Brian Cage Set To Conquer The Wrestling Scene in 2018
Brian Cage has had a blockbuster year, travelling all across the independent scene, featuring in Lucha Underground, Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide and establishing himself as a deadly presence in Impact Wrestling, where he’s set to challenge Matt Sydal for the Impact X Division Championship at the upcoming Slammiversary XVI PPV.
We discussed why Brian Cage deserves to win at Slammiversary earlier in the week, and winning a title match would add to an incredible year for Cage. As is heard far too often, Impact’s X Division is about no limits, and Cage embodies that concept with his logic-defying stamina and athleticism.
Cage returned to Impact in January of this year, and was quick to establish himself as a main event presence, sharing impressive bouts with Jon Cruz, Eli Drake and Trevor Lee.
While appearing in Impact, Cage also featured heavily in Lucha Underground, challenging Pentagon Dark for the Lucha Underground Championship and just barely losing to Mil Muertes in a brutal match with the ancient Aztec medallions at stake.
Despite his history within the independent scene, and unbeatable performances across Pro Wrestling Guerilla, AAA, World Series Wrestling, Lucha Underground and Impact, Cage has yet to hold a major title for a televised promotion. With the dominant performances Cage has pulled off throughout the year, this is anticipated to change, even as early as Slammiversary.
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Brian Cage is a unique wrestler, and represents the best of hoss grappling paired with unbelievable high-flying antics. Cage has one of the most impressive moonsaults in the business, as well as a killer tornado DDT, both spectacles that I’ve had the privilege of witnessing myself. Cage’s moveset belies his physique, and it’s a wonder that he’s yet to become ‘the man’ in a major promotion.
Earlier in the year, Cage spoke to the Pancakes & Powerslams podcast, where he discussed his disregard for the complications of a WWE tryout. While Cage was part of WWE’s developmental FCW system earlier in his career, he’s now earned the luxury of choice, and has little need to sign with WWE despite embodying many of their sought-after characteristics.
The rise of the independent scene has played a key part in Cage’s ascent, and has presented a host of new options to showcase a variety of wrestlers and wrestling styles across the scene. WWE is no longer the behemoth it once was, and with the rise of Impact, Ring of Honor, PWG and other promotions, independent wrestlers have been able to reach a brand new, passionate audience, rabid to consume more solid, technical wrestling.
Cage has the potential to become one of Impact’s key players, particularly with the diversity of his wrestling style, and his spectacular, intimidating look. While the journey to the top should by no means be rushed, it’s time for Cage to turn his mind to conquering and elevating the X Division as Impact’s premiere wrestling division.
Next: Slammiversary 2018: 3 Reasons Why Brian Cage Needs To Win
While his journey to the top should by no means be rushed, 2018 should be the year that Cage captures both the Impact World Championship (preferably by absolutely destroying current champion Austin Aries), and reaches the summit of the temple in Lucha Underground. 2018 is the year of Brian Cage, and the start of his steep ascent should begin at Slammiversary. Win or lose, Brian Cage will command your full attention.
Slammiversary XVI streams live on the FITE TV app on July 22nd from 8:00 p.m. ET.