Christian (wrestler)

William Jason Reso (born November 30, 1973) is a Canadian professional wrestler and actor. He is currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) under the ring name Christian Cage. He is best known for his tenure in WWE under the ring name Christian where he performed regularly from 1998 to 2005 and again from 2009 to 2014. He also worked for Impact Wrestling, then known as Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), from 2005 to 2008 and during a brief return in 2021.

Reso made his debut in 1995. He wrestled in Canadian independent promotions early in his career, where he competed in singles and tag team competition with his friend Edge. In 1998, he signed a developmental contract with the then-World Wrestling Federation (WWF, renamed to WWE in 2002) and made his debut the following year, immediately capturing his first championship in the company, the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship, in his debut match. Edge and Christian formed a tag team and gained notoriety for their participation in Tables, Ladders, and Chairs matches. They won the promotion's World Tag Team Championship on seven occasions. They are considered one of the major teams that revived tag team wrestling during the Attitude Era. The team parted ways in 2001, after which, Christian held various singles titles, including the European Championship, the Hardcore Championship, and the Intercontinental Championship.

In 2005, Reso departed WWE and signed with TNA under his Christian Cage ring name, after which, he won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship twice. He left TNA in late 2008 and re-signed with WWE in 2009, where he won the ECW Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship twice each until retiring in 2014 due to concussion issues. He was the twenty-third Triple Crown Champion and eleventh Grand Slam Champion in WWE history. He also headlined multiple pay-per-view events between WWE and TNA, and was one of WWE's most prolific pay-per-view performers. After appearing in the 2021 Royal Rumble match, Reso left WWE shortly after and signed with AEW, again reverting to his Christian Cage moniker, and officially resumed his in-ring wrestling career. Following this, he won the Impact World Championship at ''AEW Rampage'', making his return to Impact Wrestling for the first time since Slammiversary 10 in 2012.

Early life

William Jason "Jay" Reso was born in Kitchener, Ontario, on November 30, 1973, the son of Canadian mother Carol and American father Randy Reso. He played ice hockey and was a wrestling fan as a child. He lived in Huntsville and East Luther-Grand Valley before moving to Orangeville, where he met Adam "Edge" Copeland, who became his best friend and tag team partner. They attended Orangeville District Secondary School together, from which Reso graduated.

Professional wrestling career

Early career (1994–1998)

In September 1994, Reso enrolled in a wrestling school run by Ron Hutchison at Sully's Gym. One of his early ring names was Christian Cage, a combination of the names of actors Christian Slater and Nicolas Cage. Cage's wrestling career began in June 1995 in a match against Zakk Wyld, which resulted in a draw. In 1997, he was a part of Thug Life, a stable that included Joe E. Legend, Zakk Wyld, Rhino Richards, and Copeland (under the name Sexton Hardcastle). As a tag team on the Canadian independent circuit, Reso and Copeland were known as High Impact and later The Suicide Blondes. The duo held titles in numerous promotions and competed in the United States and Japan. Reso won the East Coast Wrestling Association (ECWA) Heavyweight Championship on July 18, 1998, which he held until October 15, 1999. When Copeland received a tryout match with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), Reso went with him and they faced off in a non-televised tryout match, which Copeland was booked to win. After the tryout, once Copeland was promoted from his developmental status to touring with the WWF, he put in a good word for Reso and got him invited to Dory Funk, Jr.'s WWF-affiliated Funking Conservatory training camp in 1998. After completing his training at the conservatory, Reso signed a contract with the WWF to become a full-time performer.

World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment

The Brood (1998–1999)

When Reso came to the WWF, he shortened his ring name to Christian. Christian made his television debut as a heel at WWF's pay-per-view event Breakdown: In Your House on September 27, distracting Edge during his match against Owen Hart to reveal his allegiance to Gangrel. Christian won the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship in his debut match against Taka Michinoku at Judgment Day: In Your House on October 18. He lost the title to Gillberg a month later.

Christian was given the character of a vampire and formed an alliance with Gangrel and Edge, who ( in storyline) was finally persuaded to join what became known as The Brood. At Rock Bottom: In Your House on December 13, The Brood defeated The J.O.B. Squad in a six-man tag team match, then they briefly feuded with The Undertaker's Ministry of Darkness and later joining the team, but upon learning that Christian was beaten into telling Ken Shamrock the whereabouts of Stephanie McMahon, The Undertaker punished Christian by flogging him. More loyal to The Brood than to The Ministry, Edge and Gangrel betrayed The Undertaker and rescued Christian from sacrifice.

Tag Team prominence with Edge (1999–2001)

In 1999, Christian and Edge parted ways with Gangrel, who associated himself with The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) to form The New Brood. As a result, they began feuding with The Hardy Boyz and competed in a ladder match for the managerial services of Terri Runnels and $100,000 at No Mercy on October 17, which The Hardy Boyz won. At Survivor Series on November 14, Edge and Christian and The Hardy Boyz faced Too Cool and The Hollys in a four-on-four Survivor Series elimination match, but they lost. At Armageddon on December 12, Edge and Christian competed in an eight-team battle royal which was won by The Acolytes. At the Royal Rumble on January 23, 2000, Christian competed in the Royal Rumble match, but he was eliminated by Rikishi. At No Way Out on February 27, Edge and Christian defeated The Hardy Boyz in a tag team match to determine the number one contenders to the WWF Tag Team Championship. At WrestleMania 2000 on April 2, Edge and Christian defeated The Hardy Boyz and The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley) to win their first WWF Tag Team Championship in a triangle ladder match, which ultimately led to the creation of the Tables, Ladders and Chairs (TLC) match. At Backlash on April 30, Edge and Christian defeated Road Dogg and X-Pac to retain titles. At Judgment Day on May 21, Christian, Edge and Kurt Angle lost a six-man tag team match to Rikishi and Too Cool, to whom they lost the titles soon after only to win them back in a four corners elimination match at King of the Ring on June 25. At Fully Loaded on July 23, Edge and Christian lost to The Acolytes Protection Agency ( Bradshaw and Faarooq) by disqualification, but they retained the titles.

Following their victory, Edge and Christian portrayed themselves as heels, shifting their in-ring personas from borderline goth to a comedic pair of "cool dudes". During this time, their trademark became the "five second pose", where they performed a pose in the ring for five seconds "for the benefit of those with flash photography" to mock, insult, or amuse the fans. At SummerSlam on August 27, the Edge and Christian successfully defended the tag team titles in the first ever TLC match against The Hardy Boyz and The Dudley Boyz. At Unforgiven on September 24, Edge and Christian lost the titles against The Hardy Boyz in a steel cage match and were not allowed another title shot. At No Mercy on October 22, Edge and Christian (disguised as Los Conquistadores) defeated The Hardys for the titles. The next night on ''Raw Is War'', The Hardy Boyz dressed as the Los Conquistadores and defeated Edge in a handicap match after Christian was taken out backstage to regain the WWF Tag Team Championship. At Survivor Series on November 19, Edge and Christian teamed with Right to Censor's Bull Buchanan and The Goodfather in a four-on-four Survivor Series elimination match which they lost to The Dudleys and The Hardyz. At Armageddon on December 10, Edge and Christian regained the tag team titles in a fatal four-way match involving The Dudley Boyz, K-Kwik and Road Dogg and The Right to Censor, but they lost them eight days later to The Rock and The Undertaker only to win them back days later on '' SmackDown!'' thanks to special guest referee Kurt Angle. At the Royal Rumble on January 21, 2001, Edge and Christian lost the WWF Tag Team Championship to The Dudley Boyz. At No Way Out on February 25, Edge and Christian were unsuccessful in regaining the tag team titles, but they eventually recaptured them in the second ever TLC match at WrestleMania X-Seven on April 1.

