Post by Head Booker on Apr 12, 2007 16:56:40 GMT -6
NWA CHAMPION CHRISTIAN CAGE DISCUSSES LOCKDOWN, FINDING HIMSELF AFTER HIS TNA DEBUT, SAMOA JOE, UFC, EDGE, FUTURE PLANS, HIS OWN IMPROVEMENT & MORE
by Mike Johnson @ 4:27:00 PM on 4/12/2007
Cage hasn't heard any update on the TNA Video Game but is looking forward to it as he's a big gamer. He said the video game industry is so huge in 2007 and it's a big step to evolve and grow TNA to have a game out there and attract new fans to the company.
When asked about the origin of the Unprettier name, he said that it was a joke at first. He said he kept being told he needed to come up with a name for the finisher. He said he joked with the Hardy Boyz it should be called the Unprettier because when he hits it, "it makes you feel so damn unpretty." One of the announcer caught it and used it, and it stuck.
When asked what type of preparation goes into the Lethal Lockdown match, he said its difficult because there are so many variables with the people involved, the roof, the cage, and the weapons. He said when there are that many things involved, it's like a TLC match where its hard to have a game plan and strategy so you have to let the chips fall where they may.
In comparing the Lethal Lockdown to the TLC match, he said he's never been in one of these before. He said he doesn't even know what weapons are involved in the Lockdown cage, so he's going into it blind.
When asked about a longer timeslot, he said it's long overdue. Cage said that they have too many talents to squeeze into a one hour timeslot. He said to really show the audience what TNA can do, they need to be able to have time to put into what's going on in the ring as well as the other segments so fans can connect with what a character is. He said it's really important to have two hours because the debut two hour show flowed great and was great in his opinion. He said he's understanding that they have a great relationship with SpikeTV and hopefully it leads to more.
When asked about the backstage morale, he said it's great. He said he got there shortly after they landed on SpikeTV and you can feel things moving forward and growing. He said they have a great mix of young talents and veterans but they need the longer timeslot to get those talents to the next level.
In regard to Adam Copeland, he said he sees Edge whenever they can and they had dinner last week. Cage said they have busy schedules and he's doing great for himself. He said if Copeland ever came to TNA that would be huge but he's not going to comment if he wanted to see him in TNA.
Cage was asked about the differences between being a heel and a face. Cage said more of his natural personality comes out when he's working as a heel. He said he just cranks the volume up when he's on TV because he's sarcastic by nature. He said his friends would tell you that it's more natural for him as a heel. Last year working babyface was an adjustment and this title reign feels a little more sweeter than the first one. He said he's really excited about his place right now, not that he wasn't last year was bad.
The Lockdown PPV match last year vs. Abyss was discussed. Cage noted he was excited a clip would be on House next week as it's one of his favorite shows. He said the dynamics of the smaller babyface champion vs. the monster heel made it one his favorite matches.
The feature film "Shoot 'Em Up" was brought up. Cage said he has a small role playing an agent for a corrupt senator. Cage said he doesn't know what made it past the editing process and it will be out sometime in September. He's hoping to get some bigger roles in smaller budget films. He said that acting is something he would like to do more of in the future, because anytime you get to challenge yourself as an entertainer, you get to be a more well-rounded performer. He said that he's really enjoyed doing the backstage stuff in recent years and realized it was something he'd like to do more of. Wrestling has consumed his life since he was 18 and he'll always be a wrestler but you sometimes need to find something to get your juices flowing again.
The match against Samoa Joe at Destination X was asked about. Cage said he loves that in your face hard hitting style and Joe does it better than anyone else. Cage said the way fans perceived the match had him excited.
When asked to compare his NWA title runs, Cage said that this run is a little more conformtable and he's back in his element now. He said he was feeling out who his character was and where it was going when he first got to TNA. Now he knows not just what his character should do but if he should do it.
Cage said he enjoyed working with Rhino in TNA, particularly their cage match on the first primetime Impact. He said AJ Styles is showing a lot of personality and is finding himself now. He noted the recent Joe match. Cage said he'd love to wrestle the X-Division guys like Chris Sabin and Sonjay Dutt. He'd love to wrestle Jerry Lynn and Bobby Roode as well. He said there are a lot of guys he hasn't had the chance to get into the ring with yet.
