Tony Khan Admits Brian Cage Was Signed In January While Injured

Brian Cage was the advertised mystery entrant in the nine-man Casino Ladder match at AEW Double or Nothing last night, winning the match and earning a title shot against World champion Jon Moxley.

Earlier this year, the powerhouse left Impact Wrestling, where he'd held both the World and X Division titles, following a two year stint. The free agent didn't appear to immediately sign anywhere, as after leaving Impact in January, Cage underwent surgery to repair a torn biceps.

As it turns out, Cage *did* sign with AEW way back when - even with his debut date still up in the air, due to recovery time.

AEW President Tony Khan confirmed that far-back signing following Double or Nothing last night, saying, "Brian was injured when he signed. People were like, 'That's crazy you would pay this guy good money this whole time he's hurt and he didn't get hurt in your company.' I really like Brian, I really believed in him and I have this plan for Brian. I wanted to do this with Taz all along.

"There was a method to it. He wasn't going to be ready to go until Double or Nothing, but I always knew Brian was going to factor into Double or Nothing. I always knew he'd show up here. He was expected to be cleared in May, so we signed him. He rehabbed and got ready, he had no idea what he was coming in to do. He's great, we really, really believe in him. Strapped a rocket to him, you could say."

(Credit to Wrestling Inc for transcription)