Former AEW EVP Cody Rhodes has deleted an Instagram Story where he teases that he might be retired from pro wrestling.
Rhodes leaving All Elite Wrestling has been the biggest story of the past week; with the shock of a top-level member of the AEW management team deciding not to renew their contract.
Cody Rhodes posted an image on his Instagram of his child and pet dog with the caption “this is what RETIREMENT looks like.”
Although it is likely that Rhodes is just trolling fans, it is certainly not out of the realms of possibility for the former WWE Superstar to be hanging up the boots.
It is not currently known what Rhodes’ next step will be. The prevailing thought is that he will be making the move to WWE.
There are a number of backstage personnel in WWE who have been jumping for joy since the news of Cody leaving was revealed.
It was also claimed by Andrew Zarian on the We’re Live Pal podcast that it was WWE who wanted to get the story of Cody leaving before AEW themselves were able to issue an official statement. Which turned out to be successful.
Hopefully, we’ll find out more about Cody’s next career move in the coming weeks ahead of WrestleMania 38 in April.
AEW fans have been clamoring for new information regarding an upcoming console game and they might get it soon.
Back in Nov. 2020, it was revealed that AEW handed Yuke’s the keys to develop a console game. Yuke’s used to be the developers of the WWE 2K series before cutting ties with 2K Games.
Fast forward to 2022 and while we’ve had some details and gameplay footage emerge, things are still being kept under wraps with the game. Could we be in for some fresh info and an update on the roster?
More AEW Video Game News Soon?
Kenny Omega appeared on Wrestling Observer Radio and while he didn’t make any promises, he did say that the hope is that something can be shown off as soon as the AEW Revolution PPV, which is set for March 6 (h/t Wrestle Purists).
“I don’t wanna promise at the PPV or in that PPV week but we were hoping to possibly show a little more of where we’re at & little bit more progression, reveal possibly new characters”
Kenny did mention that the goal was for matches in the game to have a fast pace similar to what fans witness on TV every week.
“We want it to feel like how a match would flow but within a video game, so the matches will probably, in general, go a little bit quicker. But we want them to feel like the user is able to assume the role of their favorite AEW Superstar.”
SEScoops will keep you posted when any new info on the AEW console game surfaces.
Kenny Omega isn’t opposed to mixing it up with Jay White again, although the circumstances would be far different this time.
On night two of NJPW’s The New Beginning in Sapporo event back in 2018, Omega put the IWGP United States Championship on the line against White. Omega suffered an upset loss after he was hit with the Blade Runner and pinned.
Omega vs. White Again?
At the time of Jay White’s victory over Kenny Omega, fans weren’t entirely sold on “Switchblade.” It wasn’t until Jay began to develop his character more that he was truly embraced as a top player in NJPW.
Speaking to Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer, Omega expressed his belief that the immediate expectations for Jay may have been unfair (h/t Wrestle Purists).
“I really feel that he was sort of unfairly compared to me and or others when he was given this incredible responsibility of being a top guy when maybe it was really soon, too soon.”
Omega went on to say that he is quite impressed with how Jay was able to grow into his role and thinks another matchup with “Switchblade” is an exciting thought.
“He was able to transform his look, his character, his wrestling style to really be something unique and something that fits him. So I would love to have that rematch with Jay (White), but the current version of the new Jay.”
White has been appearing on AEW television the past couple of weeks. He’s fresh off a victory over Trent Beretta on the Feb. 18 episode of Rampage.
Omega has been out of action since losing the AEW World Heavyweight Championship to Hangman Page at Full Gear back in Nov. 2021. Kenny told Meltzer that the targeted February return time frame is likely off the table.
TNT Champion Sammy Guevara didn’t walk out of his title defense against Darby Allin unscathed.
Guevara and Darby had a highly-praised main event on the Feb. 16 episode of AEW Dynamite. Andrade interfered in the match and nailed Darby with an iPad. Sammy didn’t see what had transpired and hit the challenger with the GTH for the win.
Sammy Guevara’s Eye Injury
Sammy Guevara has taken to his Twitter account to reveal that his cornea got scratched during his battle with Darby.
“Finally able to open my eyes I suffered a scratched cornea on Wednesday. All respect to Darby, We came into this company with everything to prove & in 3 years we have shown that we not only belong but we are this place. Every time I’m on your TV I’ll give you a show, I promise.”
There’s no word on if the scratched cornea will force Sammy out of action for any period of time. At the very least, he’ll likely have to take it easy for the next few days.
