Why Wrestlemania Star Cody Rhodes Left All Elite Wrestling to Return to WWE | The Rich Eisen Show

WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes joins Rich Eisen in-studio to reveal why he left All Elite Wrestling to return to the WWE.
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[@El_Lu-Shin]

Cody being 100% concentrated as a performer is excellent. No doubt he will bring the same excellence if he goes backstage someday in the future.

[@barricade1391]

The fact is Cody could not have built his name in WWE He had to leave to grow and present a version of himself that the wwe creative couldn’t envision because he’s not a body builder

[@JoeyplaysgamesLoL]

Dude he’s actually fucking massive still it’s just that he’s up against 6’5 monsters that roid like there’s no tomorrow

[@TheButTickler]

Cody is pretty freakin big right now, he definitely did all he could to beef up in his 9 months out after surgery

[@legendkillla21]

I respect Cody but many star have to leave to get better

[@bigbay1159]

I wouldn't say all that, the climate and the time just didn't mesh for something to grow organically in the company at that time. This is exactly like stars in WCW who were let go and then became mega starts in WWF (stone cold). Sometimes you do need to leave in order to grow. Hell Nash left WCW became deiesel and then went back to WCW as rogue member of WWF....literally multiple stars in the past have had to leave a promotion only to come back stronger or better than ever...that's part of the business bud.

[@neilsmith9066]

It’s been Great watching Cody grow up infront of our eyes. He’s gonna be around for a long long long time. Get The Big One!!!

[@EVILKIMMELSSP]

This! I remember thinking during his early WWE days "He is so young. He will be a master of this before he's 35 (prime wrestling years imo)."

[@mbelazizi5952]

​@@EVILKIMMELSSP turns out, you're right 👉

[@HulkHogan0811]

@@mbelazizi5952so what you want to talk about

[@rigsby1454]

Cody was always more a WWE wrestler. That's what he is and I'm glad he's gone back and become a success. AEW and WWE doing great at the moment, so worked out for all

[@y2james2803]

The original nightmare was a savage... Epic savage. But Cody deserves to bring this home for his family. Cody is the man to stop the reigns... It makes no sense to not have Cody be the new 1

[@y2james2803]

@@totallybored5526 NJPW/RoH nightmare era... The lethal match. I think both products are good and aew has the ability to overcome.

[@johnnyskinwalker4095]

Or rather a WCW wrestler.

[@theevilascotcompany9255]

Cody really has the appeal across all quadrants of wrestling fans. Kids and families like him, women like him, old-school wrestling fans like him and new-school fans like him.

[@1KQ_]

Crazy how that "other fanbase" despised him so much, glad he's getting love from the rest of us. Truly deserved

[@Serg_More]

He is a coward pos.

[@danielburger1775]

@@1KQ_ Can I join this thread, or is it wwebots only?

[@jleos0095]

@@danielburger1775 beep boop bee boop. 😂 you are welcome here. Beep boop.

[@hippotuskman7808]

No. Refused to progress and go heel.

[@jonpoon3896]

He wants the title while wanting to retire at 40. So it’s now or never. Always been a Cody fan no matter what company. His indie matches with Kurt Angle were some of his best. He’s gonna kill it at Wrestlemania

[@simplericksfreedomwafersel7342]

I think we can all agree when I say 🎶 *SOMETHING SOMETHING CODY RHODES*

[@stonebone316]

Cody is so well spoken. He carries himself like the star(dust😂😂) he is. He's the very definition of a superstar

[@mr.faithful49er]

Ah, I see what you did there! 😂

[@deepsoundworld]

deep down you can see AEW has a special part in his heart

[@truthrises5985]

Hopefully he Returns

[@MackCruz28]

​@@truthrises5985 WWE IS DOING CODY DIRTY YET AGAIN

[@HulkHogan0811]

@@MackCruz28hey Mack I miss wrestlemania 40 what happen ? Cause if what I’m hearing is true….

[@BennyRahul-rx6xg]

Cody Rhodes is the best babyface ever. Cody Rhodes got me back into wrestling, when he returned at mania last year.

[@drone331]

Shut up mark

[@marcbasil]

Lmao is this sarcasm?

