As Cody Rhodes continues to rehab and heal up from his torn pec, he’s still finding some time to set the record straight on a few things. Specifically, Rhodes explained why he decided to leave AEW, a company he helped start, to return to WWE.
Responding to a fan on Twitter (whose tweet is now hidden), Rhodes said it wasn’t disputes with his fellow EVPs or CM Punk that made him want to leave, nor was it motivated by financial considerations.
“I didn’t leave because of the Bucks/Kenny,” Rhodes said. ” … and I didn’t leave because of/or have issues with Punk. … Not money, not booking, just a personal issue and my wanting to go for the big one.”
I didn’t leave because of the Bucks/Kenny. I’m forever bonded to those men over what we created and I remain very proud of it, and I didn’t leave because of/or have issues with Punk. We got along. Not money, not booking, just a personal issue and my wanting to go for the big one.
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) October 29, 2022
It caught many fans by surprise when it became clear early in 2022 that he and AEW weren’t going to come to terms on a new contract. The thought at the time was that since he, the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega were founders of the promotion and had executive roles, that it meant they were somehow automatically in it until the end.
When Rhodes signed with WWE and proved that wasn’t the case, speculation turned toward whether he had a falling out with The Elite, or perhaps newer talent like Punk who had been brought in after AEW had been around for a bit. Rhodes has now definitively stated that wasn’t the case, and that his motivation was simply to fulfill the untapped potential he saw in himself to prove himself on pro wrestling’s biggest stage.
Considering the reaction he got from fans after his WWE return, it’s hard to argue that Rhodes made the wrong call. He’s expected to go right back to being one of the top stars on the Raw brand as soon as he’s healthy again, which should be within the next few months.