After the match, Sammy was attacked by Andrade, who held up the TNT gold and celebrated with Matt Hardy to close out the show.
Fans are now left to wonder what happens next with the TNT Title picture. While Andrade seems to have signaled his desire for the gold, one can’t rule out Darby Allin remaining in the hunt after having his opportunity taken through nefarious means.
Kenny Omega spoke about Cody Rhodes’ departure from AEW on a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio. During the discussion, Omega noted that perhaps Cody’s idea of what AEW would be was different from Tony Khan’s and different from what Omega and the Young Bucks envisioned.
“When this thing (AEW) first started, the most passionate person of our revolution, the most passionate person of creating an ‘us vs. them’ mentality, that was Cody. It was strange for him to just choose to up and walk away,” Omega said. “However, that being said, feelings change. The environment around you is ever-changing.”
Omega continued to say that he thinks Cody had a different vision for AEW than Tony, Omega, and the Young Bucks did.
“Maybe, in the end, we had the Bucks and their vision, my vision, and Cody’s vision. All of our visions are different. I would say mine was more similar to what the Bucks had envisioned and Cody’s was much different,” Omega continued.
“When Cody had his way of going about things, I wasn't sure how to follow up with that, nor was I interested.
There was Kenny doing his thing, the Bucks doing their thing, and the Codyverse over there, doing whatever it is that he does”
Omega also said that he enjoys a good professional relationship with Cody. He’s not a guy he hangs out with on his off time, however. Omega also said that Cody was more prone to wanting to go to war with WWE, while the Young Bucks wanted to just present a different product.
“When Cody had his way of going about things, I wasn’t sure how to follow up with that, nor was I interested. There was Kenny doing his thing, the Bucks doing their thing, and the Codyverse over there, doing whatever it is that he does,” Omega continued.
Omega also mentioned that he heard Cody is on a flight to Saudi Arabia, perhaps to officially join WWE.
“I heard he’s (Cody Rhodes) on a flight to Saudi Arabia, if that makes him happy, that makes him happy. Again, the Bucks and I, we weren’t in this for the war. All the guys and gals in WWE doing their thing, always wishing for the best for those guys,” Omega continued.
“I heard he's (Cody Rhodes) on a flight to Saudi Arabia, if that makes him happy, that makes him happy.
Again, the Bucks and I, we weren't in this for the war. All the guys and gals in WWE doing their thing, always wishing for the best for those guys,"
Kenny Omega was a guest on Wrestling Observer Radio recently and gave an update on his various injuries and potential return to the ring. According to Omega, he had originally hoped to be able to return in February. He noted that he ran into trouble booking appointments for treatments, however, and this caused his return to be pushed back.
“I was hoping to be back by February. It’s not looking that way anymore,” Omega said. “That’s not to say there was a huge snag or something that is terribly wrong, it’s not that. It’s just, trying to get appointments and things fixed.”
Omega noted that he is dealing with a hernia as well as knee and neck issues. Some of his training has been impacted as well by not being able to use his legs as much for cardio.
“The training is going well, once I’m able to try to get the knees fixed, get the neck fixed, the hernia, & all that stuff,” he continued. “Hopefully I’m able to move around much better than I was before & I look like a guy who was doing what he was doing 10 years ago.”a
“The training is going well, once I’m able to try to get the knees fixed, get the neck fixed, the hernia, & all that stuff,
Hopefully I’m able to move around much better than I was before & I look like a guy who was doing what he was doing 10 years ago,”
He didn’t provide an updated timeline for his return, however. Omega hasn’t wrestled since dropping the AEW World Championship to Hangman Page at Full Gear back in November.
Rey Fenix suffered an arm injury earlier this year. He was expected to return to action this month but it appears fans will have to wait some more before seeing him back.
Dave Meltzer provided some update on the AEW star in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter. He claimed that the high-flying star is a month away from returning.
Fenix suffered the injury during the main event of the January 5 episode of Dynamite. The Lucha Brothers defended the AEW tag team championships against Jurassic Express on the show.
Not only did the Mexican stars lost the bout, but the former Lucha Underground star also suffered the gruesome-looking arm injury. His arm bent the wrong way while taking a chokeslam through a table.
Not for the feint of heart. ?
Probably the worst wrestling injury I’ve ever seen. Get well soon Rey Fenix ?
Rey Fenix thankfully did not break any bones. His arm was badly dislocated and initially, it was believed that he will be back in the ring by mid-February.
