Christian Cage Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / September 8, 2024
Christian Cage Then
William Jason “Jay” Reso, better known to wrestling fans by his ring name Christian Cage, was born on November 30, 1973, in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
With a Canadian mother, Carol, and an American father, Randy Reso, Jay grew up in a family that nurtured his love for sports and entertainment.
From an early age, he developed a passion for ice hockey, a popular sport in Canada, and was also captivated by the world of professional wrestling, which would ultimately shape his future career.
Christian Cage’s childhood was marked by several moves, living in places like Huntsville and East Luther-Grand Valley before eventually settling in Orangeville, Ontario.
It was in Orangeville where he formed a lifelong friendship with Adam “Edge” Copeland, who would go on to become his tag team partner and fellow WWE Hall of Famer.
The two aspiring wrestlers not only shared a passion for the sport but also attended Orangeville District Secondary School together.
Their bond, forged through their shared dreams, led them to form one of the most iconic tag teams in professional wrestling history.
Both would graduate from high school with the goal of entering the wrestling industry, setting the stage for their successful careers.
Related Article: Edge Then and Now
Christian Cage Wrestling Career
Christian Cage, born William Jason Reso, is a renowned professional wrestler whose career spanned multiple top promotions, including WWE and TNA (Total Nonstop Action Wrestling).
His journey began in 1994 when he enrolled in a wrestling school led by Ron Hutchison.
Early in his career, Cage adopted his ring name by blending the names of actors Christian Slater and Nicolas Cage, a name that would become iconic in wrestling.
His first match took place in June 1995 against Zakk Wyld, ending in a draw.
During his early years on the independent wrestling circuit, Cage teamed with Adam “Edge” Copeland, his real-life best friend, forming the tag team “High Impact” and later “The Suicide Blondes.”
Related Article: Jeff Hardy Then and Now
Their teamwork earned them titles in various promotions across the United States and Japan.
In 1998, Christian Cage’s break came when Edge, who had already joined WWE (then known as WWF), helped him secure a spot at Dory Funk Jr.’s WWF-affiliated training camp.
This opportunity led to Christian signing a contract with WWE, where he debuted in 1998.
Christian’s first major success came during the Attitude Era as a member of the iconic tag team with Edge.
Related Article: Matt Hardy Then and Now
Together, they won the WWE World Tag Team Championship seven times and became known for their memorable ladder and TLC matches, especially their rivalry with the Hardy Boyz and the Dudley Boyz.
Christian Cage’s solo career flourished as well. He won numerous titles, including two reigns as WWE World Heavyweight Champion, four Intercontinental Championships, and several other mid-card titles such as the European, Hardcore, and Light Heavyweight Championships.
Christian was also a nine-time WWE Tag Team Champion, winning the titles with Edge, Lance Storm, and Chris Jericho.
His first singles title came in 2001, when he won the Intercontinental Championship by defeating Edge at Unforgiven, though he lost it back to him in a ladder match at No Mercy.
Related Article: Kane Then and Now
After leaving WWE in 2005, Cage transitioned to TNA, where he continued to shine as a top performer.
In TNA, Christian became a two-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, further solidifying his legacy.
He played a significant role in TNA during his tenure, winning high-profile matches and becoming one of the most recognized faces in the promotion. He stayed with TNA until 2008 before briefly returning in 2012.
Related Article: Big Show Then and Now
Christian’s accolades in WWE and TNA make him one of the most decorated wrestlers in history.
He was a Triple Crown and Grand Slam Champion in WWE, achieving a status reserved for the company’s top stars.
Known for his technical prowess, charisma, and storytelling ability, Christian Cage’s wrestling career is celebrated as one of the most impactful in the business.
