When you consider that as recently as January, Christian was probably one of the most promising guys in the company (the cross-promotional feud with Cena; the sudden feud with Flair and Evolution; campaigning for a trade to SmackDown, etc.), it really is a shocker.
But who knows why he left? May have been personal problems, health issues, anything. Or maybe he just needs a while away from the business. I just find it hard to believe that one would conciously decide to lose guaranteed income and a name that you've used exclusively for, what, 7 or 8 years now, in exchange for taking a chance in TNA or somewhere else? I could be wrong; I just find it hard to believe.
Originally posted by Spaceman Spiff Meltzer (wrestlingobserver.com)
From Meltzer:
Jay Reso's final match in WWE was last night at the TV tapings in Los Angeles. While the WWE web site reported him quitting, which was accurate, what happened was a week ago in San Francisco, he was given a new contract, as his old one expired, and told to sign on the spot. He didn't sign. He did come back to work and do another job last night when he quit.
What a shame. After top guys like HHH/Austin/Taker saying you have to make your breaks, and earn your push, and that nothing is given to you, Christian went out over the course of the year & got himself pretty damn over, over enough to get himself a respectable push. And what did it get him? Job Squad. Guess he finally had enough of the politics.
(edited by Spaceman Spiff on 31.10.05 1330)
Very classless from the WWE...you'd think they'd at least give him a week to take the contract home and read it over or something like that.
Originally posted by thecubsfanAll the wrestlers at least have a clause were WWE can give you a 90 notice they're letting you go. You can choose to forfeit all money still owed to you and work elsewhere (which Raven's done - in Christian's case, he'd be giving up the PPV money he's owed for the Jericho/Cena threeway among other things.) <--- I'm making an assumption this still applies; I'd think they'd make him sign the new contract before his last 90 days so they could still enforce this clause and wouldn't have him be on TV to the deadline.
Interesting thought, but if the articles are correct, I guess then Christian wasn't under contract anymore, since his first one expired.
Sounds like an excuse to get him involved in the RAW vs. SD storyline to me... maybe Bichoff hires him for RAW and he helps RAW beat SD at Taboo Tuesday? I don't know, Edge and Christian might have some life, yet.
Originally posted by MonteSounds like an excuse to get him involved in the RAW vs. SD storyline to me... maybe Bichoff hires him for RAW and he helps RAW beat SD at Taboo Tuesday? I don't know, Edge and Christian might have some life, yet.
Raw and Smackdown are still WWE. This isn’t like the “Matt Hardy is fired from RAW” thing. He's left the company, not the brand.
And honestly, if Christian goes to TNA, this could end up being a coup for him. Even if he can’t carry his name over, Christian is one of the best promo guys in the company, and has a strong following. He could end up being a Jericho for them.
Not sure of the economics, but could TNA come close to paying Christian what he was making in WWE?
January 4th 1999 - The day WCW injected itself with 10 gallons of Liquid Anthrax...AKA...The day Hogan "Defeated" Nash to win the WCW title in front of 40,000.
I would venture to say that if Christian goes to TNA, that's the biggest signing they've ever had, including Team 3D. The former Dudleys, while a great signing, were stale and remain stale, whereas Christian is at the top of his game and ready to run with the ball. He's got charisma like nobody there, absolutely nobody, has. I can't imagine he wouldn't be quite the asset. And in my opinion, this would be the first time ever that the intellectual-property deal would work to TNA's benefit -- "Christian" was, is and always will be a terrible, terrible ring name, and being forced to come up with something else (probably "Jay Reso," I imagine) is the best scenario possible.
Christian is good friends with Jericho isn't he? Is it possible they are leaving the WWE and going to TNA together? If Christian's 90 days is up by the time TNA has their next Prime Time special then Jericho's would be too.
That would be huge if they got both, even if they just got Christian. I've stood behind TNA with their Jarrett title reigns because I still think he is the most reconizable guy in the company. But if Christian and/or Jericho comes in then I can't say that anymore.
Interesting note from DA Meltz (wrestlingobserver.com)...
« Today is going to be a very eventful today in the business and the departure of Christian, depending on how things play out, may turn out to be a minor story by the end of the day. Several returns are expected tonight at TV or tomorrow, somewhat out of the blue (none of which would be the major story if it happens). »
Originally posted by Spaceman SpiffI would think so. Too bad TNA already taped their 2-hour special for this Thursday.