On the April 19 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Edge and Christian were defeated by The Brothers of Destruction ( Kane and The Undertaker) for the WWF Tag Team Championship. At Backlash on April 29, Christian was part of the triple threat match for the WWF European Championship which was won by Matt Hardy. At Judgment Day on May 21, Edge and Christian competed in a tag team turmoil match which was won by Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho. On the May 24 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Edge and Christian competed in a fatal four-way tag team TLC match for the WWF Tag Team Championship in which Benoit and Jericho retained the tag team titles.

After losing the tag team titles, friction arose within the team after Edge won the 2001 King of the Ring tournament on June 24. It was also during this time that Edge was becoming a face during The Invasion storyline. Christian briefly turned face to help feud with The Alliance. Christian turned heel shortly afterward, resulting in the two feuding for Edge's WWF Intercontinental Championship for several months.

The Un-Americans (2001–2002)

At Unforgiven on September 23, Christian defeated Edge to win his first Intercontinental Championship, but he lost it back to Edge in a ladder match at No Mercy on October 21. Christian won the WWF European Championship from Bradshaw on the November 1 episode of ''SmackDown!''. At Rebellion on November 3, Christian faced Edge in a steel cage match for the Intercontinental Championship, but he failed to win the title. At Survivor Series, Christian defeated Al Snow to retain the European Championship. At Vengeance on December 9, Christian and Test faced Albert and Scotty 2 Hotty in a losing effort. In January 2002, Christian lost the European Championship to Diamond Dallas Page. At the Royal Rumble on January 20, Christian entered the Royal Rumble match, but he was eliminated by Stone Cold Steve Austin.

At No Way Out (2002), No Way Out on February 17, Christian and Lance Storm entered a tag team turmoil match with the winners getting a WWF Tag Team Championship match at WrestleMania X8 which was won by The Acolytes Protection Agency (APA). After a series of defeats, Christian announced he would quit the WWF, but Page persuaded him to reconsider and adopted him as his protégé. Christian betrayed Page and faced off against him for the European Championship at WrestleMania X8 on March 17, but he lost. Christian began throwing tantrums in his gimmick (professional wrestling), gimmick at the time whenever things did not go his way and during the same event defeated Nora Greenwald, Mighty Molly to win the WWE Hardcore Championship, WWF Hardcore Championship, but lost the title to Maven Huffman, Maven later that night.
Christian formed an alliance with fellow Canadian wrestler Lance Storm on the June 20 episode of ''SmackDown!'', complaining that the WWE has a history of prejudice against Canadians, bringing up the Montreal Screwjob as an example. On the June 27 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Test, another Canadian, joined their team, now called The Un-Americans. Christian and Storm won the WWE Tag Team Championship at Vengeance (2002), Vengeance by defeating Edge and Hulk Hogan, Hollywood Hulk Hogan. The trio then defected from SmackDown! to Raw, appearing on the July 29 episode of ''Raw'' to attack The Undertaker. The Un-Americans teamed with Triple H, to defeat WWE Championship, WWE Undisputed Champion The Rock, The Undertaker and Booker T (wrestler), Booker T and Goldust in an eight-man tag team match on the August 12 episode of ''Raw'', after Test pinned Undertaker. At SummerSlam (2002), SummerSlam Christian and Storm retained the WWE Tag Team Championship against Booker T and Goldust, before interfering in Test's match with the Undertaker later in the night, only to be tossed out of the ring and for Undertaker to defeat Test. On the August 26 episode of ''Raw'', the Un-Americans attempted to burn the American flag, but were stopped by Booker T, Goldust and a returning Kane. On the September 2 episode of ''Raw'', William Regal joined the team. Regal, an Englishman, was the only member of the team not of Canadian nationality. At Unforgiven (2002), Unforgiven on September 22, The Un-Americans lost to Bubba Ray Dudley, Kane and Booker T and Goldust. The Un-Americans lost the WWE Tag Team Championship the next night on ''Raw'' to the team of Gregory Helms, The Hurricane and Kane. On the September 30 episode of ''Raw'', both Christian and Storm lost matches to Randy Orton, while Regal and Test lost to Rob Van Dam and Tommy Dreamer. This led to all four members attacking each other, thus disbanding the team.

Teaming and Feuding with Chris Jericho (2002–2004)

Christian formed a tag team with Chris Jericho and competed in a fatal four-way tag team TLC match for the World Tag Team Championship on the October 7 special episode of ''Raw Roulette'', involving Kane, Jeff Hardy and Rob Van Dam and Bubba Ray and Spike Dudley. Despite Kane's partner the Hurricane being absent from the match, he still retained the title. Christian and Jericho won the titles the next week on the October 14 episode of ''Raw''. At Armageddon (2002), Armageddon on December 15, Christian and Jericho lost the World Tag Team Championship to Booker T and Goldust in a fatal four-way elimination match also involving the teams of The Dudley Boyz and Lance Storm and William Regal.

On January 19, 2003, Christian entered the Royal Rumble match at the Royal Rumble (2003), namesake event, however he was eliminated by Jericho. After a short absence, Christian returned on the April 7 episode of ''Raw'', self-proclaiming himself as the new "People's Champion" and began calling his fans "The Peeps" after receiving advice and endorsement from The Rock. On the May 5 episode of ''Raw'', Christian faced Bill Goldberg, Goldberg, but the match ended in a no contest when 3-Minute Warning got involved which led to a rematch on May 12, where Christian lost to Goldberg in a steel cage match. At Judgment Day (2003), Judgment Day, Christian went on to win a nine-man over-the-top-rope Battle royal (professional wrestling), battle royal for his second Intercontinental Championship. The following night on ''Raw'', Christian appeared on Chris Jericho's talk show ''WWE Raw#Recurring segments, The Highlight Reel'' sporting a new haircut and ring attire. Christian lost the Intercontinental Championship to Booker T on the July 7 episode of ''Raw'', but he regained it after Booker was Legit (professional wrestling), legitimately injured at a house show on August 10.

At Unforgiven (2003), Unforgiven on September 21, Christian defeated Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam to retain the title in a triple threat match, but later lost the title to Van Dam in a ladder match on the September 29 episode of ''Raw''. At Survivor Series (2003), Survivor Series, Christian was a part of Team Bischoff taking on Team Austin and during the match he eliminated Bubba Ray Dudley before he was eliminated by Shawn Michaels, though in the end Team Bischoff eventually won the match. At Armageddon (2003), Armageddon, Christian and Jericho defeated Lita (wrestler), Lita and Trish Stratus in an Professional wrestling tag team match types#intergender tag team match, intergender tag team match billed as the "Battle of the Sexes."

