Christian Cage resisting AEW face turn plans is delaying a much-anticipated reunion of the former tag champions, affecting a key storyline within All Elite Wrestling. Cage’s decision has drawn attention after it became clear it would impact several major events and expected matches involving top stars at recent pay-per-views.
Christian Cage’s Choice Impacts Major AEW Storyline
In the fallout from WrestleDream 2023, supporters of AEW saw Adam Copeland, also known as Cope, debut in the company, building hope for a partnership revival with Christian Cage. However, those hopes were cut short when Cage not only declined Copeland’s offer but also launched an attack, setting up an intense rivalry over the TNT Championship.
Currently, Copeland is sidelined by injury, and when he returns, he is expected to feud with FTR. This development has led many to wonder if the door was now open for AEW to reunite Cope and Christian for a high-profile tag team storyline. Yet, Cage has become involved in a separate rivalry with Nick Wayne, which further pushes back any reunion plans and has caused increased speculation among fans about the underlying reasons for the ongoing delay.
Internal Discussion Reveals Resistance to Babyface Turn
Wrestling reporter Sean Ross Sapp shared details from his sources on a recent episode of Fightful’s The Hump, indicating that the highly anticipated reunion was originally set to occur at the All In event. However, according to Sapp, the former TNT Champion has no current interest in turning face or leaving “The Patriarchy” storyline. He explained that Cage prefers continuing his current role for a longer period instead of making a transition that would allow the reunion to happen.
“People I talked to hinted to me that there were some hiccups in relation to turning Christian babyface or getting him out of the patriarchy. Seems like he wanted to do that for a little bit longer and I don’t know the reaction of those that were involved in the story, but they had planned for Cope and Christian against FTR at All In, now I mean you could do it at all out and it could main event the show but, if I’m AEW, I’m saying Christian friend you are not the booker we want this match for All In and then we’ll do it again at All Out.”
—Sean Ross Sapp, Wrestling Reporter
This direct insight clarifies that AEW had earmarked the popular Cope and Christian vs FTR bout for their marquee show, All In. If the company’s plans shift, the reunion could be rescheduled for another major event such as All Out, though the timing now depends heavily on Christian Cage’s willingness to alter his on-screen persona and storyline involvement.
Fan Frustration and Potential Timing for Reunion
Fans remain anxious, given that All Out might now be the first realistic timeframe for such a reunion, as noted by Sapp and in line with ongoing speculation. The involvement of talent in determining storyline direction is appreciated by many, yet it can cause frustration when it delays significant matches that could draw large audiences or generate buzz.
For now, Nick Wayne continues to feud with Christian Cage, while FTR’s storyline with Copeland stays on hold as he recovers from injury. The shifting priorities have affected several major All Elite Wrestling programs, with both viewers and insiders keeping a close watch for changes in the weeks to come.
Cope’s AEW Future and Revised Retirement Plan
Elsewhere, Copeland’s future adds another layer of intrigue for fans and management. Originally, expectations were set for an 18-month run in AEW before his planned retirement. However, due to time lost from injuries and unresolved storylines, Copeland has reconsidered his retirement schedule. The adjustment means fans may get to see his involvement in AEW storylines extended, providing additional opportunities for long-lost pairings like the one with Christian Cage.
The evolving situation underscores the tension between creative direction from talent and the broader objectives of wrestling promotions. As Christian Cage resists turning face, eyes remain on AEW leadership, figures like Sean Ross Sapp who report on inside developments, and the wrestlers involved, especially with the clock ticking on memorable career moments and long-awaited reunions.
