Christian Cage Should Stay with TNA

At the time of writing this article, many are still speculating as to whether or not the “Instant Classic,” Christian Cage, will be signing a contract with the WWE. It has become apparent that Cage will not be resigning with TNA, evidenced by the fact that he has already booked two independent dates for later in the month.

For the past two or three months, the Internet’s wrestling community has been enthralled by the prospect of Cage once again becoming “Captain Charisma” and the huge feud potential of the cult favorite, which is undeniably lengthy.

However, I am surprised that nobody has shown interest in Cage returning to Total Nonstop Action. While it’s undeniable that the company has been on a downward stumble since late 2006, its creative team seems to have become reignited with the new TNA Frontline vs. Main Event Mafia feud.

After a shaky beginning, the “war” has really taken shape with the superb Turning Point PPV and the recent goings-on IMPACT!

Though poor segments are still evident in the broadcasts and some of the characters need serious modifications, TNA’s biggest and most ambitious angle on television is highly entertaining—a Millionaire’s Club vs. Young Blood V2 if you will.

Cage, a neutral in the battle for TNA, was last seen on television being beaten by the Mafia after apparently negotiating a contract with WWE (mentioning that was a bad and unprofessional move on TNA’s part).

This opens the door for a revenge storyline with Cage, who has strong fan support within TNA even during his villain run. Imagine Cage running through the audience and laying out the entire Main Event Mafia during one of their weekly rants; the IMPACT! Zone would explode.

On the business side of Cage's decision, it would far better suit him staying with TNA.
Ever since debuting at Genesis in November 2005, Cage has held a main event spot, winning the NWA World Heavyweight Championship on two occasions and headlining a dozen pay-per-views.

Vince McMahon has been quoted numerous times saying that Cage is “not main-event material” and would much prefer he stay in a mid-card position. Also note that Cage resides in Tampa, Fla., near Universal Studios, where TNA is mostly taped.

Staying with TNA, with their lighter schedule than WWE, will allow him more time with his wife and, at the age of 35, he may be trying to start a family soon.

The shorter schedule will also prevent Cage’s chances of injury, which has been a constant worry for him (hence the low-risk, highly technical matches he usually performs), and add years to his career.

If Cage rejoins WWE many hope that he will feud with Edge, perhaps headline WrestleMania and win a World Championship or two, and while that would be great it just isn’t reality.

Reality is having Cage join the WWE as a world title contender and coming up short on a low buy-rate PPV such as No Way Out.

He will quickly dive into the vast sea of mid-card talent, once again aligning himself with Tomko for the United States/Intercontinental Championship, slowly submerging himself in the bloated roster of underused mid-card talent.

Though this might sound like some bitter TNA fan running his mouth (I’m actually more of a WWE fan) I’m just asking: Which would you rather choose? A guaranteed main event slot and light travel schedule? Or a mid-card slot, consistent touring and slightly higher pay?