With AEW Dynamite making the move to TBS in 2022, which put the status of All Elite Wrestling’s TNT Championship in question. Some fans have wondered if AEW will rename, or replace the coveted TNT title.

AEW EVP Cody Rhodes spoke with Connor Casey of Comic Book this week to promote this weekend’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view. When asked about the fate of AEW’s secondary belt, Cody confirmed that it isn’t going anywhere.

“I don’t want to drop any spoilers, but I mean, I’ll drop a spoiler,” Rhodes began the interview. “I don’t think we’re going to change the title’s name one bit. TNT is the place that the first alternative challenger brand in two decades appeared on.”

99% Sure About the TNT Title

Cody said their partner at WarnerMedia are excited about the current state of their relationship. He feels that AEW has established the TNT Championship as the second most important title in wrestling, if not the most important.

“I don’t see us changing that name, and I think that’s kind of across the board,” he continued. “I don’t think you’ll find anybody in management or Tony himself who wants to change that name. We’ll always roll with the punches and we’ll always pivot, but I’m 99% sure the TNT title stays the TNT title” Cody Rhodes would conclude.”

Miro is the reigning AEW TNT Champion. His first defense will be against Lance Archer this Sunday at AEW Double or Nothing.

There are several reports that have come out recently which are stating that things backstage in AEW have hit a significantly rough patch.

Wade Keller of PWTorch noted on a recent podcast that certain members of ‘The Elite’ are no longer on speaking terms.

“There’s gonna a book written someday by some of these EVP’s or someone else closely observing and we’re gonna learn about a lot of dysfunction,” Keller said. “We’re gonna learn what a very short honeymoon period there was between certain key people in the company, who aren’t even talking to each other anymore.”

Keller is convinced that the situation is so volatile, it’s only a matter of time before specific details are made public.

“I think we’re gonna find that out,” he continued. “I know there are people in other wrestling companies saying The Bucks and Cody and Kenny it’s not gonna be long at all before they want to have nothing to do with each other. The honeymoon period is going to be short.”

AEW Infighting Turning Off Talent

Jason Powell of ProWrestling.net reports that there’s a major free agent, a “difference-making” star, that is hesitant to sign with AEW due to this reported infighting.

“There’s a would-be difference maker who could go there that has that opinion that there’s all this in-fighting and this person for that reason is hesitant to go there,” he said.

Adding further credence to the reports, Brian Last of the Jim Cornette Experience podcast also alluded to heated emails being exchanged between Cody Rhodes and Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks. He also alluded to Cody Rhodes’ absence from BTE as being related to conflict amongst AEW management.

Heading into Wednesday’s AEW dynamite,  Brandi Rhodes stated that she had a surprise to share on the show. It led to the reveal that she and Cody Rhodes have a reality TV show coming to TNT. No word yet on when the show will premiere.

Their show is titled ‘Rhodes To The Top. As seen below, a promotional video shows footage of Cody and Brandi outside the ring with fellow AEW talents, Dustin Rhodes sitting with AEW President Tony Khan in Gorilla Position and more.

Each 30-minute episode of Rhodes To The Top will take viewers inside the lives of Cody and Brandi as they navigate their growing family while building AEW’s global wrestling empire.

Sam Linsky, Co-Head of Scripted for TBS, TNT and truTV, says, “I’ve witnessed firsthand the passion and dedication that Cody and Brandi put into every facet  of their life and know how much that plays an instrumental role in the success and expansion of AEW. Now the world will get  an inside look at how they balance their personal wrestling careers, their training center, and  their executive roles at AEW as they venture into one of the most intimidating chapters of life, parenthood.” 

Cody & Brandi Comment

“Since the late 1960s, the Rhodes family has been in one spotlight or another,” said Cody and Brandi Rhodes. “People think they know us, but this show is the first true look behind the  curtain and beyond the ring. They’ll see us fail and succeed, but most importantly, they’ll see  us bet on ourselves as we travel the Rhodes to the top.” 

“I’m thrilled to expand AEW’s relationship with WarnerMedia and TNT, and Rhodes To The Top will represent a new outlet in which our fans can further connect with characters they already love, and new viewers can discover these personalities for the first time,” said Tony Khan,  Founder, CEO, GM & Head of Creative of AEW. “With our flagship show Dynamite and now Rhodes To The Top, in addition to our third hour of wrestling programming coming to TNT later  this year, 2021 will be a historic year for AEW and our partnership with WarnerMedia.” 

The Shaquille O’Neal & Jade Cargill vs. Cody Rhodes & Red Velvet match took place earlier this month on an episode of AEW Dynamite and received rave reviews. 

