Cody Rhodes, the current Undisputed WWE Champion, has recently spoken out against All Elite Wrestling (AEW) stars who have taken shots at him and his wife, Brandi Rhodes. In a candid interview on the Cheap Heat podcast, Rhodes emphasized that it’s a “big no-no” for anyone to mention his or his wife’s name in a negative light.
Rhodes’ comments come on the heels of AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm’s veiled shot at him during a media scrum after the Dynasty pay-per-view event.
Storm implied that unlike Cody, she would never call someone out to celebrate with her in the ring, referencing Cody’s post-WrestleMania celebration with Triple H.
This is not an isolated incident, as several AEW stars have taken subtle jabs at The American Nightmare over the past couple of years.
Despite this, Cody reiterated his support for AEW, acknowledging the crucial role the promotion plays in maintaining a balance in the wrestling industry.
He warned that if AEW were to cease operations, it would have severe financial repercussions on the wrestling business as a whole, including independent wrestling.
Rhodes has always been a vocal defender of AEW, and his comments underscore the importance of the promotion’s existence. However, he also made it clear that it’s not easy to do so when some within the company continue to take potshots at him and his family.
He urged AEW management to remind its talent that mentioning him or his wife’s name in a derogatory manner is unacceptable.
In the same interview, Cody likened AEW’s frequent controversies to a rowdy child getting into trouble. Despite this, he expressed his enduring affection for the company and its founders, The Young Bucks.
Rhodes credited himself as a key figure in AEW’s inception, stating that the promotion wouldn’t have happened without him.
This sense of ownership and responsibility is likely why he feels invested in AEW’s success, even if it means biting his tongue when faced with criticism from within.
Cody’s comments serve as a reminder that despite his departure from AEW in 2022, he remains deeply connected to the promotion and its people. As he continues to thrive in WWE as the Undisputed Champion, his words will undoubtedly resonate within the wrestling community.
It’s clear that Cody Rhodes will always have a soft spot for AEW, but he expects respect
