw-vs-smackdown-live-traditional-survivor-series-tag-team-elimination |access-date=26 February 2018 |website=WWE}} The next night on Raw, Cesaro and Sheamus again failed to capture Raw Tag Team Championship from The New Day.{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE RAW Results – 11/21/16 (Live from Toronto, fallout from WWE Survivor Series PPV on Sunday night)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/69715-wwe-raw-results-112116-live-toronto-fallout-wwe-survivor-series-ppv-sunday-night/|work=WrestleView|date=21 November 2016|access-date=21 November 2016}} Following this, Cesaro and Sheamus finally began to co-operate with each other,{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/11/28/kellers-wwe-raw-report-1128-live-coverage-charlotte-defends-sasha-banks-new-day-defends-anderson-gallows/|title=KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT 11/28: Live coverage – Charlotte defends against Sasha Banks, New Day defends against Anderson & Gallows|date=28 November 2016|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=28 November 2016}} and the two defeated the New Day on 18 December at Roadblock: End of the Line to win the tag team championship.{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=December 18, 2016 |title=Powell's WWE Roadblock: End of the Line 2016 live review: Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte in an Iron Man match for the Raw Women's Championship, Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Title |url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/12/18/powells-wwe-roadblock-end-of-the-line-2016-live-review-sasha-banks-vs-charlotte-in-an-iron-man-match-for-the-raw-womens-championship-kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns-for-the-wwe-universal-title/ |access-date=18 December 2016 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} Going into 2017, Cesaro and Sheamus began a feud with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson.{{cite web|last1=Keller|first1=Wade|title=KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT 1/2: Goldberg appearance, Sami vs. Braun in Last Man Standing match, Foley's new haircut|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/02/kellers-wwe-raw-report-12-goldberg-appearance-sami-vs-braun-last-man-standing-match-foleys-new-haircut/|website=pwtorch.com|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|access-date=2 January 2017}} At the Royal Rumble on 29 January, Cesaro and Sheamus lost the championship to Anderson and Gallows.{{cite web|last1=Adkins|first1=Greg|title=Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson def. Cesaro & Sheamus to win the Raw Tag Team Championships|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2017/cesaro-sheamus-vs-luke-gallows-karl-anderson-results|publisher=WWE|access-date=29 January 2017}} The pair also competed in the Royal Rumble match later that night, but both were eliminated by Chris Jericho after getting into an argument.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=1/29 Powell's WWE Royal Rumble 2017 live review: AJ Styles vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship, Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns in a No DQ match for the WWE Universal Championship with Chris Jericho in a shark cage|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/01/29/129-powells-wwe-royal-rumble-2017-live-review-aj-styles-vs-john-cena-wwe-championship-kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns-no-dq-match-wwe-universal-championship-chris-jeri/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=29 January 2017|access-date=29 January 2017}} At WrestleMania 33 on 2 April, Cesaro and Sheamus competed in a four-team ladder match for the Raw Tag Team Championship, which was won by The Hardy Boyz (Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy).{{cite web|last1=WWE.com Staff|title=The Hardy Boyz won a Fatal 4-Way Ladder Match to win the Raw Tag Team Championship|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/raw-tag-team-championship-triple-threat-ladder-match-results|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}}

At Payback on 30 April, Cesaro and Sheamus unsuccessfully challenged The Hardy Boyz for the championship and after the match, Cesaro turned heel for the first time since 2015, along with Sheamus by attacking The Hardy Boyz after the match.{{cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Jason |date=30 April 2017 |title=4/30 Powell's WWE Payback Live Review: Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman, Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho for the U.S. Championship, Samoa Joe vs. Seth Rollins, Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt in a House of Horrors match |url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/04/30/430-powells-wwe-fastlane-live-review-roman-reigns-vs-braun-strowman-kevin-owens-vs-chris-jericho-u-s-championship-samoa-joe-vs-seth-rollins-randy-orton-vs-bray-wyatt/ |access-date=30 April 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} The duo then christened themselves as "The Bar",{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/05/01/kellers-wwe-raw-report-51-coverage-live-post-payback-event-including-latest-alexa-braun-reigns/|title=KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT 5/1: Coverage of live post-Payback event including latest with Alexa, Braun, Reigns|date=1 May 2017|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=2 May 2017}} and again challenged The Hardy Boyz for the championship in a steel cage match at Extreme Rules on 4 June, which The Bar won.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=6/4 Powell's WWE Extreme Rules Live Review: Finn Balor vs. Samoa Joe vs. Bray Wyatt vs. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins in a five-way to become No. 1 contender to the WWE Universal Championship, The Hardys vs. Sheamus and Cesaro in a cage match for the Raw Tag Titles|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/06/04/64-powells-wwe-extreme-rules-live-review-finn-balor-vs-samoa-joe-vs-bray-wyatt-vs-roman-reigns-vs-seth-rollins-five-way-become-no-1-contender-wwe-universal-championshi/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=4 June 2017|access-date=4 June 2017}} They then successfully defended the championship against The Hardy Boyz on Raw,{{cite web |last1=Keller |first1=Wade |date=12 June 2017 |title=KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT 6/12: Brock Lesnar confronts Samoa Joe, Hardys get tag title rematch against Sheamus & Cesaro, mysteries continue |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/06/12/kellers-wwe-raw-report-612-brock-lesnar-confronts-samoa-joe-hardys-get-tag-title-rematch-sheamus-cesaro-mysteries-continue/ |access-date=12 June 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} and again on 9 July at Great Balls of Fire.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=7/9 Powell's WWE Great Balls of Fire Live Review: Brock Lesnar vs. Samoa Joe for the WWE Universal Championship, Braun Strowman vs. Roman Reigns in an Ambulance Match, Alexa Bliss vs. Sasha Banks for the Raw Women's Championship|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/07/09/79-powells-wwe-great-balls-fire-live-review-brock-lesnar-vs-samoa-joe-wwe-universal-championship-braun-strowman-vs-roman-reigns-ambulance-match-alexa-bliss-vs-sasha/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=9 July 2017|access-date=9 July 2017}} However, at SummerSlam on 20 August, The Bar lost the Raw Tag Team Championship to Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE SummerSlam 2017 live review: Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman vs. Samoa Joe vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship, Jinder Mahal vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Championship, Sheamus and Cesaro vs. Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins for the Raw Tag Titles|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/08/20/powells-wwe-summerslam-2017-live-review-brock-lesnar-vs-braun-strowman-vs-samoa-joe-vs-roman-reigns-wwe-universal-championship-jinder-mahal-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-wwe-champio/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=20 August 2017|access-date=20 August 2017}} On 24 September at No Mercy, The Bar were again defeated by Ambrose and Rollins in a rematch for the championship, during which Cesaro suffered an injury to his two front teeth.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE No Mercy 2017 live review: Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman for the WWE Universal Championship, John Cena vs. Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins vs. Sheamus and Cesaro for the Raw Tag Titles|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/09/24/powells-wwe-no-mercy-2017-live-review-brock-lesnar-vs-braun-strowman-wwe-universal-championship-john-cena-vs-roman-reigns-dean-ambrose-seth-rollins-vs-sheamus-cesaro-th/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=24 September 2017|date=24 September 2017}} WWE released a statement on Cesaro's medical condition stating that his teeth had been pushed up into his upper jaw by about 3 to 4 mm and that he would next go to see a maxillofacial surgeon.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/article/medical-update-on-cesaro-following-injury-at-wwe-no-mercy|title=Medical update on Cesaro following injury at WWE No Mercy|access-date=25 September 2017|work=WWE}}{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Raw Tag Team Champions Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins def. Cesaro & Sheamus|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/2017/seth-rollins-dean-ambrose-cesaro-sheamus-results|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}}

After this, The Bar teamed up with The Miz, Braun Strowman and Kane against Ambrose, Rollins and Kurt Angle in a five-on-three TLC match at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs on 23 October in a losing effort.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE TLC 2017 live review: Kurt Angle, Dean Ambrose, and Seth Rollins vs. Braun Strowman, Kane, The Miz, Sheamus, and Cesaro in a TLC match, AJ Styles vs. Finn Balor, Asuka debuts, Alexa Bliss vs. Mickie James for the Raw Women's Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/10/22/powells-wwe-tlc-2017-live-review-kurt-angle-dean-ambrose-seth-rollins-vs-braun-strowman-kane-miz-sheamus-cesaro-tlc-match-aj-styles-vs-finn-balor-asuka-debuts-alexa/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=22 October 2017|accessdate=22 October 2017}} On 6 November episode of Raw, the duo regained their titles from Rollins and Ambrose, winning the title for the third time as a team.{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=6 November 2017 |title=11/6 Powell's WWE Raw Live TV Review: Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose vs. Sheamus and Cesaro for the Raw Tag Titles, Kurt Angle on Miz TV, Elias vs. Jason Jordan |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/11/06/116-powells-wwe-raw-live-tv-review-seth-rollins-dean-ambrose-vs-sheamus-cesaro-raw-tag-titles-kurt-angle-miz-tv-elias-vs-jason-jordan-guitar-pole-match/ |access-date=6 November 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} At Survivor Series on 19 November, as SmackDown Tag Team Champions they were defeated by The Usos in an inter-brand Champion vs Champion match.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos def. Raw Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2017/cesaro-sheamus-the-usos-results|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}} The Bar later lost the tag team titles to the team of Seth Rollins and Jason Jordan on the 25 December episode of Raw.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Seth Rollins & Jason Jordan def. Cesaro & Sheamus to become the new Raw Tag Team Champions|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2017-12-25/article/seth-rollins-jason-jordan-def-cesaro-sheamus-new-raw-tag-team-champions|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}}

File:Cesaro&Sheamus Tag Champs WM34 crop.jpg at WrestleMania 34]]

