Real Reason Christian Cage Was Never A Top WWE Star

Jim Ross reveals why WWE never pushed Christian Cage as a top guy.

Christian Cage
AEW

Jim Ross believes that look and size were behind WWE's decision to never push Christian Cage as a top guy during the veteran's time with the promotion.

The legendary announcer said as much during the latest episode of his Grilling JR podcast. Ross stated that the aforementioned factors "didn't do [Christian] any favours", adding that in Vince McMahon's eyes, Christian lacked the "wow factor" possessed by his real-life best friend, Adam 'Edge' Copeland, whom WWE pushed heavily.

Said Ross (h/t Fightful):

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“His size (and) look didn’t do him any favors at certain points in his career. I know that my belief is that McMahon did not push him more because he didn’t like Christian’s look. It didn’t sell. It wasn’t the ‘wow factor.’ He wasn’t the guy, except for his hair, that could walk through an airport and be noticed. He fit in. Edge, being 6’4, stood out. So, yeah. Size had a big issue there, at times. He’s passed it now, thank God, for AEW. That’s why he’s one of the best heels in the friggin’ business.”

Cage, 50, stands at just three inches shorter than Copeland at 6'1". Though he was WWE World Heavyweight Champion twice, the promotion never presented him as the true top performer in the company. Copeland, meanwhile, enjoyed 11 world title reigns in Stamford.

Christian Cage defends his AEW TNT Championship against Adam Copeland on this Wednesday's Dynamite.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.