By Amanda on Wednesday, May 7 2008


Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Claudio Castagnoli didn’t need any extra motivation going into his World Title shot against ROH World Champion Nigel McGuinness on May 10th at the historic Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan, NY. However, now he has some.

McGuinness knows how to push buttons. He can get under someone’s skin. Nigel is smart enough to use these mind games to his advantage. He tries to take away his opponent’s focus. Sometimes though, these tactics can backfire and you can light a fire in your adversary. This has happened when it comes to Castagnoli.

“Nigel McGuinness had the nerve to say that I proved nothing to him,” Castagnoli said. “He says that I’m just the “hey guy.” Well, I’m proud that all the fans yell “hey” when they see me. Nigel tried to insult me, but all he’s done is made me more determined. I’ll always be “just the hey guy,” but after May 10th I’ll be the “hey guy” who is ROH World Champion.”

Castagnoli already has the distinction of being the only man to pin McGuinness during his World Title reign. Castagnoli put Nigel’s shoulders to the mat for the three count after hitting a Ricola Bomb on March 14th in Dover, NJ. Claudio has gained more momentum with several other recent victories with the Ricola Bomb. Now McGuinness has supplied the extra motivation with his words.
Both these athletes will have a chance to prove something to each other the night before the big World Title Match. On May 9th at the Manassas, VA debut Castagnoli and McGuinness will collide in a Four Corner Survival that will also include Brent Albright and local star Damien Wayne. This one will be a battle.

“What’s the name of that town,” McGuinness said laughing. “Man arses, is that right? Well, when I get to (pause) Man arses I’ll show everyone that’s exactly what Claudio Castagnoli is, a big arse. Then you better believe that I will walk into the Hammerstein Ballroom, in front of the biggest crowd in ROH history, which in turn makes me the biggest drawing World Champion in ROH history, and I will finish off what is left of baldio.”

Both men have intensified their training for this weekend. They are in peak form. The time for talking is quickly coming to an end. Will Claudio Castagnoli add to the history of the legendary Hammerstein Ballroom? This will be the place to be.