Cody Rhodes played a key role in launching All Elite Wrestling (AEW) but decided to leave the promotion after a few years. Recently, Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF), the current AEW World Champion, claimed he was responsible for bringing Cody Rhodes‘ AEW career to an end. This revelation came out during the February 25 edition of AEW Dynamite, as MJF prepared for his Revolution 2026 showdown against Hangman Adam Page in Jacksonville, Florida.
Setting High Stakes in Upcoming Title Match
In the episode, MJF and Hangman Adam Page met to finalize the rules for their much-anticipated match. Page proposed a Texas Death Match and offered not to challenge for the AEW World Championship again if he lost, on the condition that MJF accepted the Texas Death stipulation. During his typical in-ring banter, MJF referenced Cody Rhodes, threatening to end Page’s career in a similar way by preventing him from ever becoming AEW World Champion again.
The Link Between MJF and Cody Rhodes’ AEW Exit
This comment was clearly directed at Rhodes, who had agreed to a similar stipulation at Full Gear 2019 in his title match against then-champion Chris Jericho. MJF’s interference in that bout led to Rhodes’ defeat, effectively halting his chances of competing for the AEW World title further. After this chapter closed, Rhodes left AEW in 2022 and went on to establish himself as a major star in WWE.
“You’re about to be the second man whose AEW wrestling career I ended by making sure they could never be champion again.”- H/T Drainmaker on X
Rigged Coin Toss and Official Match Announcement
The confrontation continued with MJF proposing a coin toss to determine the match stipulation, which he won and chose a one-sided Disqualification match. However, Hangman’s allies intervened and revealed the coin toss was rigged against Page. Subsequently, commentator Tony Schiavone informed viewers that AEW President Tony Khan had officially sanctioned the Texas Death Match for their title clash at AEW Revolution, promising a brutal and intense encounter.
Implications for AEW’s Championship and Future Rivalries
MJF’s declaration about ending careers sets a dramatic tone ahead of AEW Revolution, raising the stakes for both Page and MJF in what promises to be a violent and emotionally charged Texas Death Match. Cody Rhodes’ departure remains a significant moment in AEW’s history, illustrating how backstage and in-ring dynamics can shape wrestling careers. As MJF moves to solidify his reign, this rivalry highlights ongoing tensions within AEW and the challenges wrestlers face aiming for the top spot.
“You’re about to be the second man whose AEW wrestling career I ended by making sure they could never be champion again.”
MJF REFERENCED CODY ON DYNAMITE. 😂
pic.twitter.com/4fB2JUYCiy— Drainmaker (@TheDrainmaker) February 26, 2026
