Christian Explains Decision To Join AEW Over Staying With WWE

Speaking with Renee Paquette on her Oral Sessions podcast, Christian Cage has explained what led to him deciding to sign with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) over signing another contract with WWE.

Christian noted that following his in-ring return at the Royal Rumble, he was unclear about what the future held for him, but opted to speak with Tony Khan after having a conversation with former AEW World Champion Jon Moxley:

“On Wednesday [March 3], there was nothing signed. It was a shock to me when I heard [Paul Wight’s announcement]. Obviously, Tony [Khan] and I hit it off pretty quick and we felt comfortable enough that we were going to work together. I wasn’t sure I was going to go (to AEW after the Rumble) and all the talks I had (with WWE) were very cordial. [Jon Moxley] talked to me and had his opinions and made me think, ‘Okay, I’m doing myself a disservice if I don’t at least explore my options.’ At this final stage of my career, I had a conversation with Tony and it escalated very quickly. Within a week, it was a done deal.”

Christian did explain that it was a difficult decision to leave WWE and not re-sign with the company, instead deciding to sign with AEW:

“Of course. Anytime there is a life-altering decision, there is a lot of thought. I didn’t have a lot of time to think about this but what I really needed was the best platform for me — I got a second lease on life here to showcase (myself) but also help. Where could I help the next generation? That’s what I felt at AEW. In my initial talks with Tony, the first conversation we had, we talked for two hours. From that initial conversation I was like, ‘Man, I didn’t think it would go that well.’ It came together pretty quickly after that. We hit it off, we had the same feeling as far as where he saw me and what I could bring to the table and how I could help the roster and the show. That was intriguing to me and I like a challenge. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it also wasn’t a hard decision. There was something intriguing about being able to be hands-on with everything and having that challenge. It felt like the right situation. There’s nothing wrong with WWE and how they do things.”

Christian is expected to be working a full-time schedule with AEW and wrestling on a regular basis for the promotion, which will be music to the ears of fans of the company.

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Thanks to Fightful for the transcription.

• Christian Cage
• Jon Moxley
• AEW
• wwe

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