Cage Lets Loose
BY JIM VARSALLONE
jvarsallone@herald.com

Christian Cage, formerly Christian in WWE, is finally getting an opportunity to shine, and he feels more than ready to grab the spotlight on his own in TNA.

``I feel really confident and really comfortable with it. I was always confident in my abilities. I thought I could be a main eventer the past three years. I look forward to the challenge. I thrive on pressure situations, and it's a great opportunity for me.''

Cage recently joined TNA Wrestling, making the move from WWE when his contract expired. He wants to make an impact as a singles wrestler so it seemed only fitting he debuted on TNA's iMPACT on Spike TV.

``I was watching TNA iMPACT since it moved to Spike TV. I was excited and intrigued with the direction of TNA, and things were starting to happen. Maybe I can be a factor in helping build TNA and help make that something special.''

``A lot of factors rolled into one upon making the decision to join TNA. There was frustration on the creative side and how it went for me in WWE. The schedule was very hectic -- 250 days a year for eight years straight. Everything just came up at once.''

``All those ladder, TLC and cage matches takes a toll on your body. Now working with TNA, it's closer to home for me and will prolong my career because you're not working as much with TNA as in WWE.''

``I always tried to do what's right for me, and this was the best move for me, personally and professionally. It was a hard decision to make.''

``Guys in the WWE locker-room and management were surprised when I decided to go to TNA. They were in shock.''

``I don't feel I left on bad terms. I was professional about it. My contract expired Oct. 31. I stayed and worked an extra day. I didn't want to leave anybody on bad terms especially Vince McMahon.''

``I feel the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward. I can't speak for anybody else and don't like doing that, but for me this is a chance to go somewhere and be a factor right away. I see a bright future, and TNA made me feel like I was wanted.''

• Cage's development, past

'The tide started to change for me [as a singles' wrestler] on Raw when I mentioned John Cena. It got a big reaction from the crowd. Christian vs. Cena. The fans wanted to see it, but it never happened. That's the way it goes sometimes.''

``My biggest regret in WWE was I never had the chance to wrestle for the world title 1-on-1. Winning the tag titles for the first time with Edge, after we played around when we were kids about that, and winning the IC title were best moments.''

``My experiences in WWE were great. I got along with everyone in WWE. I stay in touch with some of the WWE guys. I'd been there eight years and made some friends. When I was in WWE, I kept in touch with some friends who were in TNA.''

``I was allowed to be pretty creative in WWE but definitely more in TNA.''

• Future plans, etc.

``It's too early to tell what impact I am having.''

``If I had my way, I'd be the NWA champion by the end of 2005, but I will definitely be the champ by the end of 2006.''

``The No. 1 for me was and is to entertain the fans.''

``In WWE and TNA, there is comradery in both locker-rooms.''

``Edge still has a couple of years left on his contract. I like where I am and what I am doing. As for returning to WWE, never say never.''

• Name game

This isn't the first time Christian used the name Christian Cage while competing for a company.

It's just been a long time since those days in Jim Kettner's ECWA in Wilmington, DE. ECWA is noted for the Super 8, an annual tournament featuring top indie talent.

Christian Cage is also known as Captain Charisma.

``Captain Charisma was sort of dropped by WWE because of trademark issues at the time. When I checked, there was no trademark on it. I got lucky.''

Christian Cage is a nine-time tag team champ.

``If I was to pick a partner in TNA, I would pick Rhino. We broke into the business at the same time.''

• Drugs

``I don't believe they [steroids, recreational drugs] are out of control -- not like in the 80s - but it's good to make sure it doesn't become a problem.''

• TNA Special

Christian Cage faces Team Canada's Bobby Roode on the TNA special 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 on Spike TV.

``[Team Canada's] Scott D'Amore and I go back 10-11 years.''

``It's a little more hands on with TNA. It's open on the creative end on storyline and match direction. Everyone wants to work together to make TNA and Spike TV really work. It's a great atmosphere to be around.''

``The TNA locker-room is very upbeat and positive. I have a feeling something special is going to happen.''

``It's funny. Being in the same place for eight years, you get a comfort level. When you leave and go somewhere else, there are a few familiar faces, but it's like being the new kid at school in a new town. You don't really know anybody.''

``It's been a good feeling in TNA. Everybody is happy to have me here, and I'm happy to be a part of the team. I will be like I've always been, a professional. I kind of endear myself and say hello and introduce myself to everyone. I want to perform to the best of my capabilities and help the TNA guys.''

• Reflecting on a good man

``I received the news [about the death of Eddy Guerrero] when I was on my way to TNA. I was in a little bit of denial until I went to his funeral. Eddy had a heart of gold. He was a unique person.

``A couple of months ago, I had the privilege of riding with him on a trip. We laughed and talked about everything. It was great to do that with him. I feel sad for his family.''

• TNA iMPACT posted an average audience of 1-million viewers for its show on Saturday, Dec. 3.

• The TNA special on Spike TV is 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, and the show will re-air on midnight Monday, Dec. 12. TNA will not broadcast 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 but will return Saturday, Dec. 17.

• NWA champ Jeff Jarrett will appear during the SpikeTV Video Game Awards, which airs 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. Hosted by Samuel L. Jackson, other celebrities include Charlize Theron, Kiefer Sutherland, Def Leppard, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Vin Diesel.

• Christian Cage battles the Alpha Male Monty Brown on the TNA Turning Point pay-per-view Sunday, Dec. 11 from Universal Studios Orlando. Bobby The Brain Heenan and Chicago White Sox world series champ A.J. Pierzynski will also appear on the show.