5 AEW stars who are close to Cody Rhodes in real life
Regardless of what he achieves in WWE, Cody Rhodes' name will forever remain linked to All Elite Wrestling. It was The American Nightmare who helped lay the foundation of All In 2018, which kickstarted a domino effect, leading to the birth of AEW in 2019.
Although he left the Jacksonville-based promotion in 2022, his absence is still felt in the Tony Khan-led company to this day. Despite parting ways with AEW three years ago, the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion remains grateful for his time as an "All-Elite" star.
The Dashing One often talks about AEW in interviews, where he usually puts over the company's talented roster. Even though he has a packed schedule in WWE, The American Nightmare has remained in touch with the many friends he made in All Elite Wrestling.
Aside from his brother Dustin Rhodes, several other AEW stars continue to be a part of Cody's life as well. In this article, let's look at five AEW stars who are close to Cody Rhodes in real life.
#5. Ricky Starks is often spotted with Cody Rhodes
Ricky Starks was one of the first few individuals who challenged Cody Rhodes for the TNT Championship. While they were prominent rivals on screen, the duo shared a close relationship behind the scenes.
The Dashing One thinks highly of The Absolute One, who is perhaps the most charismatic talker in AEW. Starks has also acknowledged Rhodes' contributions to his career and family on many occasions, expressing his indebtedness to the current Undisputed WWE Champion.
The Stroke Daddy has continued to have great camaraderie with Cody Rhodes despite the latter's departure from AEW. Ricky Starks was in attendance at WrestleMania 40 this year, when The American Nightmare conquered Roman Reigns to finish his story.
#4 and #3. Matt and Nick Jackson have traveled across the globe alongside Cody Rhodes
Since his WWE departure in 2016, Cody Rhodes has actively remained associated with The Young Bucks. From ROH to NJPW, the trio found themselves together no matter where they went.
The Bucks and Cody were the flag bearers of the anti-monopoly sentiment against WWE, which eventually led to the inception of AEW. The Elite's efforts significantly boosted the wrestling economy, which is a matter of great pride for the group.
Before Rhodes' AEW departure, the trio collectively served as AEW EVPs, which speaks volumes of their chemistry behind the scenes. While he is now at the top of WWE, Cody Rhodes never misses out on giving Matt and Nick Jackson their deserved flowers.
The Bucks are equally appreciative of Cody's contributions to AEW, having shown support to the WWE champion multiple times in the past.
#2. QT Marshall is close to The American Nightmare behind the scenes
QT Marshall feuded with Cody Rhodes in one of the most infamous rivalries in the history of AEW. While they were portrayed as bitter rivals on television, Marshall is one of the closest individuals to The American Nightmare in real life.
The Trainer is incredibly grateful to Cody for helping him be in the position that he is in currently. The former AAA Latin American Champion appeared on the Talk is Jericho podcast in July 2023, where he talked openly about The Dashing One's effect on his career, and how he helped him move up the ranks in All Elite Wrestling.
Interestingly, Marshall recently came out in defense of The American Nightmare after the latter drew criticism for his comments about the "terrible" ending to his AEW run. The 39-year-old star applauded Cody for his positive outlook towards AEW despite holding a top position in WWE.
#1. MJF is one of Cody Rhodes' best friends
Cody Rhodes' rivalry against Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) in 2019-20 was one of the highlights of his stint with All Elite Wrestling. The American Nightmare displayed his vulnerable side as a babyface throughout this feud, elevating MJF as the most ruthless heel on AEW television.
The Salt of the Earth once assaulted Rhodes with ten lashes in front of his friends and family. While their onscreen personas have no love lost between them, the two stars are incredibly close to each other in real life.
The Wolf of Pro Wrestling has referred to The Dashing One as his "best friend" in several interviews. Rhodes is also MJF's go-to person whenever he needs advice about any matter.
The American Nightmare has also been very ecstatic watching MJF's rise into a certified megastar. The WWE Champion is incredibly proud of MJF's growth as a performer and expects him to join him in WWE one day.