This was the in-ring debut under the AEW banner for the NBA Hall of Famer. The AEW Executive spoke about the contest during an appearance on Action Sports Jax On ESPN690. 

In addition to the limited experience of Shaq, Velvet and Cargill were also green, which is totally understandable for fans to have low expectations, according to Rhodes. 

He said he is part of the hardcore audience as well, but he’s always surprised when people doubt him because he never does anything without a gameplan and being extremely organized. He noted that he took on a lot of responsibility with completely new talent. 

“After it was over, I can tell you, he’s got the bug. It happens. I’ve seen it happen to older wrestlers. I’ve seen it happen to people coming for the first time. Stephen Amell, very similar situation. He’s got the bug. We didn’t converse much, but I said, ‘I think you’re a wrestler now,’ and I really mean that. I’d love to have him back.”

Rhodes continued by noting that there are obvious matches that fans want to see and Shaq is taking training seriously, which is a good thing. He brought up how Shaq brings more eyes to AEW’s product and perhaps those fans will stay. 

There’s no word yet on when Shaq might work another match.

AEW will debut a new show on YouTube this coming Monday, March 15th, 2021. AEW Dark: Elevation will be hosted by Tony Schiavone and Paul Wight. Tony Khan recently revealed the lineup of matches for the premiere episode.

The main event will see former AEW Women’s Champion Riho vs. Maki Itoh. The full lineup is as follows:

• Riho vs. Maki Itoh
• Jungle Boy vs Danny Limelight
• Max Caster vs. Dante Martin
• Tay Conti vs Ashley Vox
• Will Hobbs vs. Brandon Cutler

*Update*

AEW has since announced the following additional matches will also take place:

• Red Velvet vs. ‘The Real Mean Girl’ Dani Jordyn
• Ray Lyn vs. Abadon
• Leila Grey vs. Diamanté
• Skyler Moore vs. Big Swole

What is AEW Dark Elevation?

Cody Rhodes recently detailed how AEW Dark: Elevation is different from AEW Dark in an a pre-Revolution media call.

“It’s going to be similar to Dark, but there should be more of a focus on individuals who are part of our roster,” Rhodes explained. “Tony Schiavone is the one who is spearheading that. I think you’re gonna see some one-to-one pieces, some sit-down interviews.”

“I think you’re gonna see a little bit more of a character insight, not unlike you see with American Ninja Warrior or even my other show on TBS, Go Big Show,” Rhodes continued.

“So I think that, and a few other items, of course, the biggest item being Paul Wight, will separate AEW Dark Elevation from its predecessor, AEW Dark.”

AEW President Tony Khan Hypes AEW Dark Elevation Premiere

With it being reported that NXT could be moving to Tuesday nights, some believe the Wednesday Night Wars could be over soon. Cody Rhodes recently commented on that possibility during an interview with Action Sports Jax for ESPN Jacksonville 690AM.

“Not trying to sound braggadocios, we have destroyed them [NXT] for over a year now in that space. Them leaving, perhaps that opens up a different viewership for us on Wednesdays,” Rhodes said on the show.

“I’m not assuming moving to Tuesday nights, is a true white flag. I’ll wait and see.”

Cody Rhodes On NXT Moving To Tuesdays

Cody Rhodes continued to talk about AEW’s attitude toward NXT.

“We’re not reactionary to their booking and won’t change anything we do with what they decide to do on Wednesdays,” Cody continued.

“There are a lot of smart people who work for WWE and perhaps they are planning something else, maybe it’s Wednesday Night Raw for all I know. I’m not assuming their white flag, moving to Tuesday nights, is a true white flag. I’ll wait and see.

“In the interim, we’ll continue to come up with new content, great stories, and make new kings and queens on our roster,” Cody said before stating AEW does not talk about competition backstage.

“If you’re ever backstage at AEW no one is talking about our competition.”

You can listen to this Cody Rhodes interview at Apple Podcasts.

Former WCW President and co-host of the 83 Weeks podcast Eric Bischoff recently spoke to the It’s Our House Podcast. Easy E discussed a number of topics, including which current performers he sees that could possibly ‘transcend’ the pro wrestling business.

“You guys put me on the spot here, I’m gonna give you an answer” Eric Bischoff began. “But just know that there’s a lot of people that I hold in such high regard and have so much respect for and I think are so valuable as performers and human beings. I’m gonna offend those people, I apologise.”

“If I was in Las Vegas and I had one $100 bill, and I was forced to place a bet on one person – I put it on Cody Rhodes” Bischoff continued. “Okay. I think when you talk about somebody who has the potential to transcend the business, that means to become a bigger star, or at least a star outside of the wrestling business as inside of the wrestling business.”

