AEW Grand Slam will see two titles on the line as Eddie Kingston and Claudio Castagnoli bring their rivalry to a head.
During the September 9th edition of Collision, Castagnoli and Kingston sat down with Tony Schiavone. During the interview, Kingston revealed that the origin of his hatred for Castagnoli went all the back to 2011 when the Swiss star left the independent scene to sign with WWE.
According to Kingston, Castagnoli didn’t “do business” with him on his way out despite their then-friendship. Castagnoli then brought up the Mad King’s parents, but Kingston cut him off to challenge him for Grand Slam in New York, where his parents will be in attendance.
Kingston first challenged for the ROH World Championship before throwing in the title he “would die for”, the NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship as well.
Castagnoli agreed on one condition, that Kingston shake his hand after he refused to show him that respect nearly 15 years ago.
“I will lose this title, it will be to a better man. That has never been you, and that will never be you.”
NJPW Strong Openweight Champ Eddie Kingston just challenged #ROH World Champion Claudio Castognoli for a match at #AEWGrandSlam
Title For Title!
In New York City!https://t.co/UN1cNj1kQq
Watch #AEWCollision LIVE on TNT!@ClaudioCSRO | #EddieKingstonpic.twitter.com/ra9JnUl87Z
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 10, 2023
AEW Grand Slam line-up
Four matches have already been made official for Grand Slam on September 20th at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
- AEW World Championship: MJF vs. Winner of World Championship Eliminator Tournament
- AEW Women’s World Championship: Saraya vs. Winner of Number 1 Contender’s match on September 13th Dynamite
- ROH World Championship and NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship: Claudio Castagnoli (ROH) vs. Eddie Kingston (NJPW STRONG)
- Chris Jericho vs. Sammy Guevara