On 28 January 2018, The Bar won back the title at the Royal Rumble, becoming record four-time champions as a team, and a record fifth reign for Cesaro individually.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble 2018 live review: Men's and Women's Royal Rumble matches, Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman vs. Kane for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in a handicap match for the WWE Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/01/28/wwe-royal-rumble-2018-live-review-mens-womens-royal-rumble-matches-brock-lesnar-vs-braun-strowman-vs-kane-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-kevin-owens-sami-zayn-han/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=28 January 2018|access-date=28 January 2018}} Following consecutive losses to Titus Worldwide (Apollo Crews and Titus O'Neil) on Raw, they defended their title against the two on 25 February at Elimination Chamber, retaining successfully.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Raw Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus def. Titus Worldwide|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/elimination-chamber-2018/cesaro-sheamus-titus-worldwide-results|website=WWE.com|access-date=26 February 2018}} On 12 March episode of Raw, Braun Strowman won a tag team battle royal to determine the number one contenders for their tag titles at WrestleMania 34, although he lacked a partner. Raw General Manager Kurt Angle still allowed Strowman to wrestle for the titles, under the provision that he reveal his mystery partner at the event.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=WWE Raw Live TV Review: Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns meet face-to-face, all roads lead to WrestleMania|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/03/12/wwe-raw-live-tv-review-brock-lesnar-roman-reigns-meet-face-face-roads-lead-wrest/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=12 March 2018|access-date=12 March 2018}} At the event on 8 April, Strowman revealed his partner to be a 10-year-old fan called Nicholas (in reality the son of referee John Cone).{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/116723/identity-of-nicolas-the-new-raw-tag-team-champion.html?p=1|title=Identity of Nicolas the New Raw Ta Champion|website=pwinsider.com|access-date=10 April 2018}} The Bar were defeated by Strowman and Nicholas, therefore losing the tag team title and in turn making Nicholas the youngest champion of any kind in WWE history.{{cite web|last1=Pappolla|first1=Ryan|title=Braun Strowman & Nicholas of the WWE Universe def. Sheamus & Cesaro to win the Raw Tag Team Championship|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-34/sheamus-cesaro-braun-strowman-results|publisher=WWE|access-date=8 April 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410073312/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-34/sheamus-cesaro-braun-strowman-results|archive-date=10 April 2018}}

On 17 April, as part of the 2018 WWE Superstar Shake-up, Cesaro and Sheamus were both drafted to SmackDown.{{cite web|title=Get live results from the two-night WWE Superstar Shake-up|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/wwe-superstar-shake-up-results-2018|publisher=WWE|access-date=16 April 2018}} Despite the trade, they still had an opportunity to challenge for the Raw Tag Team Championship as they faced Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt at Greatest Royal Rumble event on 27 April, but they were defeated.{{cite web|last1=Wortman|first1=James|title="Woken" Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt def. Cesaro & Sheamus (new Raw Tag Team Champions)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/bray-wyatt-matt-hardy-sheamus-cesaro-results|work=WWE|access-date=27 April 2018}} At Super Show-Down on 6 October, The Bar challenged The New Day for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, but were defeated.{{cite web|last1=Bristout|first1=Ralph|title=SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day def. The Bar|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-super-show-down/2018-10-06/the-new-day-the-bar-results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=6 October 2018}} However, on the 1000th episode of SmackDown, The Bar won the titles from The New Day with the help of Big Show.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/smackdown-1000-2018-10-16/article/the-bar-def-the-new-day|title=The Bar def. The New Day to win the SmackDown Tag Team Titles|website=WWE|first=Anthony|last=Benigno|date=16 October 2018|access-date=17 October 2018}} The Bar lost to Raw Tag Team Champions AOP in an inter-brand Champion vs. Champion match at Survivor Series on 18 November.{{cite web|last1=Melok|first1=Bobby|title=Raw Tag Team Champions AOP def. SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bar (w/Big Show)|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2018/authors-of-pain-the-bar-big-show-results|work=WWE|access-date=18 November 2018}} On 27 November episode of SmackDown, they had a backstage argument with Big Show, causing him to break away from the team.{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/119346-november-27-minneapolis-styles-lynch-return/|title=WWE Smackdown Results – 11/27/18 (Styles and Lynch return, The Bar vs. The Usos)|first=Roy|last=Nemer|date=27 November 2018|access-date=11 May 2019}} At TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs on 16 December, they successfully defended the championship against The Usos and The New Day in a triple threat tag team match.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bar def. The Usos and The New Day (Triple Threat Match)|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2018/the-bar-the-new-day-the-usos-results|work=WWE|access-date=16 December 2018}} At Royal Rumble pay-per-view on 27 January 2019, The Bar lost the championship to The Miz and Shane McMahon.{{cite web|last1=Pappolla|first1=Ryan|title=Shane McMahon & The Miz def. The Bar for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2019/the-bar-the-miz-shane-mcmahon-results|publisher=WWE|access-date=27 January 2019}} On the following episode of SmackDown, they lost a #1 contenders match to The Usos.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2019-01-29/article/four-corners-elimination-match|title=The Usos def. The Bar, Heavy Machinery and The New Day to earn a SmackDown Tag Team Titles opportunity at WWE Elimination Chamber|website=WWE|access-date=11 May 2019}}

At WrestleMania 35 on 7 April, The Bar lost to The Usos in a fatal-four-way tag team match for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships, which also included the teams of Aleister Black and Ricochet and Rusev and Shinsuke Nakamura.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-35/the-usos-vs-ricochet-aleister-black-vs-the-bar-vs-shinsuke|title=The Usos turn WrestleMania into The Uso Penitentiary in frantic Fatal 4-Way|website=WWE|access-date=11 May 2019}} On 9 April SmackDown, Sheamus reportedly suffered a concussion in a six-man tag team match with The New Day.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/04/09/4-9-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-new-days-celebration-for-kofi-kingston-winning-the-wwe-championship-jimmy-uso-and-jey-uso-vs-matt-hardy-and-jeff-hardy-for-the-smackdown-tag-titles-fi/|title=4/9 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: New Day's celebration for Kofi Kingston winning the WWE Championship, Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso vs. Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy for the Smackdown Tag Titles, first Smackdown after WrestleMania 35|date=9 April 2019|last=Barnett|first=Jake|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=10 April 2019}} Cesaro was drafted to Raw a few weeks later, while Sheamus remained on SmackDown, bringing an end to the team.{{cite web |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |date=22 April 2019 |title=Report: Cesaro Moving To WWE Raw |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-cesaro-moving-wwe-raw |access-date=11 May 2019 |website=Fightful}}

On 20 May episode of Raw, Cesaro debuted a new entrance theme and titantron separate from The Bar as he defeated Ricochet.{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2833980-shane-mcmahon-emerging-as-the-top-heel-new-247-title-and-more-wwe-raw-fallout|title=Shane McMahon Emerging as the Top Heel, New 24/7 Title and More WWE Raw Fallout|last=Berge|first=Kevin|website=Bleacher Report|date=21 May 2019|access-date=19 June 2019}} He also adopted a new part of his gimmick where he would only allow backstage interviewers to ask him only one question before walking away. Over the following weeks, Cesaro and Ricochet traded wins with each other.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2019-05-27/article/ricochet-def-cesaro |title=Ricochet def. Cesaro |publisher=WWE |date=27 May 2019 |access-date=22 July 2019}} Their series of matches received praise from critics.{{cite web |author=Matthews |first=Graham |date=16 June 2019 |title=Ricochet, Cesaro and the 10 Best Pure Wrestlers in Today's WWE |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2840277-ricochet-cesaro-and-the-10-best-pure-wrestlers-in-todays-wwe |access-date=22 July 2019 |publisher=Bleacher Report}} At Extreme Rules on 14 July, Cesaro lost to Aleister Black.{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |title=Aleister Black def. Cesaro |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/extreme-rules-2019/aleister-black-vs-cesaro-results |access-date=16 September 2019 |work=WWE}} Cesaro would go on to issue an open challenge at NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff on 31 August, which would be answered by Ilja Dragunov and Cesaro would go on to win the match.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxtuk/nxt-uk-takeover-cardiff-2019/article/cesaro-vs-ilja-dragunov-results|title=Cesaro def. Ilja Dragunov|last=Burdick|first=Michael|date=31 August 2019|access-date=20 September 2019|publisher=WWE.com}} Cesaro would enter the 2019 King of the Ring tournament but was eliminated by Samoa Joe in the first round.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=8/26 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Ricochet vs. Drew McIntyre and Baron Corbin vs. The Miz in first round King of the Ring tournament matches, Smackdown Women's Champion Bayley vs. Nikki Cross, the build to Clash of Champions continues|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/08/26/8-26-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-ricochet-vs-drew-mcintyre-and-baron-corbin-vs-the-miz-in-first-round-king-of-the-ring-tournament-matches-smackdown-womens-champion-bayley-vs-nikki-cross/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=26 August 2019|access-date=27 August 2019}}

As part of the draft in October, Cesaro was drafted back to the SmackDown brand.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/the-bump-reveals-additional-superstars-headed-to-raw-and-smackdown?sf221592898=1&utm|title=The Bump reveals additional Superstars headed to Raw and SmackDown|date=16 October 2019|work=WWE.com|access-date=16 October 2019}} He lost to Mansoor on 31 October at Crown Jewel.{{cite web|last=Garretson|first=Jordan|title=Mansoor def. Cesaro|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2019/mansoor-vs-cesaro-results|work=WWE|date=31 October 2019|access-date=1 November 2019}} In the following weeks, Cesaro would align himself with Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura, teaming with Nakamura on several occasions, including challenging for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, where they were unsuccessful.{{cite web |last1=Garretson |first1=Jordan |title=SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day def. Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2019-11-29/article/smackdown-tag-team-champions-the-new-day-def-intercontinental |access-date=27 February 2020 |website= |publisher=WWE}} On 26 January 2020, at Royal Rumble, Cesaro entered at #9 but was eliminated by Brock Lesnar.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt vs. Daniel Bryan in a strap match for the WWE Universal Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Asuka for the Raw Women's Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/01/26/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-the-fiend-bray-wyatt-vs-daniel-bryan-in-a-strap-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-becky-lynch-vs-asuka-for-th/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=26 January 2020|date=26 January 2020}}

