“There’s Clearly Bad Blood,” Cody Rhodes Makes Staggering Claims on His AEW Exit in 2022

Cody Rhodes has broken the ice on what eventually led to him leaving AEW with disrespect playing a major part.

“There’s Clearly Bad Blood,” Cody Rhodes Makes Staggering Claims on His AEW Exit in 2022

Cody Rhodes reveals why he quit AEW [via- NY Post]

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Almost three and a half years after announcing his departure from All Elite Wrestling, its ex-EVP, Cody Rhodes, has finally revealed why it happened. ‘The American Nightmare’ was a guest on The Ringer, where he asserted there’s still bad blood between himself and his former workplace. However, the 40-year-old didn’t miss out on saying there’s a level of respect and love for it as well.

Going into the details, the former Undisputed WWE Champion insinuated that he felt disrespected in AEW—a place that he literally laid down the foundation for along with The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega. If he ever felt belittled in a juggernaut like WWE, that wouldn’t have bothered him so much as it did when he saw it happening in a company he was one of the four founding members of.

There’s clearly bad blood, but there’s also clearly respect — Feeling disrespected at something I built — Feeling disrespected there I wouldn’t stand for it.

Cody Rhodes via The Ringer

Rhodes affirmed that he was on the verge of creating something memorable with his ‘American Nightmare’ gimmick at the time. But if he couldn’t do it with the Bucks and Omega, it left him convinced that he would have to realize his dream somewhere else. After shocking the wrestling world with his AEW exit alongside his wife, Brandi, ‘The Prodigal Son’ returned to WWE in a flamboyant way at WrestleMania 38.

Rhodes was Vince McMahon‘s handpicked opponent for Seth Rollins for the given night. The two went on to have one of the best matches of the entire WrestleMania weekend in Dallas, Texas. ‘The QB1’ beat the former Shield member in what was hailed as a statement-making win from Dusty Rhodes‘ son.

Cody Rhodes reveals what would change if he were to turn heel

In his final media lap before SummerSlam, Cody Rhodes recently stopped by ESPN‘s First Take. On the show, Rhodes was asked if he’d ever turn heel just like his upcoming opponent, John Cena. The erstwhile Legacy member did admit that Cena’s turn was very surprising, and coming to himself going that way, Rhodes regurgitated the good old wrestling adage—never say never!

Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes (via- Wrestling Inc)

While, at last, the North Carolina native said he doesn’t see it happening anytime soon. Rhodes envisioned completely ditching his current entrance theme if he were to turn himself into an on-screen villain. ‘The American Nightmare’ also said that he’d probably try and get himself canceled. Even though Rhodes outright denied its possibility in the near future, his heel turn might be the biggest shock factor WWE may have up its sleeve for SummerSlam.

This Sunday, he will challenge Cena for the Undisputed WWE title in a street fight. The rumors have been afloat on social media regarding Rhodes potentially embracing his dark side by reconsidering The Rock‘s previously made offer. For those wondering, ‘The Final Boss’ isn’t expected to show up at SummerSlam. Rhodes and Cena would have the onus of placating the ire of the fans that they caught from their WrestleMania 41 encounter.

Cody Rhodes defends Roman Reigns’ extremely light WWE schedule

There’s not even the slightest amount of doubt that Roman Reigns has been Cody Rhodes‘ greatest nemesis in WWE. The entire foundation of his WWE comeback was built upon how long it would take him to eventually take the world title off ‘The Tribal Chief’. Rhodes failed to do so the first time at WrestleMania 39 two years back, which surprisingly is his favorite match ever.

Cody Rhodes Roman Reigns
Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns at Georgia Tech (via WWE)

But last year, at WrestleMania XL, ‘The American Nightmare’ conquered the ‘Island of Relevancy’ by ousting a once impenetrable-looking Reigns. Since having his historic title reign get halted at the 1316-day mark, ‘The OTC’ has wrestled six matches in WWE and made a few TV appearances here and there.

Addressing Reigns’ part-time schedule, Rhodes claimed that ‘The OTC1’ has completely earned the right to call the shots. ‘The Prodigal Son’ even went on to say that every time Reigns shows up in WWE, it’s a gift for those watching. Rhodes said that he holds ‘The Head of the Table’ in a very high regard.

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