Between The RopesWrestling Observer Live radio report with Christian Cage and Larry Matysik
by Robert Fahrmeier
Christian…. Christian…. At Last…You’re On Observer Live!!! Hello every one and welcome to the Wrestling Observer Live report.

We are back, Christian Cage is going to be wrestling his first TNA match this Thursday at 10pm against Bobby Roode, and then he is facing Monty Brown on the loaded Turning Point

Christian is here, Dave asks about Christian’s decision to leave the guaranteed money of WWE. Christian says that it was just his decision for him; he was feeling fatigued and beat up, and wasn’t spending enough time at home. He was also feeling creatively frustrated. So he felt now was the time to leave. He will look back fondly on his time in the WWE, but it was just time to go.

(Commercials)

Dave talks about how Christian was a big wrestling fan since 5th or 6th grade, and why he made the decision in wanting to make this move. Christian says that he was pretty smart with his money, which made the decision easier, and that he would have left whether TNA was there or not. He tried to talk himself out of it at times, but weighing the pros and cons he just thought it was the right time. Bryan asks if Christian watched TNA more than WWE. Christian says that he didn’t get to watch when they were on Fox Sports, but saw things pick up when they moved to Spike.

At this point all hell breaks loose. Dave can’t hear the producer, Bryan can’t hear Dave, I can’t hear Bryan, no one can hear Christian, and so Sirius, or perhaps Sports ByLine decides to go to commercial.

(Commercials…with even more insanity where a Tanqueray commercial is interrupted by a Morphoplex commercial.)

We come back in the progress of a phone call. The caller asks if Ric Flair could have another shot at the World title and if he is even going to come back. Dave says it probably won’t happen, although Flair is probably going to come back sooner than you think.

TJ in Ohio.
He is wondering whether there is anyone in WWE within creative, who thinks there are changes to be made. Bonnie Hammer supposedly wants longer story arcs, but as far as storyline consistency, everyone knows, but nothing is happening. TJ says that its WCW like. Dave says that Vince Russo wanted to do the opposite of what wrestling usually is, and wrestling has always been based on a set of emotions that Russo was ignoring. Dave says that people on top don’t evidently think the inconsistencies are of any concern.

Christian is back on the phone now.
Dave says that Christian is now in control of his own destiny. Christian totally agrees, right now he is trying to rest his body a little, while still trying to help TNA. Christian says that he is really interested in pursuing his acting career, and thinks that it can only benefit him. He feels that it’s a great fall back plan. Dave asks if Christian has talked to The Rock about acting. He has not really talked seriously about it.

Dave asks about the damage incurred by the ladder matches. Christian says it’s hard to say, and they are just lucky that no one suffered a serious injury during the match. Edge had chronic neck problems, he has back problems that at one time kept him out for four months and Matt Hardy just had knee surgery but he wouldn’t rule out doing another one if the opportunity was right.

Bryan appears out of nowhere ask asks if Christian talked to Matt Hardy about going to TNA. Christian says that he didn’t, and it was mostly his own decision.

Dave asks about the power that Christian is in right now. Cage feels that he just wants to helps TNA, and make it grow. Dave asks how much tape Christian has watched. He watched a few partial PPVs, and a few late night Impact shows.

Dave asks about the proximity between Orlando and Christian’s home in Tampa. Christian says that it’s an hour fifteen-minute drive, and he is just happy that he is home every night.

Bryan asks if Christian would ever talk to any in WWE about jumping ship. Christian says that he would never do that, and that’s up to those guys. Dave asks if Christian has more latitude with interviews. Cage says that he was given a little leeway in WWE as far as improving and such so in TNA he only has a little bit more.

Christian found out at Vengeance that he was moving to Smackdown, Bryan asks if things were planned week by week during that period. Christian says that the reactions when he mentioned Cena, just really pushed the feud with Cena and then it was cut off. Bryan asks if a major program with Cena would have stopped him from leaving. Christian says probably not.

Dave asks about the time off now, Christian says that his wife is giving him more chores to do now. Cage just moved to a new house, and so there a lot of changes in his life right now.

(Commercials)

When we come back Bryan asks Christian’s thoughts on Eddy Guerrero. Christian says that Guerrero was a tremendous human being. He rode with Guerrero during a house show run and just had fun laughing with him and he was the type of guy who would give you the shirt off his back.

Mitch in Berkley
He thanks Christian for all the entertainment that he has given over the years. Mitch says that the period in 2000 when E & C were doing the insider stuff it was really fun. Mitch says that Christian looks healthy and happy on TV, and asks about toxicity. Christian says he was never a big drinker, and doing drugs was just never his thing, and just tried to be smart. Mitch asks if its depressing seeing his friends suffering like this. Christian says he just hopes guys get help. Christian’s goals in TNA is to be World champion, and be the best. He feels that he has the confidence to do it, and is up for the challenge to help the company and the other guys. Bryan asks about prospective opponents. Christian is really impressed by Samoa Joe, AJ Styles, Chris Sabin, Bobby Roode, Abyss, Monty Brown. Plus he loves all the guys who have been around awhile. Mitch asks if Christian grew up watching NWA and realizes the prestige. Christian grew up with Canadian promotions and WWF mostly, but caught NWA during the turn to WCW so he did get to see that stuff. Jay in Waldorf
Asks about Match of the Year. Christian hasn’t seen Joe vs. Kobashi. Dave says there were just so many good matches this year that it’s hard. Jay asks Christian’s opinion on ROH. Christian hasn’t gotten a chance to see much yet

Tony in Michigan
Says that it’s good to hear Christian talking about the positives of wrestling. He then asks about the buy rates in TNA, Dave says that after moving to Spike TV, they got about 30,000 to 40,000 buys. Tony then asks about Christian’s opinion on the WWE Hollywood writers. Christian says that he was usually given freedom, and just given bullet points, so it wasn’t a big deal for him. Tony asks Christian’s opinion on McMahon, saying that he has lost his mind. Christian says that he was on very good terms with Vince. He then asks Dave and Bryan whether McMahon is going crazy. Dave says that Vince needs someone on the outside of the bubble who he trusts to give him the honest truth.

Tony asks Christian’s opinion on the Carters. Cage says he met Dixie the night he debuted and she was very nice to him. Bob called him the day after the show to tell him what a good job he did. Tony says that wrestling fans owe a debt of gratitude to Panda, for sticking with TNA even after all the losses.

(Commercials)

Jonathan in Savannah
He is a huge Peep, and can’t wait for Christian to win the NWA Heavyweight title.

Ken in Syracuse
Asks if TNA screws up the plans, can he opt out of his contract. Christian says that he isn’t even thinking about that right now. He is really happy and looking forward to the future. Ken asks if TNA would drug test if WWE works. Christian says its wait and see.

Dave asks what an optimum schedule. Christian says 4-5 weeks off per year. Dave quickly gets in a “see you next week” before the closing music fades off.

Barring technical difficulties this was a pretty good show.

WrestlingObserver.com