Jim Ross on former World Heavyweight Champion's WWE exit: "He just wanted to be acknowledged"
Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently opened up about the exit of a former World Heavyweight Champion from WWE. The star in question is currently signed to AEW.
The name in question is Christian Cage. He began his mainstream pro wrestling career by joining WWE in 1997. He enjoyed much success in the tag team division alongside Edge (aka Adam Copeland). However, after the duo parted ways, Cage seemingly couldn't become a main event act in the global juggernaut due to underwhelming booking.
In 2005, Christian Cage decided to depart from the Stamford-based promotion and signed with TNA Wrestling. Captain Charisma was presented as a big star in TNA from 2005 to 2008, and he became a world champion there before he eventually returned to WWE in 2009.
On his Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross opened up about the reason why Christian Cage decided to leave WWE and join TNA Wrestling in 2005. JR said Cage wanted to be acknowledged as a top guy after consistently delivering stellar performances.
"He just wanted to be acknowledged as a top guy, because that’s what he was. And he did good work at TNA. I think he helped build their brand, quite frankly. He was reliable again. He’s just—he came in, he made things better than it was before he got there.” [H/T: ewrestlingnews.com]
Jim Ross on why Vince McMahon didn't like former WWE star Christian Cage
Despite being incredibly talented, Christian arguably didn't receive a sustained push from the Vince McMahon-led management in WWE. However, he won the World Heavyweight Title in 2011.
On the same podcast, Jim Ross disclosed that McMahon seemingly disliked Christian Cage's physique.
"I thought it was kinda absurd because Christian deserved more time. He could help us. He could work these guys that were less talented than him and make them look good. I think Vince's issue with Christian was Christian's physique. He's not a big guy. He's always in great shape but he's not a big guy."
Nevertheless, Christian Cage is now a top name on the AEW roster. He has a world title contract that he can cash in any time he wants. Only time will tell what's next for The Patriarch in the Tony Khan-led promotion.