Tag: Cody Rhodes

Vince McMahon Reportedly Has Huge Plans For Cody Rhodes WWE Comeback

WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon is planning to give Cody Rhodes “a major match at WrestleMania” if Rhodes were to return to WWE, according to Wade Keller of PWTorch.

On his latest audio show, Keller noted how McMahon views Rhodes’ AEW exit “as a big deal” and wants to treat it accordingly.

“Cody and WWE haven’t confirmed it but Cody is going to WWE and he’s going to get a big push,” Keller said. “Vince McMahon is going to treat this as a big deal. Everybody I talked to thinks Vince loves the idea of acquiring a co-founder and EVP and, you know, main event wrestler. He just held their secondary singles title not that long ago, and having him show up on WWE TV is something that Vince is very interested in taking advantage of and making money on it. It could even be a situation where Cody is in a major match at WrestleMania.”

Keller said he had “four plus hours of conversations” with his sources within AEW and WWE, which led him to believe that Rhodes is expected to be on the WrestleMania 38 card.

“I fully expect Cody to be on WrestleMania either as a wrestler or making his first appearance,” Keller said. “I don’t know if they can hold back on putting him on TV so I could even see him appearing on Raw or SmackDown next week. I’m not aware of there being any kind of non-compete at this point since he’s been a free agent for a while so Cody could appear. I wouldn’t be shocked if there’s even some augmentation to the booking plans for WrestleMania perhaps related to the Elimination Chamber in order to set the stage for Cody to do something really big at WrestleMania.”

Keller continued, “I think Cody will get a big push, at least at first. You know, there’s different opinions on whether Vince is going to resent Cody for creating competition or admire Cody for his entrepreneurial spirit and being classy about it the whole way. You know, Paul Heyman, Eric Bischoff, Jeff Jarrett, they all competed with Vince [and] they all got jobs again. So, you know, we’ll, we’ll see how it goes. Vince saw Cody as a mid-carder. He saw Christian as a mid-carder. Christian went to Impact Wrestling and won a world title…He came back, he got a better push, but it wasn’t at the level of Edge, which is what, you know, Christian always wanted. He wanted to be at the Edge level.”

It is being widely reported that Cody Rhodes is in talks with WWE about a potential comeback. Since Rhodes is not under a non-compete clause with AEW, he is free to appear on WWE TV immediately.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Cody Rhodes Was Reportedly Upset With Tony Khan Over This particular Issue

Cody Rhodes had a few problems with AEW president Tony Khan before parting ways with the promotion.

Cody Rhodes has left AEW along with his wife Brandi, sending shock waves through the wrestling world. The former TNT Champion is now the hottest free agent in the business, and he has been heavily linked to WWE since the news of his departure broke.

It was initially reported that Rhodes and AEW president Tony Khan were at loggerheads over contractual issues but, according to Andrew Zarian, there were a few other incidents involving Tony that got under Cody’s skin.

One of those is rumored to be a video in which Khan implied AEW’s success was all down to him.

“Somebody sent me a link to a Forbes article and said, ‘This really upset certain people, especially Cody’. I don’t if that’s 100% true but this kind of plays into everything,” Zarian said on Wrestling Observer’s We’re Live Pal (H/T WrestleTalk.com).

“It was the Forbes video, the profile they did on Tony, and Tony starts it off by pretty much listing, ‘I’m the GM, I’m the booker, I’m the this, I’m the…’, essentially he’s a one-man show.”

It’s reported that Rhodes wasn’t the only one upset by Khan’s comments. Zarian added that there may have been a few other issues leading to Rhodes’ exit.

“I don’t know if that’s necessarily one of the things, but it was a multitude of things,” the wrestling insider continued.

Over the last few months, there have been reports citing various problems between Rhodes and the other AEW EVPs. Khan was also on the end of lots of criticism for his handling of certain issues, including Big Swole’s comments on her release.

Cody has since issued a statement on his departure in which he thanked Khan and several other AEW personalities.

