WWE Champ Cody Rhodes Touches On Sore Spot From Time With AEW
In the dynamic world of professional wrestling, few stories have been as captivating as Cody Rhodes’ journey from AEW back to WWE. As he continues to make waves in WWE, the champ has recently opened up about the more challenging aspects of his tenure with AEW. In this revealing discussion, WWE Champ Cody Rhodes touches on sore spot from time with AEW, shedding light on the complexities of his professional path and the intricacies of the wrestling industry.
The Genesis of AEW and Cody’s Role
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) was founded in 2019 by Tony Khan, with Cody Rhodes as one of the founding executive vice presidents. Rhodes, along with other wrestling luminaries like Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, was instrumental in shaping the brand and giving it credibility in the eyes of wrestling fans. AEW positioned itself as a fresh alternative to WWE, promising a new era of wrestling excellence and creative freedom.
Cody Rhodes was not just a pivotal figure behind the scenes; he was also a major on-screen talent. His storylines and matches drew significant attention, helping AEW gain traction. However, despite the outward success, Rhodes’ time at AEW was not without its challenges. As WWE Champ Cody Rhodes touches on sore spot from time with AEW, he reveals the emotional and professional hurdles he faced.
Creative Differences and Leadership Struggles
One of the primary sore spots for Rhodes during his AEW tenure was the issue of creative differences. While AEW was touted as a promotion where wrestlers had more control over their storylines and characters, this freedom sometimes led to friction. WWE Champ Cody Rhodes touches on sore spot from time with AEW, highlighting how differing creative visions among the executive team occasionally led to discord.
Rhodes has spoken candidly about the difficulties of balancing his roles as both a performer and an executive. The pressure to deliver compelling storylines while managing backstage responsibilities often put him in challenging positions. The creative disagreements, particularly with other top executives, became a significant source of stress. These tensions were exacerbated by the high expectations placed on AEW to differentiate itself from WWE and establish its own identity.
The Burden of Expectations
Another critical sore spot for Rhodes was the immense pressure and expectations that came with his dual role. Being both an on-screen talent and a high-ranking executive meant that Rhodes was constantly under scrutiny. Fans and critics alike analyzed his every move, both in the ring and behind the scenes. WWE Champ Cody Rhodes touches on sore spot from time with AEW, emphasizing the weight of these expectations and how they affected his mental and emotional well-being.
Rhodes’ departure from WWE in 2016 was driven by his desire for creative freedom and professional growth. When he joined AEW, he carried the hopes of fans who believed in his vision for a wrestling promotion that valued creativity and athleticism. This burden of expectations, coupled with the challenges of startup culture in a highly competitive industry, made his journey particularly arduous.
Personal Sacrifices and Professional Growth
In his reflections, Rhodes has also touched upon the personal sacrifices he made during his time with AEW. The intense workload and constant travel took a toll on his personal life. WWE Champ Cody Rhodes touches on sore spot from time with AEW, noting how the relentless schedule often kept him away from his family and loved ones. These sacrifices, while part and parcel of a professional wrestler’s life, were magnified by his additional responsibilities as an executive.
Despite these challenges, Rhodes acknowledges the professional growth he experienced during his AEW tenure. The role pushed him to develop new skills and gain a deeper understanding of the business side of wrestling. These experiences, though difficult, ultimately contributed to his evolution as both a performer and a leader.
The Decision to Return to WWE
Rhodes’ return to WWE in 2022 was met with mixed reactions. While many fans were thrilled to see him back in WWE, others questioned the move, considering his pivotal role in AEW’s inception. WWE Champ Cody Rhodes touches on sore spot from time with AEW, explaining that his decision to return was driven by a desire to focus more on his in-ring career and less on the behind-the-scenes politics.
In WWE, Rhodes found an opportunity to reclaim his status as a top-tier performer without the added pressure of executive duties. His return was marked by high-profile matches and significant storylines, reaffirming his place as one of the industry’s leading talents. The shift allowed him to concentrate on what he loves most—wrestling—while also providing a platform to further his legacy.
Looking Ahead: Cody’s Vision for the Future
As WWE Champ Cody Rhodes touches on sore spot from time with AEW, he remains optimistic about the future. He views his experiences in AEW as invaluable lessons that have shaped his approach to wrestling and leadership. Rhodes is committed to using his platform in WWE to continue pushing the boundaries of storytelling and performance.
He also expresses a desire to mentor younger talent, sharing the knowledge and insights he has gained throughout his career. This commitment to fostering the next generation of wrestlers is a testament to his enduring passion for the sport and his dedication to its evolution.
Conclusion
In summary, WWE Champ Cody Rhodes touches on sore spot from time with AEW, providing a candid and insightful look into the complexities of his journey. His reflections reveal the challenges and triumphs of balancing creative and executive roles, the burden of expectations, and the personal sacrifices involved. As he continues to make his mark in WWE, Rhodes’ story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and dedication required to succeed in the ever-evolving world of professional wrestling.