At Elimination Chamber on 8 March, Sami Zayn, along with Nakamura and Cesaro, defeated Braun Strowman in 3-on-1 handicap match for the Intercontinental Championship. Zayn became the new champion pinning Strowman.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro def. Braun Strowman; Zayn became the new Intercontinental Champion|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2020/braun-strowman-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-cesaro-sami-zayn-results|work=WWE|date=8 March 2020|access-date=8 March 2020}}{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of Shayna Baszler vs. Asuka vs. Ruby Riott vs. Liv Morgan vs. Sarah Logan vs. Natalya in an Elimination Chamber match for a shot at the Raw Women's Championship at WrestleMania 36, Smackdown Tag Title Elimination Chamber match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/03/08/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-shayna-baszler-vs-asuka-vs-ruby-riott-vs-liv-morgan-vs-sarah-logan-vs-natalya-in-an-elimination-chamber-match-for-a-shot-at-the-raw-women/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=8 March 2020|access-date=8 March 2020}} On the first night of WrestleMania 36 on 4 April, Cesaro defeated Drew Gulak on the kickoff show.{{cite web |title=Cesaro sets the tone for WrestleMania with victory over Gulak |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-36/drew-gulak-vs-cesaro-results |website=WWE |access-date=5 April 2020 |language=en}} At Money in the Bank on 10 May, Cesaro was defeated by Jeff Hardy on the kickoff show.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Money in the Bank Kickoff Show results: Powell's live review of Jeff Hardy vs. Cesaro|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/05/10/wwe-money-in-the-bank-kickoff-show-results-powells-live-review-of-jeff-hardy-vs-cesaro/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=May 10, 2020|access-date=May 10, 2020}}

Following this, Cesaro began teaming with Nakamura more frequently as they feuded with The New Day for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles. On 10 July episode of SmackDown, Cesaro and Nakamura challenged New Day for the titles but the match ended in a no contest after Cesaro and Nakamura put Kofi Kingston and Big E through a table.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2020-07-10 |title=7/10 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of the Big E and Kofi Kingston vs. Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro for the Smackdown Tag Titles, WWE Women's Tag Champions Sasha Banks and Bayley vs. Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross in a non-title match, Jeff Hardy on Miz TV |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/07/10/7-10-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-big-e-and-kofi-kingston-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-and-cesaro-for-the-smackdown-tag-titles-wwe-womens-tag-champions-sasha-banks-and-bayle/ |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} On 19 July at The Horror Show at Extreme Rules, Cesaro and Nakamura defeated Kingston and Big E in a tables match to capture the titles, marking Cesaro's second reign.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2020-07-19 |title=WWE Extreme Rules results: Powell's review of Seth Rollins vs. Rey Mysterio in An Eye For An Eye match, WWE Universal Champion Braun Strowman vs. Bray Wyatt in a non-title Swamp Fight, Asuka vs. Sasha Banks for the Raw Women's Championship, Drew McIntyre vs. Dolph Ziggler for the WWE Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/07/19/wwe-extreme-rules-results-powells-review-of-seth-rollins-vs-rey-mysterio-in-an-eye-for-an-eye-match-wwe-universal-champion-braun-strowman-vs-bray-wyatt-in-a-non-title-swamp-fight-asuka-vs-sash/ |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} On 9 October episode of SmackDown, they lost the titles to Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/10/09/10-9-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-2020-wwe-draft-night-one-bayley-vs-sasha-banks-for-the-smackdown-womens-championship-the-fiend-vs-kevin-owens-big-e-vs-sheamus/|title=10/9 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of the 2020 WWE Draft night one, Bayley vs. Sasha Banks for the Smackdown Women's Championship, The Fiend vs. Kevin Owens, Big E vs. Sheamus in a Falls Count Anywhere match|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=9 October 2020|access-date=9 October 2020}}

In early 2021, Cesaro and Nakamura quietly disbanded after Nakamura turned face.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2021-01-09 |title=1/8 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Daniel Bryan vs. King Corbin vs. Sami Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Rey Mysterio in a gauntlet match for a shot at the WWE Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble, Big E vs. Apollo Crews for the IC Championship, The Street Profits vs. Bobby Roode and Dolph Ziggler for the Smackdown Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/01/08/1-8-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-daniel-bryan-vs-king-corbin-vs-sami-zayn-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-rey-mysterio-in-a-gauntlet-match-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-championship-at/ |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} At Royal Rumble on 31 January, he entered at #28, but was eliminated by Braun Strowman.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Drew McIntyre vs. Goldberg for the WWE Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens in a Last Man Standing match for the WWE Universal Championship, Sasha Banks vs. Carmella for the Smackdown Women's Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/01/31/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-drew-mcintyre-vs-goldberg-for-the-wwe-championship-roman-reigns-vs-kevin-owens-in-a-last-man-standing-match-for-the-wwe/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 31, 2021|access-date=January 31, 2021}} On 5 February episode of SmackDown Cesaro gave Daniel Bryan a fist bump as a show of respect after their match, turning face for the first time since 2017.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2021-02-06 |title=2/5 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Royal Rumble winners Edge and Bianca Belair's appearances, Big E vs. Apollo Crews vs. Sami Zayn in a Triple Threat for the Intercontinental Championship, King Corbin vs. Dominik Mysterio |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/02/05/2-5-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-royal-rumble-winners-edge-and-bianca-belairs-appearances-big-e-vs-apollo-crews-vs-sami-zayn-in-a-triple-threat-for-the-intercontinental/ |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}

The following week on SmackDown, Cesaro began a feud with Seth Rollins, after Rollins attacked him from behind following a walkout by the SmackDown roster.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2021-02-13 |title=2/12 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns' announcement regarding the WWE Universal Championship, the return of Seth Rollins, Elimination Chamber developments |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/02/12/2-12-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-announcement-regarding-the-wwe-universal-championship-the-return-of-seth-rollins-elimination-chamber-developments/ |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} At Elimination Chamber on 21 February, Cesaro competed in the Elimination Chamber match where the winner would receive an immediate Universal Championship match, eliminating King Corbin but was the second to last man eliminated by Jey Uso.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2021-02-21 |title=WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus vs. Randy Orton vs. Kofi Kingston vs. AJ Styles vs. Jeff Hardy in an Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship, Roman Reigns faces an Elimination Chamber match winner for the WWE Universal Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/02/21/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-drew-mcintyre-vs-sheamus-vs-randy-orton-vs-kofi-kingston-vs-aj-styles-vs-jeff-hardy-in-an-elimination-chamber-match-for-the-wwe-champions/ |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} On 26 March episode of SmackDown, he was challenged by Rollins to a match at WrestleMania 37, which Cesaro accepted.{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=2021-03-26 |title=3/26 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review of Sami Zayn on The KO Show with Kevin Owens, WrestleMania developments, Fastlane fallout |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/03/26/3-26-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-sami-zayn-on-the-ko-show-with-kevin-owens-wrestlemania-developments-fastlane-fallout/ |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Barile |first=Steve |date=26 March 2021 |title=Cesaro vs. Seth Rollins |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/cesaro-vs-seth-rollins |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=WWE}} On the first night of WrestleMania on 10 April, Cesaro defeated Rollins.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=WrestleMania 37 results: Powell's live review of night one featuring Sasha Banks vs. Bianca Belair for the Smackdown Women's Championship, Bobby Lashley vs. Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods vs. AJ Styles and Omos for the Raw Tag Titles, Bad Bunny and Damian Priest vs The Miz and John Morrison|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/04/10/wrestlemania-37-results-powells-live-review-of-night-one-featuring-sasha-banks-vs-bianca-belair-for-the-smackdown-womens-championship-bobby-lashley-vs-drew-mcintyre-for-the-wwe-championship-k/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=10 April 2021|access-date=10 April 2021}} Cesaro faced Universal Champion Roman Reigns at WrestleMania Backlash on 16 May, but was defeated.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2021-05-16 |title=WWE WrestleMania Backlash results: Powell's live review of Roman Reigns vs. Cesaro for the WWE Universal Championship, Bobby Lashley vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Braun Strowman for the WWE Championship, Rhea Ripley vs. Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair for the Raw Women's Championship, Bianca Belair vs. Bayley for the Smackdown Women's Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/05/16/wwe-wrestlemania-backlash-results-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-cesaro-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-bobby-lashley-vs-drew-mcintyre-vs-braun-strowman-for-the-wwe-championship/ |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} After the match, Rollins attacked Cesaro and would continue to ambush him on subsequent episodes of SmackDown, culminating in Cesaro being taken out on a stretcher on 21 May episode.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2021-05-21 |title=5/21 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Apollo Crews vs. Big E vs. Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn in a four-way for the Intercontinental Championship, the latest with Roman Reigns and Jimmy Uso |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/05/21/5-21-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-apollo-crews-vs-big-e-vs-kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-in-a-four-way-for-the-intercontinental-championship-the-latest-with-roman-reigns-and/ |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} Cesaro would make his return on 11 June episode of SmackDown, attacking Rollins.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2021-06-11 |title=6/11 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns and Rey Mysterio, Kevin Owens and Big E vs. Apollo Crews and Sami Zayn, Montez Ford vs. Chad Gable, Carmella vs. Liv Morgan, Seth Rollins appears on Bayley's talkshow, the Hell in a Cell build continues |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/06/11/6-11-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-and-rey-mysterio-kevin-owens-and-big-e-vs-apollo-crews-and-sami-zayn-the-street-profits-vs-alpha-academy-seth-rollins-app/ |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} A rematch would be scheduled for Hell in a Cell on 20 June the following week{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2021-06-18 |title=6/18 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. Rey Mysterio in a Hell in a Cell match for the WWE Universal Championship, Big E and Kevin Owens vs. Apollo Crews and Commander Azeez, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. King Corbin in a battle for the crown, Angelo Dawkins vs. Otis |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/06/18/6-18-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-rey-mysterio-in-a-hell-in-a-cell-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-big-e-and-kevin-owens-vs-apollo-crews-and-comm/ |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=18 June 2021 |title=Cesaro vs. Seth Rollins |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2021/cesaro-vs-seth-rollins |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=WWE}} in which Rollins defeated Cesaro.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2021-06-20 |title=WWE Hell in a Cell results: Powell's live review of Bobby Lashley vs. Drew McIntyre in an HIAC match for the WWE Championship, Bianca Belair vs. Bayley in an HIAC match for the Smackdown Women's Championship, Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair for the Raw Women's Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/06/20/wwe-hell-in-a-cell-results-powells-live-review-of-bobby-lashley-vs-drew-mcintyre-in-an-hiac-match-for-the-wwe-championship-bianca-belair-vs-bayley-in-an-hiac-match-for-the-smackdown-womens-cha/ |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} He once again lost to Rollins on 9 July episode of SmackDown, failing to qualify for that year's Money in the Bank ladder match and ending the feud.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2021-07-09 |title=7/9 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review of Seth Rollins vs. Cesaro, and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin in Money in the Bank ladder match qualifiers, final Smackdown from the ThunderDome set |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/07/09/7-9-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-seth-rollins-vs-cesaro-and-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-baron-corbin-in-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match-qualifiers-final-smackdown-from-the-thun/ |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}