The latest report confirmed that the AEW star’s condition has improved and his arm is out of the sling. Though he is still expected to stay out of action until mid-March.
AAA is currently advertising Fenix & Penta El Zero Miedo vs. Dragon Lee and Dralistico for Saturday’s Rey de Reyes event but it’s likely to be changed into a singles match between Penta and Dralistico.
Asuka is one of the top female superstars of the current generation. Even AEW stars such as Tay Conti recognize this and have the desire to step in the ring with her.
The AEW star recently appeared on Highspots Virtual Gimmick Table. She discussed things such as wanting to win a championship in 2022 and more.
Speaking of people she would like to step in the ring with, Conti named Asuka alongside Serena Deeb as competitors she really wants to face:
“I really want to wrestle Asuka one day. She’s one of my favorites, I really want to wrestle her. But, if we can talk about AEW, I would say, I really wanna have Serena Deeb too.
Because she’s going crazy right now. Yeah, I wrestled her once,” said Tay Conti, “but I really need a rematch against her. So, I’m ready for it.”
The Brazilian star also talked about some of her matches which she is proud of. She mentioned how facing the current AEW women’s champion Britt Baker for the title was a special moment for her.
According to Conti, she was super nervous before this match which took place at the Full Gear PPV in 2021 and Baker was amazing to work with.
We are less than a week removed from the much-hyped AEW debut of Keith Lee, but Tony Khan is already hyping up another ‘massive’ announcement.
The AEW president teased it during his most recent appearance on Busted Open Radio. He was asked if there will be any big news coming out of Rampage tonight.
Replying to it, Khan claimed that he is working on something massive which would be a big deal in pro wrestling. Though he is not sure he will announce it tonight:
“There will be a lot of news in the week ahead. I don’t know if I’ll get it done by tonight but stay tuned in the week ahead. I’m working on something pretty big. It would be massive. I don’t know if it’s what anybody would expect it is or think it is but this would be a big deal in pro wrestling.
I’m looking forward to hopefully making it happen.” said Tony Khan, “Stay tuned. I hopefully will get it done and will have more to announce soon.”
There is no news on what this massive announcement could be. Rumors range from another big debut for the company to details on the Owen Hart cup tournament.
What do you think about Tony Khan teasing another massive announcement after Keith Lee’s debut? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
AEW has announced two big matches for their upcoming Revolution pay-per-view event including the main event of “Hangman” Adam Page defending his AEW World Title against Adam Cole.
Also booked for the show included Powerhouse Hobbs beating Dante Martin on Friday’s Rampage episode to earn a spot in the Face of the Revolution ladder match for a TNT Title shot and Thunder Rosa vs. AEW Women’s World Champion Britt Baker.
Cole, who is the top-ranked contender in the latest AEW rankings, confronted Hangman Page on the February 9 episode of AEW Dynamite then came face-to-face on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite.
Baker and Rosa faced off in an Unsanctioned Lights Out Match at St. Patrick’s Day Slam on March 11, 2021. Last Wednesday on Dynamite, Rosa defeated Mercedes Martinez
AEW Revolution Card
The AEW Revolution pay-per-view event will take place on Saturday, March 6, 2022 from Orlando, Florida.
AEW World Heavyweight champion “Hangman” Adam Page vs. Adam Cole
AEW Women’s Champion Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa
Dog collar match: CM Punk vs. MJF
Face of the Revolution ladder match for a TNT Title shot: Keith Lee vs. Wardlow vs. Powerhouse Hobbs, vs. TBA vs. TBA vs. TBA
AEW World Tag Team Champions Jurassic Express vs. TBD vs. TBD
Tony Khan was on Busted Open Radio today ahead of tonight’s episode of Rampage. During the discussion, he noted that he believes Cody Rhodes has something else in the works that led him to depart AEW.
“I wish them both really well and I appreciate everything they did here in their different roles in the company,” Khan said on the show. “It’s very sad and not something any of us wanted to happen, I think, but I believe that Cody’s got something else in the works, I’m not sure about that, but we’ll see. I’m sure they’re going to have great opportunities in wrestling and in life. You never know what’s going to happen in the future. I wish them the best and am very appreciative of everything they did here.”
Khan also said that he’s working on something big that will likely make headlines starting next week. He noted that it’s not something anyone will expect but it will be a big deal. The deal isn’t quite finalized, however, whatever it may be.
