Cody Rhodes‘ return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in 2022 marked a dramatic turning point for the professional wrestling world, ending his run with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and reigniting his pursuit of stardom in WWE. In a recent interview, Rhodes opened up about his turbulent exit from AEW and the unexpected way WWE reengaged with him, highlighting the inner conflict behind his comeback.
From AEW Leader to WWE Main Event Contender
Before coming back to WWE, Cody Rhodes served as an Executive Vice President at AEW, where he played a vital role in shaping the company’s direction and acting as an anchor for its programming. Despite his influential position, Rhodes’ ultimate ambition was always to headline in WWE, the organization where he first rose to prominence.
Reflecting on this period in a conversation with Bill Simmons, Rhodes admitted that he returned to WWE with a mix of reverence and determination to prove himself. He described carrying a chip on his shoulder because he wanted WWE to recognize what he was capable of achieving as a main event star.
“For me, I was very almost volatile in how I came at it. I had love and reverence for WWE, this is the house that built me, but man, I really wanted, I woke up every day thinking, I want them to know what I could have done. Which is why it’s fun to talk about now, because they came back and got me, which wasn’t on my, that was never part of the master plan,” Rhodes said. —Cody Rhodes, Professional Wrestler
Rhodes’ WWE comeback defied his original expectations, as the company actively sought to bring him back and position him at the center of one of wrestling’s biggest spectacles, WrestleMania.
Early WWE Struggles and Independent Circuit Success
Cody Rhodes’ journey with WWE began less spectacularly, after initially debuting as a mid-card talent. In 2016, feeling limited by his role, he requested his release to pursue opportunities independently. This decision proved pivotal as Rhodes worked his way through the independent wrestling scene, earning acclaim and growing his brand until he became one of the most prominent figures in the industry.
His rise culminated in helping launch AEW, where he was a founding member and a key face of the company throughout its early years. Despite his achievements in AEW, Rhodes’ desire for a world title in WWE persisted, finally coming to fruition in 2024 when he won the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Tensions Behind Rhodes’ Departure from AEW
Cody Rhodes acknowledged that his split from AEW was accompanied by significant friction. While initially a cornerstone of the company, by 2022, both fans and insiders noticed a shift in his character and role that mirrored growing dissatisfaction. Rhodes recently confirmed that bad blood with AEW leadership played a major role in his decision to leave.
In his discussion with Bill Simmons, Rhodes described feeling disrespected in the very organization he helped build alongside close friends. That disappointment affected both his and his wife Brandi’s perspective on their future with AEW.
“Feeling disrespected at something I built with my friends, we built, feeling disrespected there, I wouldn’t stand for it. Brandi and I both. I’m so blessed to have her, it was one of those where it was, F*ck it, I did way more here than you think, and you’re going to find out the moment I’m out the door,” he said. —Cody Rhodes, Professional Wrestler
Despite the acrimony, Rhodes expressed confidence that leaving Tony Khan’s company was the right choice for his career at that time, suggesting no regrets about the path he took.
The Future of Cody Rhodes in WWE
Since returning to WWE, Rhodes has cemented his status at the top of the company, recently defeating John Cena in a high-profile bout that further elevated his standing. His rise from a mid-card talent to the Undisputed WWE Champion illustrates a full-circle moment in his wrestling journey, showcasing resilience and ambition.
As Cody Rhodes WWE AEW comeback continues to unfold, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how he leverages this momentum and what new chapters await in his professional wrestling career.
