Claudio Castagnoli’s name has been buzzing around the wrestling world lately, and for good reason. Nearly three years after his highly anticipated AEW debut, fans have found themselves speculating about his future with the promotion. Whispers of contract expiration, injury, or even a quiet exit from All Elite Wrestling have swirled, especially following his recent absence from AEW’s Grand Slam show in Mexico. But as of mid-September 2025, it’s clear: Claudio Castagnoli isn’t going anywhere soon.
According to multiple reports, including a detailed update from Fightful Select, Castagnoli still has “a substantial amount of time” left on his AEW contract. Sources within the company have gone out of their way to squash rumors, emphasizing that Tony Khan, AEW’s founder and president, is adamant about keeping Castagnoli as a core part of the roster. One insider shared, “Tony Khan has been clear about wanting Castagnoli to remain with AEW for a long time.” That’s a statement that should put fans’ minds at ease, at least for now.
The speculation reached a fever pitch after Castagnoli was noticeably absent from the Grand Slam event in Mexico on September 13, 2025. With no explanation given and the timing lining up with the anniversary of his AEW debut, fans took to social media to voice their concerns. Was the Swiss Superman sidelined by injury? Had his contract expired without fanfare? The rumor mill churned, but the facts tell a different story. AEW sources confirmed, via Fightful Select, that his absence was not related to any contractual issues or disputes. Internally, there’s “no concern about his departure.”
Castagnoli’s most recent in-ring appearance certainly doesn’t look like the swan song of a departing star. Just a week before the Grand Slam, he competed in the main event of AEW Dynamite—a high-stakes, $500,000 10-man tag match. Teaming up with Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta, and The Young Bucks, Castagnoli helped secure victory over The Opps and Brodido. It was a hard-fought contest, and Castagnoli’s performance demonstrated why AEW’s leadership considers him a long-term asset.
Looking back, Castagnoli’s journey in AEW has been nothing short of eventful. After a long and decorated tenure in WWE, where he competed under the name Cesaro, he made his AEW debut in 2022 against Zack Sabre Jr. That debut was more than just a match—it was an announcement that Castagnoli was ready to take on a new chapter. He quickly became the newest member of the Blackpool Combat Club, a group that would go on to make significant waves in the promotion.
His momentum didn’t stop there. Shortly after joining AEW, Castagnoli captured the ROH Championship at the 2022 Death Before Dishonor event. This victory solidified his status as not just a major signing, but a force to be reckoned with in both AEW and Ring of Honor. Fans and pundits alike lauded his technical prowess and in-ring charisma, qualities that have made him a perennial favorite among wrestling enthusiasts.
The past year has seen even more twists in Castagnoli’s AEW story. In 2024, after Jon Moxley’s shocking attack on Bryan Danielson, Castagnoli turned heel alongside his Blackpool Combat Club cohorts. Together, they rebranded as the Death Riders—a faction that has since dominated AEW storylines and competition. Their aggressive style and ruthless tactics have kept them at the center of attention, with Castagnoli often serving as the group’s anchor.
One of the most talked-about moments in recent AEW history came at the 2025 Forbidden Door event. Castagnoli competed in the infamous Lights Out match as a member of the Death Riders. Although the faction didn’t walk away with the win, they made a lasting impact by isolating Will Ospreay and delivering a punishing attack that resulted in a neck injury. The injury was severe enough to write Ospreay out of AEW’s ongoing storylines—a testament to the Death Riders’ dominance and Castagnoli’s pivotal role in the group.
Despite all these high-profile appearances and storylines, Castagnoli’s recent absence from the Grand Slam card in Mexico left some fans scratching their heads. Was it a sign that AEW was cooling on their Swiss star? Not according to those in the know. Sources within AEW have repeatedly stressed that Castagnoli’s absence was not linked to any backstage drama or contractual uncertainty. Instead, his future with the company appears more secure than ever.
It’s worth noting that Tony Khan’s commitment to Castagnoli isn’t just lip service. The AEW president has a track record of investing in talent he believes can carry the company forward, and Castagnoli fits that mold perfectly. “Tony Khan is fully committed to keeping Claudio Castagnoli for the long term and views him as a long-term asset to AEW,” reported Fightful Select. That kind of endorsement doesn’t come lightly in the fast-moving world of professional wrestling.
For fans who have followed Castagnoli’s career from his days as Cesaro in WWE to his current run in AEW, this news is both reassuring and exciting. He’s proven time and again that he can adapt, evolve, and deliver in high-pressure situations. Whether it’s winning championships, turning heel, or anchoring a dominant faction, Castagnoli’s versatility and work ethic have made him indispensable.
Of course, the wrestling landscape is always shifting. Injuries, creative changes, and backstage politics can alter trajectories in the blink of an eye. But as of now, there’s no sign that Castagnoli’s journey with AEW is nearing its end. Quite the opposite—company insiders and leadership are looking to him as a cornerstone for the brand’s future.
So, what’s next for Claudio Castagnoli? While there’s no official word on his upcoming matches or storylines, the groundwork is set for continued involvement at the top of the card. With Tony Khan’s backing and a contract that runs well into the future, fans can expect to see plenty more of the Swiss Superman in AEW’s biggest moments. Whether he continues to lead the Death Riders or finds himself embroiled in new rivalries, one thing is certain: Castagnoli’s presence will be felt.
As the speculation dies down and the facts come into focus, AEW fans can rest easy knowing that Claudio Castagnoli remains a key player in the promotion’s plans. His absence from a single event may have sparked rumors, but his long-term future with AEW is anything but uncertain. If anything, it’s just getting started.
