In the end, if Bryan Danielson's replacement versus Zack Sabre Jr. was anyone other than the man formerly known as Cesaro, fans of AEW, NJPW, and wrestling as a whole – though maybe not Max Dupri – would have been massively disappointed.

Why? Well, for one thing, Cesaro, who has reverted to his indie/real name Claudio Castagnoli, was by far the biggest name on the open market and presented the best chance for big matches down the road. Castagnoli has a noted feud with Eddie Kingston and has wrestled well over a dozen members of the AEW roster at one point or another.

But that's not all. No, the other reason why fans wanted to see Castagnoli enter through the Forbidden Door is that he's a really freakin' good technical wrestler and would have put on an incredible match against Zack Sabre Jr., his foe in the match.

Fortunately, that is ultimately what came to pass and you'd best believe Castagnoli didn't disappoint.

Coming out to some of the loudest cheers you will ever hear, with a wonderfully upbeat new theme, Castagnoli and ZSJ went to blows for what felt like forever in a match loaded with hard hits, innovative counters, and swings, much to the appreciation of the fans in attendance at the United Center who gleefully cheered him on.

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Dave Meltzer with a text bubble reading "Those Triple H comments, they aged like milk" with Will Ospreay on his left and Triple H on his right with the AEW Dynasty logo as the background.

Matty Breisch ·

Will Ospreay next to Triple H with the AEW Dynasty logo as the background.

Matty Breisch ·

Will Ospreay in front of the AEW Dynasty logo

Matty Breisch ·

Now granted, would the match have been better if it was Bryan Danielson in the ring instead? Eh, maybe yes maybe no, but as Kevin Kelly pointed out on the broadcast, that match could still be over the horizon, maybe at Forbidden Door II. Tonight, however, was all about Claudio Castagnoli getting back in the ring, getting his first AEW win, and getting ready for Blood and Guts.