During a recent interview on Wrestling Observer Radio, former AEW World Champion Kenny Omega discussed Cody Rhodes leaving All Elite Wrestling.
Below are the highlights:
On Cody Rhodes leaving AEW:
“Everyone was shocked. We all know when our deals are up, especially the EVPs, we know when our deals are up. In the case of The (Young) Bucks, when their options kick in. For myself, I don’t have a deal like that. I’m up next year, just straight up, done. I would have to re-sign a new [contract], there is no option.
We knew Cody’s, much like The Bucks, it was that time. We would hear that there was possibly some difficulty with the negotiation or whatever, but you never think it’s going in that direction where the talent is going to opt for leaving, especially, when this thing first started, the most passionate person of our revolution, the most passionate person of creating the ‘us vs. them’ mentality was Cody. It was strange for him to just choose to up and walk away.”
On why Cody Rhodes left AEW:
“However, that being said, feelings change, the environment around you is ever-changing and constantly changing. Maybe the mission statement, the goal, the revolution, whatever it is you’re searching for and trying to create, maybe that isn’t what it is anymore to you. Maybe it isn’t your inspiration and what gets you out of bed every day.
I would always encourage everyone, in wrestling and life, if your work isn’t fulfilling and making you happy, you really should look for opportunities elsewhere, in a place where you can feel creatively free and a place where you feel your work is being appreciated and fulfilled.
I’m guessing that, knowing Cody as well as I know him, I don’t think it was an issue of money. I don’t think it was Tony not shelling out enough cash to keep him invested with the company.
Cody, he really believed in the original vision he brought to the table for AEW and the original vision that the team brought to the table when AEW was first becoming a promotion, we didn’t know where this would go.
*Go to the NEXT page to continue reading this article
