100 Best Wrestling Moves EVER
60. Claudio Castagnoli | Big Swing
John Cena once called Claudio Castagnoli (who was working in WWE as Cesaro at the time) one of the strongest wrestlers he'd ever met. Claudio is a workhorse in the gym. He's never had bulging biceps like The Ultimate Warrior or insanely puffed out muscles like monsters from the 1980s generally, but Castagnoli is far from small. In fact, he's a big dude who favours strength and performance over pure aesthetics.
Again, that's not to say the ex-Cesaro has never taken pride in his appearance. His muscles pop, but he's a different kind of strong to the raw-boned power of some others. It takes almost superhuman strength, balance and care to perform his Big Swing effectively. Even watching the thing is enough to make most fans dizzy, but Castagnoli rotates his way through spin after spin whilst keeping an eye trained on his opponent's safety.
Their part is protecting their head lest the move drift eerily close to the ropes. Do that (and post up a little with a strong core) well enough, and Claudio will take care of the rest. He's been able to use this move on some big lads who'd take some lifting. Momentum is everything for the swing, but getting it started? Ooft, that has to be difficult.
Even WWE fell in love with what's effectively an old-school move. It's become synonymous with Castagnoli. Think of Claudio and you automatically think of this hold. Next time you see him do it, pay close attention to his footwork. That poise, along with the sheer power involved, is undoubtedly impressive.
What a wrestler.