“I loved my time at AEW. Amazing locker room. Amazing fans. Amazing people.” He wrote as part of said statement on social media, “The revolution was indeed televised, and I’ve been incredibly lucky to be part of that.” He added, “I have had so many milestones and beautiful memories of this renaissance… through sweat, blood, tears, literal fire, and all that… I left it all on the mat.”

Source: TheSportster

Backstage Talk On Why Cody Rhodes Left AEW, More On Cody – WWE

Regarding Cody and Brandi leaving AEW, word as of last Friday was that Cody wanted a big money deal, but several within the company didn’t think that a new deal was going to happen, according to Fightful Select. It was noted that Cody and Brandi have not been quite as connected to the AEW locker room in recent years as they were when AEW first launched, with word coming out that Cody had become distant from the other Executive Vice Presidents, Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks.

It’s believed by some that Cody could be returning to WWE soon. It was noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that there was a lot of talk at Monday’s RAW about Rhodes possibly returning to his former employer, who he was with from 2006-2016. There is said to be chatter within certain WWE circles about Cody’s future with the company, but nothing is official as of this writing. Furthermore, Ariel Helwani reported that Rhodes and WWE are in talks about a return.

Shortly before AEW and Cody confirmed the departures today, WWE officials were aware of the situation and reportedly knew ahead of time that an announcement would be made, according to the Fightful report. It was noted that Rhodes and WWE have at least had discussions, but WWE did know that an announcement on Rhodes’ AEW departure would be made this morning.

There is no word on if Cody’s WWE return deal would include a spot on the roster for Brandi, or when we might see Rhodes return to the WWE ring.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Reportedly Talking With Cody Rhodes About Return

Earlier today Cody Rhodes confirmed that he and Brandi Rhodes have officially left AEW.

Now, according to a report by Ariel Helwani, it has been revealed he is in talks with WWE. The former Intercontinental Champion has been speaking with the company, and a return could be taking place in the near future.

Cody Rhodes originally left WWE in 2016 after spending a decade working for Vince McMahon. His career began with Ohio Valley Wrestling, and he went on to thrive as part of the main roster. From teaming with Hardcore Holly to being a member of Legacy. Cody then went on to have singles success with a variety of gimmicks before working with Goldust. His career came to end while portraying the Stardust gimmick.

Following his time with WWE, Cody Rhodes worked on the independent scene and as part of Ring Of Honor. He was an integral part of the influential ALL IN show and a founding member of All Elite Wrestling. Cody worked as an in-ring talent as well as an Executive Vice President for the company.

During his time working for Tony Khan, Cody was able to become a record three-time TNT Champion. However, his contract expired with AEW at the end of December, and since then he has been working under a handshake agreement. While the American Nightmare appeared on AEW Dynamite several times, he and his wife have now officially left the company.

Both Cody and Tony Khan have released official statements on social media about the news. Both men thanked each other for their time working together, and were complimentary, with no bad blood appearing to be involved.

Earlier today it was reported on the latest episode of the Wrestling Observer Radio, that there was talk backstage at Raw about Cody returning. This has now been further pushed by Helwani, as he was told that conversations have officially happened between the two parties.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Cody And Brandi Rhodes Part Ways With AEW

Today Cody Rhodes has announced that he and Brandi Rhodes are officially leaving AEW. The former three-time TNT Champion has been working as a free agent since the start of the year. However, the two parties have not been able to come to terms on a new contract. Because of that, his time with the company has come to an end.

Cody Rhodes released a lengthy statement addressing the situation on Twitter. During that, he took the time to thank Tony Khan. He also gave nods to many members of the AEW roster.

“I have loved my time at AEW. Amazing locker room, amazing fans, amazing people. The ‘revolution’ was indeed televised, and I’ve been incredibly lucky to be part of that. First, I want to thank Tony Khan. He’s taken the baton and run with it, and it was an honor to work for him and to know him on a personal level. He’s a beautiful soul. Obviously need to thank my incredible wife and the mother of my baby girl, Brandi, for all of her love and support throughout this journey together and the amazing relationships she fostered with Kulture City and the American Heart Association.

