In 2022, Cody Rhodes surprised the wrestling community by departing All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and rejoining WWE. Rhodes had been a key figure at AEW since its inception in 2019, serving as Executive Vice President and helping develop the promotion after previously leaving WWE due to dissatisfaction with his creative role. His comeback at WrestleMania 38 marked a fresh start, returning as the “American Nightmare,” a character he developed outside WWE while working in independent circuits and AEW.
The Complex Decision Behind Walking Away From AEW
In a candid conversation with The Undertaker on Six Feet Under, Rhodes opened up about the challenges and uncertainty he faced before making the leap back to WWE. Balancing multiple television projects on Warner Media and an executive position at AEW, he weighed whether returning was the right move. Rhodes expressed apprehension about how his WWE comeback would be received, especially since his first departure had been viewed by some as a mistake.
I was presented as if I never existed there in a way. I was presented as this fully polished ready….if you didn’t know and you were this young kid watching you were like, ‘that’s so cool’ and you jumped right in. If you did (know), you were rewarded for knowing the journey. The situation, looking back at it now, so many things were happening. I had two television shows on Warner Media. I had to juggle that. I had to really weigh it out. Obviously, opportunity is amazing, but I had to weigh it out. ‘Is this a mistake? They didn’t see it the first time. They saw a little, but they didn’t see it.’ You think the first time leaving was the biggest mistake ever. Coming back, my fear was, ‘this could be the biggest gamble of all.’ I had a good gig. Contrary to what you hear, I had a good gig. I had an executive job. I loved the Bullet Club guys. Evolving and moving myself forward, it was a lot to weigh out. had I gone and belly flopped in the pool, it wouldn’t have hurt WWE at all. It would have been, ‘See, he wasn’t. He was little league all along,’
said Rhodes.
Work and Projects During AEW Tenure
During his time at AEW, Rhodes expanded his career beyond wrestling matches by starring in projects like Go Big Show and the reality series Rhodes to the Top. These ventures demonstrated his ability to blend entertainment and competition. Despite his success in AEW and his administrative role, Rhodes ultimately chose to return to WWE, believing the opportunity to evolve was worth the risk.
Upcoming Appearances and Fan Interest
Fans eagerly await Rhodes’ participation in the men’s Royal Rumble event scheduled for Saturday, which will add another chapter to his ongoing career. His return continues to generate significant attention within the wrestling world, emphasizing the impact of his character’s journey from AEW to WWE.
Understanding the Impact of Rhodes’ Career Moves
Cody Rhodes’ story highlights the complexity behind major career decisions in professional wrestling, especially when balancing creative satisfaction, executive responsibilities, and fan expectations. His thoughtful consideration before leaving a promising position at AEW to return to WWE illustrates the calculated risks performers take to advance their careers. As Rhodes prepares for future matches and storylines, his trajectory remains a pivotal example of reinvention within the industry.
