Cody Rhodes has discussed the stipulation where he cannot challenge for the AEW World Championship and revealed that he considers himself the ‘1A’ of AEW.
Rhodes fought Chris Jericho for the AEW World Title at Full Gear 2019. The stipulation was made in the run-up to the match that if Cody lost the match he would never be able to challenge for the title again. Rhodes ultimately lost the match when his cornerman, MJF threw in the towel with Cody trapped in the Walls of Jericho. MJF would turn on Cody after the match, cementing himself as one of the most hated men in the company.
Speaking to Carton & Roberts, Rhodes was asked about the stipulation and if it’s something he’s going to stick to in the future.
Cody answered:
“Ultimately, that decision will rest on Tony Khan. I’m going to stick to my word. It’s the easiest heel turn in the history of wrestling if I were to break my word. But I love that we are disciplined and conservative and we’re presenting wrestling backward from the big events to every little detail. I don’t want to sound braggadocious or egotistical, but my goal is to never need the World Championship. Yeah, it sucks watching Kenny Omega or Jon Moxley with the title when I consider myself the 1A of the group. But I gave my word.”
Cody Rhodes would become the inaugural TNT Champion in AEW, beating Lance Archer at Double Or Nothing in May 2020. Rhodes has had two reigns as champion, losing the title to both Brodie Lee and Darby Allin respectively.
Rhodes will be part of the ‘Face Of The Revolution’ ladder match at AEW Revolution. The winner of that 6-man match will earn a TNT Championship shot in the future.