[@4pftay]

Tell me you a casual without telling me you was a casual

[@daveisabeastly2024]

Ever? It’s your opinion doe so I won’t say anything

[@ktowniecity7269]

@@4pftay tell me you a mark without telling me you a mark

[@justinoverall2763]

Cody The Man of The People 🇺🇸☠️🏆🏆👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@deniskasperovich8251]

A lot of fights backstage in AEW after Cody left, I feel like he was a leader that held everything together

[@Biting_bullets25]

Ofc he was have u heard tony Kahn talk he can’t lead anything

[@TheWrestlinEra]

NGL it’s more than likely a work shoot as seen by AEW All Access they’ve mentioned already 3 of those incidents

[@ghosttown590]

Dude! I haven’t loved a wrestler this much since The Rock…still not to that level but Cody is amazing

[@LaLegaciaOfficial]

He is a sell out!! Talked all that crap and now he over there kissing butt. I have no respect for Jersey swappers.

[@baileyslife3469]

I love me some Cody he is such a genuine person

[@HistoricallyRomantic]

Cody the GOAT. I hope he wins and brings back the Winged Eagle title.

[@drone331]

Mark

[@bbryan009]

The winged title is definitely NOT coming back... Maybe some variation of it but the powers def want the WWE logo front and center

[@marcbasil]

Is this sarcasm or something …?

[@sethrollins2993]

man, raw after wrestlemania and cody with the new design of winged eagle belt... Hunter, make it possible please.🔥🔥🔥🙏

[@4pftay]

He not winning Sunday and I can care less about roman MJF better

[@christianknight7120]

Finish the story this Sunday !

[@NookTommy]

I hope Roman will finish him

[@danielburger1775]

What story?

[@chrismalinowski654]

His story. From undesirable to undeniable

[@forgottenson3411]

@@danielburger1775 He’s aiming to do what his father failed to do & that is to win the WWE championship for him.

[@danielburger1775]

@@forgottenson3411 His father was only ever a WWE guy during the polka dot era. Dusty was an NWA guy most of his career, and DID win the NWA Championship three times. Plus, how is that relevant to fans in 2023?

[@perceivedvelocity9914]

Cody is extremely professional. I don't think that he will ever really talk about why he left AEW. I strongly suspect that Cody was the only adult at AEW. Everyone else were children who only want to work with their friends.

[@rahamanawelenje9955]

Aew failing and lack of criticism is evident.

[@perceivedvelocity9914]

​@@rahamanawelenje9955 AEW has a lot of talented people working for them. What they lack IMO is strong leadership. The "booker of the year" cannot control his locker room. The WWE is successful because they do not let the inmates run the asylum.

[@thetribalthief6330]

that's what happens when the so-called boss is a fangirl and not an actual boss. look no longer than how CM Punk emasculated Tony Khan during the All Out scrum rant.

[@marcbasil]

He’s not professional, he’s political. He’s never been over & never will be over. He’s a master politician & people loved his dad

[@marcbasil]

@@perceivedvelocity9914WWF isn’t successful lol.

[@robtom619]

ADRENALINE IN MY SOUL

[@darbs3168]

Something something Cody Rhodes!

[@adamkrasneski3679]

"Oh my gosh its russel crowe!"

[@Jeff_Pryce]

WHOOOOOA!

[@anasshahid224]

So happy to see Cody Rhodes back home in WWE, he's been a real fresh change of pace for the WWE, so excited to see him compete against Roman Reigns at WM 39 for the Universal Championship, great interview Rich 👏👏👏

[@doni082]

I hope Cody is the one to start forbidden door between WWE and AEW. It's gonna be crazy if Cody shows up at Forbidden Door with the WWE Championship against MJF as AEW Champion.

[@IRenegadEEEEE]

Dreaming with that one

[@TheWrestlinEra]

Ain’t gonna happen with Vince alive

[@Rauf-rp7ln]

You honestly never know.. Cody has ties to both. Never know what all was entailed in his contract. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@Rauf-rp7ln]

​@Jeff Because WWE has never and will never see AEW as a threat. Unless Tony buys it that is... 🤣

[@Rauf-rp7ln]

​@@TheWrestlinEra Be kind of odd if the Khans bought WWE... If played right, it would go over very good.

