Cody Rhodes Reveals Real Reason Behind Leaving AEW
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
In his most candid comments to date, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes has opened up about the real reasons he left All Elite Wrestling. In a new interview clip, Rhodes revealed his 2022 departure stemmed from feeling "disrespected" in the house he helped build.
The former AEW Executive Vice President shared his story in a short preview clip from an upcoming appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast. He confirmed that while there is still "respect and love" for AEW, there is also "clearly bad blood."
'There's clearly bad blood, but there's also clearly respect and love.'
Cody Rhodes discusses what led to his departure from AEW. pic.twitter.com/U8RYZ90rHD — The Ringer (@ringer) July 31, 2025
"I Wouldn't Stand For It"
Rhodes explained the difference between being disrespected in an established corporation like WWE versus the company he co-founded. He compared WWE to the "New York Yankees," a place where he's a number on a spreadsheet.
"But feeling disrespected at something I built with my friends... that we built, feeling disrespected there... I wouldn't stand for it," he said. He continued, "I did way more here than you think and you're going to find out the moment I'm out the door."
A Founding Father Walks Away
Cody Rhodes was an instrumental figure in the creation of All Elite Wrestling. Alongside The Young Bucks, he promoted the groundbreaking "All In" independent pay-per-view in 2018. The massive success of that event led directly to the formation of AEW, where Rhodes served as an Executive Vice President and a top in-ring star.
BERLIN, GERMANY - AUGUST 31: WWE Undisputed Universal Champion Cody Rhodes is seen backstage as he makes his way to the entrance position during the WWE Bash in Berlin Premium Live Event at Uber Arena...
BERLIN, GERMANY - AUGUST 31: WWE Undisputed Universal Champion Cody Rhodes is seen backstage as he makes his way to the entrance position during the WWE Bash in Berlin Premium Live Event at Uber Arena on August 31, 2024 in Berlin, Germany.His shocking and abrupt departure from the company in February 2022, alongside his wife Brandi, remains one of the biggest stories in modern wrestling. At the time, a large portion of the AEW audience had strangely turned on him, booing him despite his babyface role, which likely contributed to the feeling of disrespect he described.
The Greatest Revenge Is Success
In the interview, Rhodes made it clear how he chose to respond to the situation. "I don't believe in the cold-hearted back-stabby type of revenge," he stated. "The greatest revenge on Earth is success."
More news: WWE Superstar Announces Retirement Match
Since returning to WWE at WrestleMania 38, Rhodes has achieved a new level of superstardom. He has been a consistent main event player, engaged in a legendary feud with The Bloodline, and is now the 2025 King of the Ring. His decision to "go elsewhere" has been validated by his incredible success. This Sunday, he will challenge the heel John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship in the main event of SummerSlam.
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