Cage was asked whether CM Punk made the right decision in going to WWE. Cage said he can't speak for Punk, but while ROH has a great following, Cage got into the business not to be a weekend warrior but to make a career and a living for his family because this is what he loves to do. He said after a certain point, you need to get that exposure that comes with being a national star on PPV and getting paid.
Cage was asked to compare the WWE and TNA schedules in terms of staying healthy. Cage said he was on the roads for 200 plus days a year for 8 years. He said the grind leads to a situation where you have nagging injuries and the mental grind gets to you. He said he would come home, wash his laundry and put it back in his bag for the next trip because he would be too mentally tired to pick out new clothes. Cage praised the TNA schedule and branching out with live events. He said that schedule gives you a chance to be a real human being and recover physically and mentally.
The recent Sports Illustrated articles on the Florida steroids issues came up. Cage said that the situation starts with each person individually. He said the Wellness program is a great idea for pill problems and recreation drugs, so the business doesn't lose anyone.
Cage was asked what he would do to prepare for the Lockdown match. He said he would likely get a tape of last year's match and study it. He's never gotten into a situation where he's wrestled in a cage with a roof. He said he's looking forward to it. He said he has to protect his body and be aware of where he is at all times because of all the variables. He said that is the tricky stuff, not the match itself.
When asked about the sports-entertainment aspect of the business, Cage said you need a balance and that's one of the reasons they need two hours, so they can show more of the athletic in-ring style more.
When asked looking back when he was running the indy scene with Edge and Rhino, if they ever thought they would all end up as World champions, Cage said you'd thought the chances of all three doing them were impossible but it's great because all three were deserving. He said if he and Edge carried the belts at the same time, it would be hysterical and he'd love to see Rhino get another chance too.
When asked how many years physically he feels he has left, Cage said he feels good and he's not worried about it. He said the last year and a half not being on the crazy grind has put years back on his career. He said he wanted to be around until it's not fun anymore. He wants to enjoy what it is that he's doing and not just hang around and collect a check.
When asked if dropping the NWA title so quickly the first time was frustration, Cage said he wasn't frustrated at all. He said it wasn't a short reign and he wasn't bitter at all. He said he was fine with the direction where they were going and he knew eventually it was going to go back to where it is now and he's proud and happy about that.
When asked what he can do to improve, Cage joked he has proven he can take a hell of an asskicking but needs to add some more offense to his in-ring work. He said it was a challenge to come to TNA and be part of a company that's taking babysteps and moving forward. He said that the company will keep taking steps towards the future.
When asked about the rumors of Rob Van Dam coming to TNA, Cage said he hasn't spoken to Van Dam in a long time and he doesn't know what his situation is, but that would be a great thing for TNA. He said RVD has a great, loyal following and is a great performer.
Cage was asked about the future NWA/TNA split and the legacy of the letters. Cage said that it's great to have his name identified with names like Jack Brisco and Ric Flair. He said that we'll have to see what direction the situation takes.
When asked looking back at his move from World Wrestling Entertainment to TNA 18 months ago, whether it was still the right move in hindsight, Cage said that everything happens for a reason. He noted that he feels really comfortable now because it gives him a chance to branch out into other projects but also refresh his mind for the pro wrestling business. He says it's good because if you are in that WWE grind, it burns you out. Wrestling is in your blood and nothing can change that but its nice to have that time to relax and get at ease in order to get the itch to work.
Following that, Cage was asked what the creative process differences between WWE and TNA were and what the process was like finding himself as character again because he became an immediate babyface when he debuted for TNA. He said he was not used to fans cheering when he came to TNA. There were strong pockets cheering for him in WWE, but he was working as a heel and playing a heel persona. When he came to TNA, he found it hard to figure out the balance of how to act his character but do it in a way that the people would still like him. He said there was a little bit of a tough time with it, but it's evolved.
With TNA creatively, a lot of the stuff in the back are things that come off the top of his head, which he feels work best for backstage segments. He said that is what he's doing with AJ Styles and Styles is starting to find his way and his persona when it comes to that aspect of the business. In comparison, in WWE, he had some input with the writers because there were certain bullet points that had to be hit. After a certain point, he was given some freedom but there's more freedom in TNA.
When asked if UFC is competition for TNA, Cage said that it's not really competition but they are on the same channel back to back. He said that when he watches UFC, he doesn't think of pro wrestling and vice versa. He said on the Ultimate Fighter, you see trash talking and there's some pro wrestling element there but it's not wrestling.
When asked about the "Fire Vince Russo" chant at Destination X, Cage said he was preparing for his match and didn't witness it.