Also, Christian and Jericho began romances with Lita and Stratus, respectively; and as part of the angle it was revealed to be a bet over who could sleep with their respective female first, with a Canadian 1 dollar coin, Canadian dollar at stake. Despite the bet, Jericho continued his relationship with Stratus, which ultimately resulted in Christian and Jericho turning on each other. At the Royal Rumble (2004), Royal Rumble on January 25, 2004, Christian competed in the Royal Rumble match, but he was eliminated by Jericho. At WrestleMania XX on March 14, Christian faced Jericho in a singles match with Stratus on Jericho's side, but Stratus accidentally struck Jericho, allowing Christian to defeat Jericho. Stratus then joined forces with Christian, becoming his on-screen girlfriend in the process. At Backlash (2004), Backlash, Christian and Stratus faced Jericho in an intergender handicap match which they lost. During a steel cage match against Jericho on the May 10 episode of ''Raw'' which he lost, Christian suffered a severe back injury, causing him to miss almost four months of in-ring action. Christian returned on the August 30 episode of ''Raw'', attacking Jericho and thus resuming their feud. The two had a ladder match for the vacant Intercontinental Championship at Unforgiven (2004), Unforgiven, which Christian lost, ending their feud.

Final Storylines and departure (2004–2005)

At Survivor Series (2004), Survivor Series on November 14, Christian failed to win the Intercontinental Championship from Shelton Benjamin. At New Year's Revolution (2005), New Year's Revolution on January 9, 2005, Christian and Travis Tomko, Tyson Tomko faced Eugene (wrestler), Eugene and William Regal for the World Tag Team Championship, but they failed to win the titles. At the Royal Rumble (2005), Royal Rumble, Christian competed in the Royal Rumble match, but he was eliminated by eventual winner Dave Bautista, Batista.

Christian participated in the first-ever Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 21, but he failed to win as the match was won by Edge. Following this, Christian, who had an encounter with SmackDown (WWE brand), SmackDown! wrestler John Cena, began List of professional wrestling terms#P, commenting on Cena, claiming he was a better rapper than Cena and denouncing him as "poseur" while being noticeably cheered during these segments. Soon after, then-WWE Championship, WWE Champion Cena was drafted to Raw (WWE brand), Raw, where Cena successfully defended the WWE Championship in a triple threat match against Christian and Jericho at Vengeance (2005), Vengeance on June 26.

On the June 30 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Christian was drafted to the SmackDown! brand in the 2005 WWE draft lottery and replaced Big Show (who was drafted to Raw) in a six-man elimination match for the newly created SmackDown! Championship, but he lost to John Layfield, John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL). Soon after, Christian was given his own interview segment on ''SmackDown!'' called ''The Peep Show''. At The Great American Bash (2005), The Great American Bash on July 24, Christian faced Booker T (wrestler), Booker T in a losing effort. At No Mercy (2005), No Mercy on October 9, Christian competed in a fatal four-way match for the WWE United States Championship, United States Championship which was won by Chris Benoit.

On October 31, his contract with WWE expired. According to wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, Reso was asked on the spot to sign a new contract, but he declined. His last match occurred during the tapings for the November 4 episode of ''SmackDown!'', where he and John "Bradshaw" Layfield lost to Rey Mysterio and Matt Hardy. Despite his quitting, Christian appeared on the October 31 episode of ''Raw'' and at Taboo Tuesday (2005), Taboo Tuesday on November 1, fulfilling his obligations to the company as he was one of five SmackDown! wrestlers eligible to be voted Chris Masters and Gene Snitsky, Snitsky's opponents by the fans.

Before leaving WWE, Reso filed to trademark the nickname of "Captain Charisma", which allowed him to use it as Christian Cage in the Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), but after WWE disputed the trademark claim by citing a provision in the terms of his old contract he stopped officially using it on TNA programming by the summer of 2006, calling himself "The Instant Classic" from early 2007 onwards although he still continued to be referred to as "Captain Charisma" in off-screen appearances and sometimes wore his "Captain Charisma" entrance jumpsuits to the ring at live events.

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling

NWA World Heavyweight Champion (2005–2007)

On November 13, Reso made his debut in the TNA Professional wrestling promotion, promotion at List of Impact Wrestling pay-per-view events, TNA's pay-per-view event Genesis (2005), Genesis under his old ring name Christian Cage. He announced his intentions to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship held by Jeff Jarrett and rejected joining Scott D'Amore's faction, Team Canada (TNA), Team Canada.

Cage would defeat Monty Brown at Turning Point (2005 wrestling), Turning Point to become number one contender to the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. At Final Resolution (2006), Final Resolution on January 15, 2006, Cage teamed with Steve Borden, Sting to defeat the team of Monty Brown and Jeff Jarrett. and defeated Jarrett for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at Against All Odds (2006), Against All Odds on February 12, 2006. Cage had his first title defence at Destination X (2006), Destination X on March 12, where he defeated Brown to retain the title. On the March 25 and April 1 respective ''Impact!'' episodes, Abyss (wrestler), Abyss, his manager James Mitchell (manager), Father James Mitchell and Alex Shelley showed two pre-taped video packages that had been compiled in the weeks before the episodes, with first on March 25 depicting Mitchell stalking Cage's wife Denise, confronting her and even threatening that "they were coming". The second aired on April 1, with Abyss, accompanied by Mitchell and Shelley, who was taping the segment with a camcorder like the previous video package, attacking Cage at his home in Tampa, Florida and nearly drowning Cage in his own pool. This storyline led to Cage facing Abyss at Lockdown (2006), Lockdown on April 23 in a Steel cage match, six sides of steel cage match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, with Cage winning and attempting after the match to attack Mitchell and gain revenge for all his recent evil deeds against Cage and his family, but Abyss stopped him, took a Chain, steel chain, wrapped it around Cage's neck and attempted to hang him with it until he passed out, after which Abyss and Mitchell stole the title belt and left the arena. The storyline between Abyss and Mitchell and Cage continued until Sacrifice (2006), Sacrifice on May 14, where Cage defeated Abyss to retain the NWA World Heavyweight Championship under Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match#Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, Full Metal Mayhem rules.

At Slammiversary (2006), Slammiversary on June 18, Cage's NWA World Heavyweight Championship reign came to an end as he was defeated by Jeff Jarrett in a King of the Mountain match, which also involved Abyss, Ron Killings and Sting. Larry Zbyszko and Referee (professional wrestling), referee Earl Hebner intervened at the end of the match by helping Jarrett win. The title was declared wikt:Vacant, vacant until TNA's main authority figure at the time, Professional wrestling authority figures#Management Director, Management Director Jim Cornette, awarded the title belt back to Jarrett on the June 29 episode of ''Impact!'' on the condition that he defend it against the winner of a four-way match involving Cage, Samoa Joe, Scott Steiner and Sting at Victory Road (2006), Victory Road. Jarrett agreed to the condition and Sting became the new number one contender at Victory Road on July 16.

