Jeff Jarrett Calls Christian Cage ‘The Original Cody’ For Leaving WWE

On the latest episode of My World With Jeff Jarrett, the WWE Hall of Famer talked about Christian Cage making headlines by leaving WWE to join the upstart TNA. Cage left WWE in 2005 and joined TNA back their early days. He stayed with the company until 2008 and returned to WWE the next year.

Jarrett drew parallels between Cage and Cody Rhodes’ own departure from WWE years later. You can check out some highlights below:

On the Notion That Christian Hit a “Ceiling” To Vince McMahon:

“In my mind, I wasn’t aware of Vince’s thought processes on them [Edge & Christian]. That he looked at them — we’ll call it as ‘The Package,’ if you will, and that Christian was the Marty {Jannetty]. I didn’t have that, but Scott D’Amore was the original kind of contact. And, ‘Hey, man, would you be interested? ‘I’m like, ‘Hell yeah. Why is he leaving, or what’s going on?’ ‘Well, he’s got a ceiling over there.’ And I’m like, ‘Well, that happens.’

I didn’t really double down and try to do too much. Vince, he’s a promoter. He has his thoughts, good or bad. It doesn’t really matter; it’s what he really thought. And so if Christian had hit a ceiling, ‘Okay, I’d love to have him over here.’ because he can work, he can talk. He’s a ring general. He can make everybody on the field better.”

On the Importance Of Christian’s Jump

:
“I thought the timing of his opportunity coming in was fantastic. Obviously, prior to Kurt, probably even prior to [Team] 3D or right at the same time. So I was always conscientious about keeping the balance of the TNA originals and by that time, Joe. And we continued to build our roster. And you know, 3 Live Krew was in, and so they weren’t TNA guys…

“So trying to keep that healthy balance, but Christian coming in as a single — as Bruce would say, new coat of paint. But we could tell the right story with him. I remember the build, and people wanted me to switch it earlier. But I’m like, ‘Man, if we really build this story the right way, then we’re going to get a bump out of this and a lift out of this.’ And to me, I think if you look back on Jay’s career, no doubt. He had a great early run at WWE. But him betting on himself and then him standing in the middle of the Impact Zone winning the NWA World title. I really think take that moment out of his career, you’re looking at a different Jay Reso. I just think that really did a lot for his career.”

On the Similarity To Cody Rhodes Leaving WWE:

“He said, ‘Thanks, but no thanks. I’m going this way.’ And ‘06 TNA is a lot different than ‘09 TNA. I’ll say that. And also, the image that I always have when I think Christian-slash-TNA is when the ring is filled up with fans and he won the title. That was a real feel-good moment that he would never get anywhere else. And so what made the hit, the song or the singer? I think they both came together. And so that’s — yeah, I agree. I wholeheartedly agree that he bet on himself.”

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit My World With Jeff Jarrett with an h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.