Cody Rhodes’ exit from WWE in 2016 was largely fueled by frustration over creative direction. Despite his strong family ties to the company, with his father Dusty Rhodes being a significant figure in WWE’s history, the decision caught management off guard, particularly Paul “Triple H” Levesque. Following his departure, Rhodes spent several years wrestling in independent promotions as well as in Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Rise of AEW and Cody Rhodes’ Role in Building the Promotion
On January 1, 2019, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) launched in Florida, quickly establishing itself as a major player in professional wrestling with Cody Rhodes among its top stars. The company grew rapidly, buoyed by talents such as Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, and challenged WWE’s dominance in weekly television viewership. Although it never surpassed WWE’s main roster ratings, AEW attracted big names, including former WWE wrestlers like Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley, Dustin Rhodes, and Toni Storm, under the leadership of AEW President Tony Khan and Cody Rhodes.
Breaking Point: Cody Rhodes’ Departure from AEW in Early 2022
Despite AEW’s success, tensions behind the scenes caused Rhodes’ relationship with the company to deteriorate. Reports confirmed in February 2022 that Cody and his wife, Brandi Rhodes, had left AEW. This marked a significant change, considering Rhodes’ foundational role in the promotion’s creation and growth.
Insights on WWE Meetings Following AEW Contract Expiry
Recently, Cody Rhodes discussed his post-AEW contract talks with WWE during an episode of his podcast, What Do You Wanna Talk About?. He shared details of a key meeting with Bruce Prichard and Vince McMahon that followed the end of his AEW agreement. While he had expectations about how that discussion might unfold, the meeting surprised him positively, signaling his return to WWE after six years away.
Bruce Prichard, appearing as a guest on the podcast, expressed gratitude toward Rhodes for recounting his perspective about the conversation. He added that WWE had entered the meeting with the clear aim to “bring Cody back home.” This objective was realized when Rhodes re-signed with WWE and made his return at WrestleMania 38 in a high-profile match against Seth Rollins.
Cody Rhodes’ WWE Comeback and Championship Success
Since rejoining WWE, Cody Rhodes has gone on to capture the Undisputed World Championship twice, reinforcing his significant position within the company. His second stint has established him once again as a leading figure on WWE programming, continuing to shape the landscape of professional wrestling.
Additional Wrestling Industry Stories Reflecting Current Shifts
Beyond Rhodes’ return, the wrestling world has seen notable developments. For instance, CM Punk faces challenges requiring support in his rivalries, yet experts suggest he does not need help from male roster members. Meanwhile, debates over the futures of prominent stars like Becky Lynch continue, with some voices declaring her WWE tenure to be over.
WWE is also preparing for a homecoming in NXT, where former main roster tag teams have made surprise returns. Similarly, former AEW tag teams appear poised to join WWE, as they conclude their commitments on the independent circuit.
Other recent occurrences include Jey Uso’s tough night during WWE Raw in Paris and Roman Reigns suffering a severe attack at Clash in Paris, leading to hospitalization. Off-screen legal matters have arisen as well, such as Hulk Hogan’s son Nick filing a lawsuit concerning a documentary about a scandal involving Hogan’s past.
On the competitive front, a current WWE Champion has boldly claimed he could eliminate John Cena from the company if they ever faced each other in a match.
Significance of Rhodes’ Return and What Lies Ahead
Cody Rhodes’ re-entry into WWE marks a turning point that reflects not only his personal journey but also the shifting dynamics between WWE and AEW. His negotiations and the willingness of WWE to welcome him back demonstrate how both promotions continuously impact the careers of top wrestling stars. Fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see how Rhodes shapes WWE’s future storylines and how his presence influences ongoing competition between major wrestling organizations.
