Dave Meltzer has admitted he always expected Cody Rhodes to negotiate a new deal with AEW rather than jump to WWE.
In early 2022 it was reported that Cody Rhodes‘ contract with AEW had expired and he was technically a free agent. While this opened the door for him to move back to WWE, many expected him to re-sign with AEW given that he was also an Executive Vice President and not simply on-screen talent.
However, as more time passed the questions about Rhodes’ future only grew, and eventually, the American Nightmare announced that he and his wife Brandi were no longer All Elite.
A little over a month later, the star made a stunning return to WWE, walking out in front of 77,000 people at WrestleMania 38. Since defeating Seth Rollins in his comeback, Rhodes has become one of the biggest stars in WWE, although he’s yet to capture the World Championship.
Speaking during a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, Dave Meltzer recalled his reaction to the news and how the whole situation played out. Meltzer confirmed he spoke with Rhodes during this period and was told he was negotiating with AEW, although the longer it went without a deal being announced, he began to suspect he could be on the move.
“I think in some ways it was [shocking], I was a little surprised. But I mean, the one thing was when the renewal wasn’t done, because Tony had an option on Cody to renew the contract like he did with The Young Bucks and others. And when January 1 happened, and there wasn’t a renewal and he was out of contract. I mean, to me, that was very interesting. Even then, I didn’t think he was going to WWE.
I had contact with him, and he was always like, ‘we’re we are negotiating.’ And then, you know, all of a sudden, it was kind of like, weeks are going by, I mean, mostly assumption, we’re going to work it out. And then all of a sudden I wasn’t hearing that anymore. And that’s when it was like, you know, something happened, which obviously, Vince flew down to meet him is what happened. Then it became different. And he accepted the offer, and, the benefit of hindsight, man, what a great move that was for all concerned.
Not for AEW, but for Cody. Cody became a much bigger star than he would have been had he stayed. And WWE, I thought that, he would help them a decent amount. But it was way more than I thought. I mean, being the first guy to make that jump, and being a good talker really helped too. But you know, his right place at the right time and instinct and everything like that. I think he played it well for him, you know? If he’d stayed there, he’d been a midcard guy.”
Dave Meltzer Defends Controversial Star Rating System
During the same interview, Meltzer was asked about his ratings system in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, and how he justifies some of the greatest wrestlers of all time not having a famous “five-star match.”
The veteran journalist said there isn’t any real difference between four and three-quarter stars and five stars, hitting back at those who complain, suggesting they actually agree.
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