“I also need to thank Nick and Matt Jackson (these two, whether they know it or not, took an undesired and not confident lir cub and gifted me the confidence to become a leader of the pack), Kenneth Omega, Chris Jericho, Chicken…we started the fire. I must thank Tim W/Keith M/Greg W and the amazing production crew who understood and captured the vision with such grace, I can’t name everybody. But thank you to Megha, Margaret, Harrington, Jeff Jones, Dana, Tony Schiavone, Bern, Raf, and the hardest worker in the game, QT Marshall, for propping me up and kicking me in the ass when I was running on fumes.

“I must thank all my kiddos… MJF, Jade, Sammy, Darby, Lee, Ricky, Tom, The Gunns, Brock, Velvet, Nyla, Aubrey, Turner, Vanilla, Solo, Spears, Julia, Anna, Will, Wardlow, Sonny, Fuego 1 and of course, -1. While we’re at it, give Jade the Codyvator! Also need to take a moment to thank the great partners at Warner Media including Brett, Sam, and the rest of the team. I have so many milestones and beautiful memories of this renaissance…through sweat, blood, tears, literal fire, and all that…I left it all on the mat.

“Everything pales in comparison to the final contribution I was empowered to lead at the company, the community outreach team. In the most inward moments, your outward behavior and your ability to take fame/influence and do something of value for the communities you visit (whether the cameras are on or off) is the highest honor. I am confident Amanda Huber will lead the department with style. I’m so proud of my creations and contributions and the items I supported or collaborated on with such wonderful professionals.”

Following Cody Rhodes’ statement, AEW President Tony Khan also commented on the news. He took the time to thank both Cody and Brandi for their work within the company. Not just for their in-ring runs, but also what they have done with the community outreach program.

“Cody and Brandi Rhodes were integral to the launch of All Elite Wrestling. Cody’s ability combined with his boldness and his passion for our industry and his love for community outreach helped AEW deliver on our mission to give fans what they needed for far too long. Something new, innovative and lasting. Brandi helped us shape the AEW story, and I appreciate how hard she fought for us both in the ring and out of the ring, competing in the women’s division while advancing our efforts at inclusion and civic causes, including great partnerships with Kulture City and the American Heart Association.

“I have immense respect and appreciation for Cody and Brandi. And I wish them both the best as they move on from AEW. Thank you, Cody and Brandi!

“Tony Khan CEO, President, General Manager & Head of Creative, All Elite Wrestling”

Brandi also issued a statement on her departure from AEW:

It is currently unknown what is next for Cody Rhodes. However, it was reported earlier today on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, that there was talk backstage at Raw this week about him returning to the company.

https://twitter.com/CodyRhodes/status/1493601980215930880
https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1493602087481061377

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Brandi also issued her own statement today after the departures were confirmed. She wrote the following:

“A heartfelt thank you to every fan that has supported me in AEW. It was an honor to be the company’s first Chief Brand Officer. The thank you list is long so I’ll try not to wander. Thank you to Kulture City, Special Olympics Illinois and the American Heart Association for allowing me to cultivate these amazing partnerships. Thank you to every AEW Heel that helped me build a dream community of female fans. Thank you to every AEW wrestler and talent that worked hard to create a great locker room environment. Thank you to the production team, make up team, and seamstresses. Thank you, Dustin, QT, Jerry Lynn and Leva Bates, for every ounce of energy, help and encouragement you provided. Thank you to my husband for being that constant rock and partner every single day. Thank you to TNT, TBS and WarnerMedia for treating my family like your family. Thank you to Tony Khan for giving me this opportunity and platform. I move forward with my daughter and this quote in mind.

