Before he made the move to WWE, Cody Rhodes had a history with current AEW World Champion MJF. They only shared the ring once, when MJF defeated Rhodes at Revolution 2020 (they did also tag together once for a match in AAA the previous year), but their on-camera chemistry was apparent.
It should come as no surprise, then, that Rhodes is hopeful that MJF will one day follow in his footsteps and make his way to the even bigger pro wrestling promotion. It might not be any time soon; while MJF has made a running gimmick out of his supposed free agency status in 2024, it’s safe to assume that AEW will do everything possible to keep him in the fold.
Nevertheless, as Rhodes told Peter Rosenberg on the Michael Kay Show, he believes that someday MJF will make the move (h/t Fightful for the transcription).
I think one day you will see MJF in WWE. I’m really proud of him. For those that don’t know, MJF was one of my recruits and probably the one I’m most excited about because of potential and personality and overall professionalism.
Rhodes added that one thing MJF has done that will serve him well if he does decide to switch companies is add muscle to his frame, pointing out that he’d be in the ring with larger opponents on average than he is now.
One thing I’m proud of him for doing is, if you notice, he’s put on a lot of muscle and he’s put it on safely over the last year and a half. When he does make that jump, I don’t know when that is, if he makes the jump. If he comes to WWE, you have to stand across from guys like Drew McIntyre, like Omos, Brock Lesnar. I’m not shaming anyone who is not hitting the gym and clanging and banging with the weights, like The Rock would say, but it is part of what we do now. You have to be able to swing a bat with the big boys.
When might a potential move happen? Rhodes says he never asks MJF about it because he doesn’t want to damage their friendship. It’s worth noting that since he’s become a fan favorite, MJF himself doesn’t reference the “bidding war of 2024” as often as he once did.
But whether it’s next year or sometime down the road, it’s likely that WWE would have interest in signing MJF at any time. If he does, believe that Rhodes will be there to welcome him with open arms.
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