What Happened to William Jason Reso (Christian Cage)?
Christian Cage, born William Jason Reso, is a highly decorated Canadian professional wrestler and actor, currently signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). After achieving significant success and multiple championships in WWE and TNA, he retired in 2014 due to concussions, only to make a remarkable return to in-ring competition in 2021. As of August 2026, he is one-half of the reigning AEW World Tag Team Champions with his long-time friend Adam Copeland.
Quick Answer
Christian Cage, whose real name is William Jason Reso, is currently a prominent figure in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). As of August 30, 2026, he is one-half of the reigning AEW World Tag Team Champions alongside his long-time friend and tag team partner, Adam Copeland. The duo, known as 'Cage & Cope,' successfully defended their titles against The Young Bucks at AEW All In on August 30, 2026, solidifying their status at the top of the tag team division. He has expressed that his current AEW run is among the best of his career and has three years remaining on his contract.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Professional Wrestling Debut
William Jason Reso made his professional wrestling debut, beginning his journey in Canadian independent promotions.
Signs with WWF (WWE)
Reso signed a developmental contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), later making his debut as Christian and immediately winning the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship.
Edge & Christian Tag Team Dominance
Formed one of the most iconic tag teams with Edge, winning the WWF Tag Team Championship seven times and becoming renowned for their TLC matches.
Debuts in TNA as Christian Cage
Departed WWE and signed with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), adopting the 'Christian Cage' ring name and quickly becoming a top star.
Wins First NWA World Heavyweight Championship
Christian Cage captured his first NWA World Heavyweight Championship at TNA Against All Odds.
Returns to WWE
Reso re-signed with WWE, where he would go on to win the ECW Championship and later the World Heavyweight Championship twice.
Retirement Due to Concussions
Christian was forced to retire from in-ring competition due to a series of concussions, transitioning to a host and ambassador role.
Surprise Return at WWE Royal Rumble
Made a surprise return to in-ring action as an entrant in the Men's Royal Rumble match, marking his first official match since 2014.
Debuts in All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
Signed a multi-year contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and debuted at Revolution, officially resuming his full-time wrestling career as Christian Cage.
Wins First AEW TNT Championship
Christian Cage defeated Luchasaurus and Darby Allin in a three-way match to capture his first AEW TNT Championship.
Wins Second AEW TNT Championship
Christian Cage defeated Adam Copeland at AEW Worlds End to become a two-time AEW TNT Champion.
The Patriarchy Turns on Christian Cage
Christian Cage's stable, The Patriarchy, turned on him at All In: Texas, leading to his eventual reunion with Adam Copeland.
Wins AEW World Tag Team Championship with Adam Copeland
Christian Cage and Adam Copeland (Cage & Cope) won the AEW World Tag Team Championships at AEW Double or Nothing, marking their first tag title reign together in 25 years.
Retains AEW World Tag Team Titles at All In
Christian Cage and Adam Copeland successfully defended their AEW World Tag Team Championships against The Young Bucks at AEW All In at Wembley Stadium, albeit with controversial tactics.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
William Jason Reso, globally recognized as Christian Cage, has forged a storied career spanning over three decades in professional wrestling. Debuting in 1995, Reso quickly rose to prominence in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), later WWE, where he formed one of the most iconic tag teams of the Attitude Era with his real-life best friend, Edge (Adam Copeland). Together, as Edge & Christian, they captured the WWF Tag Team Championship seven times, revolutionizing tag team wrestling with their innovative Tables, Ladders, and Chairs matches.
Following their split, Christian embarked on a successful singles career in WWE, securing multiple titles including the Intercontinental, European, and Hardcore Championships. In 2005, he departed for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where, under the 'Christian Cage' moniker, he twice held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, further cementing his status as a main event talent. He returned to WWE in 2009, adding two ECW Championships and two World Heavyweight Championships to his impressive resume, becoming a WWE Triple Crown and Grand Slam Champion.
His career faced an abrupt halt in 2014 when he was forced to retire due to a series of concussions. However, after years away from full-time competition, Christian Cage made a surprising return to the ring at the 2021 WWE Royal Rumble. Shortly thereafter, he signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in March 2021, officially resuming his active wrestling career. His AEW tenure saw him briefly win the Impact World Championship in 2021 and later capture the AEW TNT Championship twice in 2023.
A significant turning point in his recent career occurred on July 12, 2025, when his stable, 'The Patriarchy,' turned on him, leading to a reunion with Adam Copeland. This rekindled partnership, known as 'Cage & Cope,' quickly ascended the AEW tag team ranks, culminating in their capture of the AEW World Tag Team Championships at AEW Double or Nothing in March 2026. As of August 30, 2026, Christian Cage remains an active and influential competitor in AEW, having successfully defended the AEW World Tag Team Championships with Adam Copeland against The Young Bucks at AEW All In in London. He has publicly stated that he has three years remaining on his AEW contract and considers his current run to be one of the best of his career.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if William Jason Reso (Christian Cage) made different choices?