AEW Dynamite and Rampage invades the Agganis Arena this Wednesday night. Today I got a chance to talk with AEW’s Claudio Castignoli. He’s a former Ring of Honor World Champion, he’s a part of the red-hot Blackpool Combat Club, he’s pound-for-pound one of the strongest men in pro wrestling, and he’s one hell of a well-rounded gentleman.

Here now is 10 Questions with Claudio Castignoli:

• One of the moves you're best known for is the Big Swing. Who has taken it the worst and why?

  People don’t have a choice they just go for the ride. You can ask “Daddy Magic” who actively tried to hold my leg to prevent me from doing it and it didn’t work.

• You are an extremely talented wrestler who for years has been tops on many people's Most Underutilized lists. How has that made you feel over the years?

  Very humbled, to be honest because that just means my hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. I look at the bright side instead of, you know, being like why am I not there for that? Because I feel like that’s happening a lot these days and it makes a lot of people unhappy. I would rather be happy than unhappy.

• The Blackpool Combat Club is arguably the most dominant faction in pro wrestling right now. What are your hopes for the future of the club?

  Just to keep it going. I feel like the Blackpool Combat Club has a lot to offer and it’s very versatile. I hope that we can explore all our options in the future and realize our full potential.

• If you could personally recruit any wrestler (from anywhere) into the BCC who would be your #1 choice?

  You have to earn your way into the BCC. You don’t just get recruited.

• Eddie Kingston has had a lot to say about you. Do you like Eddie Kingston as a wrestler? As an entertainer? As a person?

  Eddie Kingston always has a lot to say. I think Eddie Kingston is a very, very talented fighter. And he’s also very authentic which is why he resonates so well with the audience. I think a match between him and me will be most interesting for many different reasons. So, let’s hope it happens you know?

• Let's talk about when AEW started. You seemed to be a company guy in WWE. You always worked hard, had stand-out moments, and were loyal for over a decade. But AEW was doing something different and exciting. How were you feeling watching it start-up and gain steam?

  To me it’s always exciting when wrestling is getting hot and AEW definitely has a lot of steam behind it. And it’s a lot of fun and it’s different and it’s raw. And that’s where I wanted to be. Towards the end of my time in WWE I knew it was time for me to move on and I knew where I wanted to be, and that’s where I’m at now.

• Is there one moment in all of wrestling that you're still chasing?

  No! I still have goals but I feel when people chase things they don’t appreciate what they have right now.

• In 10 years, name 3 wrestlers (men and/or women) who will be on top?

  Wheeler Yuta, Daniel Garcia, and Claudio Castignoli.

• Why does AEW excite you?

  Because you never really know what’s going to happen. It’s unpredictability and it’s raw and a little rough around the edges. And it’s fun to watch.

• Who is your favorite country music star?

  Johnny Cash

• Besides sports & weather: What do you HATE most about New England?

  (After a shout-out to Kofi Kingston)

  The obscure love for Dunkin Donuts. I love the local coffee shops and people always tell me to go to Dunkin Donuts.

• Limited Tickets Are Still Available for this Wednesday Night - Buy 'Em Here:

  CLICK HERE!!!!

• FULL AUDIO!

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