“I Thought It Might Be the Biggest Mistake of My ‘Career’”—Cody Rhodes Finally Reveals the Truth About Leaving AEW for WWE
Cody Rhodes has finally opened up about the real emotions behind one of the most shocking decisions in modern wrestling history—walking away from AEW and returning to WWE.
When Rhodes exited AEW in early 2022 and made his dramatic comeback to WWE at WrestleMania 38 against Seth Rollins, the move sent shockwaves through the wrestling world. At the time, many questioned why one of AEW’s founders would leave a company he helped build from the ground up. Just one year later, Cody was headlining WrestleMania against Roman Reigns—a rise few could have predicted.
As one of AEW’s original executive vice presidents, Cody wasn’t just a wrestler. He played a key role in shaping the company’s early direction, talent signings, and overall vision alongside Tony Khan. Leaving that position meant giving up power, security, and a comfortable role at the top of a rival promotion.
Now, speaking on The Undertaker’s Six Feet Under podcast, Cody admitted the decision was far from easy—and came with serious doubt.
“I had a good gig,” Rhodes said. “Contrary to what you hear, I really did. I had an executive job. I loved the Bullet Club guys. I was evolving, moving forward—there was a lot to weigh.”
Cody revealed that despite the massive opportunity WWE presented, he constantly questioned whether returning was the wrong move. He feared WWE still didn’t fully see him as a top star—just as they hadn’t during his first run.
“That was my fear,” Cody explained. “Is this a mistake? They didn’t see it the first time. They saw a little, but they didn’t see it.”
He went even further, calling his WWE return the biggest gamble of his entire career.
“If I went back and belly-flopped, it wouldn’t have hurt WWE at all,” Rhodes admitted. “It would’ve just been, ‘See? He wasn’t it. He was little league all along.’”
Four years later, that gamble has paid off in historic fashion. Cody Rhodes is now a two-time WWE Champion, a three-time WrestleMania main eventer, and arguably the face of the company—a level of success that few anticipated when he left AEW.
Next, Rhodes looks to make even more history as he enters the Royal Rumble on January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aiming to win the match for the third time in his career.
The WWE Royal Rumble takes place this Saturday and features a stacked card, including Drew McIntyre defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Sami Zayn, two Royal Rumble matches, and a high-stakes showdown between AJ Styles and Gunther where Styles’ career hangs in the balance.
The event streams live on January 31 at 2 p.m. ET in the United States and internationally on Netflix.
For Cody Rhodes, the risk that once terrified him has now defined his legacy—and reshaped the wrestling landscape.