After Victory Road, Cage befriended the new number one contender Sting on the July 27 episode of ''Impact!'' by asking for forgiveness for doubting Sting's agenda by coming to TNA in January of that year. Cage went on to say that he had asked Cornette the week before if he could be in Sting's corner in his match with Jarrett for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at Hard Justice (2006), Hard Justice, but Cornette had told him he needed Sting's approval. Sting accepted Cage's offer, with interviewer and occasional ring announcer Jeremy Borash announcing Sting's decision in a backstage segment on the August 3 episode of ''Impact!''. On August 13, Cage was in Sting's corner at Hard Justice as he faced Jarrett (with Scott Steiner in his corner) and during the contest interfered to help Sting win numerous times—as did Steiner for Jarrett—until Cage turned on Sting by taking Jarrett's signature guitar and bashing it over his head—Turn (professional wrestling), turning heel in the process. Cage then allowed Jarrett to pin Sting and retain the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

After the event, Cage began a feud with Rhyno, Rhino one of Reso's real-life good friends as Rhino questioned Cage on his actions at Hard Justice on the August 17 episode of ''Impact!'', but Cage replied saying he did it for the good of TNA. Cage went on to explain later in the episode during a sit-down interview with TNA Play-by-play, commentator Mike Tenay that he attacked Sting because he felt Sting did not show enough passion during the encounter to "get the job done" and win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. The following week on ''Impact!'', Cage came down to the ring where he addressed his attack on Sting further until he was interrupted by Rhino, who attacked after a small debate, starting a brawl between the two which came to an end after Cage laid Rhino's head on a steel chair, picked up another chair and bashed it over the outside of Rhino's head performing a One man con-chair-to, one-man con-chair-to in the process. This led to a match against Rhino at No Surrender (2006), No Surrender on September 24, which Cage won. A rematch was held at Bound for Glory (2006), Bound for Glory on October 22, which Cage also won under M-102 (Michigan highway), 8 Mile No Holds Barred match, Street Fight rules. They had their final bout on the November 16 episode of ''Impact!'', where Cage defeated Rhino in a Hardcore wrestling, barbed wire six sides of steel cage match.

Cage's old WWE enforcer Tyson Tomko (now going simply by Tomko) made his TNA debut on the November 23 episode of ''Impact!'' helping Cage in a match against Sting. With Tomko at his side, Cage set his sights on the NWA World Heavyweight Championship now held by Abyss and at Turning Point (2006 wrestling), Turning Point on December 10 fought Abyss and Sting in a three-way match for the title, but he failed to win the match as Abyss won to retain the championship after pinning Sting. Cage fought for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship once again at Final Resolution (2007), Final Resolution on January 14, 2007 against Abyss and Sting, this time in a professional wrestling match types#Basic elimination matches, three-way elimination match that he won by pinning Sting after Abyss was already eliminated to win the championship. After Final Resolution, Cage prepared for his title defence against the new number one contender Kurt Angle, who had defeated Samoa Joe in a 30-minute Iron Man match at Final Resolution to gain the opportunity. Heading into their encounter at Against All Odds (2007), Against All Odds on February 11, Cage announced on the January 17 episode of ''Impact!'' that he had hired a special consultant to assist him in training for his bout with Angle. This consultant was revealed on the February 8 episode of ''Impact!'', who turned out to be Scott Steiner after he attacked Angle following a match pitting the team of Angle and Joe against Cage and A.J. Styles. Cage went on to retain the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Angle at Against All Odds with Joe as the unofficial Referee (professional wrestling)#Special outside referee, special outside enforcer.

Christian's Coalition and departure (2007–2008)

On the March 8 episode of ''Impact!'', Cage proclaimed that he, Tomko and Scott Steiner were an "inseparable family", which he called Christian's Coalition. After a short feud with Samoa Joe, culminating in a victory for Cage at Destination X (2007), Destination X on March 11 for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, Cage was announced as a captain of a five-man team for the Lethal Lockdown match at Lockdown (2007), Lockdown against Team Angle during the March 15, 2007 episode of ''Impact!''. At Lockdown on April 15, Team Cage (Cage, Tomko, Steiner, A.J. Styles and Abyss) went on to lose to Team Angle (Angle, Joe, Rhino, Sting and Jeff Jarrett). A stipulation was added that the wrestler who got the pinfall would become number one contender for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship and have their title shot at Sacrifice (2007), Sacrifice. Sting was the individual who gained the pinfall victory for Team Angle and became the new number one contender.

Abyss was later kicked out of the group after he attacked Cage on the April 19 episode of ''Impact!''. Steiner was the next to leave the group after he was attacked by Tomko following their NWA World Tag Team Championship match at Sacrifice. Cage was set to defend the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Sting at Sacrifice, but Angle was added to the match on the May 3, 2007 episode of ''Impact!'', making it a three-way match. At the event on May 13, the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), the owners of the NWA World Heavyweight and the NWA World Tag Team Championships, stripped Cage and Team 3D of the titles. NWA Executive Director Robert Trobich, Robert K. Trobich stated the reason was that Cage refused to defend the NWA world title at NWA live events. Cage, still holding the physical NWA world title belt, defended what was billed as the World Heavyweight Championship against Sting and Angle, who was the victor of said contest by making Sting submit (who had "technically" just pinned Cage at the very same moment) and was announced as the new World Heavyweight Champion. On the following episode of ''Impact!'', Angle came to the ring with a new championship belt in-toe and announced he was the new List of TNA World Heavyweight Champions, TNA World Heavyweight Champion, a TNA World Heavyweight Championship, championship that TNA had just introduced at Sacrifice. Afterwards, Cage and Sting came to the ring and the three began to argue over who was the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion, but due to the controversial finish to their match at Sacrifice the title was declared vacant by Cornette and a tournament was held for the title which culminated in a King of the Mountain match at Slammiversary (2007), Slammiversary on June 17. Cage won entry into the match on the June 14 episode of ''Impact!'' by defeating Abyss. At Slammiversary, Cage failed to defeat the four other men (Styles, Joe, Angle and Chris Harris (wrestler), Chris Harris) and win the title as Angle hung the title belt to become the new and undisputed TNA World Heavyweight Champion.

After defeating Harris at Victory Road (2007), Victory Road on July 17 and him, A.J. Styles and Tomko, Tomko and Styles losing to the team of Test (wrestler), Andrew Martin, Sting and Abyss at Hard Justice (2007), Hard Justice on August 12 in a Hardcore wrestling, Doomsday Chamber of Blood match to become number one contender to the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, Cage restarted his feud with Samoa Joe and the two met at No Surrender (2007), No Surrender on September 9, where he defeated Joe by Professional wrestling#Disqualification, disqualification when Joe refused to release his Professional wrestling holds#Rear naked choke, rear naked choke submission hold he had applied. The two had a rematch with Matt Morgan (wrestler), Matt Morgan as the special outside enforcer at Bound for Glory (2007), Bound for Glory on October 14, where Cage lost to Joe and ended his 23-month-long undefeated streak by not officially being pinned nor made to submit. Cage and Joe fought one more time on the October 18 episode of ''Impact!'', with a spot in the Fight for the Right Tournament, 2007 Fight for the Right tournament to become number one contender to the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. Cage defeated Joe to gain entry. Cage made it all the way to the final round of the tournament, where he fought Frankie Kazarian, Kaz on the November 8 episode of ''Impact!'', defeating Kaz due to interference from Styles and Tomko on Cage's behalf, but the match was declared a no contest, with the finals being determined in a ladder match at Genesis (2007), Genesis on November 11. However, Cage failed to win the tournament final the second time around at Genesis. Later in the night, Styles and Tomko helped Angle retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship during the main event as Cage looked on from the ramp. Styles and Tomko were later announced as members of Angle's new group, The Angle Alliance, which led to a title match between the two at Final Resolution (January 2008), Final Resolution on January 6, 2008 and also turning Cage face in the process.

