"Dad would always say take the money" - Dustin Rhodes discusses Cody Rhodes leaving AEW for WWE
Dustin Rhodes recently gave his thoughts on his brother Cody Rhodes departing AEW and returning to WWE.
Dustin left WWE himself in 2019; he joined AEW months later and made his debut against Cody at the first Double or Nothing event. The Natural has since become a vital member of the promotion, as both an in-ring talent and significant backstage presence in his role as a coach.
Cody left AEW earlier this year after his contract expired. He worked beyond his contract expiration on a handshake deal because he was the TNT Champion at the time. After he dropped the title against interim champion Sammy Guevara, the younger Rhodes brother signed with WWE and appeared at WrestleMania 38.
During an appearance on The Sessions with Renee Paquette, Dustin discussed Cody's AEW exit. He shared his belief that their father, the American Dream Dusty Rhodes, would have agreed with the move to WWE:
"I knew dad always wanted us to be happy and he [Dusty Rhodes] would have his suggestions like that and try to lead us in the right way," said Dustin. "But ultimately, these are our decisions, right? Money is money, and dad would always say, 'Take the money.' (H/T Fightful)
No I am not leaving. I like it here in @AEW
Cody put memories of his Stardust gimmick aside as he returned to WWE in April; he defeated Seth "Freakin" Rollins at The Show of Shows. He has since made it clear that he has his sights set on the world title.
Dustin could have been Cody's last opponent in AEW
Sammy Guevara v. Dustin Rhodes TONIGHT!!! #BattleOfTheBelts on @tntdrama #LR #5DecadesStrong #KeepSteppin
youtu.be/Yx1DjZ3KFtU via @YouTube
Cody and Dustin's clash at Double or Nothing 2019 marked the in-ring debuts of both competitors within the upstart promotion. Had Dustin Rhodes emerged the victor of his Battle of the Belts clash with Sammy Guevara, he could also have been the last opponent for The American Nightmare before his departure.
Sammy and Cody were scheduled to clash in a rematch after Rhodes became the first three-time champion at the Holiday Bash edition of Rampage. However, after Cody had to enter COVID protocols, the match was changed to an Interim TNT Title match. Guevara ultimately won the gold and went on to face The American Nightmare.
If Dusty won the interim title, he would have taken Guevara's place in the eventual unification bout. As it stands, Cody's final contest in the promotion he helped build was his ladder match with Guevara.