Every WWE To AEW Defection Ranked From Worst To Best

You have to rank Christian for potential and promise alone rather than anything he has done for AEW, given he only signed with the company in March 2021 to the surprise of everyone.

Christian was retired for seven long years until he got inspired from his best friend Edge returning to in-ring competition in January 2020 and worked to make his own return a year later at Royal Rumble 2021, where he entered at number 24 and lasted over 18 minutes, looking like he hadn’t missed a beat. He was so fluid in the ring, and looked in incredible shape. Christian had options at this point in regards to his future: he could continuing working for WWE or take a chance elsewhere.

He went for the latter, and was AEW’s mystery signing revealed at their Revolution PPV, where he adopted his Christian Cage moniker once more. His signing has similarities to when he left WWE and signed with TNA in 2005, in that Captain Charisma currently looks like he’s on a trajectory with Kenny Omega over the AEW Championship. Tony Khan has said of signing Christian:

“I think he’s one of the great wrestlers the past couple decades. He’s had great matches in different companies. He’s a great singles wrestler, a great tag champion. I think he adds a lot here. He’s one of the best minds in wrestling, and he’s in great physical condition. We’re expanding the roster, and having someone awesome and a great headliner like Christian Cage is amazing."