Cody Rhodes Returns, Beats Seth Rollins

Former AEW star Cody Rhodes returned to WWE as Seth Rollins’ mystery opponent.

Following an impressive pyro display, Rhodes used his AEW theme music, entrance (trap door and all) and even his AEW ring gear.

Fans gave Rhodes an overwhelmingly warm reaction, popping huge for his music and showering him with “Cody” chants throughout the match. Fans erupted into a loud standing ovation prior to the match even beginning.

“The prodigal son has returned!” remarked Corey Graves. At one point, Rhodes performed a Stardust-like cartwheel as Graves described it as “shedding skin” and “letting go of the past.”

Rhodes won the match with three consecutive Cross Rhodes (four overall), and pinned Rollins after paying homage to his father with the patented Dusty Rhodes punches.

Cody Rhodes Left AEW on February 15, 2022

Cody Rhodes shockingly announced his AEW departure in February after working without a contract.

“I have loved my time in AEW. Amazing locker room. Amazing fans. Amazing people. The ‘revolution’ was indeed televised, and I’ve been incredibly lucky to be part of that,” read a heartfelt statement from Cody.

Rhodes and his wife Brandy had been subjected to highly polarizing reactions in AEW that were unlike anything any reaction for AEW stars, and actually mimicked John Cena’s mixed response during his peak. These polarizing reactions have since been inherited by Sammy Guevara and Tay Conti.

Rhodes’ reactions, however, only made him come off as a bigger star. One who was able to transcend typical AEW fan responses, which are usually on-brand with how AEW wants them to react. Rhodes’ departure also had to do with more than these reactions as Tony Khan continued to take control of the decision-making process, leading to whispers of dissension among the EVP’s throughout Rhodes’ tenure.

Cody Rhodes Reportedly Signed with WWE in March

Rhodes reportedly signed his deal with WWE in early March. On March 18, Mike Johnson of PWInsider reported Rhodes had signed with WWE “10 to 14 days ago,” ending a somewhat dramatic run-up to what should have been a shoo-in signee.

Rhodes likely signed for a top-tier salary in WWE. If so he’d be making around $4-$5 million based on a recent report on WWE salaries from Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestling Inc).

Rhodes represents the first AEW star to “cross the line” through AEW’s Forbidden Door and into WWE. A recent report by WrestleVotes suggested Rhodes would be entering WWE the same way he left AEW to emphasize the aesthetic that a major AEW star had chosen to sign with WWE.

“Two very high profile people were adamant to the boss that if (when) Cody Rhodes arrives, he should be exactly what he was in AEW. Presentation, ring gear, theme music, pyro, etc. The visual impact of the ‘American Nightmare’ crossing the line is significant here,” read a tweet from the WWE insider account.

Cody Rhodes Likely to Receive Massive Push in WWE

Cody Rhodes should be considered a top star immediately upon joining WWE. Rhodes, listed as Rollins’ “mystery opponent” was listed as a -450 favorite to win the match headed into WrestleMania according to Betonline. Not only does WWE need top stars in short order, pushing Rhodes also plays into the long game of recruiting AEW free agents in 2024.

MJF has made shrewdly exploited his character to perform real-life contract negotiations both on AEW television and in interviews. One particular interview with Ariel Helwani—where MJF praised WWE “in character” (wink-wink) reportedly led to a heated discussion between MJF and Tony Khan.

Should MJF—one of AEW’s pillars—eventually join WWE when his contract comes due on January 1, 2024, it will likely begin with the success of Cody Rhodes in 2022.