The ongoing Cody Rhodes AEW controversy has reignited after Tony Khan publicly addressed Rhodes’ remarks about feeling disrespected by the Jacksonville-based wrestling promotion. This dispute surfaced as AEW and WWE storylines continue to develop, capturing the attention of fans and intensifying industry speculation.
Industry Rumors Swirl Over Chris Jericho’s Potential WWE Farewell
Recent speculation points to a possible WWE return for former AEW World Champion Chris Jericho. Known for helping launch All Elite Wrestling in 2019, Jericho’s current contract is reportedly set to expire toward the end of 2025. Industry insiders have noted that WWE’s licensing partners are preparing in anticipation of Jericho’s return, with potential new merchandise—including action figures and apparel—being discussed.
Mike Johnson of PWInsider Elite reported on this growing belief within WWE circles that Jericho might embark on a final farewell run. The momentum has extended to business partners debating how to maximize merchandising opportunities if Jericho does return to the promotion.
Mercedes Mone Issues Defiant Statement After Worlds End Setback
At AEW Worlds End, Mercedes Mone and Athena failed to capture the AEW Women’s Tag Team Championships, with Willow Nightingale securing victory for The Babes of Wrath by pinning Mone. Following the loss, Mone quickly took to Instagram, offering her perspective on the event:
“I never lost, I just ran out of time.”
—Mercedes Mone, AEW Wrestler
In the aftermath, Mone, formerly known as Sasha Banks, was seen visibly upset backstage, reportedly using strong language and issuing a direct challenge to Willow Nightingale for a TBS Championship match to be held at the upcoming New Year’s Smash edition of Dynamite. This candid response illustrates the charged feelings surrounding recent high-profile women’s matches in AEW.
Toni Storm and Orange Cassidy’s Worlds End Dance Goes Viral
An entertaining moment from the Worlds End pay-per-view involved Toni Storm and Orange Cassidy breaking into a synchronized dance routine during their eight-person Mixed Nuts tag team match. Facing the Death Riders, Storm and Cassidy’s performance rapidly spread across social media, garnering over 71 million views on Instagram. The match included notable intergender confrontations as well, with married wrestlers Marina Shafir and Roderick Strong delivering a standout hard-hitting segment.
Tony Khan Reacts to Cody Rhodes’ Claims of AEW Disrespect
The Cody Rhodes AEW controversy intensified after Rhodes, the Undisputed WWE Champion, gave interviews stating he felt disrespected during the latter part of his AEW tenure. Rhodes left AEW in early 2022 and made an immediate return to WWE, prompting discussions about his reasons for departure and perspective on his experience.
Appearing on Q101, Tony Khan addressed Rhodes’ comments, emphasizing that while he may not share Rhodes’ view, he still values his former star’s overall contributions and remarks:
“You know, he does a lot of interviews, and I think when you have to say so many words so often — because he works so hard, he works such a big schedule — to his credit, I bet he does hundreds of interviews a year. And I’m not sure I agree with that, but I also would give him the benefit of the doubt that, you know, I’ve heard him say a lot of positive things, too,” Khan said. [H/T – Ringside News]
—Tony Khan, AEW President
Khan’s comments highlight the complexity and ongoing nature of the situation, suggesting there may be more nuance to Rhodes’ sentiments about his time in AEW than his recent remarks indicate.
Jon Moxley Set for Continental Eliminator Match on Dynamite
In other AEW news, Jon Moxley, who captured the Continental Championship by defeating Kazuchika Okada at Worlds End, will defend his title in a Continental Eliminator match. Tony Khan announced on social media:
“#AEWDynamite TOMORROW, NYE AEW Continental Eliminator @JonMoxley vs @Walking_Weapon After Mox won the 2025 C2, he’ll fight Josh Alexander in a Continental Eliminator: no outside interference, Alexander can earn a future title shot with a win or lasting the 20 minute time limit!” Khan announced.
—Tony Khan, AEW President
This upcoming match will see Moxley face Josh Alexander, with the stipulation that Alexander could secure a future championship chance by either defeating Moxley or enduring the full twenty-minute bout. Khan also recently praised Moxley’s resolve, noting that despite suffering injuries at the start of the year, Moxley remained an active competitor and continued to defend his championship on a weekly basis.
What These Developments Mean for AEW and WWE
The Cody Rhodes AEW controversy, Tony Khan’s measured response, and significant programming moves like Jon Moxley’s title defense underscore the rapidly evolving narratives within professional wrestling. The ongoing rumors regarding Chris Jericho’s possible WWE farewell add further intrigue as both organizations vie for talent and attention.
Key figures such as Mercedes Mone, Tony Khan, Cody Rhodes, Jon Moxley, and potential returnees like Chris Jericho are driving headlines as wrestlers transition between major promotions, pushing storylines forward and intensifying industry competition. As these high-profile stories develop, they continue to shape the landscape for fans and insiders eager to see what unfolds next in the worlds of AEW and WWE.
#AEWDynamite
TOMORROW, NYEAEW Continental Eliminator@JonMoxley vs @Walking_Weapon
After Mox won the 2025 C2, he’ll fight Josh Alexander in a Continental Eliminator:
no outside interference,
Alexander can earn a future title shot with a win or lasting the 20 minute time limit! pic.twitter.com/CYdAyBN9c2— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) December 31, 2025
