Several prominent AEW wrestlers appeared to direct a veiled criticism at Cody Rhodes following his departure from the company, sparking a wave of responses from fans. This incident unfolded during a recent AEW Dynamite episode and was closely linked to the ongoing Cody Rhodes AEW disrespect controversy.
AEW’s Treatment of Former EVPs Highlights Tensions
On the latest episode of AEW Dynamite, the Young Bucks, Matthew and Nicholas Jackson, wrestled their tag team match against The Outrunners under noticeably diminished circumstances. Since no longer serving as Executive Vice Presidents (EVPs) of AEW, their entrance was downgraded to what fans recognized as a “Jobber entrance,” with plain, generic graphics that displayed only their names. This unusual presentation suggested a lack of respect, as it resembled the entrance style reserved for lower-tier local talent rather than major stars.
Shortly after the show, the Jackson brothers took to social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), where their remarks were widely interpreted as a subtle jab not only at the circumstances they faced but also hinting at their former EVP partner, Cody Rhodes. Their posts underscored feelings of being underappreciated within the company and fueled speculation about internal discord.
What Cody Rhodes Shared About His Departure From AEW
Coinciding with the tension displayed on Dynamite, clips from Cody Rhodes’ interview with Bill Simmons became public earlier that day. In the discussion, Rhodes reflected on his complicated relationship with AEW and the reasons for his exit. He acknowledged that while there was mutual respect and affection among those involved, he could not overlook feeling disrespected, particularly after playing a crucial role in building AEW alongside close friends.
“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,” he said. —Cody Rhodes, AEW Co-founder and Wrestler
Rhodes’ departure allowed him to pursue new opportunities in WWE, where he finally captured a world title, enhancing his career achievements. Meanwhile, AEW, under Tony Khan‘s leadership, continues to maintain momentum with growing popularity and success in the wrestling industry.
Fan Reactions and the Broader Implications
The apparent dispute and the subtle criticisms exchanged between major AEW figures have captivated fans on social media. Many commentators interpreted the Young Bucks’ social media remarks as veiled references to Rhodes, sparking debates about loyalty and respect within the wrestling community. Some fans sympathized with Rhodes, affirming that his sense of disrespect was justified, while others joined the conversation more playfully, engaging in the rivalry sparked by the controversy.
This conflict draws attention to the challenges of balancing personal relationships and professional roles within a rapidly growing wrestling promotion. As AEW continues to evolve, how it manages internal dynamics among key talents like Rhodes and the Jackson brothers may shape its future creative directions and organizational stability.
