Add as a preferred source on Google Brian Cage revealed one of the main reasons he decided to remain with AEW, even after WWE showed interest in him when his previous contract was nearing its end. Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Cage pointed to security, freedom, and internal benefits as deciding factors.
Cage admitted that he considered going to WWE, but said AEW felt like the safer long-term option for his career.
“I mean, there was a lot of interest, and it’s funny, because I wanted to go there. I mean, you don’t know what you’re gonna get either place. There’s no guarantees. They could say that, you know, we’re gonna use you this way, that way, whatever. But obviously, you don’t know anything. And after going back and forth, all the different pros and cons, a lot of stuff with AEW just seemed safer, if you will.
It’s pretty hard to have some sort of security in this business, but I’m like, I’ve been here for a while; they [WWE] just randomly release anyone. A lot of the perks, so travel is way [easier]; he [Tony Khan] pays for all the travel, so hotel, ground transportation, and airfare, whereas WWE is just airfare. We’re an actual independent contractor, so I can do anything else outside of AEW, which is a plus too. Then I felt like I don’t have a fear of getting released if I stay here too long.
The longer I feel like I can just keep staying to have longevity.”
Brian Cage confirms Tony Khan pays for all the travel, hotels and airfare for his wrestlers. Says he doesn't have to constantly fear about getting fired in AEW:
— Drainmaker (@TheDrainmaker) June 30, 2026
“They [WWE] just randomly release anyone. A lot of the perks, so travel is way [easier]. He [Tony Khan] pays for all… pic.twitter.com/KrAs2qX7Hj
When asked if contract security was the biggest factor, Cage said it was, while also pointing to longevity and the calmer environment in Tony Khan’s company.
His recent history helps explain the decision. In April 2023, Cage signed a five-year deal with AEW, with an option for a sixth year, after also drawing interest from names tied to WWE.
Brian Cage has been with AEW since Double or Nothing 2020 and has also been featured in ROH, where he became a two-time ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Champion alongside Kaun and Toa Liona.
While WWE was a real possibility, Cage made it clear that the stability AEW offered carried more weight than a potential move to Stamford.