Referee on a wrestling ring
Referee on a wrestling ring Martin Martz/Unsplash

Cody Rhodes' departure from All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in early 2022 shocked the wrestling world. As one of AEW's founding executive vice presidents, Rhodes was widely seen as a pillar of the promotion. But after citing creative differences and unresolved backstage tensions, he walked away from the company he helped build.

Rhodes returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022, triggering a meteoric rise that saw him win two consecutive Royal Rumble matches and headline multiple pay-per-views. His move was not just a career shift but a turning point for both AEW and WWE.

AEW Fallout: Tensions Behind the Curtain

Rhodes' exit from AEW came amid growing friction behind the scenes. Although positioned as a top-tier talent and executive, Rhodes reportedly struggled with his dual role. He was seen less as a decision-maker and more as a performer whose creative vision often clashed with the direction of the company.

In a candid interview on The Bill Simmons Podcast, Rhodes admitted he felt 'disrespected' during the latter stages of his AEW tenure. 'Feeling disrespected at something I built... with my friends. That we built. Feeling disrespected there — I wouldn't stand for it', he said.

He also revealed a desire to evolve as a performer, which he believed AEW no longer supported. The final months saw his character suffer from inconsistent crowd reactions, further complicating his position within the brand.

Despite these tensions, Rhodes kept the specifics of his departure largely private. However, his actions suggested that the split was driven more by personal convictions than contractual disputes.

WWE's Strategic Win: Cody's Meteoric Comeback

Upon returning to WWE at WrestleMania 38, Rhodes received a thunderous ovation. His re-debut as 'The American Nightmare' marked the beginning of a carefully curated redemption arc. WWE capitalised on his AEW legacy, positioning him as a returning prodigal son ready to claim the championship his father never held.

Rhodes went on to win the 2023 and 2024 Royal Rumble matches, becoming the first back-to-back winner since Stone Cold Steve Austin. At WrestleMania 40, he defeated Roman Reigns to become the Undisputed WWE Champion. Although he briefly lost the title to John Cena at WrestleMania 41, he quickly re-entered the main event scene and is set for a rematch at SummerSlam 2025.

WWE has continued to feature Rhodes prominently on its programming, a stark contrast to his final months in AEW.

Legacy and Style: AEW Influence on WWE Booking

Cody Rhodes' time in AEW was not without influence. WWE has embraced longer-term storytelling arcs since his return, drawing comparisons to AEW's creative structure. Rhodes himself has acknowledged having significant input in his storylines, but also noting that being back in the WWE means he can rely on others.

'They're really great about it. When I say "they", I mean Triple H, Nick Khan and The Rock — they're very good about knowing that I've had an education in this and that I have my own opinions on what I should maybe be doing', Rhodes said in a WFAN interview.

'But honestly, coming back here, one of the greatest gifts in WWE has been being able to say, "You guys tell me". Tell me, because I've been too caught up doing all of this on my own. Tell me the play. That's what we say — the quarterback thing. I may be the quarterback of WWE, but you're telling me the play, and I have to trust you', he added.

Unlike in AEW, where fans began turning on his babyface character, WWE has maintained Rhodes as a top-tier face. Speculation of a heel turn has persisted, especially ahead of his SummerSlam bout with Cena, but WWE insiders have dismissed such rumours.

This strategic consistency highlights WWE's more disciplined creative direction, while still allowing Rhodes to shape his narrative — a balance he lacked in AEW.

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