On the January 3 episode of ''Impact!'', Tomko left both Christian's Coalition and The Angle Alliance. Cage failed to win the title at Final Resolution as a result of Styles' betraying and attacking him during the bout, ending Christian's Coalition. At Against All Odds (2008), Against All Odds on February 10, Cage got a rematch against Angle with Samoa Joe as the special outside enforcer, but he once again was defeated by Angle as this time Tomko interfered and cost Cage the match. Cage teamed with Joe and Kevin Nash (known as The Unlikely Alliance) at Destination X (2008), Destination X on March 9 to defeat The Angle Alliance (Angle, Styles and Tomko) in a six-man tag team match. On the March 13 episode of ''Impact!'', Cage and Tomko were announced as opposing team captains for a Lethal Lockdown match at Lockdown (2008), Lockdown. At Lockdown on April 13, Team Cage (Cage, Rhino, Nash, Morgan and Sting) went on to defeat Team Tomko (Tomko, Styles, Brother Devon, Brother Ray and James Storm) at the event. Afterwards, Cage and Rhino began competition as a regular tag team, with the pair being involved in Deuces Wild Tournament, The Deuce's Wild Tag Team Tournament for the vacant TNA World Tag Team Championship, but they failed to win the tournament and the championship at Sacrifice (2008), Sacrifice on May 11. At Slammiversary (2008), Slammiversary on June 8, Cage and Rhino were involved as single competitors in a King of the Mountain match for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, but they failed to win the match. Cage and Rhino went on to team with Styles (who had made amends with Cage and Rhino) in a losing effort against Angle, Brother Devon, and Brother Ray in a Full Metal Mayhem match at Victory Road (2008), Victory Road on July 13. At Hard Justice (2008), Hard Justice on August 10, Cage and Rhino defeated Team 3D in a New Jersey Street Fight. Cage was involved in a three-way match for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against the champion Samoa Joe and Kurt Angle at No Surrender (2008), No Surrender on September 13, but he failed to win the title. Cage then went on to participate in another three-way match against Styles and Booker T at Bound for Glory IV on October 12, which Booker T won. Cage was defeated in his final TNA match by Booker T for the newly established TNA Global Championship, TNA Legends Championship at Turning Point (2008 wrestling), Turning Point on November 9, with the stipulation that if Cage lost, he would have to join the newly formed The Main Event Mafia, Main Event Mafia. On the November 13 episode of ''Impact!'', Cage had his final appearance in TNA before his contract expired as during the telecast he was to be inducted into The Main Event Mafia, but Cage was attacked and "injured" by Angle, Booker T, Nash and Scott Steiner after Angle learned that he would go back to WWE when his contract expired.

One night return (2012)

In 2012, Reso made a one night return to TNA at Slammiversary 10 under his old ring name Christian Cage to announce the number one moment in TNA history as voted by the TNA fans (Sting's 2006 return in the aforementioned Final Resolution (2006), Final Resolution tag team main event). This was part of a deal which in return WWE were able to use Ric Flair in programming and induct him into the WWE Hall of Fame as a member of the Four Horsemen (professional wrestling), Four Horsemen stable.

Independent circuit (2006)

In March 2006, Reso competed as Christian Cage three times in the United Kingdom for the One Pro Wrestling (1PW) promotion. His first appearance was on March 4 at their All or Nothing: Night 1 event, where he defeated Rhino. His second appearance was at 1PW's Know Your Enemy: Night 1 event on May 26, defeating Steve Corino. At Know Your Enermy: Night 2 event on May 27, 2006, Cage fought against the champion Abyss and Corino for the 1PW World Heavyweight Championship in a three-way dance, but failed to win as Corino gained the fall and the title.

In May 2006, Reso made two appearances for the Ring of Honor (ROH) promotion as Christian Cage. His first appearance was on May 12 at ROH's How We Roll event in a tag match with Colt Cabana against Bryan Danielson and Christopher Daniels, which Cage and Cabana won. His second appearance was a loss to Daniels at ROH's Generation Now event on July 29.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2008)

On January 4, 2008, Cage, while still under contract with TNA, made a one-time appearance for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) at the Wrestle Kingdom II event, teaming with fellow TNA wrestlers A.J. Styles and Petey Williams to defeat RISE (professional wrestling), RISE (Milano Collection A.T., Minoru Tanaka (wrestler), Minoru and Finn Bálor, Prince Devitt).

Return to WWE

ECW Champion (2009–2010)

Reso did not appear for the promotion until the February 10 episode of ''ECW (WWE), ECW'' under his old ring name Christian as a face, confronting then ECW Championship, ECW Champion Jack Swagger. Later that night, Christian defeated Swagger in his first match back. On the February 24 episode of ''ECW'', Christian faced Swagger again for the ECW Championship in a losing effort. Christian won a tri-branded 15-man battle royal on the March 10 episode of ''ECW'', gaining entry into the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 25 on April 5, which he failed to win.

Christian won an Professional wrestling match types#Elimination Chase, elimination chase tournament to become the number one contender to the ECW Championship, gaining a title match at Backlash (2009), Backlash. At Backlash on April 26, Christian defeated Swagger to win the ECW Championship. At Judgment Day (2009), Judgment Day on May 17, Christian defeated Swagger in a rematch to retain the title. At Extreme Rules (2009), Extreme Rules on June 7, Christian lost the ECW Championship to Tommy Dreamer in a triple threat Hardcore wrestling, hardcore match also involving Swagger.

On the June 15 episode of ''Raw'', Christian faced Dreamer for the ECW Championship in a losing effort. After unsuccessfully challenging for the ECW Championship in a Championship scramble match, Championship Scramble match that also included Swagger, Finlay and Mark Henry at WWE The Bash, The Bash on June 28, Christian regained the ECW Championship from Dreamer at Night of Champions (2009), Night of Champions on July 26.

On the August 4 episode of ''ECW'', Christian retained the ECW Championship in an Hardcore wrestling, Extreme Rules match against Dreamer. Christian then began a rivalry with William Regal over the ECW Championship, retaining the title against him at SummerSlam (2009), SummerSlam in eight seconds on August 23, and at WWE Breaking Point, Breaking Point on September 13. After a few months of defending the ECW Championship on ''ECW'' only, retaining the title against the likes of Zack Ryder and Yoshi Tatsu, Christian was part of Team Kingston in a Survivor Series elimination match at Survivor Series (2009), Survivor Series on November 22, where he eliminated both Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes before being eliminated by Randy Orton. Team Kingston went on to win. At TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2009), TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs on December 13, Christian successfully defended the ECW Championship against Shelton Benjamin in a ladder match. In late December 2009, Christian became the longest reigning WWE-era ECW Champion. At the Royal Rumble (2010), Royal Rumble on January 31, 2010, Christian successfully defended the ECW Championship against Ezekiel Jackson. On the February 16 episode of ''ECW'', Christian lost the ECW Championship in an Extreme Rules match to Jackson on the show's final episode. The ECW brand was deactivated shortly after.

