Ex-WWE Talent “Accepted Death” In Match With AEW Star

AEW’s Claudio Castagnoli is widely recognized as one of the most technically gifted wrestlers in the world.

Known for his strength, smooth in-ring execution, and unmatched conditioning, Castagnoli has impressed fans for years across WWE, Ring of Honor, and now AEW. One of his most iconic moves, the Giant Swing, has become a signature spot that not only excites the crowd but also tests the endurance of his opponents. But for former WWE talent EC3, the experience was far more terrifying than entertaining.

Ex-WWE Star EC3 Recalls Near-Panic During Claudio Castagnoli’s Swing

Former WWE Superstar EC3 recently opened up about what it felt like to be on the receiving end of Claudio Castagnoli’s devastating Giant Swing on the 26.07.2012 edition of WWE Saturday Morning Slam. Speaking on Sportskeeda WrestleRoom, he described just how overwhelming the experience was.

“I had this Saturday Morning Slam match with Cesaro aka Claudio. It was like a really good match. And in the midst of it, he did the Giant Swint. He put me in like a car that spins too fast. I’m going to be nauseous. So I cannot spin for the life of me, and that’s the first time I have ever been in it. And like 3 tilts in, I remember I am like, I accepted death, and I welcomed it. While I was swinging there, because I am like ‘This is just the worst for me.’ But eventually I survived and I got launched out of it.” [7:10 -7:29]

Despite being a physically gifted competitor himself, the Giant Swing clearly took a toll on EC3 in a way he didn’t anticipate. His candid description paints a vivid picture of just how disorienting and brutal the move can feel in real-time.

Since leaving WWE, EC3 has carved out a path for himself in promotions like ROH and OVW. He currently competes for the National Wrestling Alliance, where he’s been involved in high-profile feuds and even held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

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