With AEW in full talent acquisition mode, Cody appeared on this week’s Jim Ross Report to discuss recent AEW signings.
While the star power of Cody, The Young Bucks, and Chris Jericho is certain to draw eyes to AEW, Cody says the company’s approach to finding talent is different than you might think.
“We’re looking for fresh, more than perhaps the equity garnered individual who’s popped around on various television shows already,” said Cody.
“We’re looking for someone who hasn’t been seen,” he continued. “That’s kind of the directive.”
Cody acknowledges the name value AEW already has on the roster but says he’s looking to mix in fresh faces with the already established pillars of the company.
“Of course there are folks like Chris Jericho, an absolute star, wrestling’s frigging rock star who’s done it all and seen it all, but I want to have the juxtaposition,” Cody says.
“Somebody on that level, with somebody who maybe our audience is seeing for the very first time ever.”
“I don’t want to say the next generation, it’s more this generation,” says Cody. “The disruptive, independent brands that you’re seeing pop up all around.”
Social Media’s Importance To AEW
Cody and The Young Bucks have built a loyal following on social media, which has allowed them to become that type of independent brand that Cody references.
Cody acknowledges the importance of social media to AEW, and also to the talent that they are looking to add.
“In this era of the disruptor, the independent brand, social media is massive,” Cody said.
“That’s the big thing I’m looking at. If you’re looking at somebody that you potentially want to sign, how do they do their social media? Do they mobilize their fans regularly? Do they reward their fans regularly?”
Social media can be a double-edged sword, of course, and Cody says that he has that in mind as well when scouting talent’s online presence.
“Are they not, like, a nutcase on Twitter, on Instagram, on YouTube? Because you don’t want that either,” says Cody.
Check out Cody’s complete discussion with JR below.
.?@CodyRhodes? most revealing convo to date re: ?@AEWrestling? and ?@StarrcastEvents? !
?@MadisonRayne? ..wife, mom, Wrestler at ?@ringofhonor? #SlobberKnockerAudio awaits…?
https://t.co/B7jzdwOV90— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) February 7, 2019
When referencing this transcript, please credit SEScoops.com. This transcript has been edited for clarity.Â
What do you think of the recent AEW signings?Â