Eric Bischoff finished by comparing the AEW EVP Cody Rhodes to one of WWE’s biggest ever talents, John Cena. “That’s how John Cena became a big star” Bischoff stated. “Everywhere you looked, including WWE, but outside of WWE, you would see John Cena. He became that. WWE was preaching outside of the choir. And they connected with people that they weren’t connected with just on the wrestling show by using John Cena because he had that potential and ability to transcend the business in that regard. I think Cody Rhodes has the same potential.”

Pat McAfee gave his reaction to the comments made by Cody Rhodes during today’s media conference call as the AEW Executive Vice President claimed McAfee has been trying to get a job with AEW.

Rhodes was asked about NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal stating that his AEW match alongside Jade Cargill against Rhodes and Red Velvet would top all other celebrity matches in pro wrestling.

Rhode stated he likes that Shaq made the comment because it raises the bar when another match like this happens. 

“I think….I didn’t see this particular comment, especially from Pat, which is super bizarre because….just bizarre because I’m pretty sure Pat’s trying to get a job at AEW like every other day, but that’s another conversation.”

McAfee reacted to the comments made by Rhodes during The Pat McAfee Show.

“Cody Rhodes just said I’ve been trying to get employed by the AEW, or whatever, every other day. So I’d like that to be known, that is not true. OK, I’ve actually talked about retirement here more than I’ve ever contemplated going to AEW.”

McAfee then brought up his Twitter exchanges with AEW star Miro regarding the Shaq interview comments. He plans to watch the match, but made it clear, “I am not [trying to get hired by AEW]. I’d just like that to be very clear.”

All Elite Wrestling Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes took part in a media call this afternoon to promote Sunday’s AEW Revolution pay-per-view.

You can listen to full audio from the 45-minute call here.

SEScoops asked Cody about the second AEW show coming to TNT some time later this year. Will the show have a different format from Dynamite, and if so, what can fans expect?

“I think all of our shows will end up with a different format,” said Cody. “It’s a bit of a braintrust in forming those formats. Right now the focus is AEW Dark: Elevation, how we can make that different, and how we can feature our younger stars to get to know them. I’ll tell you one thing we won’t do with AEW Dark: Elevation, we’re not going to bait and switch. We’re not going to give you a show on night one that doesn’t reflect what that show will be like the rest of the year.”

Cody Rhodes once again was careful to state that the additional hour of content on TNT is not a third hour of AEW Dynamite. AEW officials have already decided upon a name for the second TNT show. Cody expects the cat will be out of the bag by the time AEW hosts its next media call.

“When it comes to the additional hour of content on TNT, and I’m careful to say third hour since people sometimes think we’re going three hours, which we are not. When it comes to that, I can only tell you that it has a name and I love its name, but I can’t tell you what it is. Hopefully, on the next media call, we’ll be talking about it, but it will happen in 2021.

He also teased that AEW talent will be appearing on another high-profile show that is part of the Warner Media family.

“In addition to that, there’s some other news featuring some other AEW talent regarding another show that is also in the Warner Media family.”

Cody Rhodes teams with Red Velvet against Shaquille O’Neil and Jade Cargill tonight on AEW Dynamite.

• AEW Dynamite The Crossroads Preview: Shaq & Paul White Debut (3/3)

At AEW Full Gear 2019, Chris Jericho defeated Cody Rhodes in a match that carried a significant stipulation in addition to the world title being on the line. As a result of the loss, Cody can never challenge again for the AEW World Championship again. This has led many fans to wonder if AEW will stick to its guns and adhere to the stipulation for the long haul.

In a recent interview with WFAN Sports Radio, Cody commented on his desire to stick to the stipulation. He also noted, however, that ultimately it is Tony Khan’s decision.

“I’m going to stick to my word on the AEW Title, but ultimately, that decision will rest on AEW owner Tony Khan. It’s the easiest heel turn in wrestling if I was to break it,” Cody laughed. “I love that we’re disciplined and conservative, and presenting wrestling backwards.”

Rhodes would continue to say that he hopes he never “needs” to hold the title.

 “I don’t want to sound braggadocious or egotistical, but my goal is to never need the World Championship. Yeah, it sucks to watching Kenny Omega or Jon Moxley with the title when I consider myself the 1A of the group, but I gave my word.”

Cody has a big match tonight with no titles on the line. He will team with Red Velvet to take on Shaquille O’Neal and Jade Cargill.

AEW EVP Cody Rhodes confirmed last night that his match against Shaquille O’Neal will be opening Dynamite tonight. Appearing on the NBA on TNT Tuesday postgame, Cody said that he and Red Velvet will be taking on Jade Cargill and Shaq to open the TNT show as it goes on the air.

