WWE legend Claudio 'Cesaro' Castagnoli anticipating on-pitch clash with NFL legend J.J. Watt

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• Wrestler playing for Summer of Soccer
• Pokes jokes at competing vs J.J. Watt
• How to watch TST 2024

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ahead of participating in TST 2024 with Summer of Soccer, a team composed of former professionals including ex-Man Utd player Kenny Cooper, the professional wrestler revealed that he's excited for the challenge of taking the pitch in Cary, N.C. this week.

  And while teammates argue that Cesaro is the "fittest person on the team" heading into the event, his confidence as a soccer player may not be quite as solid. But he says he's ready to embrace the challenge – and the opposition.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 6-5, 43-year-old celebrity is the approximately the same size as Burnley's JJ Watt, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year who is competing with the Clarets in TST 2024 as well. The wrestler hopes he can clash with the NFL star on the pitch, but won't give any tactics away to potential opponents ahead of his TST debut – including how and where he will play.

• WHAT THEY SAID

  Cesaro's teammates poked fun at the interaction, with comedian Cristian Polanco saying he's going to "pile drive JJ Watt" while ex-MLS player Jamie Watson chimed in adding "I've never been more confident to get into a little back-and-forth trash talk as long as he's on the field with me."

  Castagnoli himself refused to even reveal what position he would play for the club, saying he can't give any "advantages" away to the opposition.

  Watt, meanwhile, told media that he's set to play as a "cherry-picking striker and as a backup goalkeeper" in the event this week.

  Castagnoli didn't rule out playing up top, but Polanco warned that he might get confused and "strike someone with a chair" – poking fun at his WWE career. The WWE legend said it "depends on your definition of striker" while chuckling in his press conference.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CESARO?

  Summer of Soccer take the pitch starting Wednesday in Group I action. TST Matches will be streamed LIVE here or on ESPN+/ESPNU.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News