When asked about the NHL playoffs, Cage said he was pissed The Islanders didn't lose to Toronto when they should have. He said the New York Rangers have a chance.
by Mike Johnson @ 4:27:00 PM on 4/12/2007
Cage hasn't heard any update on the TNA Video Game but is looking forward to it as he's a big gamer. He said the video game industry is so huge in 2007 and it's a big step to evolve and grow TNA to have a game out there and attract new fans to the company.
When asked about the origin of the Unprettier name, he said that it was a joke at first. He said he kept being told he needed to come up with a name for the finisher. He said he joked with the Hardy Boyz it should be called the Unprettier because when he hits it, "it makes you feel so damn unpretty." One of the announcer caught it and used it, and it stuck.
When asked what type of preparation goes into the Lethal Lockdown match, he said its difficult because there are so many variables with the people involved, the roof, the cage, and the weapons. He said when there are that many things involved, it's like a TLC match where its hard to have a game plan and strategy so you have to let the chips fall where they may.
In comparing the Lethal Lockdown to the TLC match, he said he's never been in one of these before. He said he doesn't even know what weapons are involved in the Lockdown cage, so he's going into it blind.
When asked about a longer timeslot, he said it's long overdue. Cage said that they have too many talents to squeeze into a one hour timeslot. He said to really show the audience what TNA can do, they need to be able to have time to put into what's going on in the ring as well as the other segments so fans can connect with what a character is. He said it's really important to have two hours because the debut two hour show flowed great and was great in his opinion. He said he's understanding that they have a great relationship with SpikeTV and hopefully it leads to more.
When asked about the backstage morale, he said it's great. He said he got there shortly after they landed on SpikeTV and you can feel things moving forward and growing. He said they have a great mix of young talents and veterans but they need the longer timeslot to get those talents to the next level.
In regard to Adam Copeland, he said he sees Edge whenever they can and they had dinner last week. Cage said they have busy schedules and he's doing great for himself. He said if Copeland ever came to TNA that would be huge but he's not going to comment if he wanted to see him in TNA.
Cage was asked about the differences between being a heel and a face. Cage said more of his natural personality comes out when he's working as a heel. He said he just cranks the volume up when he's on TV because he's sarcastic by nature. He said his friends would tell you that it's more natural for him as a heel. Last year working babyface was an adjustment and this title reign feels a little more sweeter than the first one. He said he's really excited about his place right now, not that he wasn't last year was bad.
The Lockdown PPV match last year vs. Abyss was discussed. Cage noted he was excited a clip would be on House next week as it's one of his favorite shows. He said the dynamics of the smaller babyface champion vs. the monster heel made it one his favorite matches.
The feature film "Shoot 'Em Up" was brought up. Cage said he has a small role playing an agent for a corrupt senator. Cage said he doesn't know what made it past the editing process and it will be out sometime in September. He's hoping to get some bigger roles in smaller budget films. He said that acting is something he would like to do more of in the future, because anytime you get to challenge yourself as an entertainer, you get to be a more well-rounded performer. He said that he's really enjoyed doing the backstage stuff in recent years and realized it was something he'd like to do more of. Wrestling has consumed his life since he was 18 and he'll always be a wrestler but you sometimes need to find something to get your juices flowing again.
The match against Samoa Joe at Destination X was asked about. Cage said he loves that in your face hard hitting style and Joe does it better than anyone else. Cage said the way fans perceived the match had him excited.
When asked to compare his NWA title runs, Cage said that this run is a little more conformtable and he's back in his element now. He said he was feeling out who his character was and where it was going when he first got to TNA. Now he knows not just what his character should do but if he should do it.
Cage said he enjoyed working with Rhino in TNA, particularly their cage match on the first primetime Impact. He said AJ Styles is showing a lot of personality and is finding himself now. He noted the recent Joe match. Cage said he'd love to wrestle the X-Division guys like Chris Sabin and Sonjay Dutt. He'd love to wrestle Jerry Lynn and Bobby Roode as well. He said there are a lot of guys he hasn't had the chance to get into the ring with yet.
Cage was asked whether CM Punk made the right decision in going to WWE. Cage said he can't speak for Punk, but while ROH has a great following, Cage got into the business not to be a weekend warrior but to make a career and a living for his family because this is what he loves to do. He said after a certain point, you need to get that exposure that comes with being a national star on PPV and getting paid.
