In a revealing recent interview, Bryan Danielson, one of wrestling’s most respected figures, highlighted the significant impact that All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has had on the career of WWE’s reigning champion, Cody Rhodes. Danielson stated that Rhodes’ rise to “megastar” status in WWE is directly tied to AEW’s existence as a competitive wrestling promotion, reshaping the industry landscape and benefiting wrestlers on both sides.
AEW’s Role in Shaping Rhodes’ Career
Bryan Danielson, who has competed at the highest level in both WWE and AEW, discussed with the Kairouz Bros podcast how the wrestling world has evolved since AEW’s inception in 2019. He pointed out that without AEW, it’s unlikely Cody Rhodes would have achieved his current WWE stature. “If AEW wouldn’t have started, would Cody Rhodes be where he is right now? No,” Danielson said. He credited AEW for giving Rhodes a platform to reinvent himself beyond the constraints of his previous WWE run, allowing him to grow creatively and become a true main event star.
Danielson emphasized that AEW’s presence pushed both companies to elevate their talent and product quality. Rhodes’ time as a founding Executive Vice President of AEW was crucial in building his star power, which he carried back to WWE upon his return, leading to his headline spot at WrestleMania and his eventual crowning as Undisputed WWE Champion[2][4].
The Competitive Landscape: Good for Wrestlers and Wrestling
Danielson framed AEW and WWE’s competition not as a destructive rivalry but as a catalyst for positive change. “It’s good for the wrestlers, both in AEW and in WWE,” he said. The duopoly fosters higher pay, better creative opportunities, and reinvigorates fan interest—a healthful effect absent when WWE stood mostly unchallenged for years.
From backstage, sources close to Rhodes have echoed these sentiments, noting that AEW allowed him to break free from his previous WWE mold, build on his legacy, and return with a new aura of credibility and star power. One WWE insider told us, “Cody’s evolution owes a lot to his AEW run. Without that, the WWE might never have fully realized his potential as their top guy.”
WWE’s Counter-Programming Strategy Sparks Debate
Danielson also weighed in on WWE’s recent tactics of scheduling pay-per-views and major events on the same days as AEW’s marquee shows, commonly seen as “counter-programming.” He expressed confusion over WWE’s reasoning, suggesting that AEW, while a strong challenger brand, remains in a catch-up phase compared to WWE’s longer legacy.
Danielson remarked, “I’m curious what the people making these decisions are thinking. It can’t be that AEW poses a real danger to WWE’s billion-dollar business.” He theorized that some decision-makers might be driven by power and money, attempting to eliminate competition rather than fostering industry growth. Still, he reiterated this approach hurts wrestlers less than it helps them, as the competition ultimately raises wages and opportunity[3][4].
CM Punk’s Return Also Linked to AEW’s Existence
Alongside Rhodes, Danielson highlighted CM Punk as another major WWE star whose return was energized by AEW’s market presence. He speculated that without AEW shaking up the wrestling world, Punk’s comeback—widely celebrated by fans—might not have materialized. This further points to AEW’s broader influence beyond just building new stars, also revitalizing established names[2][4].
Industry Implications Moving Forward
The dialogue surrounding AEW vs. WWE competition highlights a key shift in professional wrestling’s modern era. For over a decade, WWE held near-monopoly status, but AEW’s emergence brings diversity that benefits fans and performers alike. Danielson’s perspective offers a candid insider’s view, recognizing that while competition breeds tension, it also cultivates creativity and financial growth.
A WWE talent coach reflected, “Competition like this is what makes legends. It challenges wrestlers to be better and forces companies to innovate.” AEW’s existence has created a renaissance for wrestling stars like Cody Rhodes, who now headline the biggest stage with renewed fan enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit.
Bryan Danielson’s remarks underscore a fascinating truth: AEW’s rise isn’t just a threat to WWE—it’s a vital force reshaping professional wrestling, and wrestlers like Cody Rhodes are the definitive beneficiaries. As this competitive dynamic continues, fans can expect unparalleled storytelling, raised stakes, and evolving megastars pushing the industry into an exciting future.