Cody Rhodes is finally pulling back the curtain on what really led to his dramatic exit from AEW—and he’s not holding anything back.
Speaking on The Ringer podcast, the Undisputed WWE Champion opened up about walking away from the very company he helped launch. While Rhodes has been tight-lipped in the past, this time he made it clear—his decision to leave AEW in early 2022 came down to one thing: disrespect.
“If I ever felt disrespected ever at WWE, that’s one thing. That’s a company that was built… that’s the Yankees. That’s the flagship of it all,” Rhodes said. “Feeling disrespected at something I built with my friends. That we built. Feeling disrespected there, I wouldn’t stand for it.”
Rhodes didn’t name names, but it’s clear his frustrations ran deep. As a founding member and former EVP of AEW, Cody’s influence helped launch the company into a major wrestling force. But something shifted behind the scenes, and Rhodes made it clear he knew his worth.
“The greatest revenge on Earth is success. I did way more here than you think, and you’re going to find out the moment I’m out the door.”
Despite walking away with his wife Brandi Rhodes by his side, Cody admitted the situation wasn’t entirely bitter.
“There’s clearly bad blood, but there’s also clearly respect and love,” he said of his relationship with The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega.
Since returning to WWE, Rhodes has reached the top of the mountain—winning the Undisputed WWE Championship and headlining WrestleMania. If his exit from AEW was meant to be a statement, he’s backed it up every step of the way.
What do you think about Cody’s claims of disrespect? Did AEW fumble the bag? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
