Claudio Castagnoli said influencers appearing in wrestling is a continuation of something the business has always done, and that it brings in viewers who would not otherwise watch.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the AEW wrestler said the practice predates the current wave.
“This is not a brand new thing. There was always maybe celebrities or maybe football, like in the past was more like football players, for example, or bodybuilders or stuff like that,” Castagnoli said.
“Now it’s influencers because of how everything evolved. As much as that is part of the business because it brings a new audience in and it keeps things, I guess, interesting, I feel the core of the wrestling business is still wrestling, and you shouldn’t lose that.”
WWE has recently featured Jelly Roll, Travis Scott, and Ryan Garcia on its programming. AEW has used TikTok personalities A.J. and Big Justice, along with The Rizzler.