10 Most Successful WWE To AEW Transitions

Joining long-time pal Edge as a legend who remarkably managed to make a retirement U-turn, after seemingly being forced to hang up his boots for good due to numerous concussions, Christian's comeback at the 2021 Royal Rumble felt like a chance to go out on a WWE high for Captain Charisma.

Only, instead of slotting right back into Vince McMahon's promotion on a more regular basis after that surprising return, the former world champion did something even more shocking.

Feeling Tony Khan's promotion was the right place to both showcase himself and help elevate the next generation, the return of Christian Cage at that year's Revolution eventually set in motion one of the longest-running and most compelling sagas in AEW history.

Going from wise babyface mentor to maniacal, turtle neck a-hole, Cage's relationship with Jungle Boy helped him accomplish both of those aforementioned goals masterfully.

For Christian to not only laugh in the face of retirement, but then go on to forge an All Elite run that highlighted just how much of an under-utilised creative genius the decorated veteran often was throughout his time as an active WWE star proved that it is never too late to bet on yourself, and a new start.