Before his match against Logan Paul at Clash in Paris, John Cena reached out to AEW star Claudio Castagnoli to incorporate some of Castagnoli’s signature moves into his performance. Cena, who is currently on a retirement tour, sought to enhance Logan Paul’s wrestling style by borrowing specific techniques from the wrestling veteran.
Cena’s Strategy to Strengthen Logan Paul’s In-Ring Style
On the No-Contest Wrestling podcast, Cena explained his reasoning behind reaching out to Castagnoli. He noted that Logan Paul had limited wrestling experience and mostly relied on moments that went viral rather than sustained techniques. Cena recognized a resemblance in Logan’s style to that of Castagnoli, once known as Cesaro, which inspired him to request permission to use some of Cesaro’s moves.
With Logan [Paul], he doesn’t have that many matches to go on. A lot of stuff he was doing was viral moments. ‘I need something more than that.’ We never left the ring. I saw Logan, and I’m like, ‘You look and work like Cesaro.’ I called Claudio [Castagnoli], ‘Can I borrow some stuff, please?’ ‘Are you kidding me?’ He’s part of the coffee group. ‘No problem. I can’t be there. It would be an honor.’ I’m like, ‘Logan, watch this guy. These are things I think you can do,’
Cena said.
Cena shared that he sent Logan modified clips of moves like the super European uppercut and the giant swing, which are among Castagnoli’s well-known techniques. These additions aimed to help Logan diversify and strengthen his approach inside the ring.
I’m sending him modified clips of the super European (uppercut), the giant swing, all things I thought Cesaro did well that I think Logan can do well. ‘This might help you wih you style. Get more stuff.’ Take it from Five Moves of Doom, there is going to come a time where you need more stuff.
Connections Between Cena, Castagnoli, and Their Circle
Although John Cena and Claudio Castagnoli never engaged in a major rivalry during their WWE careers, they have faced each other a few times and maintain a solid friendship. Both are part of a close-knit coffee group chat alongside Seth Rollins, sharing insights and camaraderie beyond the ring.
Implications for Logan Paul and the Larger Wrestling Scene
Cena’s decision to incorporate Claudio Castagnoli’s AEW moves into Logan Paul’s match signals a willingness among established wrestlers to support and elevate newer, crossover talents. This collaboration may help Logan develop more nuanced in-ring skills, potentially improving his performance and acceptance in professional wrestling circles. For Cena, it highlights his role in mentoring as he winds down his career amid a high-profile retirement tour.
