Cody Rhodes, one of the founding wrestlers and a Titanic executive vice president of All Elite Wrestling, is leaving the promotion. All signs point to a return to WWE.
His wife Brandi is also leaving AEW.
The news was first reported by ESPN's Mike Koppinger that Rhodes informed AEW CEO Tony Khan on Tuesday morning that he was leaving and that his contract did not have a non-compete clause. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful stated that "word inside the wrestling world" was that Rhodes might rejoin WWE.
"Cody and Brandi Rhodes were integral to the launch of All Elite Wrestling," Khan said in a statement.
“Kody’s ability combined with his courage and his passion for our industry and his love for community outreach helped AEW deliver on our mission that fans have needed for a very long time – something new. Innovative and sustainable."
Khan said he has "the utmost respect and admiration" for both Cody and Brandi and sent them the best of luck for what lies ahead.
Whether or not a deal has been formally finalized, WWE is the most logical platform for Rhodes in the wrestling business.
Rhodes added his own statement: "I have loved my time at AEW. Amazing locker room. amazing fan. wonderful people. 'Kranti' was actually telecast on television, and I have been fortunate to be a part of it."
Rhodes thanked Khan and several wrestlers in the locker room.
The 36-year-old is the son of the legendary late professional wrestler Dusty Rhodes. He performed in WWE from 2006-16.
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) February 15, 2022
In many ways, his departure from WWE to perform in promotions such as Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling was a match on Tinder to the growing global wrestling scene that eventually led to the formation of AEW.
His defection is a major story in the wrestling business. Many wrestlers have left WWE for AEW, such as Matt Hardy, Christian, Daniel Bryan, Rusev (Miro), Alastair Black (Malakai Black), Dean Ambrose (Jon Moxley), and Chris Jericho, but none did. Is. Still reversed.
Rhodes and the Young Bucks were the first wrestlers publicly associated with AEW, and they had dual roles as wrestlers with the title of Executive Vice President at the company. It's not a story anyone would have seen even with news that surfaced a few weeks ago that Rhodes was working on a "handshake deal" with AEW in the absence of a long-term contract.