EDIT: The Dudleyz didn't have to wait 90 days, right?
(edited by Spaceman Spiff on 31.10.05 1344)
Originally posted by LoP via PWInsider.com Also, seeing how Christian's contract just expired, he wouldn't be subject to the 90-day clause like other WWE Superstars who depart prematurely. When the Dudleyz Boyz' contracts expired back in August, they were legally able to work for TNA right away.
the article also says that like Jericho, Christian's saved up enough to live comfortably for awhile. So even if TNA can't match the money he was making in WWE, i'm sure he'd still get paid pretty well since he can be a big name for the company. I'm sure Christian wouldn't mind the occassional big indy booking too, and it'd still be less stressful than WWE's schedule.
Either, this does remind me alot of Jericho leaving WCW for WWE back in the day. They need to really push him and I let the guy shine. He's definitely got the talent and charisma (no pun intended)
Petey Williams and Frankie Kazarian having a moment before their tag match.
Originally posted by Quezzy Christian is good friends with Jericho isn't he? Is it possible they are leaving the WWE and going to TNA together? If Christian's 90 days is up by the time TNA has their next Prime Time special then Jericho's would be too.
Jericho isn't going to go to TNA. He's said numerous times that if he decides to return to wrestling, the WWE is his only choice. Going to TNA pretty much makes you persona non grata in the eyes of Vince, so unless they blow up to be a legit competitor to the WWe, Jericho won't be going there. WWE would give him more money & more exposure for his band.
Originally posted by Bob CInteresting note from DA Meltz (wrestlingobserver.com)...
« Today is going to be a very eventful today in the business and the departure of Christian, depending on how things play out, may turn out to be a minor story by the end of the day. Several returns are expected tonight at TV or tomorrow, somewhat out of the blue (none of which would be the major story if it happens). »
Interesting.
Hmm. Wonder who they mean. I'd mark out like nobody's business for any of Palumbo/Stamboli/Kanyon, but those are probably extreme longshots.
EDIT: Aw, crap it's just...
Spoiler Below: Highlight text to read
Mark Henry as Coach's bodyguard, and possibly Vader.
Originally posted by Bob CInteresting note from DA Meltz (wrestlingobserver.com)...
« Today is going to be a very eventful today in the business and the departure of Christian, depending on how things play out, may turn out to be a minor story by the end of the day. Several returns are expected tonight at TV or tomorrow, somewhat out of the blue (none of which would be the major story if it happens). »
So I guess WWE will put the kibosh on him using the Christian moniker. He used the name Christian Cage before his WWE days.
You know what I found interesting though? I saw Chris Jericho on "I LOve the 80's" this past weekend and the graphic under his name said Chris Jericho Actor/Singer
No mention of pro wrestler.
(edited by britishiles on 31.10.05 1530) Peter Griffin: Another thing that grinds my gears is when I can't find the droids I'm looking for. Stormtrooper: Yeah, me too. What gives with that?
Some guys are fine just being along for the ride, and some guys have that fire and need to be pushed and put in meaningful angles. I don't know for a fact why Christian left or why he didn't sign the contract, but I have a feeling the second example is the reason why. Much like us, I'm guessing he doesn't get why his popularity was never capitalized on, as a heel or a face. I've read that management thinks win-loss records don't matter in the eyes of fans, but I'd say it does with the wrestlers.
As for TNA....I'm sure he'll show up there. Don't know when. But he certainly would be a pretty big addition to the roster, IMO. He's not gonna draw mega-money, but I think he'll draw some more curious eyeballs to TNA Impact.
Originally posted by Bob CInteresting note from DA Meltz (wrestlingobserver.com)...
« Today is going to be a very eventful today in the business and the departure of Christian, depending on how things play out, may turn out to be a minor story by the end of the day. Several returns are expected tonight at TV or tomorrow, somewhat out of the blue (none of which would be the major story if it happens). »
Interesting.
Hmm. Wonder who they mean. I'd mark out like nobody's business for any of Palumbo/Stamboli/Kanyon, but those are probably extreme longshots.
EDIT: Aw, crap it's just...