“We must take time to define our own path. Too quickly we can find the world defining it for us” – Unknown

Also…

“I’ll see you on the flippity flop” – Michael Scott

https://twitter.com/TheBrandiRhodes/status/1493602002353463310

Cody Rhodes Delivers Fiery Promo On AEW Dynamite, Takes Shots At WALTER Name Change

Last night’s AEW Dynamite featured a segment where the TNT Champion Cody Rhodes came out to the ring and set up a large ladder. He then delivered a promo where he started by bringing up CM Punk’s pipebomb promo when he was still with WWE, and how Punk’s return is the greatest of the decade. He pointed out that despite mentioning working with ROH and NJPW when he leaves WWE, Punk never actually did that. Cody, however, did make those dreams a reality.

He claims that he is the one that built the forbidden door before it was ever recognized as a term. He also talks about how things have gone off the rails since he left AEW two weeks ago to recover from COVID, pointing to the “Wednesday Night Wars” almost repeating themselves when The Young Bucks and ReDRagon almost came to blows last week.

He says that Undisputed Era is just developmental talent from WWE, and he also brought up WALTER’s name change, referring to him as Gunner McGillicuddy after his name was changed to Gunther Stark. This also recalls another name change WWE did in the past when they named Joseph Henning Jr. “Michael McGillicuddy” before deeming him Curtis Axel in WWE.

Cody talked a bit about Malakai Black and his new stable member, Brody King. He criticized Brody for coming into the company and keeping that name because of the legacy it holds with Brodie Lee. He also says that years in the future when Negative 1/Brodie Jr. is ready to compete, he’ll be there to claim his name.

He says the TNT Championship has been built on a great foundation of champions like Brodie, Sammy Guevara, Miro, and others, but people don’t give it the same respect because it doesn’t have the word “World” in the title. He explains how now that there is an interim TNT Champion in Sammy Guevara, the two men need to compete to determine who the Undisputed TNT Champion is.

He says Tony Khan sent him a contract in the mail, though it wasn’t the contract he was looking for — likely referring to reports that Cody is now a free agent in AEW. Tony apparently proposed a ladder match on next week’s AEW Dynamite to finally determine the undisputed TNT champion of AEW, which Cody accepts.

You can see highlights from the segment below:

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Cody Rhodes Is Reportedly A Free Agent

AEW TNT Champion Cody Rhodes is reportedly a free agent.

Rhodes’ AEW contract reportedly expired at the end of 2021, technically making him a free agent, according to Fightful Select. Rhodes has been working without a contract since then.

Rhodes’ status as a free agent has been known by many within AEW for a few weeks now.

There is no word on when Rhodes is expected to sign a new AEW contract, but we will keep you updated. You can click here for what Rhodes recently had to say to Sports Illustrated about his future with the company.

Rhodes, who also works as an Executive Vice President for AEW, became a three-time TNT Champion by defeating Sammy Guevara for the title back on the Holiday Bash edition of AEW Rampage on December 25. He was scheduled to defend against Guevara in a rematch at Battle of The Belts on January 8, but was pulled from the show due to a medical issue. Guevara defeated Dustin Rhodes to become the Interim AEW TNT Champion at Battle of The Belts instead.

Rhodes is scheduled to make his return on this week’s AEW Dynamite from Washington, DC, but there’s no word on when the title match with Guevara will take place.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW Battle Of The Belts Preview 1/8/22 (Updated) – Cody Rhodes Confirms COVID-19 Diagnosis

AEW Battle of The Belts will air this Saturday on TNT at 8pm ET, live from the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, NC. The local start time is 7pm ET, indicating that they may tape other matches before the show.

In a video package, it was revealed that Cody Rhodes will not compete at Battle Of The Belts due to “medical protocol” and that his brother Dustin Rhodes will take his place. Dustin and Sammy Guevara will compete to determine an interim TNT Champion

*  AEW Women’s World Championship: Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. (c) vs. Riho

*  AEW TNT Interim Championship: Dustin Rhodes vs. Sammy Guevara

* FTW Championship: Ricky Starks (c) vs. Matt Sydal 

Cody Rhodes confirmed that he tested positive for Covid-19.

