Bryan Danielson recently stirred widespread debate with his comments claiming that All Elite Wrestling (AEW) played a crucial role in making Cody Rhodes a top-tier star. This discussion reached fans and wrestling followers as Danielson argued on the Kairouz Bros’ Trash Talk Podcast that AEW’s formation in 2019 provided the platform Cody needed to reach megastar status. Danielson also suggested that CM Punk’s return to wrestling and WWE was influenced by the existence of AEW. The debate centers on how AEW’s emergence affected major wrestling careers, including Rhodes’ journey between AEW and WWE.
The Rise of AEW and Its Effect on Wrestling Careers
Since its inception, AEW has established itself as a significant competitor to World Wrestling Entertainment by attracting talent from WWE and others. Danielson noted that this competition helped some wrestlers gain prominence after switching promotions. More specifically, he claimed AEW gave Cody Rhodes the exposure and star power needed to elevate his career before his comeback to WWE, which helped him ascend quickly in the Stamford-based company.
According to Danielson:
“Like, okay, if AEW wouldn’t have started, would Cody Rhodes be where he is right now? [Very true.] No, they have a mega star because AEW exists, right? Would CM Punk ever have come back? [Probably not.] Yeah.” —Bryan Danielson, Wrestler
Fan Reactions Spotlight Divided Opinions
Danielson’s viewpoint prompted fans to voice strong responses across social media, particularly on X/Twitter. Supporters backed his claim, agreeing that AEW’s establishment was instrumental in shaping Cody’s superstar status. However, a significant portion of fans disputed this, emphasizing that Rhodes had plans to return to WWE independently of AEW’s influence. These critics argued that factors such as Vince McMahon’s departure from WWE were more decisive in enabling CM Punk’s and Rhodes’ returns.
One user commented:
“I respect Danielson, I understand where he’s trying to come from, but I completely disagree. I think once everything was revealed about VKM, and once he was out, that was would’ve led to Punk being open to a WWE return; I think getting back to WWE was always Cody‘s goal, and I think even without AEW, he eventually would’ve gotten back.” —X/Twitter user
Other fans expressed similar sentiments, while some preferred to stay neutral amid the ongoing debate. No confirmation or response has come yet from Bryan Danielson, Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, or other involved wrestlers regarding these discussions.
Why This Debate Matters for Wrestling’s Future
This discussion over AEW’s impact on Cody Rhodes highlights the complex dynamics between wrestling promotions and superstar trajectories. AEW’s emergence undeniably shifted the wrestling landscape, but the debate questions whether its role was foundational or circumstantial in Rhodes’ rise. Fans remain divided on whether Rhodes’ return to WWE and subsequent success were catalyzed primarily by AEW or by broader changes in WWE leadership and wrestler intentions.
As AEW continues to challenge WWE’s dominance and wrestlers frequently move between companies, this topic reflects broader industry tensions and how narratives about star making are constructed. The future may reveal more about individual wrestler decisions and promotion influence, but for now, Danielson’s remarks have sparked an intense conversation about legacy, competition, and wrestling’s evolving storylines.