Cage was asked to compare the WWE and TNA schedules in terms of staying healthy. Cage said he was on the roads for 200 plus days a year for 8 years. He said the grind leads to a situation where you have nagging injuries and the mental grind gets to you. He said he would come home, wash his laundry and put it back in his bag for the next trip because he would be too mentally tired to pick out new clothes. Cage praised the TNA schedule and branching out with live events. He said that schedule gives you a chance to be a real human being and recover physically and mentally.
The recent Sports Illustrated articles on the Florida steroids issues came up. Cage said that the situation starts with each person individually. He said the Wellness program is a great idea for pill problems and recreation drugs, so the business doesn't lose anyone.
Cage was asked what he would do to prepare for the Lockdown match. He said he would likely get a tape of last year's match and study it. He's never gotten into a situation where he's wrestled in a cage with a roof. He said he's looking forward to it. He said he has to protect his body and be aware of where he is at all times because of all the variables. He said that is the tricky stuff, not the match itself.
When asked about the sports-entertainment aspect of the business, Cage said you need a balance and that's one of the reasons they need two hours, so they can show more of the athletic in-ring style more.
When asked looking back when he was running the indy scene with Edge and Rhino, if they ever thought they would all end up as World champions, Cage said you'd thought the chances of all three doing them were impossible but it's great because all three were deserving. He said if he and Edge carried the belts at the same time, it would be hysterical and he'd love to see Rhino get another chance too.
When asked how many years physically he feels he has left, Cage said he feels good and he's not worried about it. He said the last year and a half not being on the crazy grind has put years back on his career. He said he wanted to be around until it's not fun anymore. He wants to enjoy what it is that he's doing and not just hang around and collect a check.
When asked if dropping the NWA title so quickly the first time was frustration, Cage said he wasn't frustrated at all. He said it wasn't a short reign and he wasn't bitter at all. He said he was fine with the direction where they were going and he knew eventually it was going to go back to where it is now and he's proud and happy about that.
When asked what he can do to improve, Cage joked he has proven he can take a hell of an asskicking but needs to add some more offense to his in-ring work. He said it was a challenge to come to TNA and be part of a company that's taking babysteps and moving forward. He said that the company will keep taking steps towards the future.
When asked about the rumors of Rob Van Dam coming to TNA, Cage said he hasn't spoken to Van Dam in a long time and he doesn't know what his situation is, but that would be a great thing for TNA. He said RVD has a great, loyal following and is a great performer.
Cage was asked about the future NWA/TNA split and the legacy of the letters. Cage said that it's great to have his name identified with names like Jack Brisco and Ric Flair. He said that we'll have to see what direction the situation takes.
When asked looking back at his move from World Wrestling Entertainment to TNA 18 months ago, whether it was still the right move in hindsight, Cage said that everything happens for a reason. He noted that he feels really comfortable now because it gives him a chance to branch out into other projects but also refresh his mind for the pro wrestling business. He says it's good because if you are in that WWE grind, it burns you out. Wrestling is in your blood and nothing can change that but its nice to have that time to relax and get at ease in order to get the itch to work.
Following that, Cage was asked what the creative process differences between WWE and TNA were and what the process was like finding himself as character again because he became an immediate babyface when he debuted for TNA. He said he was not used to fans cheering when he came to TNA. There were strong pockets cheering for him in WWE, but he was working as a heel and playing a heel persona. When he came to TNA, he found it hard to figure out the balance of how to act his character but do it in a way that the people would still like him. He said there was a little bit of a tough time with it, but it's evolved.
With TNA creatively, a lot of the stuff in the back are things that come off the top of his head, which he feels work best for backstage segments. He said that is what he's doing with AJ Styles and Styles is starting to find his way and his persona when it comes to that aspect of the business. In comparison, in WWE, he had some input with the writers because there were certain bullet points that had to be hit. After a certain point, he was given some freedom but there's more freedom in TNA.
When asked if UFC is competition for TNA, Cage said that it's not really competition but they are on the same channel back to back. He said that when he watches UFC, he doesn't think of pro wrestling and vice versa. He said on the Ultimate Fighter, you see trash talking and there's some pro wrestling element there but it's not wrestling.
When asked about the "Fire Vince Russo" chant at Destination X, Cage said he was preparing for his match and didn't witness it.
When asked about the NHL playoffs, Cage said he was pissed The Islanders didn't lose to Toronto when they should have. He said the New York Rangers have a chance.