The Case for Staying Put
Brian Cage re-signed with All Elite Wrestling in 2023, choosing to bypass interest from WWE in favor of the stability he has built under Tony Khan. During an appearance on Chris Van Vliet’s Insight podcast, the veteran wrestler pointed to AEW’s financial support for travel and creative freedom as the primary pillars of his decision.
Weighing the Industry Risks
As his contract neared expiration in 2023, Cage drew significant interest from WWE. While he admitted to initial curiosity regarding the industry leader, he eventually prioritized the professional security already established at AEW. Cage noted that the inherent unpredictability of the wrestling business made the gamble of a move less appealing than the known quantity of his current home.
The Logistics of Talent Support
A major factor in his decision was the company’s travel policy. Cage highlighted that AEW covers airfare, hotel stays, and ground transportation for its talent. By contrast, he noted that WWE’s structure typically focuses on airfare coverage for independent contractors.
A Pivot to Singles Competition
Cage is now looking to shift his focus away from tag team or multi-man matches. He believes solo competition offers the best platform to showcase his abilities and distinguish himself within a crowded roster. Reflecting on his tenure, Cage told Van Vliet that he feels he has significant unfinished business in AEW. He contrasted his current experience with his previous runs in Lucha Underground and IMPACT Wrestling, suggesting that he has yet to reach his full potential. He pointed to recent singles matches against competitors such as Will Ospreay, Swerve Strickland, and “Hangman” Adam Page as evidence of the high-level work he aims to produce consistently.
Overcoming the April Setback
His trajectory was interrupted in April 2023, when he suffered a torn quadriceps while competing at a non-AEW event. The injury sidelined him from television for several weeks. Cage made his return on the May 13, 2023, episode of Dynamite, answering an open challenge issued by Kevin Knight for the TNT Championship. Since returning, Cage has maintained that his long-term goal is to secure a more prominent, consistent position on the card by leveraging his existing relationships within the company and his history of durability.