In October, he entered the King of the Ring tournament, where he lost to Finn Bálor in the first round.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2021-10-08 |title=10/08 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Rey Mysterio vs. Sami Zayn in a King of the Ring tournament match, Liv Morgan vs. Carmella in a Queens Crown tournament match, contract signing for Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair vs. Sasha Banks at WWE Crown Jewel |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/08/10-08-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-rey-mysterio-vs-sami-zayn-in-a-king-of-the-ring-tournament-match-liv-morgan-vs-carmella-in-a-queens-crown-tournament-match-contract-si/ |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} At Survivor Series on 21 November, Cesaro participated in a 25-man dual-branded battle royal to commemorate the 25th anniversary of The Rock's debut at the 1996 Survivor Series, which was won by Omos.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2021-11-22 |title=WWE Survivor Series results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. Big E, Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair, RKBro vs. The Usos, and Damian Priest vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in champion vs. champion matches, Team Raw vs. Team Smackdown in Survivor Series elimination matches |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/21/wwe-survivor-series-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-big-e-becky-lynch-vs-charlotte-flair-rkbro-vs-the-usos-and-damian-priest-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-in-champion-vs-champion-matches/ |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} On the following episode of SmackDown, he failed to win a Black Friday Invitational battle royal where the winner would become the #1 contender for the Universal Championship.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2021-11-27 |title=11/26 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of the Black Friday Battle Royal for a future shot at the WWE Universal Championship, Drew McIntyre and Jeff Hardy vs. Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss, Ridge Holland vs. Cesaro |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/26/11-26-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-black-friday-battle-royal-for-a-future-shot-at-the-wwe-universal-championship-drew-mcintyre-and-jeff-hardy-vs-happy-corbin-and-madca/ |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} On 24 December (taped 17 December){{Cite web |last=Guzzo |first=Gisberto |date=18 December 2021 |title=WWE SmackDown Spoilers For 12/24 (Taped On 12/17) |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/wwe-smackdown-spoilers-1224-taped-1217 |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Fightful}} episode of SmackDown, Cesaro competed in a gauntlet match for #1 contendership to the Intercontinental Championship, but was eliminated by Sheamus.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2021-12-25 |title=12/24 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Charlotte Flair vs. Toni Storm for the Smackdown Women's Championship, 12 Days of Christmas gauntlet match for an Intercontinental Title shot, Drew McIntyre, Kofi Kingston, and King Woods vs. The Usos and Madcap Moss in a Miracle on 34th Street Fight |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/12/25/12-24-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-charlotte-flair-vs-toni-storm-for-the-smackdown-womens-championship-12-days-of-christmas-gauntlet-match-for-an-intercontinental-title/ |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}

At the Day 1 pre-show on 1 January 2022, Cesaro and Ricochet lost to Sheamus and Ridge Holland.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2022-01-01 |title=WWE Day 1 Kickoff Show results: Powell's review of Sheamus and Ridge Holland vs. Ricochet and Cesaro |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/01/wwe-day-1-kickoff-show-results-powells-review-of-sheamus-and-ridge-holland-vs-ricochet-and-cesaro/ |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} On the 11 February episode of SmackDown, Cesaro was defeated by Happy Corbin in what would be his last televised match in WWE.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2022-02-12 |title=2/11 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Charlotte Flair vs. Naomi for the Smackdown Women's Championship, Goldberg's latest appearance, Natalya vs. Aliyah in a Dungeon Style showdown match, Sami Zayn's In Zayn with Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/02/11/2-11-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-charlotte-flair-vs-naomi-for-the-smackdown-womens-championship-goldbergs-latest-appearance-natalya-vs-aliyah-in-a-dungeon-style-sho/ |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} He quietly left WWE when his contract expired on February 24, thus ending his 11-year tenure in the company.{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=24 February 2022 |title=SURPRISING WWE DEPARTURE AFTER FAILURE TO COME TO TERMS ON NEW DEAL |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=156192 |access-date=24 February 2022 |work=PWInsider}} Reports stated that he was not actively looking to leave WWE, but did not like the contract extension offer he received.{{Cite web |last=Currier |first=Joseph |date=25 February 2022 |title=Cesaro wasn't looking to leave WWE, didn't like contract extension offer |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/cesaro-wasnt-looking-to-leave-wwe-didnt-like-contract-extension-offer |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}

{{see also|Blackpool Combat Club}}

Castagnoli made his surprise debut for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) at the Forbidden Door event on 26 June 2022, replacing Bryan Danielson, who was injured and unable to compete in his match against Zack Sabre Jr. Castagnoli defeated Sabre Jr., and became the newest member of the Blackpool Combat Club (BCC), alongside Danielson, Jon Moxley and Wheeler Yuta.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW-NJPW Forbidden Door results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the Interim AEW World Title, Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada vs. Hangman Page vs. Adam Cole for the IWGP World Heavyweight Title, Thunder Rosa vs. Toni Storm for the AEW Women's Title, Will Ospreay vs. Orange Cassidy for the IWGP U.S. Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/06/26/aew-njpw-forbidden-door-results-powells-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-hiroshi-tanahashi-for-the-interim-aew-world-title-jay-white-vs-kazuchika-okada-vs-hangman-page-vs-adam-cole-for-the-iw/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=June 26, 2022|access-date=June 26, 2022}} Several days later at the Blood and Guts event, Claudio, Moxley and Yuta teamed with Eddie Kingston and the duo of Santana and Ortiz to defeat the Jericho Appreciation Society (Chris Jericho, Sammy Guevara, Daniel Garcia, Matt Menard, Angelo Parker, and Jake Hager) in a Blood and Guts match.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/06/29/6-29-aew-dynamite-results-powells-live-review-of-jon-moxley-claudio-castagnoli-eddie-kingston-wheeler-yuta-santana-and-ortiz-vs-chris-jericho-sammy-guevara-jake-hager-daniel-garcia-matt-m/|title=6/29 AEW Dynamite results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Eddie Kingston, Wheeler Yuta, Santana, and Ortiz vs. Chris Jericho, Sammy Guevara, Jake Hager, Daniel Garcia, Matt Menard, and Angelo Parker in a Blood & Guts match, Jade Cargill vs. Leila Grey for the TBS Title, Orange Cassidy vs. Ethan Page|first=Jason|last=Powell|date=June 29, 2022|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=July 1, 2022}} At the ROH Death Before Dishonor event on July 23, he defeated Jonathan Gresham to win the ROH World Championship, capturing the first major world title of his career.{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=July 23, 2022 |title=7/23 ROH Death Before Dishonor results: Powell's live review of FTR vs. The Briscoes in a best of three falls match for the ROH Tag Titles, Jonathan Gresham vs. Claudio Castagnoli for the ROH Championship, Samoa Joe vs. Jay Lethal for the ROH TV Title, Wheeler Yuta vs. Daniel Garcia for the ROH Pure Rules Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/07/23/7-23-roh-death-before-dishonor-results-powells-live-review-of-ftr-vs-the-briscoes-in-a-best-of-three-falls-match-for-the-roh-tag-titles-jonathan-gresham-vs-claudio-castagnoli-for-the-roh-champio/ |access-date=July 24, 2022 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} AEW's Battle of the Belts III event on 5 August, he successfully defended the championship against Konosuke Takeshita in a critically acclaimed match.{{cite web |last=McGuire |first=Colin |date=August 6, 2022 |title=8/6 AEW Battle of the Belts results: McGuire's review of Claudio Castagnoli vs. Konosuke Takeshita for the ROH Championship, Thunder Rosa vs. Jamie Hayter for the AEW Women's Championship, and Wardlow vs. Jay Lethal for the TNT Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/06/8-6-aew-battle-of-the-belts-results-mcguires-review-of-claudio-castagnoli-vs-konosuke-takeshita-for-the-roh-championship-thunder-rosa-vs-jamie-hayter-for-the-aew-womens-championship-and-wardl/ |access-date=August 6, 2022 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} At All Out on September 4, Castagnoli competed in the Casino Ladder Match, but was unsuccessful.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW All Out results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley vs. CM Punk for the AEW World Championship, Toni Storm vs. Britt Baker vs. Jamie Hayter vs. Hikaru Shida for the Interim AEW Women's Title, Chris Jericho vs. Bryan Danielson, Ricky Starks vs. Powerhouse Hobbs, "Jungle Boy" Jack Perry vs. Christian Cage, Casino Ladder Match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/09/04/aew-all-out-results-powells-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-cm-punk-for-the-aew-world-championship-toni-storm-vs-britt-baker-vs-jamie-hayter-vs-hikaru-shida-for-the-interim-aew-womens-title-ch/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=September 4, 2022|access-date=September 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905104016/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/09/04/aew-all-out-results-powells-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-cm-punk-for-the-aew-world-championship-toni-storm-vs-britt-baker-vs-jamie-hayter-vs-hikaru-shida-for-the-interim-aew-womens-title-ch/|archive-date=September 5, 2022|url-status=live}} At AEW's Grand Slam event on 21 September, Castagnoli lost the ROH World Championship to Jericho, ending his reign at 60 days.{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=21 September 2022 |title=9/21 AEW Dynamite results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley vs. Bryan Danielson for the vacant AEW World Championship, Swerve Strickland and Keith Lee vs. The Acclaimed for the AEW Tag Titles, Claudio Castagnoli vs. Chris Jericho for the ROH Title, Toni Storm vs. Athena vs. Britt Baker vs. Serena Deeb for the Interim AEW Women's Title, Pac vs. Orange Cassidy for the AEW All-Atlantic Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/09/21/9-21-aew-dynamite-results-powells-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-bryan-danielson-for-the-vacant-aew-world-championship-swerve-strickland-and-keith-lee-vs-the-acclaimed-for-the-aew-tag-titles-clau/ |access-date=22 September 2022 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} Castagnoli unsuccessfully challenged for the championship at AEW Full Gear on 18 November in a four-way match also involving Bryan Danielson and Sammy Guevara,{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=November 19, 2022 |title=AEW Full Gear results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley vs. MJF for the AEW World Championship, The Acclaimed vs. Swerve Strickland and Keith Lee for the AEW Tag Titles, Toni Storm vs. Jamie Hayter for the Interim AEW Women's Title, Death Triangle vs. The Elite for the AEW Trios Titles, Saraya vs. Britt Baker |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/11/19/aew-full-gear-results-powells-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-mjf-for-the-aew-world-championship-the-acclaimed-vs-swerve-strickland-and-keith-lee-for-the-aew-tag-titles-toni-storm-vs-jamie-hayter/ |access-date=November 19, 2022 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} before defeating Jericho at ROH Final Battle on 10 December to reclaim the championship for the second time.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=December 10, 2022 |title=ROH Final Battle results: Powell's live review of FTR vs. The Briscoes in a Double Dog Collar match for the ROH Tag Team Titles, Chris Jericho vs. Claudio Castagnoli for the ROH Championship, Mercedes Martinez vs. Athena for the ROH Women's Title, Daniel Garcia vs. Wheeler Yuta for the ROH Pure Rules Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/12/10/roh-final-battle-results-powells-live-review-of-ftr-vs-the-briscoes-in-a-double-dog-collar-match-for-the-roh-tag-team-titles-chris-jericho-vs-claudio-castagnoli-for-the-roh-championship-mercede/ |access-date=December 10, 2022 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}

