WrestleTalk suggests four possible replacements for Claudio Castagnoli in The Death Riders
WrestleTalk lists Ilja Dragunov, Roderick Strong, Eddie Kingston and Sheamus as possible replacements for Claudio Castagnoli after his stretcher exit on October 28.
WrestleTalk reports Claudio Castagnoli was stretchered from the ring after a brawl on the October 28 AEW Fright Night Dynamite, in which The Cut reportedly struck him with three shillelagh shots before “Switchblade” Jay White delivered a Blade Runner.
The outlet suggested four names as potential replacements alongside Jon Moxley and the rest of The Death Riders, presenting the ideas as speculation rather than confirmed plans:
- Ilja Dragunov — WrestleTalk notes Dragunov debuted for AEW at WrestleDream 2026 and has been aggressive in the promotion since arriving; the piece argues his intensity would fit the Death Riders' style.
- Roderick Strong — WrestleTalk points to the long-standing links between Strong and the faction, including Marina Shafir's involvement, and says Strong has been discussed as a possible fit.
- Eddie Kingston — WrestleTalk highlights Kingston's rivalry with Castagnoli and his long friendship with Jon Moxley, adding that Kingston has not been featured consistently on AEW television recently.
- Sheamus — WrestleTalk recalls Sheamus became a free agent in October after leaving WWE and notes reports that Castagnoli has pushed for AEW to sign Sheamus, making him a suggested candidate.
None of the four names are confirmed by AEW; WrestleTalk framed them as suggestions in response to Castagnoli's stretcher exit.
