Cody Rhodes was a key figure when it came to the launch of All Elite Wrestling, but earlier this year he decided to part ways with the company. Cody’s decision surprised many, and there were a number of fans who criticized the former TNT Champion for jumping ship.
During a recent appearance on After The Bell with Corey Graves, Cody Rhodes discussed the reaction to his departure and he emphasized that he thought fans should just be happy that AEW exists.
“It initially was unanimously positive. I feel like that fanbase, that divide that exists amongst all the different bubbles, if there was any negativity, well I can put some of the blame on my shoulders. Again, the last shows I had done before taking this WWE return, I’m taking little fun and pod-shots talking smack which is what wrestlers do. I think sometimes the fans attach themselves to those statements and forget that we are in the realm of entertainment. I added to the tribalism myself so I can’t necessarily get mad at it when I see it.
“It was unique to see a lot of people burning like my old AEW shirts which was a trend for a few days on social so it felt like you were kind of leaving a sports team. It didn’t break my heart but I thought it was odd because the place doesn’t exist without me. There’s other people that needed to be there for it to exist for sure but I am one of the people that that place exists because of. AEW exists partially because of me. I saw a few times the term ‘sold out’ and I thought like you have this, it’s great.”
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H/T Wrestling Inc.
