Claudio Castagnoli, also known by his ring names Antonio Cesaro and Cesaro, was born on December 27, 1980 in Lucerne, Switzerland. Growing up in Switzerland, he developed a passion for wrestling at a young age and dreamed of one day becoming a professional wrestler.
Castagnoli began his wrestling career in Europe, where he spent four years honing his skills in the ring. He then made the decision to move to the United States to further pursue his wrestling career. In the U.S., he wrestled with the Ring of Honor promotion, where he quickly gained recognition for his technical prowess and hard-hitting style.
In 2011, Castagnoli signed with the WWE and adopted the ring name Antonio Cesaro. During his time in the WWE, he captured the WWE United States Championship in 2012 after defeating Santino Marella. Cesaro quickly became a fan favorite for his incredible strength and in-ring abilities.
After leaving the WWE, Castagnoli made the decision to join All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2022. He decided to go back to using his real name, Claudio Castagnoli, as a way to signify a new chapter in his wrestling career.
Outside of the wrestling ring, Claudio Castagnoli is a multilingual individual who can speak English, German, Swiss German, French, and Italian. He is known for his dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with fans from all around the world.
In 2011, Castagnoli began a relationship with Sara Del Rey, a respected wrestling trainer and former wrestler. The two share a passion for the wrestling industry and have been supportive of each other's careers throughout their relationship.
Claudio Castagnoli's impact on the wrestling world has been undeniable. From his standout performances in Europe to his championship reigns in the U.S., he has cemented himself as one of the most talented and versatile wrestlers of his generation. His journey from Switzerland to the global stage serves as an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers everywhere.