In Which We Follow the Wrestling Ramblings of a Rogue Stardust
Let’s rewind to a time not too long ago, March to be exact. Remember that? When Cody Rhodes, was in desperate need of an ego-stroking heart-to-heart. Not with anyone, mind you, but the one and only WWE tycoon, Vince McMahon, and his sidekick Bruce Prichard. Something about seeking closure for his dramatic WWE exit back in 2016, you know, that bit where he caused a bit of a stir by launching a rival operation called AEW? Why did Cody Rhodes leave AEW? continue reading fellow tights man.
The Unbearable Weight of Stardust
“I have such a respect for the George Lucas of our industry, that being Vince [McMahon],” Rhodes said in an attempt to curry favour. But the Stardust identity was a thorn in his side, even as he trotted around the WWE stage like a comic book supervillain.
Apparently, his real ‘aha’ moment came courtesy of a confused child, who didn’t recognise him as Cody Rhodes without his Stardust façade. He moaned, “I remember thinking ‘We’re in trouble.'” Well, one can only assume that’s when he decided to take the “road less travelled” back to the limelight.
A Wife’s Wise Words
Rhodes’ better half, Brandi, came to the rescue with the sage advice: “You’re not a tree, so f***ing move.” That’s when he realised that maybe, just maybe, he was worth more than he was at WWE. Seven years later, and Rhodes seems to have vindicated himself. Even McMahon can see that Rhodes has redefined himself.
The Prodigal Son Returns: Wrestling World, Watch Out!
Post WWE, Rhodes ventured into the wild world of wrestling, challenging the likes of Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and Impact Wrestling. And let’s not forget that he followed in daddy dearest’s footsteps, using Dusty’s entrepreneurial spirit to challenge the McMahon empire, and boy did that create a ripple in the wrestling world!
“The Rhodeses are royalty just like the McMahons,” said Diamond Dallas Page, WWE Hall of Famer. Well, if that doesn’t stroke an ego, I don’t know what does.
AEW: Rhodes’ Golden Goose
Rhodes and his gang of independent wrestling stars, The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega, came together in 2019 to form AEW, along with some funding from Tony Khan. And voila! They became the first genuine competitors to WWE in the 21st century. And Rhodes was loving every bit of it.
He quipped, “There’s more money now in the business because me and my friends went out and started a rival promotion.” Now that’s what I call a win-win!
Cody Rhodes: From Stardust to Shooting Star
By the time WrestleMania 38 rolled around, Rhodes had become the brightest star in the wrestling world. He even got arguably the loudest reaction at the event. Despite wrestling with a torn pectoral muscle in a Hell in a Cell match with Seth Rollins, he was, without doubt, the hottest babyface in America.
But despite his success, he feared being replaced during his time off. “The lingering concern of ‘What if I’m replaced while I’m out’ lingered in his head,” he confessed. Talk about wrestling world paranoia!
And it continues
Well, well, well. Gather round, folks! Because it seems our very own Cody Rhodes, the wrestling world’s prodigal son, is making a heroic return back to the glitzy and glam lights of the WWE universe. We’ve all been on the edge of our seats, haven’t we? Watching with bated breath as he swapped his sparkly WWE leotard for a fresh AEW one, and then chucked it back in the bin for a surprise twist, a glorious WWE comeback. So, grab your popcorn, and buckle up.
This tale of woe and redemption, my friends, begins with Cody and his Stardust persona. Picture this: a full-grown bloke in a costume that looked like it was nicked straight off a B-list comic book supervillain. Stardust was about as popular as a flat beer at a frat party. One might think, “Oh dear! Stardust, what a tragedy!” but then there was Cody, saying it was a painful “drug” he just couldn’t get enough of. Alright, mate, whatever you say. Why did Cody Rhodes leave AEW? simply, to be CHAMPION, at the biggest stage i think.
And then, our Stardust decided he had had enough. He was off! Off to the wild wrestling plains of the independent circuit. He was knocking about in places ranging from your tiny, dingy venues in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to the blooming massive Tokyo Dome. There, he not only discovered the joy of the independents, but also rekindled his entrepreneurial spirit, drawing a blueprint from his old man, Dusty.
Hold on to your hats! Here comes the plot twist! In 2019, Cody teamed up with Tony Khan, the bloke who owns the Jacksonville Jaguars (bit of a step up from wrestling, don’t you reckon?), and they only went and set up their own wrestling company, All Elite Wrestling. AEW was a rival to the mighty WWE – a David to their Goliath, if you will.
Face Cody
But just when we thought our lad had found his wrestling home, he upped and left again! It seems the grass is always greener for our Cody. This time, it was back to WWE, the place where it all began. Oh, the poetic symmetry! Cody claimed that he was the best wrestler in the world (modest, isn’t he?). And McMahon, rather than laughing him out of the room, didn’t even argue. Good on you, Vince.
After a series of wild twists and turns, it seems like Cody Rhodes’ odyssey might finally be coming to an end, with a triumphant return to WrestleMania on the horizon. The bloke has done it all, from wrestling in his brother’s shadow to launching his own rival promotion, to now gearing up for a grand showdown with Roman Reigns. You just couldn’t script this stuff. Oh, wait…
So, as we eagerly wait for Rhodes’ WrestleManiaWrestleMania fallout moment, one thing’s for sure: it’s been a cracking ride. And who knows what’s next on the cards? After all, with Cody Rhodes, anything seems possible.
FAQs
Oh, just for a laugh, and maybe because he fancies himself the world’s best wrestler. Not much of a humble bloke, our Cody.
Looks like he got bored, didn’t he? Despite setting up a rival show, he just couldn’t resist the WWE limelight
A bloke in a daft costume with a fanbase smaller than a Sunday village cricket team. That’s Stardust for you!
He seems to think so! McMahon’s not arguing either. But we’ll leave that for you to decide.
Who knows, mate? With his track record, he could be off to join the circus next. Keep your eyes peeled.
By flitting around more than a magpie at a tinfoil factory, trying everything from WWE to independent circuits and AEW.
He has said many times, he is not getting younger, he has a kid now that needs taking care of! however, this lifelong wrestling fan thinks it was because of the WWE Champion, to do something no Rhodes has done before.
