Almost three and a half years after announcing his departure from All Elite Wrestling, former EVP Cody Rhodes finally revealed why he left. The American Nightmare appeared as a guest on The Ringer, where he asserted that bad blood still existed between him and his former workplace. However, the 40-year-old also emphasized that he still held a level of respect and love for the company.
The former Undisputed WWE Champion explained that he felt disrespected in AEW—a company he helped build alongside The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega. He admitted that if he had ever felt belittled in a juggernaut like WWE, it wouldn’t have bothered him as much. But seeing it happen in a company he co-founded struck a deeper chord.
Rhodes affirmed that he was on the verge of creating something memorable with his ‘American Nightmare’ gimmick at the time. However, when he couldn’t achieve it with the Bucks and Omega, he became convinced that he would have to realize his dream elsewhere. After shocking the wrestling world by exiting AEW alongside his wife, Brandi, The Prodigal Son made a flamboyant return to WWE at WrestleMania 38.
“There’s clearly bad blood, but there’s also clearly respect — Feeling disrespected at something I built — Feeling disrespected there I wouldn’t stand for it.”
Cody Rhodes via The Ringer
Vince McMahon handpicked Rhodes as Seth Rollins’ opponent for the night. The two delivered one of the best matches of the entire WrestleMania weekend in Dallas, Texas. The QB1 defeated the former Shield member in a win that many hailed as a powerful statement from Dusty Rhodes’ son.
Cody Rhodes Defends Roman Reigns’ Extremely Light WWE Schedule
There’s no doubt that Roman Reigns has been Cody Rhodes’ greatest nemesis in WWE. Rhodes built the entire foundation of his WWE comeback around how long it would take him to eventually take the world title from The Tribal Chief. He failed to do so the first time at WrestleMania 39 two years ago, which, surprisingly, remains his favorite match ever.
But last year, at WrestleMania XL, The American Nightmare conquered the ‘Island of Relevancy’ by dethroning the once-impenetrable Roman Reigns. Since ending Reigns’ historic title reign at the 1,316-day mark, The OTC has competed in six WWE matches and made a few TV appearances.
Addressing Reigns’ part-time schedule, Rhodes claimed that The OTC1 has completely earned the right to call the shots. The Prodigal Son added that every time Reigns appears in WWE, it’s a gift for the audience. Rhodes said he holds The Head of the Table in very high regard.