Warner Bros. Discovery reportedly spoke to Cody Rhodes about staying in All Elite Wrestling before he returned to WWE.
Rhodes helped launch AEW, and he was one of its Executive Vice Presidents. He was a three-time TNT Champion, and he left the company in February. He subsequently signed with WWE and made his re-debut at WrestleMania 38.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reports that, per Warner Bros Discovery sources, “efforts were made” to keep Rhodes in AEW. Sapp noted that Rhodes’ presence with Rhodes to the Top and Go Big Show, in addition to his prominent role in AEW, helped him build a good connection with several people in WarnerMedia at the time. Sapp cited sources who indicated that Rhodes’ WWE return wasn’t official until a few weeks ahead of WrestleMania. Following the Warner Bros. Discovery merger, there were inquiries, separate of AEW, regarding Rhodes’ interest in staying with the company.
Specifically, sources noted that Sam Linskey, the Associate General Manager and Senior Vice President of Scripted Original programming for TNT, TBS and TruTv, tried to reach out to Rhodes. Sources expressed that there wasn’t any ill will between the sides, but Rhodes responded to those who asked by saying that it was time to leave.
Sapp also noted that Cody and Brandi Rhodes were contacted to potentially participate in the UpFronts, but it’s unclear whether this was linked to AEW or the other shows.
Following Rhodes’ exit, Sapp cited sources who stated that they would have “loved” if Cody had stayed in AEW, but it wasn’t a “dealbreaker” for them. Sources expressed their happiness with AEW and its recent ratings.
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