Brian Cage Explains Choosing AEW Over WWE, Citing Stability and Creative Freedom

Brian Cage told Chris Van Vliet on the Insight Podcast that he turned down notable WWE interest when his AEW deal expired in 2023, choosing to remain with Tony Khan’s promotion for stability, creative freedom and long-term security. Cage highlighted AEW’s perks — company-covered travel, true independent contractor status that allows outside bookings, and a sense he’s less likely to be released — as major factors in his decision.

Cage also said he wants to focus on a singles career in AEW, noting there are many singles matches he still wants to work after spending much of his AEW run in multi-man or tag settings; he cited standout one-on-one outings with Will Ospreay, Swerve and Hangman as examples. He added that he rebounded from a quadriceps tear suffered at a non-AEW event last April, returning on the May 13 Dynamite to answer Kevin Knight’s TNT Title open challenge.

Originally reported by Wrestling Observer: https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew-star-explains-why-he-rejected-wwes-interest/.