At Supercard of Honor on 31 March 2023, Castagnoli successfully defended the championship against Eddie Kingston in the main event.{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=March 31, 2023 |title=ROH Supercard of Honor results: Powell's live review of Reach For The Sky ladder match for the vacant ROH Tag Titles, Claudio Castagnoli vs. Eddie Kingston for the ROH Championship, Athena vs. Yuka Sakazaki for the ROH Women's Championship, El Hijo del Vikingo vs. Komander for the AAA Mega Championship, Samoa Joe vs. Mark Briscoe for the ROH TV Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/03/31/roh-supercard-of-honor-results-powells-live-review-of-reach-for-the-sky-ladder-match-for-the-vacant-roh-tag-titles-claudio-castagnoli-vs-eddie-kingston-for-the-roh-championship-athena-vs-y/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331232844/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/03/31/roh-supercard-of-honor-results-powells-live-review-of-reach-for-the-sky-ladder-match-for-the-vacant-roh-tag-titles-claudio-castagnoli-vs-eddie-kingston-for-the-roh-championship-athena-vs-y/ |archive-date=31 March 2023 |access-date=April 1, 2023 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} In the month, the BCC became villainous characters,{{cite web |url=https://wrestlingheadlines.com/aew-dynamite-results-3-8-23/|title=AEW Dynamite Results 3/8/23|date=9 March 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2023/3/30/23662635/aew-dynamite-recap-review-mar-29-2023-bryan-danielson-heel-turn|title=AEW Dynamite recap & reactions (Mar. 29, 2023): Bryan Danielson heel turn|author=Manolo Has Pizzaz|publisher=Cageside Seats|date=March 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330051256/https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2023/3/30/23662635/aew-dynamite-recap-review-mar-29-2023-bryan-danielson-heel-turn|archive-date=30 March 2023|url-status=live}} and defeated The Elite (Kenny Omega, Adam Page and The Young Bucks) in an Anarchy in the Arena match at Double or Nothing.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW Double Or Nothing results: Powell's live review of MJF vs. Darby Allin vs. Jack Perry vs. Sammy Guevara in a four-way for the AEW World Championship, The Elite vs. BCC in Anarchy in the Arena, Jamie Hayter vs. Toni Storm for the AEW Women's Title, Jade Cargill vs. Taya Valkyrie for the TBS Title, Adam Cole vs. Chris Jericho in an unsanctioned match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/05/28/aew-double-or-nothing-results-powells-live-review-of-mjf-vs-darby-allin-vs-jack-perry-vs-sammy-guevara-in-a-four-way-for-the-aew-world-championship-the-elite-vs-bcc-in-anarchy-in-the-arena-ja/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=May 28, 2023|access-date=May 28, 2023}} At the Forbidden Door event on 25 June, Castagnoli, Moxley and Yuta teamed with Takeshita and Shota Umino to take on Page, The Young Bucks and Tomohiro Ishii in a ten-man tag team match, but were defeated.{{cite web |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/06/25/aew-njpw-forbidden-door-results-powells-live-review-of-bryan-danielson-vs-kazuchika-okada-kenny-omega-vs-will-ospreay-for-the-iwgp-u-s-championship-mjf-vs-hiroshi-tanahashi-for-the-aew-world/|title=AEW-NJPW Forbidden Door results: Powell's live review of Bryan Danielson vs. Kazuchika Okada, Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay for the IWGP U.S. Championship, MJF vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the AEW World Championship|website=prowrestling.net|first=Jason|last=Powell|date=June 25, 2023|accessdate=June 25, 2023}} On July 19 at Blood and Guts, the Blackpool Combat Club, Takeshita, and Pac were defeated by The Elite in a Blood and Guts match. At Death Before Dishonor, Castagnoli defeated Pac to retain the championship.{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=July 21, 2023 |title=7/23 ROH Death Before Dishonor results: Powell's live review of Claudio Castagnoli vs. Pac for the ROH Title, Athena vs. Willow Nightingale for the ROH Women's Title, Katsuyori Shibata vs. Daniel Garcia for the ROH Pure Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/07/21/7-23-roh-death-before-dishonor-results-powells-live-review-of-claudio-castagnoli-vs-pac-for-the-roh-title-athena-vs-willow-nightingale-for-the-roh-womens-title-katsuyori-shibata-vs-dani/ |access-date=July 21, 2023 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} The Blackpool Combat Club continued to feud with Kingston, leading to a Stadium Stampede match at All In, which was won by Kingston, Pentagón Jr., Best Friends (Chuck Taylor and Trent Beretta) and Orange Cassidy.{{cite web | url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/27/aew-all-in-results-powells-live-review-of-mjf-vs-adam-cole-for-the-aew-world-championship-will-ospreay-vs-chris-jericho-cm-punk-vs-samoa-joe-for-the-real-world-title-stadium-stampede/ | title=AEW All in results: Powell's live review of MJF vs. Adam Cole for the AEW World Championship, Will Ospreay vs. Chris Jericho, CM Punk vs. Samoa Joe for the Real World Title, Stadium Stampede | date=27 August 2023 }} Castagnoli and Kingston finally faced off on September 20 at Grand Slam, in a title vs title match for Castagnoli's ROH World Championship and Kingston's NJPW Strong Openweight Championship, where Castagnoli lost the ROH title to Kingston. Following the match, the two men adhered to the Code of Honor, shaking hands thus ending the two men's 15+ year rivalry.{{cite web | url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/20/aew-dynamite-results-9-20-powells-live-review-of-mjf-vs-samoa-joe-for-the-aew-world-title-saraya-vs-toni-storm-for-the-aew-womens-title-claudio-castagnoli-vs-eddie-kingston-in-a-title-vs/ | title=AEW Dynamite results (9/20): Powell's live review of MJF vs. Samoa Joe for the AEW World Title, Saraya vs. Toni Storm for the AEW Women's Title, Claudio Castagnoli vs. Eddie Kingston in a title vs. Title match | date=20 September 2023 }} Castagnoli was a participant in the inaugural Continental Classic, where was in the Blue block and finished with 7 points, but failed to advance to the playoff stage. On the April 27, 2024 episode of AEW Collision, Castagnoli unsuccessfully challenged Swerve Strickland for the AEW World Championship.{{Cite web |last=Schipman |first=Samantha |date=2024-04-27 |title=AEW Collision And Rampage Live Results 4/27/24: Swerve Speaks, Parking Lot Fight |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1571325/aew-collision-and-rampage-live-results-42724-swerve-speaks-parking-lot-fight/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Wrestling Inc. |language=en-US}}

On the August 21 episode of Dynamite, Castagnoli and Kazuchika Okada fought to a 20-minute time limit draw for the AEW Continental Championship. On August 25 at All In, Castagnoli and Yuta teamed with Pac in the Four-way London Ladder match for the AEW World Trios Championship, which they won.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/08/25/aew-all-in-results-powells-live-review-of-swerve-strickland-vs-bryan-danielson-for-the-aew-world-championship-toni-storm-vs-mariah-may-for-the-aew-womens-championship/|title=AEW All In results: Powell's live review of Swerve Strickland vs. Bryan Danielson for the AEW World Championship, Toni Storm vs. Mariah May for the AEW Women's Championship|first=Jason|last=Powell|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 25, 2024|access-date=August 25, 2024}}

