By James Caldwell, PWTorch.com assistant editor

WWE star Christian says his time away from WWE allowed him to re-evaluate what he wanted to accomplish in the wrestling profession. He says being a top star in the business became his top priority and he couldn't reach that goal in TNA.

"There is one name that stands above all else, and that's WWE," Christian told ESPN.com in an interview before WrestleMania 25. "So to really be on top, that's where you have to apply your trade."

Christian says his first run in WWE was a whirlwind in life that he didn't have time to sit down and come up with career goals. While in TNA, he took time to re-evaluate.

"I really had to sit down and weigh the options for me and my career. I'm just trying to do the best that I can and move as high as I can and my ultimate goal is to become World Champion," Christian said. "To be recognized as one of the best, you need to win that WWE title or the World Heavyweight Championship."

Christian says he's in the best shape of his career and he wants to prove to WWE management that he can be depended on as a top star.

"I was gone for three-plus years from WWE, and coming back, I feel rested, and I actually feel like I'm in the best shape I've ever been in," Christian said. "I'm a little older, a little wiser, and I think things are going to be a lot different for me this time around. I think this time I'll definitely reach my full potential, and at some point, I will be World Champion."

Caldwell's Analysis: Right now, it will be tough for Christian to get involved in a World Title program since the current titleholders (John Cena and Triple H) are both babyfaces. He could still finish off the ECW Title program against heel champion Jack Swagger, but I think WWE has a fresh feud ready for the spring if Edge re-captures the World Hvt. Title and picks up a feud with Christian after next week's Draft, depending on where/whether Christian is drafted. Christian doesn't sound like he's in a rush, though, as he says he is in the best shape of his career and he's in WWE for the long-haul. It could be six months, a year, or two years before that elusive World Title reign occurs.

Link: Christian interview on ESPN.com.

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