[@Ahmed-og2jm]

This Rich guy asked good questions

[@MikeJay-on5tt]

WWE more known and it's family business to him also

[@HuongNguyen-mv9hr]

Cody rhodes was doing the right thing by deciding to leave aew and return to the wwe back at wrestlemania to make his wwe fan be more happy and surprise to see him and it was so awesome and wonderful to have the american nightmare back in wrestlemania too so i do love cody rhodes so much !! ❤🙂😉😍

[@dnllrnt]

A very diplomatic answer from Cody. In truth, he booked himself in a really rough spot. He was getting boo'ed more and more and didn't want to be the top heel in the company. Plus, the amount of talent they kept bringing it in, he wanted more money. But if you believe Cody's answer, good for you. He'll make a fantastic politician when he's done wrestling.

[@carlosinda3553]

He been a heel for a long time

[@jay5286]

💯

[@UFCWWE69]

Or maybe he just saw how much a drama filled shithole that place is 😂

[@dnllrnt]

​@@carlosinda3553 he toed the line. He never fully embraced it.

[@stu9856]

He would be the 1st Prez with a neck tattoo

[@mos_tekmusic7285]

I agree with him. He was too young for the position he was in at AEW. He's still so incredibly talented with so much more to offer professional wrestling from inside the ring.

[@TdScott342]

Cody booked himself out of AEW!!

[@robtom619]

out the curtains lights go out i’m hooomeee WHOOOOOOAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!

[@yusufgazi7]

WOAH OH! You're only Smoke and Mirrors!

[@avatin8616]

Can't wait this time 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 ❤❤❤❤❤

[@stingfrediy1012]

Cody great man he's such a politician 😂

[@jackflash8218]

One of the most soul-less, two-faced douchebags I've ever seen.

[@UnluckyGorilla]

“To be the one taking it home Sunday night” like damn at least let me think Roman Reigns MIGHT win

[@TheBrockLanders420]

😂😂😂

[@shaunfrantz4165]

Think he just meant the last match over the entire week, but yeah probably could have phrased it better.

[@unbreakableironman]

@@shaunfrantz4165 No he didn't. He said it.

[@shaunfrantz4165]

@@unbreakableironman think you don't quite understand wrestler speak but guess we'll find out Sunday.

[@TheCvl25]

About that…

[@thenotoriousmgs7300]

I’m Cody Rhodes and not a lot of people know this but.. dusty rhodes is my father. And I was promised a paycheck with a world title so I left aew

[@bensdiaz]

What is this show? Why not late night?

[@louquay]

Keen for his 4th TNT title run after the Fed booking!

[@apap1586]

Though he was in the WWF. For me Cody Rhodes belongs; and is the face of AEW . That's like sting leaving the WCW in the 80s &90s to go to WWF which was hulk Hogan's house. Just doesn't look right.

[@shaneoleary9919]

Aew awesome Cody will be champs

[@osvaldoluna2020]

Honestly, I think Cody saw what we are all seeing now at AEW and that's the lack of leadership by Tony and immaturity by some of the EVP's as well as the talent that think they know it all. Good for him now facing the Tribal Chief!!! 👆

[@johnnyskinwalker4095]

After you helped build a top competitor, all that remains is going to the biggest stage of them all. I mean it makes sense. He would not have gone back there if he had been just another wrestler, though. He had assurance that he would be a top star. I don't blame him.

[@jaredsimms9683]

I will say that Roman is the goat. He did it all. I really don't think him holding the belt for 1000 days will mean anything. The fact that he held the belt for this long already is an accomplishment. With how the bloodline is looking, its looking like they are being dismantled. Roman hardly showed up for this feud with Cody. The goat needs a break at this point. So he can come back to face The Rock next year.

[@cucch13]

Not a wrestling fan but something about Cody just makes me wanna pay attention.

[@lilroast]

Looks like a younger trump

[@Jeff_Pryce]

It’s called charisma. 😊

[@MatthewKonvict]

He wasn’t over. Idc about his fake answer. He got voted out because he wasn’t ever getting over there. I don’t like him a wrestler. Dusty top 10 all time his kid… using dusty as a crutch.

[@fsm2333]

Well, he left AEW cause it’s the XFL of wrestling

[@ps3Rambo21]

lmao

[@isaiahlasley4668]

JUCO

[@rustydusty489]

Them s words get him everytime

[@MrVante247]

Cody is the man.

[@donmeyers2631]

I love how cody dresses and carries himself. He brings some respect to this crazy business

[@TheGamingWarriors125]

Cody is gonna become the face of WWE.