There had been speculation that the bout would be ending the show. With AEW’s Revolution PPV taking place this Sunday, tonight’s episode of Dynamite is the ‘go home’ show for that event. There’s a chance that AEW have something planned for the end of the show to lead into Sunday’s PPV and try to get some extra buys ahead of the show.

The mainstream coverage of tonight’s match has been significant. There have been many outlets reporting on Shaq getting in an AEW ring tonight for the very first time. The match itself will be intriguing to say the least, as Jade Cargill and Shaq’s in-ring abilities are as of yet untested on television.

• NXT Reportedly Moving To Tuesdays Starting April

Stick here with us tonight on SEScoops for all of the coverage on AEW Dynamite: The Crossroads. 

AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes recently spoke to New York Post. The former TNT Champion discussed a number of topics during the interview, including a potential ‘cinematic’ match against Sting.

‘The Icon’ Sting signed for AEW and debuted back on December 2nd at the ‘Winter Is Coming’ episode of AEW Dynamite. With Sting’s advanced age (for pro wrestling) and history of spinal issues? At 61 years old, he will be somewhat limited as to what he can do in the ring.

Cody Rhodes on Cinematic Matches

Cody Rhodes discussed this and the possibility that he may be able to face the former WCW legend in a match.

“To me, the cinematic matches, they really don’t have a current definition” Cody began. “I’ve seen the Stadium Stampede and I’ve seen the [WWE] Boneyard [match]. I’ve seen various different ways to present cinematic. And really cinematic just means with different camera cuts.”

“It can mean a lot of things” Cody Rhodes continued. “But ask me that question again in a few months; because I want the opportunity to stand across from the Stinger and I think he knows that. It’s almost kind of itching at me under my skin that if there is somebody I wanted to beat? It’s the face of TNT’s hottest period and run.”

Sting will be teaming with Darby Allin to take on Team Taz at AEW Revolution in March.

Cody Rhodes has made it known that it’s entirely possible for AEW and WWE to work together, even though the chances of that happening are slim. 

All Elite Wrestling has established a working relationship with not only Impact Wrestling, but also NJPW. 

This is something the AEW Executive talked about while doing an interview with The New York Post. He made the comments on a potential AEW – WWE crossover when asked about having wrestlers from the likes of NWA, NJPW, and Impact on Dynamite. 

He thinks the All In show showed that the business can let go of various old rules. All In was an independent wrestling show with production help from ROH that was started off a bet that he couldn’t hold a show with 10,000 fans in attendance. He noted that there is no reason why AEW couldn’t work with NJPW and thus the same with WWE. 

“There’s no reason that there couldn’t be a potential WWE crossover one day,” Rhodes said. “And I don’t mean that’s a thing that’s been discussed or happening, but none of those rules that exist for other places exist for us. Wrestling is really this universal industry. The territory reference that you made, that’s fairly accurate, but the part of it that’s most accurate was there was a genuine trust.”

He brought up how Eddie Graham and Vince McMahon Sr. traded talent all of the time. The reason for this was to keep wrestlers fresh. 

“Wednesday Night War or not the main thing we have to do for fans for the rest of this run – and I want this company to be around forever — is keep it fresh. It can’t ever get stale. Our doors are open if the business is right, if the moment is right, if the time is right. Our bridges are down. I’ll be the one curmudgeon AEW guy to make sure it’s all good.”

WWE moved NXT to the USA Network in the same time slot as Dynamite when AEW reached a television deal with TNT. Since that time, AEW has won the majority of the ratings war in both total viewership and nearly all demos except for +50.

Cody Rhodes may have suffered a shoulder injury on Dynamite last night. Rhodes was favoring his shoulder during his tag match with Lee Johnson against Peter Avalon and Cezar Bononi.

The injury could be just storyline-driven, however, and the reason for Johnson appearing to step-up and get the win for his team. Nightmare Family coach Arn Anderson discussed the interview on “Coach’s Corner” after AEW Dynamite.

“Cody dinged his shoulder up pretty early on,” Anderson said. It looked like the injury occurred as Rhodes landed after a suplex from Bononi. “It handicapped him for the last half of the match,” he continued. “He did fight through it and Lee Johnson now is going to take the flag and stick it right in the middle of the ring.”

Arn Anderson on Lee Johnson

Arn Anderson then continued to talk about Johnson, who picked up his first win on Dynamite.

“Back when this pandemic started and a lot of the talent couldn’t be here, and they couldn’t travel, that kid was the first one here just asking for a chance. Then you started to see this kid’s got talent,” Anderson said.

