Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes recently revealed surprising details about his departure from AEW during an appearance on the Flagrant podcast. Rhodes shared that, despite appearances, he didn’t have a solid plan when he left the promotion that he helped build. Instead, his journey back to WWE was a leap of faith guided by instinct. Here’s what the American Nightmare had to say about his decision.
Cody Rhodes, the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, recently made headlines with his candid revelation on the Flagrant podcast. The former AEW EVP admitted that he didn’t have a clear plan when he left AEW, describing his exit as “a total bluff.” While many fans assumed Rhodes had a carefully mapped-out journey back to WWE, he shared that the decision was more about following his intuition than executing a master plan. Here’s a closer look at Rhodes’s unexpected move and how it’s impacted his career.
Cody Rhodes Reflects on His AEW Exit
Leaving Without a Plan
Despite being a pivotal figure in AEW’s founding, Rhodes felt a pull to move in a different direction. “It looked like I had a plan to everybody else, it was a total bluff,” Rhodes said, revealing that he hadn’t mapped out his next steps. “I didn’t know what the plan was,” he continued, acknowledging that he could have stayed with AEW and continued his work there but felt drawn elsewhere.
The Role of Instinct in Rhodes’s Decision
Rhodes’s departure was driven by a deep sense of intuition. As he explained, “Something inside was pointing a different direction for me.” For Rhodes, following his instincts led him back to WWE, where he has now reached the pinnacle of success as the Undisputed WWE Champion. This decision showcases Rhodes’s willingness to take risks and trust his inner voice, even when the path forward is unclear.
(H/T to Fightful for transcribing the above quotes)
The Impact of Rhodes’s Move on His WWE Career
Since his return to WWE, Rhodes has become one of the top stars in the promotion, culminating in his current reign as Undisputed WWE Champion. His time away from WWE, including his role as an executive and performer in AEW, allowed him to grow both personally and professionally. Now, he brings that experience back to WWE, resonating with fans who admire his resilience and authenticity.
By leaving AEW without a plan, Rhodes has demonstrated that taking risks can sometimes lead to greater rewards. His story serves as an inspiration for others in the industry, showing that success often requires stepping out of one’s comfort zone and embracing the unknown.
Rhodes’s Journey of Self-Discovery
Cody Rhodes’s decision to leave AEW without a plan was a bold move that has ultimately led to immense success in WWE. His journey highlights the power of following one’s instincts and trusting in the process, even when the outcome isn’t clear. As Rhodes continues his career as WWE’s Undisputed Champion, fans are eager to see what other surprises the American Nightmare has in store
FAQ Section
Did Cody Rhodes have a plan when he left AEW?
No, Cody Rhodes admitted that he didn’t have a plan when he left AEW. His departure was driven by instinct, even though many fans thought he had a clear path to WWE.
Why did Cody Rhodes leave AEW?
Rhodes felt an internal pull to move in a different direction, which ultimately led him back to WWE. While he could have stayed with AEW, he decided to trust his instincts and explore new opportunities.