“There will be a lot of news in the week of ahead. I don’t know if I’ll get it done by tonight, but stay tuned in the week ahead, hopefully. I’m working on something pretty big. It would be massive. I don’t know if it’s what anybody would expect or think it is, but it would be a big deal in pro wrestling. I’m looking forward to hopefully making it happen. Stay tuned. I will hopefully get it done and have more to announce soon,” said Khan.
Cody Rhodes leaving AEW and returning to WWE is reportedly not yet a done deal. According to a report from Fightful, Rhodes has yet to sign with WWE and could still potentially return to the company. It is still expected that he will sign with WWE, however.
It was also noted that the 2nd season of “Rhodes to the Top” on TNT has not been cancelled. Filming for the season has already begun. Rhodes is also a judge on TBS’ “Go Big Show” as well.
Rhodes’ pending departure from AEW was also addressed recently in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Dave Meltzer noted that people close to the situation believe that Rhodes was given a big offer by WWE to return to the company. It is also believed that Tony Khan did have the option to renew Rhodes’ contract for 2 more years as part of the 3-year deal they signed in 2019. It is not clear why Khan neglected to do so, however.
“Some close to the situation believed he got such a big offer from WWE after becoming a free agent that he couldn’t turn it down. But there is still the unanswered question of why his contract wasn’t rolled over because legally Khan did have control to prevent this from happening,” Meltzer wrote.
“Both Khan and the Rhodes family had agreed not to comment on the reasons for the split,” he continued.
Some close to the situation believed Cody Rhodes got such a big offer from WWE after becoming a free agent that he couldn’t turn it down.
Wrestling legend Dustin Rhodes has seen it all since his debut in 1988. On Thursday, he went on social media and vented about “too many egos” and “too much bullsh-t.”
It’s unclear exactly what he is referencing, but the timing is curious in light of his brother Cody’s shocking departure from All Elite Wrestling.
Rhodes warned about the need to keep your ego in check and focus on lifting other people up.
“Too many egos and too much bullshit,” said Rhodes. “Work hard, keep your nose out of trouble, lift other up instead of treating them as they’re below you. Do these things and succeed at anything. I’ll beat ego every time.”
Too many egos and too much bullshit. Work hard, keep your nose out of trouble, lift other up instead of treating them as they're below you. Do these things and succeed at anything. I'll beat ego every time. #KeepSteppin#ImStillHerepic.twitter.com/fTipXdhdIh
Fans immediately began wondering if he was referencing backstage politics that may have been a factor in Cody’s decision to leave AEW. However, Dustin quickly set the record straight and let everybody know he couldn’t be happier working for Tony Khan.
Just a few minutes after the first tweet, Dustin Rhodes followed up with another tweet encouraging people to get on board with AEW. “We are ever growing and making big moves.”
Join the @AEW train kids. We are ever growing and making big moves. Plus, you get to see me as well as so many up and coming superstars that are coming in to their own. Everything is a process. Let me here ya- #ImWithAEW
“The Natural” has been with AEW since the company’s first pay-per-view event, Double or Nothing in 2019. His all-time record in AEW is 32-14. He’s 0-1 so far this year.
Cody Rhodes recently responded to a fan on Twitter and encouraged them to keep watching AEW. Rhodes has also re-branded his Twitter account back to “Cody Rhodes” after it had been “AEW Community Outreach” for some time.
The fan has since made their account private but they suggested they were not interested in watching AEW anymore now that Rhodes has left.
“I’d encourage you to still watch it – I was very lucky that my hard work led me to be that face, but I wasn’t alone Nick/Matt/Kenny/Chicken/Jericho/MJF/Hang were as well, and all the new girls and guys putting in a shift now as well Wrestling is thriving,” Rhodes Tweeted in response.
I’d encourage you to still watch it – I was very lucky that my hard work led me to be that face, but I wasn’t alone
Nick/Matt/Kenny/Chicken/Jericho/MJF/Hang were as well, and all the new girls and guys putting in a shift now as well
Rhodes’ departure from AEW was reported to have been due to concerns over his loss of booking power in the promotion. Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated had the following to say regarding the reasons why Rhodes did not re-sign with AEW.
“While Rhodes was never intended to overstay his welcome in the world title picture, one key factor that led to this exit was losing all responsibilities involving booking. That is a role where (Tony) Khan, who is the head of creative, has taken full rein. Originally, Rhodes was part of that process. As great as Dusty Rhodes was as a performer, his contributions as a booker are an integral part of his legacy. For Rhodes, AEW represented another chance to pay homage to his father as a booker while also further cementing his own legacy. Losing that opportunity in AEW hurt Rhodes more than any loss he suffered in the ring,” Barrasso wrote.
