Cody Rhodes has announced his departure from AEW, with a possible return to WWE on the horizon.
Cody Rhodes has announced his departure from AEW, with a possible return to WWE on the horizon.
Cody Rhodes, a founding wrestler of All Elite Wrestling and a fictitious executive vice president, is leaving the organisation. All indicators point to a WWE comeback.
His wife, Brandi, is also leaving AEW.
According to ESPN’s Mike Coppinger, Rhodes informed AEW CEO Tony Khan on Tuesday morning that he would be departing and that his contract did not include a non-compete provision. According to Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp, “word within the wrestling world” is that Rhodes may be re-signing with WWE.
Khan said in a statement that “Cody and Brandi Rhodes were very important to All Elite Wrestling’s success.”
“Cody’s talent, along with his audacity, enthusiasm for our profession, and commitment to community outreach, enabled AEW to fulfil its promise to provide fans with something fresh, unique, and long-lasting.”
Khan went on to say that he had “infinite admiration and gratitude” for Cody and Brandi and that he wished them the best of luck in the future.
Regardless of whether or not a formal deal has been made, WWE is by far the most natural place for Rhodes in the realm of professional wrestling.
“I’ve enjoyed my time at AEW tremendously,” Rhodes said. The changing room is magnificent. Fans who are great. Individuals who are extraordinary The “revolution” was actually broadcast, and I consider myself privileged to have been a part of it. “
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) February 15, 2022
Rhodes expressed gratitude to Khan and numerous wrestlers in the locker room.
Rhodes, 36, is the son of Dusty Rhodes, a former professional wrestler and legend. From 2006 to 2016, he was a member of WWE.
In many respects, his departure from WWE to compete for organisations like Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling ignited the worldwide wrestling landscape, resulting in the formation of AEW.
His defection is a significant event in the world of professional wrestling. Some wrestlers have left WWE and joined the company called AEW, like Chris Jericho and Chris Hardy. Matt Hardy and Daniel Bryan are two of the most well-known. Rusev, Aleister Black, Malakai Black, Dean Ambrose, and Chris Jericho are also well-known.
Rhodes and the Young Bucks were the organization’s first publicly aligned wrestlers, holding dual roles as wrestlers and executive vice presidents. Even with the disclosure that Rhodes was negotiating a “handshake agreement” with AEW in lieu of a long-term contract, this is not a storey that could have been foreseen.
