In 2022 fans saw WWE and AEW add multiple names to their roster.
When Triple H took control of the company following Vince McMahon’s “retirement” he brought back several names such as the Good Brothers, Karrion Kross and Tegan Nox. Over in Tony Khan’s promotion, he hired Kieth Lee, Shane “Swerve” Strickland, Toni Storm, Athena and Samoa Joe to name but a few.
However, despite reportedly attempting to sign former IWGP Heavyweight Champions Jay White and Kota Ibushi, WWE hasn’t been active in the hiring process since the turn of the year.
Due to Vince McMahon’s return and the multi-billion dollar merger with UFC under the Endeavor umbrella, some within the company believe there is a “hiring freeze”. Despite those rumours, speculation surrounding one member of the All Elite Wrestling roster heading to WWE continues to surface.
Is Brian Cage WWE Bound?
Brian Cage, a former FTW Champion and current ROH Trios Champion is now reportedly a free agent after his contract expired at the end of March.
The reports also state that Tony Khan has held several talks with Cage about re-singing his amidst interest from WWE. According to a report on Fightful Select Cage “has some well respected supporters pushing for him” to be signed to the company.
After a stop/start run in AEW, Cage became part of the Ring of Honor roster where he captured the trio titles as part of the faction known as the Embassy.
In the lead up to the most recent pay-per-view, Supercard of Honor it was assumed this would Cage’s last match due to the rumours swirling that he was on his way out of the company. However, he and his tag team partners, Toa Liona and Bishop Kaun, surprisingly retained the titles against AR Fox, Blake Christian, and Metalik.
Cage became “All Elite” in 2020 when he debuted as the surprise final entrant in the Casino Ladder Match at Double or Nothing, winning the match and a shot at then-AEW Champion Jon Moxley.
Yet, aside from his promising debut, success in the promotion was few and far between. At one point he was absent from Dynamite for several months, which led to him and his wife, Melissa Santos publically criticising the promotion.