[@rasj1020]

no way.

[@TheGamingWarriors125]

@@rasj1020 yes because his merch is selling. They already have the title belt made for him. Look it up. He's the new face, unless he turns heel then, heel . Either way he will be THE BRAND. WWE wants it that way to compete with AEW. Business smarts.

[@rasj1020]

@@TheGamingWarriors125interesting

[@FuckingRichie]

He will then he’ll leave again

[@ericbambergerphilly]

If it couldn’t be DLO Brown I’m glad it’s Cody

[@joelleginger599]

Why WWE sent him do more promotions for mania than Roman reigns ?

[@The_NYC_Dracula]

Because he’s winning

[@joelleginger599]

@@The_NYC_Dracula like this idea hope it’s true

[@MoanTheCelts]

Anyone think Dustin would come back?

[@derkwayne1833]

Defined by his performance and competition skills... AND A GUARANTEED PUSH😂😂😂

[@kardave2848]

Cody owes The Disco Inferno an apology.

[@ktowniecity7269]

why? Disco sucks

[@Dominic078]

@@ktowniecity7269hey

[@suranae]

Definitely was the underboss.

[@leeest3103]

He only went back to WWE not to win the championship at WM, and then get the jobber treatment to Brock Lesnar the next night, what a shame!!!

[@FilmThePoliceFTP]

At least he's mature enough to admit he wasn't ready for his job... now if only the bucks and omega can do the same

[@forever-kq6mf]

Don't pretend u'll dont know It's because of money And by no means it's a bad thing Money is the theoretically not everything but technically money is everything

[@skaterham23]

always going to be a fan, love his perspective.

[@sunnyyadav_1]

Same thing is happening to AEW and Cm Punk .

[@eddiewaters5445]

Jey uso smack down champ. Cody raw champ. That’s all we want triple h!

[@philmccracken7278]

One year removed, he made the right decision.

[@augiegonzalez1082]

Well said Cody...can't wait to see you in 3 days

[@LuisRdzG10]

I got a feeling WWE is so stupid that would make Roman retain the title, to keep him "strong" in the view, and lost the title until a 3-threat match or something

[@ricosuave7053]

In which case, what a complete waste of Roman's streak lol

[@JACQUEZ23]

Roman winning he the goat

[@Wiz-xm7mv]

He knew about vince and came back climb to the top

[@thesportsguy126]

He better win or i swear I'll stop watching. I havent been watching tv's lately just the PLEs. Theynneed something new.

[@user-wp9jc4cu5x]

Cody left AEW just to job out to Roman Reigns ...smh

[@Jeff_Pryce]

It sucks, but it’s some consolation that in a year at Wrestlemania 40, Cody will likely finish the story for real and dethrone Roman to win the titles.

[@kushalkaranjit]

next world champion cody rhodes

[@rockspectacle]

I was wondering if the tattoo would look better in a non wrestling context. It doesnt

[@bazookajoe6133]

If Cody becomes undisputed champion, I think it would bring fans that left back.

[@B86432]

AEW is way better overall company & entertainment wise

[@paulevans6066]

WWE is the NBA and AEW is the Euroleague

[@WillMayberry]

Money happened. That’s the bottom line. Cold hard cash

[@usa9066]

Aew is really hard hitting compared to wwe, aew isn't for the weak at heart for sure

[@Happenstance4201]

He left cause Khan refused to pay him the money he wanted. Had he, Cody would still be AEW. I still remember his comment in the ring last year about how he got offered a contract by Tony but not the size of contract he wanted. Cody left cause Khan wouldn't overpay him like WWE did so they could say they stole an AEW founder.

[@solsaadi5399]

Exactly

[@Happenstance4201]

@@solsaadi5399 Yep. And even then Tony had a 5th year option he could have enforced to keep Cody locked in for another year but refused to do so FOR Cody's sake. Cody left AEW cause Khan didn't really want him...at least not for Cody's asking price.

[@BigJeffrey85]

Hopefully his payoff is enough for tattoo removal surgery.

[@skill14]

He left because the owner of AEW has about as much intelligence as he has running the Jaguars

[@ryandavis4448]

If Cody doesnt win, im done with WWE. Theres no pure face of wrestling better than Cody.