• AEW Announces Signing Of Nightmare Family Member Lee Johnson

“I’m going to spend some time with Lee Johnson. I’m going to devout some time and some knowledge to Lee Johnson. Remember that name, because you are going to be hearing it again and again.”

You can watch Arn Anderson’s Coaches Corner segment below:

The Nightmare Family added two new members yesterday when Nick Comoroto and Aaron Solow joined the group. Cody Rhodes recently clarified that The Nightmare Family is not a traditional pro-wrestling faction.

“I will say it’s not a routine wrestling “faction”. More a ensemble of focused individuals, some who train at the factory together, who just have a singular focus over the sport. Authentic relationships. Not always together, but ready when the call comes, and will have your back,” Cody Tweeted.

Nightmare Family Roster

The updated Nightmare Family roster is below:

• Cody Rhodes
• Dustin Rhodes
• Brandi Rhodes
• Diamond Dallas Page
• Arn Anderson
• QT Marshall
• Lee Johnson
• Billy Gunn
• Austin Gunn
• Colten Gunn
• Aaron Solow
• Nick Comoroto

A little under a year ago, Cody got the Nightmare Family logo tattooed on his neck. He explained his decision to do so in an Instagram post.

“I’m humbled by the run I’ve been on and the love of the fans. Incredibly lucky man. It was very simple, I wear a lot of brands…I wanted to make sure mine was one of them. And I wasn’t hiding it,” he wrote.

AEW has added 2 matches to Wednesday’s Dynamite lineup. Cody Rhodes has also announced that the Nightmare Family has added 2 new members as well.

AEW announced that “Hollywood Hunk” Ryan Nemeth will take on PAC on Dynamite this week.

AEW has also announced that the Women’s title-eliminator tournament kicks of this week. Thunder Rosa will take on “Legit” Leyla Hirsch on the show.

The updated lineup for the show is:

• PAC vs Ryan Nemeth
• Women’s Title Eliminator Tournament (1st Round)
  Thunder Rosa vs Leyla Hirsch
• Cezar Bononi & Peter Avalon vs. The Nightmare Family (Cody Rhodes & Lee Johnson)
• The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) vs. The Inner Circle (Chris Jericho & MJF)
• TNT Championship
  Darby Allin (c) vs. Joey Janela
• Kenny Omega & KENTA (w/Don Callis) vs. Jon Moxley & Lance Archer

The Nightmare Family Adds 2 New Members

Cody Rhodes announced 2 new members for his Nightmare Family stable. Aaron Solow and Nick Comoroto have joined the faction.

The updated lineup for the Nightmare Family is below:

• Cody Rhodes
• Dustin Rhodes
• Brandi Rhodes
• Diamond Dallas Page
• Arn Anderson
• QT Marshall
• Lee Johnson
• Billy Gunn
• Austin Gunn
• Colten Gunn
• Aaron Solow
• Nick Comoroto

Two matches on Dark this week will feature Nightmare Family teams. SCU will take on Lee Johnson and Aaron Solow. Additionally, Nick Comoroto will team with the Natural Nightmares to take on Vary Morales and the Jersey Muscle Society.

Shaquille O’Neal threw out the challenge to Cody Rhodes to a wrestling match. 

It happened when the NBA Legend released a short video promo ahead of Wednesday’s episode of AEW Dynamite. It was directed at the top AEW superstar where he insulted him then told “the American Nightmare” that any time or place he wants to fight he’ll be there.

“Cody Rhodes, you little punk. You want a battle? You just name the time and the date. I’ll be there. You little punk, with your little blonde hair…look like a little girl. You want some of the Shaq-attack… let’s do it in March. How about that?”

With Shaq bringing up March, which just so happens to be when AEW holds its Revolution pay-per-view event (reportedly March 7th), many fans quickly came to the conclusion that the former NBA star was teasing a match at this show. 

Rhodes wrote on Twitter, “(deep breath) Let’s be serious here…with the utmost respect, I would eat this guy alive in the ring.” He added he would address Shaq on Dynamite and that’s exactly what he did. 

On Dynamite, Cody Rhodes came out with Arn Anderson for a promo. Midway through, Arn Anderson introduced Red Velvet. She called out Jade Cardgill, who is aligned with Shaq and also has a beef with Cody. This was taken as a challenge, with Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet taking on Shaquille O’Neal and Jade Cargill.

Tony Schiavone said the ball is now in Shaq’s court to respond. Shaq has expressed interest in wrestling Cody in the past and there have been past references to it on Dynamite in the last few months. 

