Cody Rhodes Officially Leaves AEW
Next up, we have some huge AEW news as a major star has officially left the company.
The official All Elite Wrestling Twitter account would today post a statement from company President Tony Khan regarding the status of Cody Rhodes and his wife Brandi, who have both now parted ways with AEW. The statement would read:
“Cody and Brandi Rhodes were integral to the launch of All Elite Wrestling. Cody’s ability combined with his boldness and his passion for our industry and his love for community outreach helped AEW deliver on our mission to give fans what they needed for far too long. Something new, innovative and lasting.”
“Brandi helped us shape the AEW story, and I appreciate how hard she fought for us both in the ring and out of the ring, competing in the women’s division while advancing our efforts at inclusion and civic causes, including great partnerships with Kulture City and the American Heart Association. I have immense respect and appreciation for Cody and Brandi. And I wish them both the best as they move on from AEW. Thank you, Cody and Brandi!”
Cody himself would take to Twitter regarding the news, releasing a lengthy statement of his own, which would read:
“I have loved my time at AEW. Amazing locker room, amazing fans, amazing people. The ‘revolution’ was indeed televised, and I’ve been incredibly lucky to be part of that. First, I want to thank Tony Khan. He’s taken the baton and run with it, and it was an honor to work for him and to know him on a personal level. He’s a beautiful soul. Obviously need to thank my incredible wife and the mother of my baby girl, Brandi, for all of her love and support throughout this journey together and the amazing relationships she fostered with Kulture City and the American Heart Association.”
“I also need to thank Nick and Matt Jackson (these two, whether they know it or not, took an undesired and not confident lir cub and gifted me the confidence to become a leader of the pack), Kenneth Omega, Chris Jericho, Chicken…we started the fire. I must thank Tim W/Keith M/Greg W and the amazing production crew who understood and captured the vision with such grace, I can’t name everybody. But thank you to Megha, Margaret, Harrington, Jeff Jones, Dana, Tony Schiavone, Bern, Raf, and the hardest worker in the game, QT Marshall, for propping me up and kicking me in the ass when I was running on fumes.”
“I must thank all my kiddos… MJF, Jade, Sammy, Darby, Lee, Ricky, Tom, The Gunns, Brock, Velvet, Nyla, Aubrey, Turner, Vanilla, Solo, Spears, Julia, Anna, Will, Wardlow, Sonny, Fuego 1 and of course, -1. While we’re at it, give Jade the Codyvator! Also need to take a moment to thank the great partners at Warner Media including Brett, Sam, and the rest of the team. I have so many milestones and beautiful memories of this renaissance…through sweat, blood, tears, literal fire, and all that…I left it all on the mat.”
“Everything pales in comparison to the final contribution I was empowered to lead at the company, the community outreach team. In the most inward moments, your outward behavior and your ability to take fame/influence and do something of value for the communities you visit (whether the cameras are on or off) is the highest honor. I am confident Amanda Huber will lead the department with style. I’m so proud of my creations and contributions and the items I supported or collaborated on with such wonderful professionals.”
Fightful noted that AEW talent knew of the departures 15 minutes before the announcement and that Cody and Brandi haven’t been as connected to the locker room in recent years in contrast to when AEW started, with word emerging that Cody had become distant from other EVPs.
Dave Meltzer noted on the Wrestling Observer Radio that there was talk backstage last night at RAW that Cody would be returning to the company, with Fightful confirming that the two sides have at least had discussions.
Meltzer would add that he wouldn’t be surprised if Cody indeed went back to WWE.
The is no doubt the highest profile from departure from AEW to date, with them losing one of their founding fathers.