[@fistsmartin5338]

Cody is always taking the high road. Good for him.

[@danielburger1775]

He worked with Joey Ryan, and took the dick flip...

[@annieann6347]

I'm praying he beats Roman 💓 🙏 it's time for a title change.

[@aarongreenawaltcarl7627]

He'll yeahhhh my favorite wrestler

[@mrgonzale0978]

Why he dosent say it was the money? Wwe offer him more. And he left AEW. That’s it.

[@AJKTSK]

And he is still not a WWE Champ smh. He deserves it so much

[@aaronvelez6588]

Aaron Cody Rhodes

[@joshuabrown5123]

Cody was smart to leave AEW...the promotion is a train wreck...I don't blame him for using AEW, and Tony's money, to reset himself AND to get the WWE to want him back...for a lot of money. Cody's booking in WWE right now is great...and he's doing his best work.

[@zeromagnum2811]

Exactly.

[@marcbasil]

AEW is doing pretty well actually

[@marcbasil]

Also, rhodes is so cringey, he’s a mid carder

[@stevenvasquez5995]

​@Marc Basil 😂 we found Tony's burner account everyone

[@4pftay]

You don't watch the show

[@George_Francis]

I mean, his name is Cody Roads

[@Wolversquall]

None of the answers for his leaving is vibing

[@christopherstoecker151]

Nice to see a guy admit when he's in over his head with a job he shouldn't have. Now if the other 3 EVPs in AEW & their scatterbrained owner admitted to themselves they're not qualified for the jobs they're doing the product they're putting out might actually improve

[@Matttaylor016]

WWE does it again. Pushing Cody Rhodes to the moon. He was booked so horrible in AEW. WWE jumped at the chance to sign him. They knew he was a cash cow. Moving more merch than anyone right now. Including the bloodline.

[@IronJoe1918]

He booked himself in AEW. Tony has made bad decisions, but Cody not being able to challenge for the title was not one of them. He is a main event-er. WWE proved that, had somebody stepped up and told him that was a stupid idea in AEW, he would have won the title easily, or we would have at least got Cody vs. Omega at some point.

[@Wolversquall]

He isn’t getting that title . I feel it be their way of snubbing him for aew

[@EyeSeeSports]

suit=heel

[@Blackwokman]

Roman will retains

[@myidentityisinjesus8880]

Omg he looks like a ken Doll😲

[@Dr.JeremyDunks]

Muh dad. Muh dad. Muh dad.

[@sldsnak4]

He still can’t answer that first question honestly.

[@thekasradamma9854]

This guy gave up the company that made him relevent again in order to chase a belt that he is never ever going to get is damn laughable to me. It's kind've embarassing to be honest.

[@Wampwamp12]

Cody ain’t ever going to be honest about what happened in AEW

[@enjoyitbro]

What happened?

[@forgottenmma3694]

Hope Cody… finshes…the story

[@jamesf791]

Wait you wanted the WWWF championship at 8 years old? Cody when you were 8 it was 1993. The funny thing is it changed from the WWWF to the WWF in 1979, which was 6 years before you were even born. But let's not have facts get in the way of a good bullshit story.

[@gwater8441]

CODY SHOULD OF STAYED IN ALL ELITE WRESTLING. HE HAS BEEN A FLOP SINCE GOING TO CRAPPY WWE

[@michaelvazquez7851]

Why did Cody Rhodes left AEW?

[@omenxiii9229]

Because he got problems with Tony Khan, his payment etc.

[@jeffhallii7907]

Now image omega being in this show 🤡

[@omartello8430]

He said my kids lol 😂..Damm that's a shot at the elite n bullet club..

[@daveisabeastly2024]

I thinks he’s talking about all the wrestlers he hired and brought in and mentored, i could be wrong doe

[@jericho4lie]

Why would he fire a shot at his friends? the friends he referenced right after winning the Royal Rumble?

[@grav4261]

​@@daveisabeastly2024 "Super proud of all my kids who were over there who I recruited and hired" 0:55 It could be his students from the Nightmare factory who showed up at AEW. A couple of days ago he talked to the Associated Press about how people referred The 4-Horsewomen, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn etc as "Dusty's Kids". So probably Cody calls his students as "Cody's Kids".

[@j-sin3344]

The fake contracts at the other pretend company isnt as good as the fake contract at a different pretend company.