During a recent WWE live event at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland, Cody Rhodes made headlines by openly acknowledging an AEW veteran, demonstrating his admiration for legendary wrestlers. This gesture from the Undisputed WWE Champion added an exciting layer to the ongoing anticipation surrounding Cody Rhodes AEW veteran mention, especially for fans familiar with both organizations.
Cody Rhodes Honors Sting Following Title Defense
After successfully defending his Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in a non-televised event, Cody Rhodes paid tribute to Sting, a recognized icon in the wrestling world. Rhodes took the opportunity to reflect on the venue’s significance, referencing a memorable moment in wrestling history that took place in Baltimore.
Rhodes previously shared locker rooms with Sting in AEW before his departure from Tony Khan’s promotion in 2022. Despite leaving his position as Executive Vice President at AEW, Rhodes has continued to express deep respect for the veterans of All Elite Wrestling. His recent comments highlighted his admiration for Sting, reinforcing bonds across organizations and celebrating the legacy of legendary performers.
Rhodes said of his experience,
“I don’t know if you know this, this is one of my favorite buildings to wrestle in. It’s no secret I’m a big fan of Sting, and this is where Sting defeated Ric Flair. That’s just a little peek into my heart. I mean it when I say I love this place. Everyone who performed for you means it when they say they love this place,” said Cody. [H/T Inside The Ropes]
This heartfelt acknowledgment not only recognized a pivotal match between Sting and Ric Flair but also underscored Rhodes’ appreciation for the architecture and history of the CFG Bank Arena.
Speculation Builds Around a Possible Character Shift
The conversation around Cody Rhodes did not end with his victory and tribute. WWE legend Eric Bischoff recently discussed the potential for Rhodes to undergo a dramatic character shift in the future, specifically considering a possible heel turn. During an episode of his “83 Weeks” podcast, Bischoff explained his reasoning for supporting a carefully constructed evolution of Rhodes’ on-screen persona.
“I don’t think anybody’s going to be surprised if and when that happens because that’s the natural evolution of a character and the length of time before something significant happens to hit the refresh button (…) I really like a slow build. I want somebody to get me really sucked into the story before that happens (…) and I think it’s time for Cody,” said Eric.
This perspective reflects both the longevity of Rhodes’ current run and the natural progression found in wrestling storytelling, suggesting that a major shift could reinvigorate his role within WWE.
What’s Ahead for Rhodes and the WWE Championship
Looking forward, Cody Rhodes is set for another title defense against Drew McIntyre in a “3 Stages of Hell” match scheduled for the January 9th SmackDown in Berlin. This high-stakes encounter continues the American Nightmare’s momentum as champion and keeps fans eager for possible changes in his trajectory.
Cody Rhodes’ public AEW veteran mention, particularly of Sting, is notable for the respect it fosters between wrestling communities and organizations. As the WWE landscape evolves and the anticipation for a potential heel turn grows, Rhodes’ acknowledgment of his peers and history underscores the enduring connections and shared legacy within professional wrestling.
Cody makes a speech after his match against Drew by giving his flowers to the icon Sting and also giving a lucky fan one of his weightbelts. This is the people's champ. 🙌🏻#WWEBaltimore #CodyRhodes #QB1 pic.twitter.com/cJKvDkswyp
— Art 🎨 (#CodyIsQB1) (@AmericanArtsii) December 27, 2025
