Cody Rhodes, the former executive vice president of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), opened up about the reasons behind his departure from the company in February 2022. Speaking on The Bill Simmons Podcast, Rhodes shared his decision to break his silence after initially choosing not to discuss the matter publicly. He revealed that a sense of disrespect from the organization he helped create was a key factor in his exit, shedding light on the tensions within AEW.
“There’s clearly bad blood, but there’s also clearly respect and love. But feeling disrespected at something I built with my friends (…) that we built, feeling disrespected there (…) I wouldn’t stand for it.”
—Cody Rhodes, Former AEW EVP
The Dissolution of The Patriarchy Faction
AEW recently confirmed the breakup of The Patriarchy, a faction that included Christian Cage, Nick Wayne, Kip Sabian, and Shayna Wayne. The group’s internal strife had been escalating since AEW All In: Texas, where Nick Wayne betrayed Christian Cage and appeared to side with the tag team FTR. This rivalry culminated on AEW Dynamite with Cage’s return after a long absence, during which The Patriarchy was ambushed by Nick Wayne and Kip Sabian.
The promotion used social media to acknowledge the faction’s end, posting an image featuring the remaining members standing prominently, signaling the official disbandment. The faction’s unraveling has added to the ongoing turmoil within AEW.
“The Patriarch has been disowned.”
MJF’s Uncertain Position in The Hurt Syndicate
Meanwhile, the status of MJF within The Hurt Syndicate has become increasingly unstable. After Bobby Lashley forcibly removed MJF from the group during a recent episode of Dynamite, further developments showed MJF attempting to reconcile with Shelton Benjamin. Despite MJF’s efforts, Benjamin sided with the decision to oust him. According to Capt. Shawn Dean from Shane Taylor Promotions, MJF reportedly quit the faction rather than accept another match against Dean, refusing to compete for a third time.
“They told him he was gonna have to wrestle me a 3rd time to stay in… folks quit!” —Capt. Shawn Dean, Shane Taylor Promotions
With MVP yet to comment publicly, MJF’s future with The Hurt Syndicate remains uncertain, signaling possible deeper conflicts within the group’s leadership.
Oro Mensah’s AEW Debut in Ring of Honor
Adding further intrigue to AEW’s evolving roster, former WWE NXT talent Oro Mensah made his debut in AEW’s affiliate brand, Ring of Honor, during recent tapings prior to Dynamite. This match marked Mensah’s return to wrestling after his release from <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE in early May 2025. He faced NJPW’s Tomohiro Ishii, a well-respected veteran, although Mensah did not secure a victory.
His performance, however, caught the attention of AEW President Tony Khan, sparking speculation about Mensah’s potential signing and future storylines. Fans anticipate he may engage in notable feuds with established AEW stars such as Kevin Knight, Mike Bailey, and Ricochet should he join the company officially.
What These Developments Mean for AEW’s Future
Cody Rhodes’ candid remarks on his AEW departure shed light on challenges faced by top talent within the promotion, revealing undercurrents of conflict despite outward success. The disintegration of groups like The Patriarchy and internal strife involving high-profile wrestlers such as MJF illustrate ongoing instability that could impact AEW’s creative direction and locker room dynamics.
At the same time, new talent making their debuts and potential signings like Oro Mensah highlight AEW’s commitment to growth and rebuilding its roster. These shifts are likely to influence the promotion’s trajectory as it navigates both the fallout from key departures and opportunities for fresh rivalries and storylines.
