Teil Margaret, sister of Cody Rhodes, has publicly criticized All Elite Wrestling (AEW) regarding royalties linked to the iconic “All In” name, highlighting a dispute that ties back to the promotion’s origins. As AEW prepares for its fourth All In event on July 12, 2025, this royalty issue has brought renewed attention to the promotion’s early days and contributions from various figures.
AEW was co-founded in 2019 by Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks, Kenny Omega, and Tony Khan, aiming to serve as a major competitor to WWE. However, the initial concept took shape a year earlier with the 2018 All In event, held on September 1, 2018, at the Sears Centre Arena. This event featured a mix of independent wrestling stars and former WWE talent, establishing a foundation for AEW’s future growth. Cody Rhodes notably competed against Nick Aldis for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship during this milestone event in Jacksonville.
Royalty Dispute Emerges as All In 2025 Approaches
Teil Margaret recently brought up the issue of royalties for the “All In” name in a response to a fan on the social platform X (formerly Twitter). She implied that although she conceptualized the event’s name, she has not received any financial recognition. Teil’s tweet stated,
“Very Rhodes of me to conceptualize a generational wrestling event and get no royalties.”
—Teil Margaret, Cody Rhodes’ sister
This comment led to further discussion from wrestling veteran Bully Ray, also known as Bubba Ray Dudley and a WWE Hall of Famer. He added that despite playing a significant role in the original 2018 All In event by booking the Over Budget Battle Royale match, he too did not get proper credit. Bully Ray tweeted back,
“I feel ya sistah…. I booked the entire Battle Royal, from beginning to end…and got no credit.”
—Bully Ray, WWE Hall of Famer
The second bout on the 2018 All In card was a 19-person Over Budget Battle Royale. This match was ultimately won by El Hijo De Chico, who eliminated Bully Ray last. The event’s success laid the groundwork for AEW’s establishment and helped create a mainstream platform for various wrestling talent.
AEW Gears Up for a Major Event in Arlington, Texas
In the coming days, AEW is set to host one of its biggest shows yet at Globe Life Field Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This event will mark an important milestone as AEW continues to build its reputation and fanbase. While the upcoming All In event represents growth and the expansion of the brand, the ongoing royalty disagreements reveal challenges behind the scenes linked to the promotion‘s early phases.
AEW’s Role in Enhancing Wrestlers’ Market Value
Earlier this year, AEW’s influence on wrestlers’ careers was highlighted by star Swerve Strickland during his appearance on the Bootleg Kev podcast. He reflected on how AEW helped increase the market value for major talents like Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, elevating the landscape of professional wrestling. Swerve noted,
“Sasha Banks had value, Mercedes has more value now because of All Elite Wrestling. Cody had more value because of what AEW was able to do, same with Punk, same with Moxley coming to AEW. Ricky Starks to Saints. Mercedes was the one that did big for the women… now it makes Becky Lynch look like a little hmm maybe. It makes New Day go, hmm maybe. Charlotte Flair, I wonder, maybe.”
—Swerve Strickland, AEW Wrestler
His remarks emphasize AEW’s growing impact on the professional wrestling scene by elevating wrestlers’ profiles through high-profile matches and storylines, helping to reshape industry perceptions about talent worth and opportunity.
Looking Ahead: Continued Growth Amid Controversies
The royalty dispute voiced by Teil Margaret and Bully Ray brings attention to the early contributors behind AEW’s success, raising questions about recognition and financial acknowledgment for foundational efforts. As AEW prepares to showcase its expanding influence at the Globe Life Field Stadium event, these discussions underline the complexities of credit within wrestling promotions.
With AEW positioning itself as a significant force alongside WWE, how it addresses such internal disputes may affect its reputation among talent and fans alike. The promotion’s ability to fairly honor those who helped shape its beginning could set important precedents for wrestler relations moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Cody Rhodes lose his title?
A. In 2025, John Cena and Cody Rhodes were involved in WWE Raw. At WrestleMania 41, they faced off. Cody Rhodes left after losing the WWE Championship match against John Cena at this event.
Q. Did Cody Rhodes lose title?
A. Cody Rhodes leaves WWE after losing the championship at WrestleMania 41. Fans saw Cody Rhodes’ emotional departure after his defeat by John Cena at this event.
Q. Is Cody Rhodes no longer with AEW?
A. Both individuals left AEW at the start of 2022, and a few months later, Cody made his first appearance in WWE.
