Impact’s world changed when Christian Cage won the Impact World Championship from Kenny Omega on AEW Rampage. That meant a new face to run the place. Christian was obligated to fulfill the champion’s duties by appearing in the Impact Zone for the first time in nine years, and he did so with pride and honor tonight on Impact Wrestling (Aug. 19, 2021).
Christian took to the ring for a lengthy promo to bask in the surreal moment. It felt damn good for him to be back in Impact. Nostalgia was hitting like a brick wall. Even though Christian wrestles for AEW, it is an honor to bring the Impact World Championship and the TNA World Heavyweight Championship back to where they belong. Christian took a chance on himself by leaving WWE in 2005, and Impact took a chance on him by providing the opportunity to compete in main events and win championships. That’s all he ever wanted. Christian thanked Impact and the fans for their support.
Christian turned his focus to the TNA title in his possession. He had conversations with Scott D’Amore about letting history remain in the past. It is time to retire the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. (Note: The TNA title had been used as a story tool for Moose and then as a prop to give Omega the impressive visual of holding four belts.) The Impact World Championship represents the future. It will be recognized as the biggest prize in the company.
.@Christian4Peeps has respectfully retired the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/ZPXY9McbmV
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) August 20, 2021
Christian spoke about what’s next for his reign as champion. That would be an Impact title match against #1 contender Brian Myers at Emergence on Friday, August 20. At the call of his name, Myers interrupted the speech. He fluffed Christian with jokes of fossils from Impact’s past. Myers is the present. He has been killing it in Impact for the past year. At Emergence, the world championship will belong to him.
.@Myers_Wrestling is feeling nostalgic about @Christian4Peeps's return to IMPACT. #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/Rs7Q6PpqUY
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) August 20, 2021
Christian sassed right back with shots at Myers finally crawling out of Matt Cardona’s shadow. Even though Myers won the #1 contender spot, the thing is that he has to learn how to lose before he can learn how to win. Myers is the Most Professional Wrestler, but there are levels to this game. Christian is the best professional wrestler.
The two adversaries stepped up face to face. Myers backed away then shoved protege Sam Beale toward Christian. The champ saw it coming and socked Beale with a punch. Myers was going to attack from behind, but he slipped out of the ring upon seeing Christian knock out Beale.
"You might be the most professional wrestler but...I am the best professional wrestler."
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) August 20, 2021
We can't wait for @Christian4Peeps vs. @Myers_Wrestling TOMORROW at #Emergence! #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/cklAaw8JTw
What’s old is new again. Christian is back in Impact, and he has a variety of interesting opponents looking to take away the Impact World Championship. This match with Myers is likely to be a road bump, and then the possibilities are numerous. I wouldn’t mind seeing Christian wrestle Chris Sabin, Moose, Eddie Edwards, Sami Callihan, Josh Alexander, Rich Swann, and the list goes on. As much as I enjoyed Kenny Omega’s run as Impact champ, Christian’s presence breathes new life for fresh matchups.
What’s your take on Christian’s return promo? Are there any Impact dream matches for Christian on your list?