Jake Atlas has provided an update following the injury he suffered in a match against Adam Cole on January 5th. Although Atlas had originally hoped the injury was not severe, it turns out he suffered a torn ACL that required surgery.
“hi everyone! quick update :) My injury from my match with Adam Cole is, unfortunately, a torn ACL. I’m in good spirits, though. AEW has been extremely supportive throughout & surgery yesterday was a success. I’m disappointed that this occurred so soon after my return to wrestling & joining AEW, BUT I’m not going anywhere. I’m not quitting. I worked diligently with prehab before surgery & I look forward to getting straight to work on rehab now post-surgery so that I can get back in the ring as soon as possible & do what I do best.”
Typical recovery time for athletes to return to action after surgery for a torn ACL is 9 months or between 8 and 12 months.
The injury occurred in Atlas’ second match with the promotion. He debuted on AEW Dark: Elevation in a match taped on December 28th, 2021. Atlas defeated Serpentico on that show. He was released from his WWE contract last summer on August 6th, 2021.
Former WWE Superstar Buddy Matthews (Buddy Murphy) looks to be the next free agent to become All Elite.
AEW has lost Cody Rhodes but the company is seemingly set on adding some more talent. We’ve seen the likes of Jay White cross over from other promotions. We’ve also seen free agents such as Keith Lee put pen to paper for a full-time role with AEW. Now, the company is reportedly seeking to add another player to the mix.
Fightful is reporting that AEW has a “working plan” in place to welcome Buddy Matthews. Not much else is known about what that plan would entail and whether or not Buddy would work full-time for the company.
This is speculation, but Murphy has been rumored to be part of AEW’s House of Black faction with Malakai Black and Brody King.
It’s an interesting turnaround from the last report on Matthews potentially going to AEW. Back in Sept. 2021, Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer reported that AEW passed on signing Matthews for undisclosed reasons. It seems the timing is finally right.
Back in June 2021, Matthews was released by WWE due to budget cuts. He had performed under the WWE banner as “Buddy Murphy.” During his time with the promotion, he became a former WWE Cruiserweight Champion as well as a former Raw Tag Team Champion with Seth Rollins, and a former NXT Tag Team Champion with Wesley Blake.
Matthews has been seen on both NJPW Strong and MLW since his WWE departure. He’s also worked some indie shows.
Chris Jericho casually revealed on Talk is Jericho that both Vince McMahon and Tony Khan asked him to not be part of the G1 Supercard Show from Madison Square Garden in 2019. The event was held on April 6th that year.
At the time, Jericho had already announced he had signed with AEW. The company had yet to produce its first show, however. According to Jericho, he was originally to face Hiroshi Tanahashi on the G1 Supercard.
“I was actually going to go against Tanahashi,” Jericho said while speaking to guest, Brody King. “And then both Tony Khan and Vince McMahon asked me not to do it. That’s a whole other story, we could do a whole podcast just on that. But I didn’t do the show.”
The show was headlined by Kazuchika Okada defeating Jay White for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. AEW would present its first show, the Double or Nothing PPV the following month on May 25th, 2019. Jericho would defeat Kenny Omega in the main event that night. He would go on to defeat Adam “Hangman” Page at All Out on August 31st, 2019 to become the inaugural AEW World Champion.
Am I the only one who noticed that Chris Jericho has slimmed down and looks like he’s in better shape?
Nyla Rose and Red Velvet have responded to recent reports that Brandi Rhodes was disliked backstage in AEW. A quote from PW Torch’s Wade Keller has been gaining traction online and both wrestlers responded to refute it.
“It sounds mean but nobody has anything nice to say about Brandi Rhodes and her disposition or popularity behind the scenes,” Wade Keller was quoted as saying by @WrestlePurists.
Red Velvet then spoke up and said that the report is incorrect as she has nice things to say about Brandi.
“Me and i think it’s very disrespectful and rude how you guys can make comments and have people believe things that are not true! Back off and just be happy for people in their new endeavors. Good day!”
Me and i think it’s very disrespectful and rude how you guys can make comments and have people believe things that are not true! Back off and just be happy for people in their new endeavors. Good day!
Vickie Guerrero responded to Red Velvet’s Tweet as well. She noted that Brandi carries herself with integrity and the two have been friends for a decade.
“This is disappointing, a story breaks and the media knows all the facts! I can vouch for @TheBrandiRhodes she is professional & my friend over 10 yrs…she carries herself with integrity on and off the camera”
Nyla Rose was less polite in her response and did not wish anyone a good day.