Related Article: Mark Henry Then and Now
Christian Cage Wrestling Competition
- WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment)
- TNA (Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, now IMPACT Wrestling)
- ECWA (East Coast Wrestling Association)
- OMEGA Championship Wrestling
- WWF (World Wrestling Federation, now WWE)
- NWA (National Wrestling Alliance)
- ROH (Ring of Honor)
- New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)
- AEW (All Elite Wrestling)
Christian Cage’s Wife and Children
During his time with WWE, Christian Cage (William Jason Reso) found love outside the ring when he met German model Denise Hartmann while on tour in England.
The couple quickly grew close, and on May 25, 2001, they tied the knot, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Reso’s personal life.
Their relationship coincided with some of the most successful periods in his wrestling career, as he was establishing himself as one of WWE’s top stars.
Related Article: Mark Henry Then and Now
In December 2013, amidst a period of recovery from post-concussive symptoms that had sidelined his wrestling career, Christian announced the birth of his daughter.
This personal milestone occurred during a challenging time for him physically, as recurring injuries had limited his in-ring appearances.
Despite the setbacks, the arrival of his daughter brought a sense of joy and fulfillment.
Related Article: Kurt Angle Then and Now
However, after nearly two decades of marriage, Denise Hartmann filed for divorce from Reso on May 2, 2019.
The couple’s relationship came to an official end when their divorce was finalized in January 2020.
This marked the conclusion of their long partnership, both personally and publicly.
Despite the challenges in his personal life, Christian Cage’s wrestling legacy and his role as a father remained a core part of his journey moving forward.
Related Article: Chris Jericho Then and Now
Christian Cage Now
Christian Cage, born William Jason Reso and currently 50 years old, remains an influential figure in the world of professional wrestling.
Known by his ring name Christian Cage, he has transitioned into a prominent role with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he continues to make an impact.
In AEW, Cage leads the stable known as The Patriarchy, further showcasing his ability to excel not only as a competitor but also as a mentor and leader.
Related Article: Shawn Michaels Then and Now
His presence in AEW solidifies his reputation as one of the most enduring and versatile performers in the industry.
Cage is widely recognized for his legendary career in WWF/WWE, where he performed under the ring name Christian.
His tag team partnership with Edge became one of the most iconic duos in wrestling history, earning multiple championships and acclaim.
Related Article: Triple H Then and Now
His ability to seamlessly transition between tag team and singles competition helped him secure numerous titles, including two reigns as World Heavyweight Champion, four Intercontinental Championships, and nine World Tag Team Championships.
Christian’s in-ring storytelling, charisma, and technical skills earned him a reputation as one of WWE’s most reliable and talented wrestlers.
In addition to his success in WWE, Cage is also celebrated for his time in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he became a two-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion.
Related Article: The Undertaker Then and Now
His run in TNA allowed him to further cement his legacy as a top-tier competitor outside of WWE, proving his adaptability across different promotions.
Today, as a key figure in AEW, Christian Cage continues to contribute to the wrestling industry while also exploring other ventures such as acting.
His dedication to the craft and his ability to remain relevant across multiple decades showcase his enduring influence and legacy in professional wrestling.
Related Article: Dave Bautista Then and Now
Christian Cage’s Net Worth
Christian Cage, a Canadian actor and former professional wrestler, has accumulated a net worth of $4 million over the course of his successful career.
Related Article: Randy Orton Then and Now
FAQs
Christian Cage’s real name is William Jason Reso.
No, Christian Cage and Adam Copeland (Edge) are not related by blood, but they are lifelong best friends.
Yes, Christian Cage has one daughter, born in December 2013.
Christian left WWE in 2005 to join TNA, seeking more creative opportunities, and retired from in-ring competition in 2014 due to injuries.
Yes, Christian won the World Heavyweight Championship in WWE twice.
There are no current indications of Christian Cage returning to WWE, as he is signed with AEW.
As of now, Christian Cage has not been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Christian Cage was married to German model Denise Hartmann from 2001 until their divorce in 2020.
Edge and Christian formed one of WWE’s most successful tag teams, but both pursued singles careers, winning multiple championships. Edge retired in 2011, returned in 2020, while Christian left WWE in 2014 and later joined AEW.