Highlights include:
Cody says the details about getting his last name aren’t important but he doesn’t see himself using it in a wrestling capacity. Cites the Go Big Show and in other third-party / acting uses and he likes how “The American Nightmare Cody” has become a brand.
Cody on Serena vs. Allysin Kay – talks about his relationship with Serena, notes Tony Khan and Billy Corgan are often communicating. Thinks it will be a hell of a match.
Cody says he takes talent recruitment very seriously and if he vouches for you it means something. Praises Ricky Starks’ work and calls him a special talent, Eddie Kingston as well. Says both delivered and he’s happy to recruit them, but they “ran with the ball”
Cody is asked about AEW being more sports-centric. He says he looks back on his early remarks and chuckles because he talked a lot before they even had a show. Cody says now they look at unscripted content, but more so he considers himself sports-centric. Cody says Jericho does his own thing with Dinner Debonair and represents his brand well. AEW serves different flavors of ice cream and he still stands by what he said then. Cody Rhodes will always be sports-centric because those are the stories he likes to tell
Cody on injuries and extra medical personnel being added. He says it’s always evolving, but safety is paramount. Wrestling is violent, but you should never be injured. Concussion and medical protocols are evolving daily because they need and have them.
Cody on the (lack of a build for) Nyla vs. Shida – he says he’s aware fans have been conditioned to think wrestling matches need a storyline but AEW doesn’t. He says no one will be disappointed in the match and Shida is the best, man or woman.
Cody asked about Darby Allin – praises him for making his brand lean-in to what AEW does. Calls him a loner AND a leader. The longer the match goes, Darby is favored but “your hot dog is not going to get cold” on this one. Darby couldn’t beat him three other times. Cody says he’s not looking past Darby but he thinks other challengers are out there for him.
Cody on building the legacy with TNT title: cites fans being pre-conditioned again and says fans have been told that other titles are ‘less than’ … says any wrestler that doesn’t want to be on the PWI 500 is not successful. Cody says the TNT Championship is THE belt and the ‘Ace’ title. He says that title, if it leaves his hands at some point, that new person will carry it with dignity and he’s so proud to hold it now.
Cody asked about branching out into the UK – says once things open up they will be in the UK, most likely for multiple shows because there are too many markets to hit. Praises the relationship with ITV and hopes for a great 2021 for AEW overseas.
Cody asked about the Young Bucks ‘repeating’ the never challenging for a title stipulation – he doesn’t want a * next to his name and he gave his word he will not challenge for it. He won’t use a different name or go as the Midnight Rider. Cody isn’t sure why the Bucks went that far and he thinks it’s a bad idea for them to do it. He says from an optics standpoint, maybe they didn’t learn from him but wrestlers are bull-headed and he wishes them luck because he always wants them to succeed
Cody on a ‘third hour’ – he says it’s not a third hour of Dynamite, the new contract with TNT is for a new show. He does not have any news to share, but that’s not to say there’s no news. He will be clear it’s not going to be Dark but they can’t wait to share more
Cody asked about a supershow possibility, potential for third match with Nick Aldis – he doesn’t think they will do a supershow. The doors are open but he doesn’t think it would happen. Tony / Billy continue to talk and as far as Nick goes, he feels it’s best to stay at two. He praises the second match at All In and notes match 3 isn’t impossible but he doesn’t know if we’ll ever see it. He’d be quite blown away if it does but never say never.
Cody says you’ll definitely see more licensed music from AEW in year two.
Related: Cody Rhodes Not Planning To Use His Last Name In Pro Wrestling, Happy To Have It Back