Spoiler Below: Highlight text to read
Mark Henry as Coach's bodyguard, and possibly Vader.
I think in your disappointment, you glossed over an important part of the Meltzer piece:
"Several returns are expected tonight at TV or tomorrow, somewhat out of the blue (none of which would be the major story if it happens)."
I want to know what THAT means.
(edited by SchippeWreck on 31.10.05 1401) My mom says sigs are bad for you.
Originally posted by Spaceman SpiffJericho isn't going to go to TNA. He's said numerous times that if he decides to return to wrestling, the WWE is his only choice. Going to TNA pretty much makes you persona non grata in the eyes of Vince, so unless they blow up to be a legit competitor to the WWe, Jericho won't be going there. WWE would give him more money & more exposure for his band.
A) Like he is going to say "i'm never going back to the WWE, i want to wrestle in TNA" if that were his plans? Just because he said he isn't going to TNA or that he would only go back to WWE means anything.
B) If money was the issue for Jericho, he wouldn't have left the WWE in the first place, so I'm not sure WWE paying him more than TNA is an issue.
Truth is Jericho has done all he can do in the WWE, now even though he is one of their most popular guys and one of their best wrestlers, they aren't using him. Christian is a great talented wrestler who is still very young and is a WWE product, but still has never been used to his complete potential. To me you got two guys who seem to care about the business, care about their place in it, and want to perform, so why not go to place that will use them. Money isn't an issue.
Also, does it bother anyone else that on the webpage it says "CHRISTIAN QUITS" in huge letters, when he didn't really quit, but just didn't sign a new contract. Seems pretty harsh to label him as a quitter, when other guys like The Rock and Jericho just "parted ways".
(edited by Quezzy on 31.10.05 1420) Lance's Response:
Originally posted by QuezzyAlso, does it bother anyone else that on the webpage it says "CHRISTIAN QUITS" in huge letters, when he didn't really quit, but just didn't sign a new contract. Seems pretty harsh to label him as a quitter, when other guys like The Rock and Jericho just "parted ways".
That doesn't really bother me, but it does lead to other questions...
Does Christian have an agent? (Likely, no.) Did he negotiate the contract at all, or did WWE give him a one-time take-it-or-leave-it offer? Did he have any idea how much the contract was going to pay him before he was to sign it? What did he *really* object to in the , salary, royalties, work dates? All three?
"You know what you need? Some new quotes in your sig. Yeah, I said it." -- DJFrostyFreeze
Behold the "Wise" Words of Renegade Raine, the Bishounen Hunter:
Originally posted by SchippeWreckHave they removed him from the Taboo Tuesday poll as well? (I can't access wwe.com at work.)
I checked, and guess what? You can still vote for him! So I wonder if the webmaster is lazy or if this is all a stunt to get Christian more votes (doubtful)...
If Christian leaving actually isn't a work (and I have a feeling Jay Reso really did leave the company) wasn't that nice of his bud, Edge to step in and help him? The two of them were friends from back in junior high and came up through the business together. Now, for some reason, Edge is being given a push to the moon in spite of being involved in one of the nastiest scandals in the history of professional wrestling and has the personality of a doorknob. On the flipside, Jay Reson worked his ass off and could wrestle, give a promo and be very entertaining and found himself bumped down to the J.O.B. Squad. Way to step up to the plate and try and mediate for your buddy, there, Edge. Granted, he shouldn't be *obliged* to help out, but you'd really think he'd try to talk to the powers that be on a friend's behalf. But then again, look at how he helped out his "friend," Matt Hardy.
Could it be that **gasp** the RAW writers didn't have anything for him and that he couldn't be seen as a viable competitor to the "Beefaroni Brigade" of guys 6'2" and over jacked to the hilt on steroid cocktails? The "creative" team hasn't had many "creative" uses for a lot of wrestlers. Hence, that's where you've got guys like Rob Conway trying to re-invent themselves with homemade gimmicks of their own because the writers can't do their jobs.
Christian and Batista got SO screwed by this move to SD with the draft. What a shame. I hope Reso does go to TNA. He'd be HUGE over there and hopefully more appreciated than he was in WWE.
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To this day, I believe Shawn Stasiak could have gotten over big with an "accident prone"-type gimmick. He & Goldust would have been perfect for each other.