Eddie Kingston Wins ROH World Title At AEW Grand Slam
The New York-born Kingston dethrones Claudio Castagnoli
Sep 21, 2023
Eddie Kingston is the new ROH World champion, after defeating Claudio Castagnoli in a title for title match at AEW Grand Slam in New York City. Kingston's NJPW Strong Openweight title was also on the line in the bout.
Late in the match, after a series of near falls between the two, Kingston kicked out of Castagnoli's Ricola Bomb. Moments later, Castagnoli kicked out Kingston's half and half suplex. For the finish, Kingston stunned Castagnoli with a spinning back fist before finishing with a power bomb.
After the match, Castagnoli offered a handshake to Kingston. Kingston accepted, after which Castagnoli handed over the belt and left the ring.
The win gives Kingston the first career singles World title, and his first official championship of any sort under the AEW/ROH banner. He had previously made an unsuccessful challenge of Castagnoli's belt at Supercard of Honor in Los Angeles on March 31 of this year.
Castagnoli's second reign as ROH World champion ends at 284 days. He won the title from Chris Jericho at Final Battle on December 10 in suburban Dallas.
