Cody Rhodes, the charismatic wrestler, has taken a winding road to get to the top. After being frustrated with his creative direction in WWE, he made the bold decision to leave the company in 2016 and explore the independent wrestling scene. This move not only allowed Rhodes to break free from the constraints of WWE but also played a pivotal role in launching All Elite Wrestling (AEW) three years later.

Breaking Free from WWE’s Mid-Card Hell

As Rhodes would later reflect in an interview, his frustration stemmed from feeling undervalued as a wrestler within WWE. Despite his undeniable talent and charisma, he was relegated to the mid-card ranks, never truly given the opportunity to compete for the WWE Championship. This sense of stagnation and frustration led Rhodes to question whether he had what it took to succeed in the WWE.

• Despite this, Rhodes persevered, building a loyal following on the independent scene.
• He continued to hone his craft, pushing himself to new heights and developing a distinctive in-ring style.
• These efforts eventually paid off, as Rhodes began to attract attention from other promotions, including AEW.

Launched by Rhodes

In 2019, Rhodes played a key role in launching AEW, a revolutionary new promotion that aimed to shake up the world of professional wrestling. With his passion, charisma, and undeniable talent, Rhodes was the perfect candidate to help spearhead this new venture.

1. As a founding member of AEW, Rhodes was instrumental in helping shape the promotion’s creative direction and identity.
2. He worked tirelessly to build a loyal fan base, engaging with fans and creating content that showcased his unique personality and wrestling style.
3. These efforts paid off, as AEW quickly gained traction and became a major force in the wrestling world.

The American Nightmare Returns to WWE

After three years of success in AEW, Rhodes returned to WWE in 2022, this time as “The American Nightmare.” This new persona marked a significant departure from his previous character, and Rhodes was determined to prove to himself and the world that he was worthy of competing for the WWE Championship.

Quotes from Cody Rhodes

Rhodes has been vocal about his experiences in WWE and AEW, and has shared his insights and reflections in various interviews and public appearances. One of the most notable quotes from Rhodes comes from an interview with ESPN, where he discussed his decision to leave WWE and pursue a career in the independent scene.

“I had to create stories about, ‘oh this person was pushing me down, I’ve got to show them,’ you need all of that. When you leave anywhere, you have to legit burn the boats cause the fear is, if you’re out in the ocean, you have it to swim back. I would have been the laughing stock of the business had that not worked out… scared to death for sure, but the classic’saddling up,’ that’s really how I approach everybody in our world.”

A New Chapter for Cody Rhodes

With his newfound success and recognition as the Undisputed WWE Champion, Rhodes has opened up a new chapter in his career. He has continued to evolve and grow as a wrestler, using his platform to inspire and motivate fans around the world. As Rhodes once said, “I would have been the laughing stock of the business had that not worked out.”
The fact that Rhodes was able to overcome his doubts and fears to achieve his goal is a testament to his determination and resilience. His journey from burned boats to Undisputed WWE Champion is a reminder that success is not always easy to achieve, but with hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks, anything is possible. Highlights from Cody Rhodes’ WWE Career

• Cody Rhodes returns to WWE as “The American Nightmare” in 2022.
• Rhodes wins the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 40, marking his first world title victory.
• Rhodes becomes the first wrestler to hold the Undisputed WWE Championship for 360 days.

Definitions

The Undisputed WWE Champion is the title awarded to the winner of the WWE Championship, with the winner being recognized as the undisputed champion by both WWE and the wrestling industry at large.

The independent wrestling scene refers to the network of promotions and wrestling companies that operate independently of the major national promotions such as WWE and AEW. These promotions often feature a mix of established and up-and-coming talent, and offer a unique and varied experience for fans.

Mid-card talent refers to wrestlers who are not considered to be at the top of their game, but are still able to perform at a high level. These wrestlers often appear in mid-card matches and storylines, and may be seen as up-and-coming talent. However, they may not be given the same level of recognition or attention as top-tier talent.