In the recently premiered documentary, Becoming Cody Rhodes, the famed wrestler Cody Rhodes, also known as the American Nightmare, has revealed the real reasons behind his surprising move from AEW to WWE.
All Elite Wrestling (AEW), which was established back in 2019, saw Rhodes as one of its central figures. Alongside other wrestling talents like Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks (Nick and Matt Jackson), Rhodes was instrumental in the creation and early success of the promotion. With a roster brimming with talent and backed by a solid financial structure, AEW quickly rose to become the second-largest wrestling promotion in the United States, trailing only the WWE.
However, after nearly three years of contributing to the growth of the Jacksonville-based company, Rhodes made the unexpected decision to leave AEW and rejoin WWE in April 2022, marking his dramatic return at Wrestlemania 38. This unexpected move sparked a flurry of questions from fans and critics alike, all wondering why Rhodes would abandon the company he played such a critical role in building.
In his documentary, Rhodes finally addressed these lingering questions. Contrary to the widespread speculation since his exit, Rhodes clarified that neither monetary gains nor issues with other talent led to his decision to leave AEW. Instead, he cited personal reasons that he chose to keep undisclosed as the primary factor behind his departure. His exit from AEW, he added, provided him with the opportunity to realize his oldest and most profound dream – becoming the WWE champion.
In another development, the wrestling world is buzzing with rumors of a potential WWE return of Stephen Amell, a significant figure who has been absent from the wrestling ring for a staggering eight years. Amell first entered the wrestling spotlight back in 2015, when he teamed up with PAC to clinch a victory against Cody Rhodes (then known as Stardust) and King Barrett at SummerSlam.
Since his debut, Amell has been engaged in various ventures, notably his role as Jack Spade in the highly-rated wrestling drama series, Heels. Amell shares a close bond with Rhodes, a friendship that started when Rhodes made a guest appearance on the popular TV show Arrow. This relationship culminated in their unforgettable tag-team match at SummerSlam in 2015.
Speculations are rife that this bond may lead to a thrilling comeback for Amell at the upcoming SummerSlam, potentially aiding Cody Rhodes in his challenging face-off against Brock Lesnar. Amell’s return to WWE, if it materializes, is anticipated to create an enduring moment in wrestling history.
Amell’s ambitions in the wrestling world go beyond a single comeback match. In a recent conversation with WrestleRant, he stated his desire to become a part of the WWE Hall of Fame. According to Amell, a stand-out WrestleMania match could be his ticket into the prestigious club, already graced by celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Turning to SummerSlam 2023, WWE appears to have subtly dropped a hint regarding the outcome of the much-awaited third match between Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar. As it stands, the two titans of the wrestling world are tied with one victory each, making the upcoming bout a decisive clash. During a recent episode of Raw, Lesnar was seen standing over a defeated Rhodes, an image that has fueled speculations that Rhodes might emerge victorious at SummerSlam, thereby ending their long-standing rivalry on a triumphant note.
