Brian Cage explained why he chose to remain with AEW over signing with WWE when his AEW contract expired in 2023, citing stability and creative freedom under Tony Khan, speaking on the Insight Podcast with Chris Van Vliet.
“There was a lot of interest and, it’s funny, because I wanted to go there. You don’t know what you’re going to get either place. There’s no guarantees,” Cage said. “After going back and forth, all the different pros and cons, a lot of stuff with AEW just seemed more safe, if you will.”
He pointed to specific perks that factored into his decision. “I’ve been here for a while. Tony’s, they just randomly release anyone — a lot of the perks. Travel is way like he pays for all the travel. So hotel, ground transportation and airfare, where WWE is just airfare. We’re an actual independent contractor. So I can do anything else outside of AEW, which, you know, that’s another plus. And then I felt like I don’t have a fear of getting released if I stay here too. The longer I stay, the longer I feel I can just keep staying to have longevity.”
Cage also expressed interest in focusing more on singles competition going forward. He returned from a torn quadriceps injury on the May 13 Dynamite, answering Kevin Knight’s open challenge for the TNT Championship.