“This is just flat out some bullsh*t. Brandi was liked by many people backstage including myself. Is she a polarizing character, for sure… but don’t work yourself into a shoot. You want a hot scoop from the source, well here it is. Stop making sh*t up”
This is just flat out some bullshit. Brandi was liked by many people backstage including myself. Is she a polarizing character, for sure… but don’t work yourself into a shoot. You want a hot scoop from the source, well here it is. Stop making shit up
Red Velvet continued to support Brandi in the thread.
“I think you have a lot to say, about someone Im sure you never even got to know personally! @TheBrandiRhodes is very professional and private. Just because she’s not out there involved in everyones drama doesn’t make her unpopular backstage. She as Cody had a big hand in helping.”
I think you have a lot to say, about someone Im sure you never even got to know personally! @TheBrandiRhodes is very professional and private. Just because she’s not out there involved in everyones drama doesn’t make her unpopular backstage. She as Cody had a big hand in helping
Leva Bates also disputed that Brandi was disliked backstage.
I find this & a lot of ‘news’ incredibly disappointing. This is huge happening on all sides & the internet trolling adding more stress to the situation. I personally worked side by side with Brandi since the beginning. She’s a strong & work focus woman, but also kind & very funny
Miro appeared on the Kurt Angle Show recently and noted the differences between WWE and AEW in terms of the creative process. The 37-year-old said wrestlers in AEW write their own promos based on guidance from Tony Khan. There are no writers and it is up to the performer to determine what they say.
“Big differences, first, the creative,” Miro said regarding AEW and WWE. “There’s no writers, we just have Tony that writes certain things. But on a day-to-day basis, you’re pretty much in charge of your own writing. If you have a promo, yeah, Tony may have a suggestion, but usually, it’s going to be on you and what do you want to say.”
Miro continued to talk about the differences between AEW and WWE in terms of the matches. While AEW does have producers for matches, they are not quite as hands-on in AEW as they are in WWE.
“The matches, yeah, we have producers, or agents, or coaches as we call them, but they’re not going to be on every match and they’re not as hands-on as WWE is. They’re not going to tell you ‘Oh, they dived in the last match so you can’t do dives before that,’ the control level, it’s all about peer-to-peer. There’s not going to be a middle man, there’s not going to be a man on top that tells you what you can and can’t do.”
Finally, Miro spoke about the differences between Tony Khan and Vince McMahon in terms of the direction given to performers. He noted that Vince is more hands-on and restricts his performers in more ways than what takes place in AEW.
“I had times where Vince tells me ‘Don’t smile, don’t look at the people, don’t raise your hand, don’t do this.’ Tony Khan is not going to do this, he’s a big wrestling fan and he wants to see good wrestling matches. The styles, you can tell the style is much different,” he continued.
Kurt and Paul are joined by special guest, AEW star, “The Redeemer” Miro! Topics include training under Gangrel and Rikishi, Rikishi ribbing Kurt, working in FCW, Miro's broken neck, Lana, WrestleMania 31, US Title win, TNT Title win, and much more! pic.twitter.com/TM6EqSLTsb
Miro hasn’t wrestled a match in AEW since Full Gear back in November. He lost to Bryan Danielson in the finals of the title-eliminator tournament on that show. The latest reports are that he is healthy and waiting to be factored back into things creatively. Dynamite tonight will emanate from Miro’s home city of Nashville, Tennessee.
Cody Rhodes is gone from AEW. This is a blockbuster story with a lot to unpack. For those questioning if this is an angle, it’s not. This is a legitimate situation and not part of a storyline.
Cody’s AEW contract expired approximately six weeks ago, as first reported by Sean Ross Sapp. Cody has been working as a free agent since then, with negotiations ongoing.
Just two months ago, Cody tweeted, “I’m thankful to the fans that cheer and boo me because both are getting ready to go on a ride that’s just bizarre and not the path that you think. We’re not doing what’s been done before.” Little did we know at the time just how bizarre things would get.
During the early days of AEW, Cody, Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks were all involved with planning longterm storylines and feuds. SEScoops has learned learned that Tony Khan assuming total control over the creative process was a big factor in Cody leaving AEW.
Of course, this is the wrestling business and these things always come down to dollars and centers. Cody Rhodes was asking for big money. How big? AEW refused to pay his asking price and allowed an Executive Vice President to walk out the door.
