This week’s episode of AEW Dynamite finally saw the in-ring debut of Malakai Black. Black took on Cody Rhodes after making a very impressive entrance. However, despite Black picking up the win, it was Cody Rhodes who got everybody talking after the bell.
The man whose vision became AEW took to the center of the ring and addressed the crowd. Doing so with a tear in his eye and a tremble in his voice.
“There is no better place than here. There is no better time than now, and I say this with absolutely zero bitterness in my heart. I thank you guys so incredibly much. I love you so incredibly much. You have made my life incredibly special.” Cody Rhodes was in tears as he placed the microphone on the floor and began to remove his boots.
The AEW commentary team made no short reference to the significance of the gesture, and it being the time-honoured way for a wrestler to retire.
However, before Cody Rhodes could remove his second boot, Malakai Black struck. Levelling Rhodes with a crutch shot across the back. The broadcast went off the air with Rhodes laid out in the middle of the ring and Black standing tall.
Have We Seen the Last of Cody Rhodes in an AEW Ring?
It remains to be seen if this is all part of a storyline, of how Cody is broken and ready for the end. To have his zest for wrestling re-ignited by Malakai, or if it is indeed, really the end of the Rhode road.
Wrestling is a sport built around emotion and storytelling. It is a sport where retirement is more often than not impermanent. Many have already drawn parallels to Ric Flair and his numerous retirement matches and celebrations. However, Cody Rhodes is a businessman. He has the taste for life backstage, and maybe, just maybe he wants to stop while his body is still working with him.
Enjoying his time as an EVP of AEW, running a business, the recent discovery of fatherhood. All of these things can put a new perspective on life. However unlikely it may seem; all eyes will surely be tuned in to Dynamite next week to see what Cody Rhodes has to say.
