Cody Rhodes’ departure from WWE to co-found All Elite Wrestling (AEW) was a move that many in the wrestling industry deemed unprecedented and risky at the time. In a recent interview, Rhodes opened up about why his decision was so unconventional and how leaving WWE propelled his growth as a performer and entrepreneur in wrestling.
The Risk of Leaving WWE at His Career Peak
When Cody Rhodes left WWE in 2016, he was a well-known star with strong ties to the company through his legendary wrestling family. His exit was described by Rhodes as “unheard of” because leaving WWE voluntarily—especially for an ambitious alternative wrestling venture—was rare among top performers. WWE represented the dominant global wrestling brand with unparalleled exposure, and to walk away from that platform required immense confidence and vision.
Rhodes explained that remaining in WWE meant staying within a system that branded him as “a number on a spreadsheet,” limiting his creative freedom and personal growth. In contrast, venturing outside WWE’s shadow gave him a sense of ownership and the rare opportunity to help create something from scratch rather than just performing scripted roles within an established structure.
“You don’t just leave the New York Yankees to start your own baseball team. That’s what it felt like—an unheard of move,” Rhodes said candidly about the scale of his decision.
His breakaway journey allowed him to develop as a multifaceted talent—not just as a wrestler but also as a promoter, visionary, and executive, which reshaped his legacy in the wrestling industry.
Building AEW: Growth Beyond the Ring
Rhodes didn’t just leave WWE to wrestle elsewhere; he co-founded AEW and helped build the company “from the ground up,” shaping its creative direction and business model. This experience challenged him professionally, forcing him to wear multiple hats in an entrepreneurial environment that demanded more than wrestling prowess.
During his tenure at AEW, Cody refined his in-ring storytelling and character work significantly, including his acclaimed “American Nightmare” persona. Sources close to Rhodes confirmed that the creative freedom he experienced was a stark contrast from WWE and contributed to his reinvention as a top-tier wrestling star.
However, the journey was not without challenges. Despite his key role in AEW’s success, Rhodes expressed frustration at times over creative limitations and not always being able to steer storylines or character arcs in the directions he envisioned. This tension partly factored into his eventual departure from AEW in early 2022.
Returning to WWE: A Full Circle Moment
Cody Rhodes’ return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 was a major storyline in wrestling, symbolizing how his stepping out and forging his own path ultimately enhanced his value and impact. According to a WWE insider, Rhodes’ comeback was not just a business move but a personal redemption journey fueled by his success and evolution outside WWE.
“Cody returning felt like watching a kid who left home to find himself and came back stronger, wiser, and hungrier,” the insider remarked.
His high-profile match against Seth Rollins heralded the arrival of a more mature performer who had expanded his creative range as a competitor and leader in wrestling.
Why Leaving WWE Was ‘Unheard Of’—But Paved the Way for Change
WWE and pro wrestling in general had rarely seen a top talent walk away voluntarily to co-create a rival company; it challenged the business model and opened new possibilities for wrestlers.
Rhodes’ move underscored key industry shifts:
- Empowerment of talent: Wrestlers seeking more creative control and equity in their careers.
- Rise of viable alternatives to WWE: AEW’s successful launch proved there is room for new wrestling brands.
- Changing fan dynamics: Audiences eager for diverse wrestling content and fresh storytelling.
A WWE insider noted that Rhodes’ decision was “a bold gamble that paid off” and has inspired others to rethink career paths within and outside WWE.
The Impact on Rhodes’ Legacy and Future
In retrospect, Rhodes’ departure and subsequent success established him as a pivotal figure in wrestling history. Beyond a wrestler, he is now recognized as a trailblazer who expanded the landscape of American professional wrestling.
Industry observers point out that his legacy blends in-ring excellence with executive vision—qualities few modern wrestlers manage to combine.
Looking ahead, sources close to Rhodes anticipate he will continue to play a key role in WWE’s creative and developmental direction while also influencing wrestling business strategies globally.
Cody Rhodes’ evolution from a WWE star constrained by corporate molds to a visionary catalyst for change demonstrates how daring choices can redefine careers and reshape entire industries. His story stands as a testament to innovation, resilience, and the pursuit of creative authenticity in professional wrestling.