The talks fell apart on Monday when it became clear Cody and Brandi would not be returning. Cody’s pending departure from AEW was a hot topic of conversation behind the scenes at Monday’s Raw.
Is Cody Rhodes Returning to WWE?
WWE is said to be “very interested” in bringing Cody. They know the type of buzz Cody Rhodes returning would generate. The company is also keenly aware of the public perception that talent is discouraged and morale is low.
AEW has signed a lot of former WWE and NXT talent, which has reinforced these optics. Cody Rhodes would be the first AEW original to jump ship and we could see him thrown into a top WrestleMania program at any moment.
WWE has the cash to get this deal done, no matter what Cody is asking for. The general feeling within the industry is that Cody returning to WWE is inevitable.
Despite the reports of tension amongst AEW’s EVP’s, Cody Rhodes was very well-liked behind the scenes in AEW. As one of the co-founders of AEW, he’s been a mentor to young talent. Many AEW stars have been expressing their gratitude towards Cody on social media since this story broke.
Cody’s lost his last match against Sammy Guevara at Beach Break on Jan. 26. The company teased a feud between Brandi and former UFC star Paige VanZant at AEW Dynamite on Feb. 2. It’s unclear what the company had planned for Brandi and Van Zant. However after failed contract negotiations, both Cody and Brandi decided to test free agency.
Now that both his brother and sister in law aren’t with AEW, fans have started to wonder if Dustin would leave the company. However, he shared on Twitter that he is still with his employer and doesn’t plan on leaving.
I love my brother #CodyRhodes. I love my sister in law @TheBrandiRhodes . Whatever they decide to do in life, I support 110%. I am sad that they are gone, but the fucking train keeps moving. ???#LFG
Before joining AEW, Dustin felt that he lost his passion for wrestling with WWE. Under the persona Goldust, he has wrestled for and left WWE on different occasions over the years. His his last stint with the company lasted for six years. After feeling underutilzed with his former employers, he requested his release. While not immediate, WWE granted Dustin’s release on Apr. 21, 2019.
In an interview with AEW Unrestricted on Apr. 23, 2020, Dustin shared why he lost his passion for wrestling in WWE.
“When you’re sitting at home for a couple of months with another company who doesn’t value you at all, and you’re sitting there knowing you have so much more to offer. You kind of lose your passion, and for the first time in my 31 years, I lost my passion for the wrestling business,” said Dustin(h/t Anutosh Bajpai).
‘The Natural’ Dustin Rhodes
He also discussed the moment he decided to ask for his release in the interview.
“They just will not give me the time of day, and I had enough.” said Rhodes,” I said enough was enough, and for the first time, I kind of stood up for myself in a big way and said, ‘I am quitting. I am asking you for my release. I am done. I’m not happy here anymore, said Dustin(h/t Anutosh Bajpai).
Dustin signed a multi-year contract with AEW on Aug. 30, 2019. While he has no interest in leaving, it’s unclear if AEW will renew his contact when it’s up.
Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes have made their exit from AEW but there seems to be no bitterness.
It had been known that Cody’s contract with AEW expired and he hadn’t re-signed despite holding the TNT Championship. Many thought it was a work but when he lost the title to Sammy Guevara, he cut a backstage promo confirming the reports.
Just minutes after a report from ESPN’s Mike Coppinger claiming that Cody was done with AEW, it was confirmed by “The American Nightmare” and the promotion.
Happy Trails
Cody Rhodes issued a statement on his departure from AEW. Here is part of it:
“I have loved my time at AEW. Amazing locker room. Amazing fans. Amazing people. The ‘revolution’ was indeed televised, and I’ve been incredibly lucky to be part of that.
“First, I want to thank Tony Khan. He’s taken the baton and run with it, and it was an honor to work for him and to know him on a personal level. He’s a beautiful soul.
“Obviously need to thank my incredible wife and the mother of my baby girl, Brandi, for all of her love and support throughout this journey together and the amazing relationships she fostered with Kulture City and the American Heart Association.
“I also need to thank Nick and Matt Jackson (these two, whether they know it or not, took an undesired and not confident lil’ cub and gifted me the confidence to become a leader of the pack), Kenneth Omega, Chris Jericho, Chicken…we started the fire. I must thank Tim W/Keith M/Greg W and the amazing production crew who understood and captured the vision with such grace.”
Brandi Rhodes also commented on making her exit from AEW.
“A heartfelt thank you to every fan that has supported me in AEW. It was an honor to be the company’s first Chief Brand Officer. The thank you list is long so I’ll try not to wander.