World Heavyweight Champion (2010–2011)

On the February 22 episode of ''Raw'', Christian was announced to have re-signed with the Raw (WWE brand), Raw brand, defeating Carly Colón, Carlito later that same night to gain entry into the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania XXVI on March 28, which he failed to win. Later, it was announced that he would be a Pro on ''WWE NXT, NXT'', mentoring NXT Rookie Heath Slater.

Christian was drafted back to the SmackDown (WWE brand), SmackDown brand by the 2010 WWE draft, WWE draft. On the May 7 episode of ''SmackDown'', he was placed in an Intercontinental Championship tournament, defeating Cody Rhodes to get to the finals, where he lost to Kofi Kingston. On the July 2 episode of ''SmackDown'', it was announced that Christian would compete in the SmackDown Money in the Bank ladder match at Money in the Bank (2010), Money in the Bank on July 18, which he lost. In September 2010, Christian tore his pectoral muscle and was expected to be sidelined for approximately six months. Following surgery, WWE released a statement that revealed he was expected to only be sidelined for four months. The injury was put into a storyline with Alberto Del Rio attacking Christian backstage on the September 24 episode of ''SmackDown''. Christian made his return from injury at Elimination Chamber (2011), Elimination Chamber on February 20, 2011, saving Edge from an attack by Del Rio. On the March 4 episode of ''SmackDown'', Christian saved Edge from another attack by Del Rio. On the March 7 episode of ''Raw'', Christian made his in-ring return from injury against Del Rio's bodyguard Brodus Clay, picking up the victory. On the March 11 episode of ''SmackDown'', Christian reunited with Edge and defeated Del Rio and Clay in a tag team match. On the March 18 episode of ''SmackDown'', Christian defeated Del Rio in a steel cage match, but was afterwards attacked by both Del Rio and Clay. Christian was in the corner of Edge when he retained the World Heavyweight Championship against Del Rio at WrestleMania XXVII on April 3.

On the April 8 episode of ''SmackDown'', Christian lost to Del Rio in a number one contender's match for the World Heavyweight Championship after a distraction from Brodus Clay. After Edge's sudden retirement from wrestling on the April 15 episode of ''SmackDown'', Christian won a 20-man battle royal to face Del Rio for the vacant World Heavyweight Championship at Extreme Rules (2011), Extreme Rules, where Christian defeated Del Rio in a ladder match to win the World Heavyweight Championship for the first time. On the May 6 episode of ''SmackDown'', Christian lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Randy Orton ending his reign at 2 days (5 recognized by WWE due to Broadcast delay, tape delay). At Over the Limit (2011), Over the Limit on May 22, Christian failed to regain the World Heavyweight Championship from Orton. On the June 3 episode of ''SmackDown'', Christian was the special referee for a World Heavyweight Championship defence by Orton against Sheamus, which Orton won only to be hit by Christian after the match with the title belt, turning heel in the process. At WWE Capitol Punishment, Capitol Punishment on June 19, Christian faced Orton for the World Heavyweight Championship once again, but he failed to capture the title as the referee missed his foot under the bottom rope. At Money in the Bank (2011), Money in the Bank on July 17, Christian won the World Heavyweight Championship for the second and final time after Orton was professional wrestling#Disqualification, disqualified for Low blow (combat sports), kicking him in the groin (the stipulation was if Orton was disqualified or the referee made a bad call, he would lose the title). At SummerSlam (2011), SummerSlam on August 14, Christian lost the World Heavyweight Championship back to Orton in a No Holds Barred match. On the August 26 episode of ''SmackDown'', special guest General Manager Bret Hart announced that Christian would face Orton in a steel cage match on the August 30 episode of ''SmackDown'' for the title, which Christian lost to end their feud.

Christian then began feuding with Sheamus, leading to two matches between the two at the Hell in a Cell (2011), Hell in a Cell on October 2 and Vengeance (2011), Vengeance on October 23, both of which Christian lost. On the November 4 episode of ''SmackDown'', Big Show performed a chokeslam on Christian and Christian received a storyline neck injury, preventing him from competing that night and starting to wear a neck brace. On November 9 during the WWE European Tour, Christian injured his ankle and was pulled from a traditional Survivor Series elimination tag team match at Survivor Series (2011), Survivor Series on November 20. In December, Christian briefly appeared at the Slammy Awards and WWE Tribute to the Troops, Tribute to the Troops.

Championship pursuits and injuries (2012–2014)

At Elimination Chamber (2012), Elimination Chamber on February 19, 2012, Christian returned from his injury to show support for John Laurinaitis. Christian appeared on the March 16 episode of ''SmackDown'', hosting an episode of ''The Peep Show'' and given a spot on Laurinaitis' team in a 12-man tag match at WrestleMania XXVIII on April 1. On the March 26 episode of ''Raw'', Christian was injured once again after (kayfabe) re-aggravating his neck and shoulder in a match with CM Punk. Despite the injury, Christian still appeared at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony to induct long-time friend Edge.

Christian made his return at Over the Limit (2012), Over the Limit on May 20, where he won a battle royal to receive a title match for either the Intercontinental or United States Championship and (despite originally selecting to face Santino Marella for the United States Championship) went on to defeat Cody Rhodes later in the show to win his fourth Intercontinental Championship, turning face once again. Christian later explained his turn as inducting Edge into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2012 made him realize that his career could end in an instant and wanted to end his career with the fans' support, wanting to win multiple championships and leave having a Hall of Fame career, much like his best friend. At No Way Out (2012), No Way Out on June 17, Christian retained the Intercontinental Championship against Rhodes in a rematch. On the June 29 episode of ''SmackDown'', Christian and Marella defeated Rhodes and David Otunga to qualify for spots in the World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank ladder match. At Money in the Bank (2012), Money in the Bank on July 15, Christian was unsuccessful as the match was won by Dolph Ziggler. At ''Raw 1000'' on July 23, Christian lost the Intercontinental Championship to The Miz ending his reign at 63 days and failed to regain it in a rematch the same week on ''SmackDown''.

After a ten-month absence, Christian returned from injury on the June 17, 2013 episode of ''Raw'', defeating Wade Barrett. Later that week on ''SmackDown'', Christian was attacked by The Shield (professional wrestling), The Shield while delivering a Promo (professional wrestling), promo. On the June 26 episode of ''WWE Main Event, Main Event'', Christian took on Shield member Dean Ambrose, which resulted in a disqualification win for Christian following interference from Ambrose's stablemates, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns. That same week on ''SmackDown'', Christian teamed up with The Usos to defeat The Shield, handing the stable their second loss in six-man tag team matches. At Money in the Bank (2013), Money in the Bank on July 14, Christian competed in the WWE Championship Money in the Bank ladder match, but was unsuccessful as the match was won by Randy Orton. During the match, Christian had his teeth chipped after a strong punch from Sheamus through the rungs of a ladder. On the July 29 episode of ''Raw'', Christian defeated World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio in a non-title match. That same week on ''SmackDown'', Christian defeated Randy Orton and Rob Van Dam in a triple threat match to become number one contender to the World Heavyweight Championship, after which he was attacked by Del Rio during a post-match interview. On the August 9 episode of ''SmackDown'', Christian again defeated Del Rio in a non-title match. At SummerSlam (2013), SummerSlam on August 18, Christian failed in his title challenge against Del Rio. On the September 9 episode of ''Raw'', The Shield dragged out an assaulted Christian as a message to anyone that disrespected Triple H following Edge's opinion on Triple H's recent abuse of power. On that week's ''SmackDown'', Edge promised Christian would return soon and get his payback. Christian returned and appeared on the Slammy Award#2013 Slammy Awards, 2013 Slammy Awards, where he presented an award and appeared in a segment involving John Cena and Randy Orton.

