8 Differences Between Christian Cage In WWE & AEW

AEW signing Christian Cage meant that they could convince a returning legend to put their trust in a relatively new promotion over WWE. Christian seemed obvious to remain in WWE after his shocking return in the 2021 Royal Rumble match. However, Tony Khan giving him a great offer with a higher ceiling convinced him to make the jump.

The short-run of Cage so far has seen some differences that didn’t have the same results in WWE. Every wrestler hopes to continue doing what works, but they also want to change their identity in a new promotion. And a creative wrestler like Cage is sure to take advantage of a fresh start. Christian has switched up his game plan to show he can add new things to his arsenal in AEW.

8 Catch Phrase

One of the big things noticed about Christian Cage when making his AEW debut was the unveiling of his new catchphrase on a t-shirt. Christian revealed in his interview with Renee Young that he didn’t want to rely on the same things from his prime.

Many fans miss hearing “That’s how I roll” or “Where my peeps at?” but Cage wanted to go another direction. The “Outwork Everyone” phrase is his major t-shirt and mindset heading into this final chapter of his in-ring career.

7 Friendship With The Boss

The biggest downfall for Christian in WWE was that Vince McMahon never 100% believed in him as a top act. Various reports indicated Vince didn’t view Christian as a star and that clearly showed considering he was rarely booked in an upper card program.

The difference in AEW sees Tony Khan valuing Christian as a performer and person. AEW has already teased Cage feuding with Kenny Omega or other top names. However, the friendship between Christian and Khan is the biggest change as Cage referenced them having fun convos long before AEW started.

6 His History

WWE never referenced Christian’s time in TNA despite the huge accomplishments there. Cage’s run in TNA saw him winning the NWA World Heavyweight Championship twice and having quite a few classic matches with future WWE Superstars like Samoa Joe and AJ Styles.

The signing of Christian by AEW instantly gave a nod to his TNA career by buying the rights to his former TNA song and adding the Cage last name again. AEW typically never avoids referencing the history of their stars unless it’s something that could cause negative controversy.

5 Less Comedy In AEW

Christian Cage impersonates Vince McMahon

Christian deserves consideration when looking at the best comedic wrestlers of all time. His jokes as a singles star and the Edge & Christian comedy bits always delivered to keep the audience laughing. Christian has shown a more serious side since starting in AEW.

There is the occasional joke, but most of Christian’s talking segments are about his desire to contend for the AEW World Championship. Programs with Team Taz and Matt Hardy each have led to serious moments after they targeted him.

4 Dream Matches

The WWE run of Christian ended right around the time they realized many fans viewed his first-time bouts as dream matches. Injury concerns stopped WWE from clearing Christian before he could have matches against some of the best wrestlers joining the company.

AEW is treating the matches of Christian as important and have yet to run a quick ratings grab match. The first time Cage faces the likes of Kenny Omega, Adam Page, Darby Allin or MJF will likely be bigger positions. Omega and Christian just having a slight interaction was treated as a huge segment by AEW.

3 New Alliances

New wrestlers are becoming opponents or allies of Christian Cage in the bigger picture of AEW. The best program so far for Christian featured him losing a battle royal at the end to Jungle Boy. Christian showed respect for the young star and the two have been on-screen friends since then.

Jungle Boy is a huge part of AEW’s future, and he had one of his first true spotlight moments getting over Cage. The past friendship Christian had with Jungle Boy’s dad Luke Perry was even referenced in a promo.

2 Wrestling Style

The singles matches of Christian in WWE during his peak often saw him as a faster-paced performer. Christian clearly is known for having great matches and running around the ring with anyone regardless of their size or style.

AEW has allowed Cage to somewhat switch it up depending on the story. Matches against Matt Sydal and former TNA rival Frankie Kazarian showed Christian working an old-school pace before kicking it up at the right time. Powerhouse Hobbs’ strength saw Cage playing the underdog in their match before the big win. Christian’s long absence from his last WWE run has him working a new style.

1 Protected Booking

Christian Cage has never been a “protected” star in WWE despite it happening in AEW and even TNA. WWE still made Christian look weak when he was World Champion by never coming off as an equal to Randy Orton in their feud.

AEW is already protecting Cage by not putting him in matches or storylines that hurt his momentum. Christian has won every match aside from a battle royal that didn’t see him having to take a pin. Even the moments where Cage is putting over others will protect him for bigger matches down the road.

NEXT: 5 Reasons Christian Is Better As A Heel (& 5 Ways He's Best As A Babyface)