AEW Revolution takes place Sunday, March 7th from Jacksonville, FL. This will be the first AEW

AEW EVP Cody Rhodes recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. The former TNT Champion discussed a number of topics during his time on the show, including how the AEW Awards show came about. The Awards Show will be taking place tomorrow night on Bleacher Report.

“It’s all gonna be on Bleacher Report” Cody Rhodes began on Busted Open. “It’s very exciting because this award show, like, I don’t know how much inside baseball this is, but this award show was an idea from our partners at AEW on TNT, the WarnerMedia folks” Cody then revealed.

Cody Rhodes on Awards Night

“This was an idea that they presented us” Rhodes continued. “They produced it, they sent the crew and they worked with Tony Khan on it. I just really appreciate all that crew at WarnerMedia; it’s very much a lot of the same crew who helps with Go Big show.”

Cody then finished by further praising WarnerMedia and the company’s partners. “It’s great to have a good partner in the space, and someone who’s proud of what we’re doing as a AEW on Warner media networks” Cody Rhodes stated. “That’s why I really enjoyed it. They got to do everything and we just got to sit back. [Tony] Schiavone and Britt Baker hosted it, we just got to sit back and accept some award, it’s real physical awards, so that was, that was cool. It was a real treat.”

Here’s the full list of the 2021 AEW Awards categories and nominations:

Best Moment on the Mic

• MJF “We Deserve Better” Speech
• Cody Rhodes accepts Dog Collar Match
• Jon Moxley accepts Inner Circle Invitation
• Brandi Rhodes confronts Jade Cargill
• Orange Cassidy Debates Chris Jericho

Biggest Surprise:

• Matt Hardy’s Debut
• Jake the Snake Roberts confronts Cody
• Brodie Lee arrives as The Exalted One
• Sting’s AEW Debut
• Miro revealed as Best Man

Breakout Star – Male:

• Orange Cassidy
• Darby Allin
• Eddie Kingston
• John Silver

Breakout Star – Female

• Hikaru Shida
• Anna Jay
• Tay Conti
• Big Swole
• Penelope Ford

Biggest Beatdown

• Inner Circle jumps Orange Cassidy
• Dark Order attacks Nightmare Family
• Nyla Rose puts Riho + Shida through tables
• Brian Cage sneak attacks Jon Moxley
• The Nightmare Family and Inner Circle brawl

High Flyer Award

• Rey Fenix
• Marq Quen
• Nick Jackson
• PAC

Hardest Moment to Clean Up After

• Orange Cassidy drops orange juice on The Inner Circle
• The Parking Lot Brawl
• The Bunkhouse Match
• Big Swole dumps garbage on Dr. Britt Baker

Biggest WTF Moment

• Cody Rhodes steel cage moonsault
• Sammy Guevara hit by golf cart
• Kenny Omega wins AEW World Championship and walks out of AEW
• Bloody Dr. Britt Baker vs. Hikaru Shida
• Young Bucks frog splash off the stadium railing

LOL Award

• Jericho + MJF: Le Dinner Debonair
• Britt Baker waxes Tony Schiavone
• Young Bucks kick MJF into a pool
• Inner Circle Vegas Trip

Best Twitter Follow

• MJF
• Orange Cassidy
• Dr. Britt Baker
• Nyla Rose

Bleacher Report PPV Moment of the Year

• Stadium Stampede
• Moxley wins AEW Championship
• Shida wins AEW Women’s Championship
• Omega + Page defeat The Young Bucks
• Darby Allin wins TNT Title from Cody
• The Young Bucks win AEW Tag Team title

AEW Women’s division star Dr Britt Baker recently appeared on the Sunday Night’s Main Event podcast. The pro wrestler/dentist talked a number of topics whilst on the show, including her Waiting Room segments.

The Waiting Room was originally only used as a segment on AEW Dark, but this past week was the first time it was brought to AEW Dynamite. The segment featured Cody Rhodes and Jade Cargill, furthering the storyline involving the aforementioned pair, Shaq and Brandi Rhodes.

Baker would discuss how Cody Rhodes was influential in bringing the concept to life, and how he’s now ‘hands off’ with it.

Britt Baker on The Waiting Room

“When we first started, I obviously met with Cody [Rhodes] and Tony [Khan] to make sure we had the the vision down, that we’re on the same page with what we wanted to do” Baker began on the Sunday Night’s Main Event show.

Britt Baker then described how the segment is used to help get ‘other storylines over.’ The Waiting Room has a Barber Shop or Piper’s Pit vibe, with a full set created to backdrop the action. “Essentially, it’s just a great platform to get other storylines over, to get people who maybe don’t get to talk as much.”

