Cody Rhodes, a key figure in professional wrestling, has been unexpectedly referenced by All Elite Wrestling (AEW) despite his current status as one of WWE’s top stars. This Cody Rhodes AEW reference appeared recently in a video highlighting significant moments involving Sting within AEW, drawing attention from fans and industry observers alike.
Background on Cody Rhodes’ Impact in AEW and WWE
Cody Rhodes was instrumental in establishing AEW, working alongside The Elite and Tony Khan as one of the company’s founding fathers. Serving both as an Executive Vice President and an active wrestler, Rhodes also earned the TNT Championship during his tenure with the Jacksonville-based promotion. Despite his accomplishments and leadership role there, he chose to leave AEW and return to WWE, where he has since emerged as a central figure and leading face of the brand’s roster.
The recent nod to Rhodes by AEW came in a video celebrating the top ten moments of Sting in the promotion. This clip showcased The Icon’s highly anticipated debut, which featured Cody in the ring as Sting made his entrance. Additionally, the video included Ricky Starks, who is currently part of WWE’s talent roster.
Controversy Over Cody Rhodes’ Current Storyline in WWE
After overcoming Drew McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza, Cody Rhodes has quickly shifted his focus toward a major upcoming event, Crown Jewel. He is set to challenge Seth Rollins, the World Heavyweight Champion, for the Crown Jewel Championship in Australia. Their recent face-off on WWE RAW marked the beginning of this new rivalry and storyline.
Former wrestling writer Vince Russo recently commented critically on Rhodes’ WWE booking during the podcast Writing with Russo. Russo expressed concern about the direction of the current program involving Rhodes and Rollins, suggesting that the storyline lacks coherence and meaningful conflict.
“You’ve got two World Champions, neither one of them are in an angle. They are both fighting over a ring. Do you know how, like that is so off-kilter. Like everything, everything is wrong with that, that you got both titles, neither title means anything, neither of these guys are in a feud with anybody but they are wrestling over a ring in another country.”
— Vince Russo, Wrestling Writer
This critique highlights the complexity and potential drawbacks of the current WWE narrative, leaving fans curious about Cody Rhodes’ prospects for capturing the Crown Jewel Championship again in the near future.
Significance of AEW’s Unexpected Nod to Cody Rhodes
AEW’s reference to Cody Rhodes, despite his departure and high-profile career in WWE, underlines the lasting influence he holds within the wrestling community. The mention in the Sting highlights video serves as a subtle reminder of Rhodes’ foundational role in AEW’s rise and the strong connections that persist beyond company boundaries.
As Rhodes prepares for one of WWE’s premier events against Seth Rollins, AEW’s acknowledgment may also reflect ongoing rivalries and narratives in the industry that intertwine across promotions. This situation illustrates the dynamic nature of professional wrestling, where history, loyalty, and competition continuously shape storylines and fan engagement.
Looking ahead, how Cody Rhodes performs at Crown Jewel and whether AEW will continue making references to him may influence both his legacy and the evolving relationship between the two major wrestling companies.
