In 2019, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) was formed when Tony Khan collaborated with key wrestlers including Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega, and The Young Bucks. After leaving WWE, Rhodes achieved significant success on the independent wrestling circuit, with AEW serving as his major platform before his eventual return to WWE.
Reasons Behind Cody Rhodes’ Exit from AEW
Cody Rhodes departed from AEW in February 2022, later explaining in interviews that feelings of disrespect contributed to his decision. Wrestling veteran Bill Apter offered insight into these sentiments during an episode of The Wrestling Time Machine on Sportskeeda WrestleBinge, highlighting Rhodes’ belief that his contributions were underappreciated within AEW.
Apter described Rhodes’ perspective, stating,
“He was one of the people that started that company, and little by little, according to him, he felt like he wasn’t being credited with what was going on. I don’t think they put him in programmes that he may have wanted to be in. And I think his heart always was to show Vince McMahon when he left, when Cody left, that I can be better than what you’re doing with me.” —Bill Apter, Wrestling Veteran
Cody Rhodes’ Career After Leaving AEW
Following his AEW departure, Cody Rhodes made a high-profile return at WrestleMania 38 as Seth Rollins’ surprise opponent. Since then, he has significantly raised his profile in WWE by winning consecutive Royal Rumble matches in 2023 and 2024, headlining three WrestleManias in a row, and capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship twice.
The Significance of Rhodes’ Departure and Future Impact
Cody Rhodes’ exit from AEW underlines internal challenges within the promotion regarding talent recognition and creative direction. His journey reflects broader tensions faced by wrestlers navigating major organizations. With Rhodes firmly established as a top star in WWE, his departure has reshaped dynamics between wrestling companies and influenced ongoing rivalries and storytelling across the industry.