Cody provided an update for both he and Brandi Rhodes, his wife. In it, he mentions how multiple family members have tested positive and are quarantining with them.

“I appreciate everybody reaching out. Brandi and I are in isolation with family that have unfortunately tested positive for Covid. It’s been a scary time dealing with such a strong virus and the complications that can come with it. We are doing all we can to nurse and protect the family during this time. I will remain in quarantine as long as needed.

“Everyday is more encouraging,” Cody Rhodes continued. “Thank you immensely for your support and respect for our privacy. Thank you to AEW for understanding and allowing me to be where I am needed today, and for still allowing the TNT Title to be represented. I look forward to being back soon. All the love in the world!”

Rhodes also posted a pro-vaccine message to his Instagram Stories on Thursday morning, possibly when he first discovered the positive test results. At the time, he wrote “Please get vaccinated – if not for yourself, for the young kids/babies who can’t defend themselves as easily from Covid.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW Shares Photos Of Cody Rhodes’ Back After Flaming Table Spot

The American Nightmare took more of the terrifying bump than he intended.

Cody Rhodes and Andrade El Idolo attempted to settle their differences once and for all on Dynamite this week. The two competed in what wound up being a pretty brutal Atlanta Street Fight in Wednesday night’s main event. The match included Rhodes being whacked over the head with a laptop, and even an appearance from rapper T-Pain.

The match also included the on-screen return of Brandi Rhodes. Brandi popped up wearing a hoodie and a mask, pulling the latter down to reveal her face before dousing a table in kerosene and setting it alight. Cody was already preparing to put El Idolo through the table as the two of them were precariously perched atop the turnbuckle.

Cody proceeded to go ahead with his plan, hoping to further hurt El Idolo now the table was engulfed in flames. While the daredevil manoeuver won Cody the match, he was the one who appeared to take the must damage from the fire and the table. The American Nightmare opted for a reverse DDT through the table which meant it was his own back that took the brunt of the burning bump.

Rhodes took a few seconds to move past the shock of getting burned before gathering himself and going for the cover. Even then, flames were still visible on Cody’s arm and leg as the announcers correctedly yelled that he was still on fire. Photos of Cody’s back have been shared via the AEW Twitter account since the show went off the air, and as you can see for yourself above, it does not look good.

Cody’s back is incredibly red, and while some of that damage will have been done before the flaming table spot, getting burned definitely wouldn’t have helped. There are red marks all over his back and neck and some black material that seems to be stuck to Cody’s back. Possibly burned or even melted parts of the tabletop that will have since been removed from his skin. Painful stuff.

Source: TheSportster

Cody Rhodes Announces Birth Of His And Brandi’s Daughter

Just days after AEW’s Jon Moxley and Renee Paquette became parents, fellow AEW stars Cody and Brandi Rhodes have followed suit. The two time AEW TNT Champion announced on Instagram that he and Brandi’s daughter, Liberty Iris Runnels, was born this morning.

“6 lbs, 12 OZ’s. Liberty Iris Runnels,” Rhodes said. “Mother & Daughter are doing wonderful.”

Cody and Brandi announced Brandi’s pregnancy on the December 16, 2020 episode of AEW Dynamite; they would similarly reveal the gender of the baby on Dynamite in February. In an appearance on Oral Sessions with Renee Paquette that same month, Brandi noted it had been a difficult pregnancy for her due to a condition called PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).

Brandi has not appeared on AEW programming since judging a walk off between Peter Avalon and Lee Johnson on AEW Dark. She has been at AEW tapings however, appearing regularly on Sammy Guevara’s vlog during her pregnancy, and having a baby shower with the AEW Women’s roster during Double or Nothing weekend.

Cody meanwhile has kept busy in ring, feuding with QT Marshall’s Factory stable and defeating Anthony Ogogo at Double or Nothing. He is scheduled to face Marshall on the July 7 episode of Dynamite in a Miami Strap Match. Thus far, the bout is the only scheduled match for AEW’s first show outside of Jacksonville since March of 2020.

Source: Wrestling Inc.