{{See also|Death Riders (professional wrestling)|l1=Death Riders}}

At All Out, Castagnoli and Yuta failed to win the AEW World Tag Team Championship from The Young Bucks. Later on in the show, Castagnoli and Moxley violently attacked Danielson and kicked him out of the BCC, turning them into heels in the process.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/09/07/aew-all-out-results-powells-live-review-of-swerve-strickland-vs-hangman-page-in-a-steel-cage-match-bryan-danielson-vs-jack-perry-for-the-aew-world-championship/|title=AEW All Out results: Powell's live review of Swerve Strickland vs. Hangman Page in a steel cage match, Bryan Danielson vs. Jack Perry for the AEW World Championship|first=Jason|last=Powell|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=September 7, 2024|access-date=September 7, 2024}} On September 28 at the Collision edition of Grand Slam, Castagnoli, Pac, and Yuta successfully defended their titles against Komander and Private Party.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2024-09-28 |title=AEW Collision results (9/28): Powell's live review of Hangman Page vs. Jeff Jarrett in a lumberjack strap match, Jack Perry holds an open challenge for the TNT Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/09/28/aew-collision-results-9-28-powells-live-review-of-hangman-page-vs-jeff-jarrett-in-a-lumberjack-strap-match-jack-perry-holds-an-open-challenge-for-the-tnt-title/ |access-date=2024-12-04 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} In November 2024, the BCC rebranded to the "Death Riders", a nod to Moxley's nickname in NJPW.{{Cite web |last=Rueter |first=Sean |date=2024-11-06 |title=The Blackpool Combat Club officially have a new name |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2024/11/6/24290065/the-blackpool-combat-club-officially-have-a-new-name |access-date=2024-11-07 |website=Cageside Seats |language=en}} On November 24, Castagnoli was announced as a participant in the 2024 Continental Classic, where he was placed in the Gold league.{{Cite web |last=Upton |first=Felix |date=2024-11-25 |title=AEW Continental Classic 2024: Full Tournament Lineup Revealed |url=https://www.ringsidenews.com/2024/11/24/aew-continental-classic-2024-full-tournament-lineup-revealed/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Ringside News |language=en-US}} Castagnoli finished the tournament with 9 points, but failed to advance to the playoff stage due to losing a tiebreaker to Will Ospreay.{{Cite web |last=Rueter |first=Sean |date=2024-12-25 |title=AEW Dynamite on 34th Street live results, open thread: Worlds End go home |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2024/12/25/24329229/aew-dynamite-christmas-results-live-streaming-match-coverage-continental-classic-worlds-end-go-home |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=Cageside Seats |language=en}} During his time in the Death Riders, Castagnoli and the other members would constantly interfere in Moxley's title defenses to help him win.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2024-11-24 |title=AEW Full Gear results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley vs. Orange Cassidy for the AEW World Championship, Mercedes Mone vs. Kris Statlander for the TBS Title, Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/11/23/aew-full-gear-results-powells-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-orange-cassidy-for-the-aew-world-championship-mercedes-mone-vs-kris-statlander-for-the-tbs-title-will-ospreay-vs-kyle-fletcher/ |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2024-12-29 |title=AEW Worlds End results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley vs. Orange Cassidy vs. Hangman Page vs. Jay White for the AEW World Championship, Continental Classic semifinals and finals |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/12/28/aew-worlds-end-results-powells-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-orange-cassidy-vs-hangman-page-vs-jay-white-for-the-aew-world-championship-continental-classic-semifinals-and-finals/ |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Berge |first=Kevin |title=AEW Dynamite Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights From March 19 |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25173028-aew-dynamite-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-and-highlights-march-19 |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=bleacherreport.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2025-04-06 |title=AEW Dynasty results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley vs. Swerve Strickland for the AEW World Championship, Toni Storm vs. Megan Bayne for the AEW Women's Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/04/06/aew-dynasty-results-powells-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-swerve-strickland-for-the-aew-world-championship-toni-storm-vs-megan-bayne-for-the-aew-womens-championship/ |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} On April 6, 2025 at Dynasty, Castagnoli, Pac, and Yuta successfully defended their titles against Rated FTR.{{Cite web |last=Mueller |first=Chris |title=AEW Dynasty 2025 Results, Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25181840-aew-dynasty-2025-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-and-highlights |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=bleacherreport.com |language=en}} On April 16 at Dynamite: Spring BreakThru, Castagnoli and Yuta with Moxley filling in for an injured Pac lost the trios titles to Powerhouse Hobbs and The Opps (Samoa Joe and Katsuyori Shibata), ending their reign at 234 days.{{cite web |date=April 16, 2025 |title=AEW Dynamite: Spring BreakThru Results |url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-dynamite-spring-breakthru-results |access-date=April 16, 2025 |work=All Elite Wrestling}}

Castagnoli made his debut for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) at the Dominion 6.4 in Osaka-jo Hall event on June 4, 2023, teaming with Jon Moxley and Shota Umino to unsuccessfully face Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Tomohiro Ishii in a six-man tag team match for the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championships.{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/147120?showCards=1|title=2023.06.04 Dominion 6.4 in Osaka-jo Hall|publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|accessdate=May 5, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/four-title-bouts-and-more-confirmed-njpw-dominion |title=Four Title Bouts And More Confirmed For NJPW Dominion|publisher=Fightful |date=May 4, 2023 |access-date=May 5, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://wrestlingjunkie.usatoday.com/2023/06/04/njpw-dominion-6-4-in-osaka-jo-hall-results-live-blog/|title=Dominion 6.4 in Osaka-jo Hall results: Finlay, Takahashi, Sanada face title challenges|publisher=Wrestling Junkie|date=June 4, 2023|access-date=June 4, 2023}} On January 5, 2025 at Wrestle Dynasty, Castagnoli was defeated by Umino.{{Cite web |title=NJPW/CMLL/AEW Wrestle Dynasty « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=398579 |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=www.cagematch.net}}

On March 29, 2024, at Homenaje a Dos Leyendas, Castagnoli made his Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) debut, teaming with Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley, and Matt Sydal in a losing effort against Volador Jr., Blue Panther, Místico, and Último Guerrero.

File:WWE House Show - Garrett Coliseum - 1-10-15 (16263556782).jpg

Castagnoli's wrestling ability has been praised by fellow wrestlers and wrestling icons such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mick Foley, Jim Ross, and William Regal.{{cite web |author=Mooneyham |first=Mike |date=10 September 2016 |title=Cesaro on the way out in WWE? |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/staff/mike_mooneyham/cesaro-on-the-way-out-in-wwe/article_0a255b5e-9a32-56cc-b51c-bc7d8b3602dc.html |access-date=22 July 2019 |publisher=The Post and Courier}} In 2019, Bleacher Report called him one of the best "pure wrestlers" in WWE. Criticism was levied at WWE by fans for underutilizing Castagnoli creatively on their shows. Later in his career, he became known as a "tag team specialist" due to his successful partnerships with Jack Swagger, Tyson Kidd, Sheamus, and Shinsuke Nakamura.

Castagnoli uses a "no-nonsense", European style as the basis for his move set. He uses the Gotch Neutralizer (a belly-to-back inverted mat slam){{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/floridachampionship/article_60394.shtml|title=Brummitt's FCW TV report 4/8: WWE Developmental TV coverage – Claudio vs. Steamboat, Ross & Regal commentary, Regal-Ambrose feud, Hero promo, new gimmicks for O'Brian & Harris|last=Brummitt|first=Matt|date=15 April 2012|access-date=24 April 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_62883.shtml|title=James's NXT report 6/27: Week 2 of New NXT season – Bateman vs. Curtis main event, Cesaro, Seth Rollins, Steamboat|last=James|first=Justin|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=5 July 2012|access-date=5 July 2012}} and Very European Uppercut (a pop-up European uppercut) as finishing moves. He also uses the giant swing. A big part of his wrestling style comes from his strength, which he has showcased by lifting heavier wrestlers such as The Great Khali, Brodus Clay, and Big Show, all of whom outweigh him by at least 100 lb (45.3 kg).{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1715336-analyzing-what-makes-antonio-cesaro-an-elite-in-ring-performer|title=Analyzing What Makes Antonio Cesaro An Elite In-Ring Performer|last=Dilbert|first=Ryan|website=Bleacher Report|date=25 July 2013|access-date=20 May 2019}} He has been credited as one of the strongest wrestlers in WWE. His technical ability is also notable, and he has utilized the sharpshooter (adopted from his former tag team partner Kidd) as a signature move since 2015.{{cite web |last=Santiago |first=Andres |date=16 November 2012 |title=WWE NXT SPOILER REPORT FROM WINTER PARK, FL |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/73383/wwe-nxt-spoiler-report-from-winter-park-fl.html?p=1 |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=PWInsider}}

Castagnoli has been usually labeled as an underrated wrestler. From 2013 to 2016, he won the "Most Underrated Wrestler" award by Wrestling Observer Newsletter. In December 2020, Drew McIntyre called him the most underrated superstar in WWE.{{cite tweet |user=WWENetwork |number=1339329578658099201|title=Toughest opponent? Most underrated Superstar? @DMcIntyreWWE names names in a round of 30-Second Shot Clock with @steveaustinBSR |date=17 December 2020|access-date=18 December 2020}}

Around the time of Castagnoli's shoulder injury in 2015, a number of prominent wrestling legends had increasingly been calling for WWE to move him into a more significant role in the company. In the months prior, former champion Mick Foley voiced strong support, declaring the day after Castagnoli's second United States Championship match with John Cena that "[Castagnoli] would make a great world champion".{{cite web|last1=Foley|first1=Mick|title=I CHANGED MY MIND|url=https://www.facebook.com/RealMickFoley/posts/1104325866264217 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/126269440736536/1104325866264217 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|website=Facebook|publisher=Self|access-date=12 January 2016|date=10 July 2015|quote=... after seeing [Castagnoli] in action these past few weeks, I've changed my mind, [Castagnoli] would make a great world-champion in ANY era, including the PRESENT WWE era!}}{{cbignore}} Foley later added that he was baffled by WWE's treatment of Castagnoli, stating that if he could make one change to WWE, it would simply be to "push [Castagnoli]".{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}} Just days before the injury was announced, Ric Flair answered a question on which current wrestler he thought should have already been WWE World Heavyweight Champion by discussing how he thought Castagnoli was "phenomenal" and that "nobody [brought] more to the table as a performer".{{Cite web |last=Singer |first=Jesse |date=13 November 2015 |title=Ric Flair Knows How To Fix Cesaro's Lack Of Mic Skills |url=https://www.thesportster.com/wrestling/ric-flair-knows-how-to-fix-cesaros-lack-of-mic-skills/ |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=TheSportster}} Flair further stated that he thought Castagnoli could be built up for a major storyline with Brock Lesnar within two months, even suggesting for himself to become Castagnoli's manager to help with his work on the microphone.{{Cite web |last=Windsor |first=William |date=20 November 2015 |title=Ric Flair On Cesaro Feuding With Brock Lesnar |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2015/11/ric-flair-on-cesaro-feuding-with-brock-lesnar-603998/ |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Wrestling Inc.}} Meanwhile, long-time Castagnoli supporter Stone Cold Steve Austin reiterated that he believed Castagnoli had what was needed "to go up on top of the card" and blamed WWE for not helping him more.