Christian returned on the January 31, 2014 episode of ''SmackDown'' to defeat Jack Swagger in a qualifying match for the Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship, WWE World Heavyweight Championship. On the February 17 episode of ''Raw'', Christian attacked Bryan Danielson, Daniel Bryan from behind and mocked Bryan during the match, turning heel. At Elimination Chamber (2014), Elimination Chamber on February 23, Christian eliminated Sheamus before being eliminated by Daniel Bryan. On the March 24 episode of ''Raw'', Christian won a fatal four-way match including Alberto Del Rio, Dolph Ziggler and Sheamus to challenge Big E (wrestler), Big E for the Intercontinental Championship, which did not come to fruition due to Christian suffering a concussion.

First retirement and sporadic appearances (2014–2019)

After suffering his concussion, Christian appeared as a face on pre-show discussion panels for WWE for events including NXT TakeOver, Money in the Bank (2014), Money in the Bank and Battleground (2014), Battleground. He then went on to host ''The Peep Show'' program with Chris Jericho at Night of Champions (2014), Night of Champions in September, and with Dean Ambrose on the November 7 episode of ''SmackDown''.

Edge and Christian were the guest hosts for the December 29 episode of ''Raw'', where WWE commentator Jerry Lawler referred to Christian as "retired". ''Pro Wrestling Insider'' corroborated Lawler's statement, adding that because of multiple concussions and other injuries, the company considered Christian retired as an active wrestler. On the March 2, 2016 episode of ''Chris Jericho#Talk Is Jericho podcast, Talk Is Jericho'', Christian said that while he has had no formal discussion with management regarding his retirement, he would be unlikely to wrestle again. He confirmed his status on the September 22, 2017 edition of ''E&C's Pod of Awesomeness'', saying: "I had to retire, like, right around 40... 'cause of the concussion stuff".

Starting on February 21, 2016, Reso began appearing along with Edge in the WWE Network exclusive ''The Edge and Christian Show That Totally Reeks of Awesomeness'', but in July 2017 it was announced that the show was cancelled from the Network. In mid-May 2016, it became known that Reso had been released from his talent contract. On the June 22, ''Talk Is Jericho'' podcast focusing on the Chris Benoit double-murder and suicide, Chris Benoit tragedy, Jericho mentioned Christian as an example of modern wrestlers who had to retire as the WWE would no longer give them medical clearances due to concussion related injuries (this was largely as a consequence of the Benoit incident as well as better knowledge of Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other concussion related risks).

At the ''WWE Raw 25 Years, Raw 25 Years'' event on January 22, 2018, Christian hosted ''The Peep Show'' with special guests Jason Jordan and Seth Rollins, but it was later interrupted by Cesaro and Sheamus, The Bar (Cesaro (wrestler), Cesaro and Sheamus). On April 7, Christian appeared with Edge to induct the Dudley Boyz into the WWE Hall of Fame. In October 2019, Christian started appearing as a regular contributor on ''WWE Backstage''.

In-ring return and departure (2020–2021)

On the June 8, 2020 episode of ''Raw'', Christian hosted ''The Peep Show'' with special guest Edge, who had returned to competition in January and was feuding with Randy Orton. The following week on ''Raw'', Christian was challenged to an unsanctioned match by Orton, marking his first in-ring match in over six years, although unofficial. Christian, who had no offence in the match, quickly lost after a low blow from Ric Flair, which was followed by a punt kick from Orton. At Clash of Champions (2020), Clash of Champions, Christian got revenge on Orton by attacking him during his ambulance match against Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship. He then appeared as a surprise entrant in the 2021 Royal Rumble match, entering at number 24 and lasting over 18 minutes before being eliminated by Seth Rollins. During the match, he briefly Edge & Christian, reunited with Edge, who would eventually win by last eliminating Orton. Following this, it was reported that Reso was no longer under contract with WWE.

All Elite Wrestling (2021–present)

Reso made his surprise debut for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and signed a multi-year contract at Revolution (2021), Revolution on March 7, 2021, reverting to his Christian Cage persona. Cage wrestled his debut match for AEW on the March 31 episode of ''AEW Dynamite, Dynamite'', defeating Frankie Kazarian, in what was Christian's first official singles match in seven years. At the Double or Nothing (2021), Double or Nothing on May 30, Cage participated in the Casino Battle Royale, but he was the last competitor eliminated by the eventual winner Jungle Boy (wrestler), Jungle Boy. Soon after, he would begin a partnership with Jungle Boy and become his mentor. Cage would continue to stay undefeated in singles matches, beating the likes of Angélico, Matt Hardy, and The Blade (wrestler), The Blade.

Due to his winning streak, Cage would be ranked as the number one competitor in the men's division, and was named as the number one contender for the AEW World Championship, held by Kenny Omega. Through AEW's partnership with Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA), Omega also held the Impact World Championship, and Cage challenged him to a match for that championship, scheduling the match for the premiere episode of ''AEW Rampage, Rampage''. At the event on August 13, Cage defeated Omega to win the Impact World Championship. At All Out (2021), All Out on September 5, Cage was defeated by Omega in a match for the AEW World Championship, marking Cage's first loss in AEW.

On November 13 at Full Gear (2021), Full Gear, Cage, Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus defeated Omega's allies Adam Cole and The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) in a falls count anywhere match. Cage would qualify for the "Face of the Revolution" ladder match on the March 4, 2022 edition of ''Rampage'' by defeating Ethan Page, but would fail to win the match at Revolution (2022), Revolution. On the June 15 special episode of Dynamite titled ''Road Rager (2022), Road Rager'', Cage attacked Jungle Boy after he and Luchasaurus lost the AEW World Tag Team Championship to The Young Bucks in a ladder match, turning heel for the first time in AEW.

Return to Impact Wrestling (2021)

On the August 19 episode of ''Impact! (TV series), Impact!'', as the new Impact World Champion, he made his first Impact appearance since 2012. The announcers recognized his previous two NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship, NWA World Heavyweight Championship reigns, though this recent reign was his first under the Impact World Championship lineage. Upon his return, he retired the TNA World Heavyweight Championship (2020–2021), TNA World Heavyweight Championship and considered the Impact World Championship the sole world title belt in the promotion. He was then confronted by Brian Myers, his challenger at Emergence (2021), Emergence, a match which Cage won. He then retained his title against Ace Austin at Victory Road (2021), Victory Road. At Bound for Glory (2021), Bound for Glory on October 23, Cage lost the title to Josh Alexander (wrestler), Josh Alexander.

