In early 2022, Cody Rhodes met with WWE executives, including Bruce Prichard, to discuss his surprise return to WWE, a move that stunned wrestling fans. This pivotal conversation happened just months before Rhodes appeared as Seth Rollins’ mystery opponent at WrestleMania 38, marking his return after leaving AEW. The meeting set the tone for Rhodes WWE 2022 return and revealed the emotional weight behind the decision.
WWE’s Invitation to Return ‘Home’
Bruce Prichard recalled that the WWE leadership’s message to Rhodes was clear: they wanted him to come back to the company regarded as his wrestling home. Prichard explained that their goal was to create an environment where Rhodes would feel welcome and appreciated.
Our anticipation and our expectation, frankly, was one of, ‘Hey, man, Cody, we want you to come home.’ And that was our sole purpose, to say ‘come home.’ The door’s open and we’re glad you went away and did what you did, we’re very happy for you. We feel that the best place for you is back home, and come do it with us.
—Bruce Prichard, WWE Executive
Prichard added that the meeting was intended to reach at least a handshake agreement regarding Rhodes’ future within WWE.
There was a feeling on our side (that) we were not leaving until we had, at least, a handshake agreement as far as what the future was going to be and what the future was going to be with you.
—Bruce Prichard, WWE Executive
Cody Rhodes Reflects on the Emotional Impact of the Meeting
Cody Rhodes described how the meeting affected him deeply, revealing that despite being prepared to negotiate, he was taken aback by the offer and the conversation’s tone. He also shared that his late father might have accepted the proposal immediately based on the terms presented.
What was funny was even though I was really well structured and prepared and had things I wanted to talk about and also wanted to be there in the moment, it hit me like a car wreck. It hit me like a car wreck in one where you’re not hurt, one where you’re shocked.
—Cody Rhodes, WWE Wrestler
After the meeting, Rhodes said he felt like a child again, unsure of what to do next, and turned to Prichard for guidance.
But once I got out of that room, I became a little kid again. And as a little kid, I remember asking you, what do I do?
—Cody Rhodes, WWE Wrestler
You said, ‘I think you know what you should do.’ And I thought, ‘yeah.’ And when I say car wreck, because then as soon as we parted ways, when you call your spouse, when you call your wife, and you’re like, ‘Hey, something happened,’ cause that wasn’t the plan.
—Cody Rhodes, WWE Wrestler
From WrestleMania 38 to Championship Glory at WrestleMania 40
Rhodes’ return to WWE was publicly reported in March 2022, just weeks before his WrestleMania 38 appearance. The storyline driving his comeback was his ambition to win the WWE Championship, a title that neither he nor his father had captured before. Two years later, at WrestleMania 40, Rhodes achieved this milestone by defeating Roman Reigns, fulfilling a personal and professional goal.
The Significance of Rhodes’ WWE Comeback
Cody Rhodes WWE 2022 return demonstrated the importance of legacy and homecoming in professional wrestling. His journey from negotiation to championship victory underscored both the emotional and business aspects of the industry. This return continues to influence WWE storylines and fan engagement, highlighting Rhodes as a key figure in WWE’s future.