Castagnoli resides in Orlando, Florida.{{cite web|last1=Herzog|first1=Kenny|title=Rules of Fitness from WWE's Cesaro|url=http://www.mensjournal.com/expert-advice/wwe-superstar-cesaros-rules-of-fitness-20150529|website=MensJournal.com|publisher=Men's Journal LLC|access-date=14 May 2016|date=29 May 2015}} In addition to his native Swiss German, he is fluent in English, French, German, and Italian.{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |date=29 July 2015 |title=The Professional: How Cesaro grabbed the brass ring (again) and why he isn't letting go this time |url=http://www.wwe.com/article/cesaro-brass-ring-interview |access-date=14 May 2016 |website=WWE}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2012/12/14/20431336.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160203051549/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2012/12/14/20431336.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 February 2016|title=Antonio Cesaro: 'I'm a doctor of wrestling'|author=Laprade, Patric|website=Slam! Sports|access-date=14 March 2015}} He is known for his love of coffee,{{cite web|last1=Cesaro|title=Cesaro (@WWECesaro) Twitter Feed (Retweet)|url=https://twitter.com/WWEgames/status/648986908937187328|website=Twitter|publisher=WWE 2K @WWEgames|access-date=12 January 2016|date=30 September 2015|quote=Wishing a happy #NationalCoffeeDay to @WWECesaro, the biggest coffee fanatic in all of @WWE!}} having maintained a blog and YouTube channel called Claudio's Café before joining WWE.{{cite web|title=Claudio's Café 16: Powerthirst – Coffee Edition|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_iwdzdWSiU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/A_iwdzdWSiU |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|website=YouTube|publisher=Self|access-date=28 May 2016|date=30 June 2011}}{{cbignore}} Claudio's Café is now the name of his secondary Instagram page and his Twitch channel, the former of which he uses to document his visits to coffee shops worldwide.{{cite web | url=https://www.instagram.com/claudioscafe/ | title=Claudio's Cafe (@claudioscafe) • Instagram photos and videos }}

Castagnoli has been in a relationship with American professional wrestling trainer and former wrestler Sara Amato, better known as Sara Del Rey, since 2011.{{cite podcast |url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/3qO9wH0AzCpc1brsPcwQEp |title=Allison Danger |website=The Sessions |publisher= |host=Renee Paquette |date=7 July 2022 |time= |access-date=10 July 2022}} He is close friends with Canadian professional wrestling producer and former wrestler TJ Wilson, better known as Tyson Kidd, with whom he had originally been paired as a tag team by WWE without either man's input before the two became friends.{{cite web|last1=Wilson|first1=TJ|title=TJ Wilson (@KiddWWE) Twitter Feed|url=https://twitter.com/KiddWWE/status/679010845498699776|website=Twitter|access-date=11 January 2016|date=22 December 2015|quote=Teaming with @WWECesaro made me 'better' in every way. Friends like him come once in a lifetime.}} He is also close friends with his former tag team partner Ares and Ares' wife Allison Danger.

Castagnoli is a fan of franchises such as James Bond, which he incorporated into his WWE gimmick from 2016 to 2018,{{cite web|last1=Cesaro|title=Cesaro (@WWECesaro) Twitter Feed|url=https://twitter.com/WWECesaro/status/661912979391295488|website=Twitter|publisher=Self|access-date=12 January 2016|date=5 November 2015|quote=Landed in Dublin, worked out, went to see #SPECTRE. Who needs sleep when you can see @DaveBautista vs 007?}} and Star Wars.{{cite web|last1=Cesaro|title=wwecesaro Instagram Feed|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/_c1UW9NoZU/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/_c1UW9NoZU |archive-date=26 December 2021 |url-access=registration|website=Instagram|publisher=Self|access-date=12 January 2016|date=19 December 2015|quote=When I first moved to the US I didn't bring much, but I brought this #starwars (image of original Star Wars discs)}}{{cbignore}} He also enjoys watching football. Having once been a supporter of hometown club FC Luzern, he no longer supports a professional club, instead preferring to follow the individual careers of players of the Swiss national team. He has said that he prides himself on being a consummate professional in every aspect: "Older values of older times, that are not as much around anymore, are still very important to me. [...] You have to be a professional in every single thing you do."

Noted for his exceptional physical strength and stating that he is completely steroid-free, Castagnoli has performed a one-arm snatch with 145 lbs (66 kg),{{cite video |date=2 April 2013|title=Check out Cesaro's insane workout routine |url=https://youtube.com/?v=MpGtdTlPXKI&t=45}} a one-arm clean and jerk with 135 lbs (61 kg),{{cite episode |series=Total Divas |season=4 |number=12 (57 overall) |date=22 September 2015 |title=Some Like It Hot |first=Tyson |last=Kidd |minutes=33 |quote=Cesaro's strong. Nat, Cesaro can clean and jerk...135 with one arm. That's just like, to show off... I don't know what his actual max is.}} (on phone with Natalya Neidhart) and a two-arm clean and jerk with 286 lbs (130 kg).{{cite web |author=Illuminati |first=Chris |date=6 March 2015 |title=Watch WWE Superstar Cesaro Clean And Jerk Almost 300 Pounds Like There's No Weight Involved |url=http://www.brobible.com/sports/article/cesaro-workout-clean-and-jerk |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=BroBible.com |publisher=Horseneck Media, LLC}} He described his training regime in 2015 as a mix of different approaches, with particular focus on CrossFit and variations of Olympic weightlifting.{{cite web |last1=Herzog |first1=Kenny |date=29 May 2015 |title=Rules of Fitness from WWE's Cesaro |url=http://www.mensjournal.com/expert-advice/wwe-superstar-cesaros-rules-of-fitness-20150529 |access-date=14 May 2016 |website=MensJournal.com |publisher=Men's Journal LLC}} He has said that he continually tries to learn new ways to work out in order to keep improving.

As an avid gamer, Castagnoli invested into mobile gaming esports organization Tribe Gaming in 2020.{{Cite web |date=March 26, 2020 |title=Tribe Gaming raises over $1M, including from NBA, WWE stars |url=https://esportsinsider.com/2020/03/tribe-gaming-raises-1-million}}

Castagnoli made a brief appearance in the 2008 drama film The Wrestler.{{cite web|url=https://imdb.com/title/tt1125849|title=The Wrestler (2008) – IMDb|website=IMDb|access-date=21 June 2019}} He regularly appeared on the WWE web series The JBL and Cole Show until its cancellation in June 2015.{{cite web|url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=1ubuIJcSGLI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/1ubuIJcSGLI |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Halloween Special! – The JBL (not Cole) Show- Ep.#110|date=31 October 2014|access-date=21 June 2019|author=WWE|via=YouTube|at=5:10|author-link=WWE}}{{cbignore}} He has also made brief appearances on the E! show Total Divas.{{cite web|url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=njg1gV5mJrs |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/njg1gV5mJrs |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=After Total Divas – February 15, 2015|author=WWE|via=YouTube|date=16 February 2015|access-date=21 June 2019|author-link=WWE}}{{cbignore}}

Castagnoli became a fan of League of Legends after practicing the game prior to the WWE vs NXT League of Legends match, and has been a guest analyst during the North American League of Legends Championship series.{{cn|date=March 2025}}

As "Cesaro", Castagnoli is a playable character in WWE '13 (as downloadable content),{{cite web|url=https://ign.com/wikis/wwe-13/Roster|title=Roster – WWE '13 Wiki Guide|website=IGN|date=25 May 2012 |access-date=21 June 2019}} WWE 2K14,{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/2k/wwe-2k14/wwe-2k14-full-roster-revealed|title='WWE 2K14' full roster revealed|publisher=WWE.com|access-date=21 June 2019}} WWE 2K15,{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/2k/wwe-2k15/wwe-2k15-character-art-photos#fid-26839992|title=WWE 2K15 Character Art:photos|publisher=WWE.com|access-date=21 June 2019}} WWE 2K16,{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/2k/wwe-2k16/wwe-2k16-roster-playable-characters-superstars-divas|title=Superstars and Divas featured on WWE 2K16 roster list|publisher=WWE.com|access-date=21 June 2019}} WWE 2K17,{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k17/article/wwe-2k17-roster-playable-characters-superstars|title=Superstars to be featured on WWE 2K17 roster|publisher=WWE.com|access-date=21 June 2019}} WWE 2K18,{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k18/article/wwe-2k18-roster-playable-character-list|title=WWE 2K18 roster: Meet the Superstars joining the list of playable characters|publisher=WWE.com|access-date=21 June 2019}} WWE 2K19,{{cite web|url=https://wwe.2k.com/roster/wwe-2k19|title=WWE 2K19 Roster|publisher=WWE 2K|access-date=21 June 2019|archive-date=23 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423183805/https://wwe.2k.com/roster/wwe-2k19|url-status=dead}} WWE 2K20, and WWE 2K22. As Claudio Castagnoli, he was added as a playable character to AEW Fight Forever as downloadable content.

{{multiple image

|align = right

|direction = vertical

|image1 = United States Champion Antonio Cesaro.jpg

|caption1 = Castagnoli is a former WWE United States Champion...

|image2 = Cesaro as Tag Team Champion.jpg

|caption2 = ...a seven-time Tag Team Champion (including five WWE/Raw Tag Team Championships)...

|image3 = Cesaro Andre the Giant trophy.jpg

|caption3 = ...and won the inaugural André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal trophy at WrestleMania XXX