Professional wrestling style and persona

Christian began to build up a loyal fanbase around the spring of 2005, despite his placement as a Heel (professional wrestling), villain; he referred to them as his "Peeps", "Peepulation" (a play on the word "population"), or the "Christian Coalition". He also hosted a talk show segment called ''The Peep Show''.

As a finisher, Christian uses an Facebuster#Inverted double underhook facebuster, inverted double underhook facebuster, called the Killswitch. He also utilized a Professional wrestling strikes#Spear, spear as tribute to his best friend Edge, as well as a frog splash in memory of Eddie Guerrero.

Personal life

While on tour with WWE in England, Reso met German model Denise Hartmann; they were married on May 25, 2001. In December 2013, Reso announced the birth of his daughter during the time he had taken off due to recurring Post-concussion syndrome, post-concussive symptoms. On May 2, 2019, Hartmann filed for divorce from Reso. The divorce was finalized in January 2020.

Reso is best friends with fellow professional wrestler Adam Copeland, better known in the WWE as Edge. The two grew up together in their native home of Orangeville, Ontario and went to the same high school and wrestling training academy.

Other media

In 2007, TNA Home Video released a DVD titled ''The Instant Classic: Christian Cage'', covering his beginnings in the independent circuit and other various subjects up to his second NWA World Heavyweight Championship reign. Reso is also the host of the DVD ''The Ladder Match 2: Crash and Burn''. In September 2015, Edge and Christian were guests on the ''Stone Cold Steve Austin Podcast'', which aired on the WWE Network. Edge and Christian were also the hosts and stars of a WWE Network sketch comedy series titled ''The Edge and Christian Show That Totally Reeks of Awesomeness'', which had two seasons, the first of which aired from February to May 2016 with the second from November 2018 to February 2019.

Christian has been a playable character in several of WWE's video games, including ''WWF Attitude'' (1999), ''WWF WrestleMania 2000 (video game), WWF WrestleMania 2000'' (1999), ''WWF SmackDown! (video game), WWF SmackDown!'' (2000), ''WWF No Mercy (video game), WWF No Mercy'' (2000), ''WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role'' (2000), ''With Authority!, WWF/E With Authority!'' (2001), ''WWF Road to WrestleMania'' (2001), ''WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It'' (2001), ''WWF Raw (2002 video game), WWF/E Raw'' (2002), ''WWE WrestleMania X8 (video game), WWE WrestleMania X8'' (2002), ''WWE Road to WrestleMania X8'' (2002), ''WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth'' (2002), ''WWE Crush Hour'' (2003), ''WWE WrestleMania XIX (video game), WWE WrestleMania XIX'' (2003), ''WWE Raw 2'' (2003), ''WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain'' (2003), ''WWE Day of Reckoning'' (2004), ''WWE Survivor Series (video game), WWE Survivor Series'' (2004), ''WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw'' (2004), ''WWE Day of Reckoning 2'' (2005), ''WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006'' (2005), ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010'' (2009), ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011'' (2010), ''WWE '12'' (2011), ''WWE WrestleFest'' (2012), ''WWE '13'' (2012), ''WWE 2K14'' (2013), ''WWE SuperCard'' (2014), ''WWE 2K15'' (2014), ''WWE 2K17'' (2016), ''WWE Champions'' (2017), ''WWE 2K18'' (2017), ''WWE 2K19'' (2018), ''WWE 2K20'' (2019), and ''WWE 2K Battlegrounds'' (2020). He also appears in the TNA video game ''TNA Impact! (video game), TNA iMPACT!'' (2008).

Since March 2017, Reso has hosted a podcast with Copeland called ''E&C's Pod of Awesomeness''.

Filmography

Film

Television

Championships and accomplishments

* East Coast Wrestling Association
** ECWA Heavyweight Championship (ECWA Heavyweight Championship#Title history, 1 time)
* Insane Championship Wrestling
** ICW Street Fight Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Edge (wrestler), Sexton Hardcastle
* International Wrestling Alliance
** IWA Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Earl the Orderly
* Pennsylvania Championship Wrestling
** PCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
* ''Pro Wrestling Illustrated''
** List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Match of the Year, Match of the Year (2000) with Edge vs. The Dudley Boyz and The Hardy Boyz in a Ladder match, triangle ladder match at WrestleMania 2000
** Match of the Year (2001) with Edge vs. The Dudley Boyz and The Hardy Boyz in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match, Tables, Ladders and Chairs match at WrestleMania X-Seven
** Ranked No. 7 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500, PWI 500'' in 2007
** Ranked No. 454 of the top 500 greatest wrestlers in the ''PWI Years'' in 2003
* Impact Wrestling, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling / Impact Wrestling
** Impact World Championship (List of Impact World Champions, 1 time)
** NWA World Heavyweight Championship (List of NWA World Heavyweight Champions#Title history, 2 times)
** TNA Gauntlet for the Gold, Gauntlet for the Gold (TNA Gauntlet for the Gold#Most Gauntlet for the Gold victories, 2008 – TNA World Heavyweight Championship)
** Impact Year End Awards, TNA Year End Awards (2 times)
*** Memorable Moment of the Year (Impact Year End Awards#2005 TNA Year End Awards, 2005)
*** Who To Watch in 2006 (2005)
* ''Wrestling Observer Newsletter''
** List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Tag Team of the Year, Tag Team of the Year (2000)
** List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Worked Match of the Year, Worst Worked Match of the Year (2006)
* WWE, World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment / WWE
** World Heavyweight Championship (List of World Heavyweight Champions (WWE), 2 times)
** ECW Championship (List of ECW World Heavyweight Champions, 2 times)
** WWE Hardcore Championship, WWF Hardcore Championship (List of WWE Hardcore Champions, 1 time)
** WWF European Championship (List of WWE European Champions, 1 time)
** WWF Light Heavyweight Championship (List of WWF Light Heavyweight Champions, 1 time)
** WWE Intercontinental Championship, WWF/E Intercontinental Championship (List of WWE Intercontinental Champions, 4 times)
** World Tag Team Championship (WWE), WWF/E (World) Tag Team Championship (List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE), 9 times) – with Edge (7), Lance Storm (1) and Chris Jericho (1)
** Triple Crown (professional wrestling)#List of WWE Men's Triple Crown winners, Twenty-third Triple Crown Champion
** Grand Slam (professional wrestling)#Original format (established 1997), Eleventh Grand Slam Champion

References

Notes

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Cage, Christian
1973 births
21st-century Canadian male actors
All Elite Wrestling personnel
Canadian expatriate professional wrestlers in the United States
Canadian male film actors
Canadian male television actors
Canadian male voice actors
Canadian male professional wrestlers
Canadian podcasters
ECW Heavyweight Champions/ECW World Heavyweight Champions
Expatriate professional wrestlers in Japan
Living people
Male actors from Ontario
NWA World Heavyweight Champions
Professional wrestlers from Florida
Professional wrestlers from Ontario
Professional wrestling podcasters
Sportspeople from Kitchener, Ontario
Sportspeople from Tampa, Florida
TNA World Heavyweight/Impact World Champions
World Heavyweight Champions (WWE)
WWF European Champions
WWF/WWE Intercontinental Champions
WWF/WWE Hardcore Champions
WWE Grand Slam champions
20th-century professional wrestlers
21st-century professional wrestlers