Will Impact Pull The Plug On The Machine?
Brian Cage has the odds stacked against him at Rebellion.
Nearly a year ago, Don Callis was asked who could be the face of Impact Wrestling heading into the future. As the co-executive vice president of the company, Callis played it safe, rattling off nine names that made sense to loyal viewers.
Johnny Impact wasn’t on that list. At the time, he was out of sight, out of mind, busy filming the latest season of Survivor.
Brian Cage, his opponent this Sunday at Rebellion, did make the list. He was on top of everybody’s minds, having racked up a winning streak that included sending EC3 and Bobby Lashley out of the company.
In the eleven months since Callis’ prophecy, Impact and Cage have both risen to the top. Impact conquered Austin Aries for the World Championship at Bound For Glory in October, and Cage defeated Matt Sydal for the X-Division Champion at Slammiversary in July. Two of the most popular stars in the company, it was only a matter of time before they collided to determine the better man. Cage refused to wait any longer, surrendering the X-Division Championship to receive a shot against Impact at Homecoming in January.
It was the toughest challenge of Impact’s 17-year career, and hardly anybody thought he could pull it off, especially Killer Kross. The psychotic hitman repeatedly offered his services to Impact, who rejected him time and time again. While Impact’s valor was certainly commendable, you couldn’t fault Kross for doubting the champion. In addition to Cage being younger, stronger and heavier, he had momentum on his side. The Machine had only been pinned once during his tenure in the company, and that was after oVe superkicked him countless times. At Homecoming, Impact wouldn’t have two others to help him out…or so we thought.
After a hard-fought, 20-minute battle, Cage spiked Impact with the Drill Claw and appeared seconds away from winning the world title, but Impact’s cast mates from Survivor distracted the referee. Cage went for another move, but Impact countered and rolled him up for a questionable three count, as it seemed like Cage kicked out. At the time, it could have simply been human error from senior official Johnny Bravo.
Of course, we now know that’s not the case. In the months since Homecoming, Impact has showed his true colors, assembling a demimonde to help him retain his title. Kross’ services have been accepted and appreciated, Bravo has blatantly screwed Cage out of victories and Taya Valkyrie has proven she will sink to any lows to stand by her man. It’s déjà vu for Impact and Cage, as the former resorted to extra resources in their feud in Lucha Underground. During a number-one contender’s match, Cage hit his Weapon X finisher on then-Johnny Mundo, only for Valkyrie to make her debut and slide a lead pipe to her man, assisting him with a victory.
Flash forward to Rebellion in Toronto this Sunday, the tables have turned since their last pay-per-view encounter. The odds are now stacked against Cage, who must overcome surefire outside interference, a crooked referee and a formidable champion. If he can’t win the World Championship on Sunday, Cage has a plethora of excuses to go to. As one of the most popular stars in not just the company, but all of pro wrestling, the fans will most likely let another loss slide.
However, you have to wonder how much longer that will be the case. As good, ol’ J.R. says, potential doesn’t bag the groceries. Another high-profile loss will damage Cage’s popularity, leaving fans to wonder if it’s time to pull the plug on The Machine. With his imposing physique and rapid climb up the company ladder, it’s easy to compare Cage to Lex Luger, another promising star whose popularity diminished with every failure to grab the brass ring.
“It’s been a long time coming. I feel like I’m a broken record wanting the rematch,” Cage told the wrestling media at United We Stand. “I should have been champion. Obviously, it has gotten a lot more personal. It’s time to cash in and have his ass drop me that championship.”
A fan and student of the AWA, Callis favors that old-school booking style of the babyface challenger pursuing the heel champion. That method still draws money in 2019, but the attention span of the audience has shriveled. They’re willing to wait for their satisfying payoff, but for how long? Can the fans wait another three months for Cage to be crowned champion at Slammiversary?
It’s a risky predicament to be in because it seems highly unlikely that Impact will lose his title so soon after embracing this new villainous persona. The same scenario happened last year at Slammiversary as Moose challenged Aries for the top prize; Moose was on the verge of becoming the next breakout babyface, a charismatic, elite athlete to build the company around, but he fell victim to the freshly turned Aries’ evil ways. Ultimately, Moose rebounded in a major way, becoming a villain himself and aligning with Aries. Will the same fate happen to Cage if he fails to usurp Impact?
So many questions as we head into Rebellion. The rivalry between Impact and Cage has always been compelling, but now the intrigue is at an all-time high. It’s the type of match that you’re willing to pay $40 to watch. Will Impact squeak out another win? Is Cage destined for greatness or disappointment?
Most importantly, will man or machine be the face of Impact Wrestling?
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