A TNAWRESTLING.COM EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH NEW NWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION CHRISTIAN CAGE By Ross Forman

It took him about 45 minutes to get back to his dressing room after winning the NWA World Heavyweight Championship Sunday night at Against All Odds in Orlando, Fla. Christian Cage was swamped en route with congratulatory well-wishes and countless people who wanted to take a photo with THE NEW CHAMP. From fans and VIPs to TNA Stars. From Matt Bentley to Dory Funk Jr., to David Eckstein, the shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals who watched the pay-per-view from the front row.

Christian Cage never again will lead a normal life. He is now truly among the elite in pro wrestling history. Christian Cage spoke with Ross Forman Sunday night in his first post-match interview.

Your thoughts?

"I'm a little overwhelmed. It's a great feeling, incredible. As I said before the match, everything I worked so hard for, for 12 years ... well, my whole career kind of flashed before my eyes right in the ring at the end of the show."

Your thoughts when you were handed the belt, thus standing at the top of your profession?

"It's hard to describe. There were times when I thought I wouldn't get the chance or opportunity to wrestle in a main event, or even have the chance to wrestle for a World Title. So, to walk away with the title in my first NWA Heavyweight Championship match, it's a feeling that I can't really describe. I'll have to sleep on it and see how I feel in the morning. But right now, I'm pretty numb."

What about the post-match, in-ring celebration with hundreds of fans congratulating you?

"It was crazy. I never thought something like that would happen. It was cool. I was glad the fans were able to get in the ring and get personal, up-close to the scene." (Writer's Note: Christian Cage was given a standing-ovation Sunday night at a local restaurant as well upon arrival after the event.)

What do you say now to your critics, those who might have questioned your size, your ability, your heart, or whatever?

"I don't really have anything to say to my critics because my critics made me better; they made me a better performer. I don't have anything bad to say about them; they have their opinion, yet I know the real story."

Was this the highlight of your career?

"Oh yeah, without a doubt, without a question."