• Nyla Rose Off Dynamite This Week Due to COVID-19 Protocols

“[It was for] people who don’t get to talk as much on Dynamite or Dark” Baker continued. “Give them the mic let’s, you know, see what they can do.” Baker then finished by saying how as the segment has progressed Cody Rhodes has had less and less involvement in it. “Cody, as of now? Has very little to no involvement in it. Because once Cody Rhodes gets involved, it turns into Cody Rhodes project! And I’m sick of that (laughs)! So, now? It’s my baby.”

It is a dream of Cody Rhodes to stand across the ring from Sting, his favorite wrestler and childhood hero.

Sting returned to wrestling at AEW Dynamite in December and has signed a multi-year deal with the company. At 61 years of age, he is not expected to perform as a full-time wrestler. However, he is expected to wrestle in some capacity. Among the wrestlers Sting has interacted with since joining AEW, Cody Rhodes is one.

Sting has a long and decorated history with the late Dusty Rhodes. It seems like he would share some storyline in the future with Cody as well.

In an interview with Daniel Trainer earlier this week to promote AEW Dynamite, Cody Rhodes talked about Sting and discussed the possibility of a singles match with Sting. Rhodes admitted that Sting was his favorite wrestler growing up, along with the Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels.

“It’s no secret that Sting was my favorite wrestler,” Cody began. “I had Sting in WCW and Shawn [Michaels] in WWF. But really I wasn’t supposed to watch WWF. So, Sting was everything. I got to see him live so often and I got to see the connection he had. I honestly am scared to answer that. Obviously, as a wrestler, to stand across the ring from your hero is everyone’s dream, to share that field. So, yes, I would love and envision that.”

Cody Rhodes vs. Sting

In order for a match against Sting to occur, Cody Rhodes would have to put his fandom on hold and focus on Sting as a competitor. He understands this dynamic and responsibility that would come with sharing a ring with Sting.

“When you put yourself in that position, you’re no longer a fan. You’re now out to outperform them, out to beat them, however you look at wrestling. You are opposite of them. You are their dance partner, their competition. You’re all these things. That is a big responsibility and that is also just scary, especially if you’re somebody like me who loves the memory and the legacy of wrestlers. I never want them to feel like they have to carry on. Their memories carry on enough as they get older.”

He noted that Sting appears to be moving around quite well for a legend with over three decades in pro wrestling.

Cody Rhodes is waiting for Sting’s current storyline with Darby Allin to run its course and see how that unfolds. After that, the fans might get one or more matches between the two, if ‘Sting has his eyes on him as much as he does on Sting’.

Other topics discussed in the interview include Brodie Lee and AEW’s tribute, including Amanda Huber’s involvement with that show. To read a full transcript of the discussion, visit Daniel Trainer’s blog.

AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes recently appeared on Chris Jericho’s Talk Is Jericho podcast.

Cody discussed a number of topics during the interview, including the first year of AEW programming. He emphasized the importance of the 18-49 demographic, saying how he and other members of AEW’s management are consistently checking the top 50 shows to see where they rank.

AEW has consistently outperformed NXT amongst the younger audience since the two shows began going head-to-head in October 2019. NXT tends to trend with an older audience, who are likely to have already been ‘loyal’ to WWE over the decades Rhodes revealed a certain WCW legend convinced him to focus on engaging the younger audience.

“Konnan of all people,” he said. “I don’t speak to Konnan a lot, but he had told me his secret to success. I asked him for any advice. His secret to success? It was always being around young people. Like ‘hey, I’m gonna listen to hip hop, I’m gonna listen to modern music. Even if I don’t like it? I’m gonna listen to it. I want to know what they’re talking about.'”

Cody Rhodes on Demographics

Rhodes continued, “That to me is the brightest part of the AEW roster. The youth that is on the roster and the youth that is in the creative, the direction. With Tony [Khan] in that lead spot, the direction of the show, the artistic vision of the show, the talent on the show.”

Cody Rhodes would then discuss the demographics of the show specifically. “We joke about the demo, but it’s not a joke. Seriously there’s a potential that if you, and this is for any show, if you don’t look at that? You’re going to age out. One of the reasons I’ve turned my act around into a bit of a squeaky clean act? It is because it’s really…I want to engage a young fanbase. Not just the young, affluent, and cool. I want to engage kids, because the show has a lot of violence, a lot of adult content.”

Rhodes finished by discussing the importance of attracting the younger demographic. This holds true not just with pro wresetling, but with all television shows.

“Anyone who’s not scared, and I’m not talking about our competitor, I’m talking about any show. If you’re not in with the youth in terms of, they’re not watching your show? You should absolutely be terrified. 50 plus means you’re losing your audience. Again this is about TV in general, not about WWE and not about AEW, but because we see all top 50 shows every week.”

