AEW signed two former WWE legends in Big Show and Christian Cage. They were the two biggest shocks in 2021, and WWE suffered a huge blow when they walked out. However, AEW received their fair share of criticism for signing aged talents who stick to a part-time schedule.

Christian Cage responds to criticism on his AEW signing

Just like Christian Cage and Paul Wight, AEW signed Sting who will also stick to a part-time schedule. Although his match against Brian Cage and Ricky Starks at Revolution got a ton of praise, AEW was subject to severe criticism for making a 60-year-old wrestle.

In an interview with TV Insider, the former World Heavyweight Champion Christian Cage responded to the criticism. He responded to a question about the age discussion relating to the trend in wrestlers wrestling in their late 40s, 50s, and with Sting, his 60s.

“There’s no other feeling like being in the ring in front of live audiences. We live for that reaction. It’s our bread and butter. With schedules being much different now, it does make it easier for older talent to continue to perform at a higher level.”

Cage even commented on what lit the spark, which made him return to the ring after being sidelined for half a decade. “When I did the unsanctioned match with Randy Orton in the summer, I was on the “no-contact list.” I thought, “Wow, I’m that fragile that I can’t be touched?” It didn’t sit well with me.”

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Cage revealed that he went to the University of South Florida and got a bunch of tests done. “I told the doctor I wanted to step back in the ring to finish my career on my terms. When he said I can, it opened a bunch of doors for me.”

Cage talks about wrestlers he wants to face in AEW

Within a week of debuting, Cage had an altercation with Kenny Omega, the AEW World Champion. He commented on Omega being his ultimate challenge in AEW.

“I think there are a portion of fans who would have never thought about seeing us face-to-face in the ring. He’s [Omega] a special talent. We could raise each other’s levels at some point.”

Apart from Omega, Cage claimed he’d like to face Darby Allin. He said, “I look at Darby Allin, who has that cool factor about him, that Jeff Hardy feel where people just gravitate to him. It will be interesting to get that newer Jeff Hardy-type feud against Darby.”

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