Cody Rhodes has shockingly announced his departure from AEW and a new report suggests a WWE return is looking more likely!
Rhodes has been one of the cornerstones of All Elite Wrestling since its inception in 2019. The former WWE Intercontinental Champion along with The Young Bucks was behind the acclaimed All In show in 2018 that acted as a precursor to AEW, where he acted as an Executive Vice President.
In a stunning turn of events, AEW President Tony Khan issued a statement earlier today confirming that both Cody and his wife Brandi Rhodes will both be departing AEW:
“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 as well as 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!”
Now Dave Meltzer on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio has offered more insight into Cody Rhodes’ contract situation by confirming that he is still a free agent. Meltzer adds that Rhodes’ name has apparently come up in WWE conversations, with a shocking return to the company not off the table:
“He still has not signed and originally when he hadn’t signed, it just seemed like one of those things but you know here we are. We’re in mid-February, the contract was up at the end of December or maybe January 1st but yes a lot of talk about Cody Rhodes. It is probably best said that before I would have said there was a minimal possibility that he wasn’t gonna sign but I would not say that now.”
“I think there’s a lot of people who think it’s up in the air of what is going to happen next. So he’s a big name free agent right now.”
Meltzer also points out that Cody and Brandi Rhodes’ reality series that airs on TNT has been renewed for a second season so that might be a selling point to stay put with AEW:
“Rhodes To The Top was renewed for a second season so that’s a good reason to stay with the Warner Media family but at the same time, he’s not signed and in WWE they thought there was a chance – it was definitely something that was talked about today in certain circles of the potential of something happening there.”
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