Cody Rhodes, one of the key founders of AEW and former Executive Vice President of the company, responded today following controversy sparked by allegations that he was attempting to erase part of his AEW history. This reaction came after a wrestling page was accused of misquoting Rhodes regarding his match history, particularly related to a Dog Collar Match he had previously competed in. The ongoing discussion unfolded days after Rhodes’s departure from AEW, a promotion headquartered in Jacksonville.
Since leaving AEW in 2022, where he also held the TNT Championship, Rhodes has emerged as a prominent figure within WWE. His recent comments surfaced amid his upcoming high-profile match against John Cena for the Undisputed Championship at WWE’s SummerSlam Night Two event. The controversy began when a fan pointed out that Rhodes had, in fact, participated in a Dog Collar Match against the late Brodie Lee, contradicting reports that suggested otherwise. Rhodes himself described the reactions on social media as unusual.
“Super odd indeed, just chin up and power through,” Rhodes wrote.
AEW Highlights Historic Moment Featuring Rhodes
In contrast to the claims of erased history, AEW recently released one of Cody Rhodes’s most memorable matches on their official YouTube channel. This contest, which holds the distinction of being AEW’s first-ever match awarded a five-star rating, was a clash between Cody Rhodes and his brother Dustin Rhodes. Their bout took place during AEW’s inaugural Double or Nothing pay-per-view event in 2019 and is regarded as a significant moment in the company’s early legacy.
The “brother vs. brother” match not only represents a pivotal event for AEW but also stands as the final one-on-one encounter between the Rhodes siblings to date. Fans and industry observers alike are left to wonder whether the two brothers will eventually reunite for another contest inside the ring.
Implications of the Controversy for AEW and Rhodes’s Legacy
This episode highlights the delicate balance between preserving wrestling history and managing public perceptions, especially concerning a high-profile figure like Cody Rhodes. As Rhodes continues to make his mark in WWE, the debate over how AEW’s early milestones are remembered underscores the passionate engagement of fans with the sport’s narrative. The promotion’s choice to feature a legendary Rhodes match suggests it values that history, despite the recent confusion and backlash on social media.
With SummerSlam approaching, Rhodes’s focus remains on his career trajectory and upcoming challenges. The controversy serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between wrestlers, companies, and their audiences when it comes to legacy and accurate record-keeping within the wrestling world.