|image4 = Claudio Castagnoli as AEW World Trios Champion.jpg

|caption4 = Castagnoli as AEW World Trios Champion

}}

• All Elite Wrestling
• AEW World Trios Championship (1 time) – with Pac, and Wheeler Yuta{{cite web | url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10131787-blackpool-combat-club-pac-win-aew-trios-titles-in-a-ladder-match-at-all-in-2024 | title=Blackpool Combat Club, Pac Win AEW Trios Titles in a Ladder Match at All in 2024 | website=Bleacher Report }}{{cite web | url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/aew-world-trios-championship | title=AEW World Trios Championship }}{{cite web|url=https://www.sescoops.com/news/aew/jon-moxley-double-champion-collision/|title=Jon Moxley Becomes Double-Champion In Unlikely Way on AEW Collision|work=SEScoops.com|last=Lawson|first=Thomas|date=April 13, 2025|access-date=April 13, 2025}}
• Chikara
• Chikara Campeonatos de Parejas (2 times) – with Chris Hero (1) and Ares (1){{cite web|url=http://www.chikarapro.com/titlesTAG.shtml |title=Chikara Campeonatos de Parejas title history |access-date=22 March 2010 |publisher=Chikara |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425120137/http://www.chikarapro.com/titlesTAG.shtml |archive-date=25 April 2013 }}
• Global Gauntlet (2008)
• King of Trios (2010) – with Ares and Tursas
• Tag World Grand Prix (2005) – with Arik Cannon{{cite web | url=https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/chikara/tag.html | title=Chikara Tag World Grand Prix }}
• Tag World Grand Prix (2006) – with Chris Hero
• Torneo Cibernético (2007)
• Cleveland All-Pro Wrestling
• CAPW Unified Heavyweight Championship (1 time)https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=418&page=5&reign=24
• Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
• International Gran Prix (2024){{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/claudio-castagnoli-wins-cmll-international-grand-prix/|title=Claudio Castagnoli wins CMLL International Grand Prix|first=Bryan|last=Rose|work=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online|date=August 23, 2024|access-date=August 24, 2024}}
• Combat Zone Wrestling
• CZW World Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Chris Hero{{cite web | url=https://www.thesportster.com/cesaro-chris-hero-kings-of-wrestling-tag-team-one-of-best-ever/ | title=Why Cesaro & Chris Hero's Kings of Wrestling Tag Team Remains One of the Best Ever | date=6 March 2022 }}
• Last Team Standing (2006) – with Chris Herohttps://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=8555{{cite web | url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/kings-of-wrestling | title=Kings of Wrestling - Online World of Wrestling }}
• German Stampede Wrestling
• GSW Tag Team Championship (2 times){{cite web|url=http://www.titlehistories.com/German_Stampede_Wrestling.htm|title=German Stampede Wrestling Title Histories|access-date=11 July 2008|publisher=titlehistories.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021190031/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/|archive-date=21 October 2012|url-status=dead}} – with Ares
• Juggalo Championship Wrestling
• JCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Chris Hero{{cite web|title=Violent J's Gathering Report|url=http://www.insaneclownposse.com/general-news/violent-js-gathering-report/|work=Psychopathic Records|access-date=18 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100824102809/http://www.insaneclownposse.com/general-news/violent-js-gathering-report/|archive-date=24 August 2010}}
• Independent Wrestling Association: Switzerland
• IWA Switzerland World Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.titlehistories.com/Independent_Wrestling_Association_Switzerland.htm|title=IWA Switzerland Title Histories|access-date=11 July 2008|publisher=titlehistories.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021190031/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/|archive-date=21 October 2012|url-status=dead}}
• International Pro Wrestling: United Kingdom
• IPW:UK Tag Team Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.titlehistories.com/International_Professional_Wrestling_UK.htm|title=International Professional Wrestling UK Title Histories|access-date=11 July 2008|publisher=titlehistories.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825223024/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/europe/uk/ipwuk/|archive-date=25 August 2012|url-status=dead}} – with Ares
• Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
• PWG World Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/world_champion/index.html|title=PWG World Championship title history|access-date=9 October 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla}}
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
• Ranked No. 12 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2023{{cite web |last1=DeAngelo |first1=Dominic |title=Full List for 2023 PWI 500 Revealed |url=https://itrwrestling.com/news/full-list-for-2023-pwi-500-revealed/ |website=Inside the Ropes |date=14 September 2023 |access-date=21 September 2023}}
• Pro Wrestling Noah
• Global Tag League Fighting Spirit Award (2011) – with Chris Hero{{cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/noah/history/globaltagleague11.php|title=PUROLOVE.com|website=purolove.com|access-date=11 May 2019}}
• Global Tag League Technique Award (2010) – with Chris Hero{{cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/noah/history/globaltagleague10.php|title=PUROLOVE.com|website=purolove.com|access-date=11 May 2019}}
• Revolution Pro Wrestling
• Undisputed British Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Ares{{cite web|url=http://www.revolutionprowrestling.com/title-history/undisputed-british-tag-team-champions|title=Undisputed British Tag Team Champions History|access-date=15 March 2017|work=Revolution Pro Wrestling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326102417/http://www.revolutionprowrestling.com/title-history/undisputed-british-tag-team-champions|archive-date=26 March 2017|url-status=dead}}
• Ring of Honor
• ROH World Championship (2 times){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=121|title=ROH World Championship History}}
• ROH World Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Chris Hero{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohworldtagteamtitles.php |title=Ring Of Honor Tag Team Championship |access-date=5 April 2010 |publisher=Ring of Honor |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412035856/http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohworldtagteamtitles.php |archive-date=12 April 2010 }}
• Race to the Top Tournament (2007){{cite web | url=https://www.thesportster.com/roh-look-back-at-claudio-castagnoli/ | title=Taking a Look Back at the ROH Era of Claudio Castagnoli | date=6 July 2022 }}
• Tag Wars Tournament (2010) – with Chris Hero
• Swiss Wrestling Federation
• SWF Powerhouse Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.titlehistories.com/Swiss_Wrestling_Federation.htm|title=Swiss Wrestling Federation Title Historys|access-date=11 July 2008|publisher=titlehistories.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825222801/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/europe/switzerland/swf/|archive-date=25 August 2012|url-status=dead}}
• SWF Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Ares
• SWC Powerhouse Championship Tournament (2001)https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=455&page=2
• Westside Xtreme Wrestling
• wXw World Heavyweight Championship (2 time){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=65|title=wXw World Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=27 December 2003|access-date=2 June 2021}}
• wXw Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with Ares{{cite web|url=http://www.titlehistories.com/Westside_Xtreme_Wrestling.htm |title=Westside Xtreme Wrestling Title Histories |access-date=11 July 2008 |publisher=titlehistories.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080808113941/http://www.titlehistories.com/Westside_Xtreme_Wrestling.htm |archive-date=8 August 2008 }}
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
• Most Underrated (2013–2016){{cite magazine|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=26 January 2015|title=Jan. 26, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2014 awards issue w/ results & Dave's commentary, Conor McGregor, and much more|magazine=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, California|issn=1083-9593|page=16|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/40865-jan-26-2015-wrestling-observer-newsletter-2014-awards-issue-w-results-a-daves-commentary-conor-mcgregor-and-much-more}}{{cite magazine|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=27 January 2014|title=Jan 27 2014 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2013 Annual awards issue, best in the world in numerous categories, plus all the news in pro-wrestling and MMA over the past week and more|magazine=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, California|issn=1083-9593|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/35067-jan-27-2014-wrestling-observer-newsletter-2013-annual-awards-issue-best-in-the-world-in-numerous-categories-plus-all-the-news-in-pro-wrestling-and-mma-over-the-past-week-and-more|page=18}}{{cite magazine| last = Meltzer | first = Dave | author-link = Dave Meltzer | date = 25 January 2016 | title = January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue | magazine = Wrestling Observer Newsletter | location = Campbell, California | issn = 1083-9593 | page=23}}{{cite magazine | last = Meltzer | first = Dave | author-link = Dave Meltzer | date = 6 March 2017 | title = March 6, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2016 Awards issue, talent departing TNA, more | magazine = Wrestling Observer Newsletter | location = Campbell, California | issn = 1083-9593 | page=11}}
• Tag Team of the Year (2010) {{small|with Chris Hero}}{{cite magazine|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=26 January 2011|title=Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue|magazine=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, CA|pages=1–40|issn=1083-9593}}
• WWE
• WWE United States Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/20120819-antonio-cesaro |title=Antonio Cesaro's first United States Championship reign |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120826005457/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/20120819-antonio-cesaro |archive-date=26 August 2012 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/|title=WWE United States Championship|access-date=25 May 2020}}
• WWE Raw Tag Team Championship (5 times){{efn|The title was named the WWE Tag Team Championship during his first reign.}} – with Tyson Kidd (1) and Sheamus (4){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2015/usos-tyson-kidd-cesaro-27067298 |title=WWE Fastlane 2015|website=wwe.com|access-date=7 July 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.business2community.com/sports/wwe-fast-lane-results-usos-defeat-cesaro-tyson-kidd-01165430|title=WWE Fast Lane Results: Cesaro And Tyson Kidd Defeat The Usos To Become New Tag Champs|access-date=7 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821213215/http://www.business2community.com/sports/wwe-fast-lane-results-usos-defeat-cesaro-tyson-kidd-01165430|archive-date=21 August 2017|url-status=dead}}
• WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Sheamus (1) and Shinsuke Nakamura (1){{cite web | url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/cesaro-shinsuke-nakamura-def-the-new-day-to-become-the-new-smackdown-tag-team | title=Cesaro & Nakamura splinter the New Day's title reign }}
• André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal (2014){{Cite web |title=Cesaro won The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/30/the-andre-the-giant-memorial-battle-royal |access-date=2024-11-14 |website=WWE |language=en}}
• Slammy Award for Best John Cena U.S. Open Challenge (2015){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/whatsaslammy |title=What is a Slammy?|publisher=WWE|date=23 February 2008|access-date=17 April 2016}}
• WWE Year-End Award for Tag Team of the Year (2018) – with Sheamus{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-announces-year-end-awards-instagram-becky-lynch-braun-strowman/|title=411MANIA|website=WWE Announces Year-End Awards on Instagram|access-date=11 May 2019}}

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category|Claudio Castagnoli}}

• {{wwe superstar|cesaro|Cesaro}}
• {{Professional wrestling profiles|wrestlingdata=1120}}
• {{Roh roster|claudio-castagnoli|Claudio Castagnoli}}
• {{Chikara profile|id = claudio-castagnoli|name = Claudio Castagnoli}}
• {{Twitter|ClaudioCSRO|Claudio Castagnoli}}
• {{IMDb name|2153884|Claudio Castagnoli}}

{{Navboxes|

|list1=

{{All Elite Wrestling}}

{{Ring of Honor}}

{{André The Giant Memorial Trophy}}

{{Chikara Campeonatos de Parejas}}

{{Tag World Grand Prix}}

{{King of Trios}}

{{AEW World Trios Championship}}

{{CZW World Tag Team Championship}}

{{JCW Tag Team Championship}}

{{PWG World Championship}}

{{ROH Tag Wars Tournament}}

{{ROH World Championship}}

{{ROH World Tag Team Championship}}

{{RPW Undisputed British Tag Team Championship}}

{{WWE Tag Team Championship}}

{{WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship}}

{{WWE United States Championship}}

{{WXW Unified World Wrestling Championship}}

{{WXW World Tag Team Championship}}

}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Castagnoli, Claudio}}

Category:1980 births

Category:Living people

Category:AEW World Trios Champions

Category:All Elite Wrestling personnel

Category:American male professional wrestlers

Category:Expatriate professional wrestlers

Category:NWA/WCW/WWE United States Heavyweight Champions

Category:People from Lucerne

Category:Professional wrestling trainers

Category:Swiss expatriates in the United States

Category:Swiss male professional wrestlers

Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers

Category:ROH World Tag Team Champions

Category:PWG World Champions

Category:ROH World Champions

Category:Undisputed British Tag Team Champions

Category:André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal winners

Category:WWE Tag Team Champions

Category:World Tag Team Champions (WWE)

Category:WXw Unified World Wrestling Champions

Category:WXw World Tag Team Champions

Category:CZW World Tag Team Champions