“Thank you to Kulture City, Special Olympics Illinois and the American Heart Association for allowing me to cultivate these amazing partnerships. Thank you to every AEW Heel that helped me build a dream community of female fans.
“Thank you to every AEW wrestler and talent that worked hard to create a great locker room environment. Thank you to the production team, make-up team, and seamstresses. Thank you, Dustin, QT, Jerry Lynn and Leva Bates, for every ounce of energy, help and encouragement you provided.
“Thank you to my husband for being that constant rock and partner every single day. Thank you to TNT, TBS and WarnerMedia for treating my family like your family. Thank you to Tony Khan for giving me this opportunity and platform. I move forward with my daughter and this quote in mind.
“‘We must take time to define our own path. Too quickly we can find the world defining it for us’ – Unknown
“Also…
‘I’ll see you on the flippity flop’ – Michael Scott.”
For those wondering about the status of Dustin Rhodes, he’ll be sticking around. He took to social media to say the following:
AEW has been dealt a massive blow as Cody Rhodes has decided to leave the company along with his wife Brandi.
Reports had swirled regarding Cody’s contract status with AEW. The promotion and Cody didn’t try to hide it either. Following his TNT Title loss against Sammy Guevara at the Beach Break edition of Dynamite, Cody gave a passionate backstage promo where he confirmed he was working without a contract.
Cody & Brandi Gone
Shortly after a report from Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter surfaced claiming that Cody’s AEW contract status was “up in the air,” Mike Coppinger of ESPN reported that Cody is indeed out of AEW.
Minutes after Coppinger’s report, both Cody Rhodes and AEW made the confirmation.
Here is a statement from AEW’s head honcho Tony Khan:
“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 while 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!”
The report from Coppinger noted that Cody does not have a non-compete clause. This means, he’s free to show up anywhere he pleases.
Speculation has run rampant for months on what Cody will do next. Many expect him to make his way back to WWE but time will tell if that’s what he plans to do.
Nick Wayne is All Elite. The 16-year-old son of the late Buddy Wayne received a contract offer from AEW during a recent Defy live event in Seattle. Wayne lost to Christopher Daniels in the night’s main event. Following the match, Darby Allin came out to offer Wayne an AEW contract.
Nick Wayne was recently prevented from appearing on The WRLD On GCW show after the athletic commission discovered his age.
“Due to circumstances that neither I nor GCW had control of, I was unfortunately not able to perform tonight at The Wrld on GCW at Hammerstein Ballroom. We still live to perform another day, Love y’all ?? Tonight was history making,” Wayne wrote on Twitter about missing the show.
Joey Janela Tweeted about this after the fact.
“This is 100% not a work, I walked up to nick & his mother before & told him I’d give him whatever he wanted. I told him to tell me what he wanted, he wants @WillOspreay we will make it happen. Nick is one of my favorites of all time! And I’m gonna look out for him @WillOspreay”
Due to circumstances that neither I nor GCW had control of, I was unfortunately not able to perform tonight at The Wrld on GCW at Hammerstein Ballroom. We still live to perform another day, Love y’all ?? Tonight was history making.
WWE keeps posting record profits but on the other hand, they also underpay their wrestlers. Things are even worse for developmental talents who are barely paid a living wage as they put their bodies on the line to try and make a name for themselves. Miro, who was once part of the developmental recently revealed how much he was paid.
The AEW star had an interview with WWE Hall Of Famer Kurt Angle on his podcast. He revealed that he was dealing with a torn ACL before signing with WWE. The former TNT champion explained that he didn’t have the money to fix it while he was wrestling in the independent circuit. His financial situation didn’t improve much after getting signed by the promotion:
“My ACL was completely torn, but my meniscus was flipped one on top of the other. It was really bad situation. It was a big mess, but we fixed it.” explained Miro, “Once again if it wasn’t for the opportunity to get into WWE [it wouldn’t have been fixed]. There’s no way I can get 10 or $20,000 to fix my ACL at home because I had no money. No health insurance clearly.
WWE at the time they were paying me $500 a week or $600 a week. So I’m already struggling there. I was making more money driving taxi and delivering food in California. And then they say ‘Hey, guys, we got to get insurance, which is $100 a month.’ [I went] ‘Holy smokes. How am I supposed to pull that money from now?”
Thankfully the former US champion managed to get signed by WWE with the injury. The company later helped him get the required treatment and rehab. You can check out the story of how God helped Miro in getting signed by WWE with an injury here.
If you use any quotes from the article please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription
