Cody Rhodes wouldn't be "as big a star" if he didn't leave AEW, according to WWE veteran
Cody Rhodes' current run in WWE has been nothing short of remarkable, especially considering his position in the company before he left seven years ago. His success in the world's largest wrestling promotion has left many people wondering whether Tony Khan regrets letting The American Nightmare cross the promotional divide.
Cody and his wife, Brandi, left AEW in February 2022 as they could not come to terms on a new contract with the promotion. Just over a month later, Cody re-debuted in WWE at WrestleMania 38 and has been positioned as one of the organization's top stars ever since.
Speaking on his Drive-Thru podcast, Jim Cornette stated that he does not believe Tony Khan regrets losing one of AEW's founding members:
"I don’t even think [Tony Khan] regrets it. I don’t think he realizes that he was at a crossroads there and could have made a different choice and gone more in the direction of what Cody was trying to do also. I don’t think he regrets it. I think he wishes that all of his friends could have stayed in the same sandbox. But I don’t think he’s losing sleep over it."[From 00:40 – 00:59]
Day 11 of the #AEWAllIn countdown :
106 days to the show
Everyday until #AEWAllIn I will post an @AEW picture that represents the company.
Today :
The first TNT Champion, one of the creator of #AEW, The American Nightmare @CodyRhodes https://t.co/K1eo2BEO26
Cornette continued, noting that Cody Rhodes made the right decision to join WWE when he did:
"Meanwhile Cody made the absolutely right choice because he would not be where he is right now if he was still on AEW television, obviously. But he wouldn’t be anywhere near as big a star. […] He stepped off a secondary television as one of the top guys and went to the biggest TV as the top guy." [From 01:00 – 01:36]
Cody Rhodes is set to face Brock Lesnar at WWE Night of Champions
The American Nightmare returned to winning ways after his unexpected defeat to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39. At the following premium live event, Backlash, Cody Rhodes defeated Brock Lesnar.
However, this is not where the story ended, as The Beast Incarnate would viciously attack Rhodes on an episode of RAW and issue a challenge for the upcoming Night of Champions event in Saudi Arabia.
Cody Rhodes vs Brock Lesnar is official for NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS!!!
#Smackdown #WWENOC https://t.co/SwT25yq5B9
Many expect Rhodes to once again come away with the victory, although he will have to fight tooth and nail to complete the job as Lesnar looks more enraged than ever before.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit Jim Cornette's Drive-Thru and give a H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.