Do you agree with Cody Rhodes? Do you think that AEW are doing a good job of bringing a younger audience to pro wrestling?

AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes recently appeared on Chris Jericho’s Talk Is Jericho podcast. Cody would discuss a number of topics during the interview, including the first year of AEW programming.

“Somebody asked me to grade it [AEW’s first year]” Cody Rhodes began on the podcast. “And of course, as part of the company I can’t give it a bad grade! But I said like ‘an A, and there’s room for an A+.'”

“We know where we need to grow” Rhodes would continue. “Even if AEW only went one year? It’s still been the greatest year of my life. I learned a lot of lessons, and learned some hard lessons about the burdens of management. If you were not popular before? You’re definitely not going to be popular as you enter that space.”

Cody Rhodes on Company Metrics

Cody would then discuss the ratings success of the promotion. “I still think like, it is surreal, like the numbers? That’s why I love the data. I love when (Chris) Harrington shows me this spreadsheet, talks about our international deals. We’re having these calls…like I was on the phone with Microsoft the other day!”

• Bullet Club Members Reunite At AEW Dynamite New Year’s Smash

Rhodes would finish by saying how he laid out how he wanted his involvement to work with AEW President Tony Khan on day one. “I told Tony, I said do not give me this job unless you want me to really do the job. Which would mean really embrace it, which would probably include pissing you [Khan] off from time to time. But he’s never been pissed at me.”

AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes recently appeared on Chris Jericho’s Talk Is Jericho podcast. Cody would discuss a number of topics during the interview, including the fact that he was Brodie Lee’s final match in professional wrestling.

Cody of course faced Brodie Lee in a Dog Collar Match on AEW Dynamite; this was Cody’s return bout after being defeated handily by Lee on the show a month prior. The angle was set up so that Cody could go and record the ‘Go Big Show,’ making sure that the production was adhering to COVID-19 protocols.

“I hated the fact that I was his last match” Cody Rhodes would begin on the podcast. “Like, I loved it, and I love that feeling. But, I also hated it, because god, we were all denied all these other great matches.” Interestingly, Cody Rhodes actually defeated Brodie Lee/Luke Harper in his first ever television loss in WWE; so Brodie’s first and last televised losses came at the hands of Cody Rhodes.

Cody Rhodes on Brodie Lee

“I wasn’t confident in that…obviously he could have continued and been better and done more stuff and I could have [gone on] to be better” Cody continued, lamenting how far he and Brodie Lee could’ve gone together in their feud and AEW in general. “I hate it, but love that I shared that moment with him.”

• Bullet Club Members Reunite At AEW Dynamite New Year’s Smash

Cody Rhodes would finish by stating how bittersweet it was to have the main event match against Brodie Lee on that Dynamite; something that Brodie Lee had worked his whole career for and the reason he left WWE, to get to the main event. “Now I look at it [the match] more with a reverence and love. Just because, he got to go out…the thing he wanted the most? He got to go out on top. Which is great.”

You can check out some of the highlights from Brodie Lee vs Cody Rhodes in the Dog Collar match below:

All Elite Wrestling’s Chief Brand Officer Brandi Rhodes has opened up more about her and Cody Rhodes’ recent pregnancy announcement. Speaking with People, Brandi shared how excited the couple is over the news.

Brandi shared how they they are ready to embark on “another incredible chapter” together.

“Cody and I are so excited and overwhelmed by this news,” Brandi said. “We’ve had seven exciting years of marriage, worked together to grow our careers and our core at AEW from the ground up, and now here we are embarking on another incredible chapter.”

She continued, “We have always talked about it as a future, and it turns out that the future is now. It’s surreal that parenthood is right around the corner! We are ready and excited to dive right in.”

Brandi and Cody Rhodes revealed the happy news to AEW fans during this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite. Prior to Cody’s matchup against Hybrid 2’s Angelica, a short promo video played. It showcased the couple at home only to receive an unexpected gift at the door. Opening the box together, the present is revealed to be a Christmas ornament that read, “We’re expecting a new baby due 2021.”

It didn’t take long Brandi and Cody to receive congratulations from friends, fans, and colleagues from across the pro wrestling industry.

Brandi and Cody Rhodes are expecting their first child. The news was announced during Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite as Cody made his ring entrance.

They also announced this ‘announcement video’ –

AEW and Tony Khan congratulated the parents-to-be.

This is the second pregnancy announcement on AEW Dynamite in less than a month. Just a few weeks ago, Jon Moxley dropped the bombshell that he has a ‘pregnant wife at home’ during a promo video that aired on AEW’s flagship show.

Congratulations to Brandi and Cody Rhodes.