Cody Rhodes To Depart AEW And Eyes Return To WWE

After three years as both a wrestler and executive of the new All Elite Wrestling, superstar wrestler Cody Rhodes is departing AEW, and according to reports by Sports Illustrated, he will most likely be heading back to WWE where he began his career.

Rhodes released a positive departure statement Tuesday on Twitter. “I’m so proud of my creations and contributions and the items I supported or collaborated on with such wonderful professionals,” Rhodes wrote. He hasn’t officially confirmed that he’s returning to WWE, but sources close to the situation say that it’s likely.

There are conflicting reports as to what prompted Rhodes’ departure from AEW, with one source telling Fightful that AEW was not prepared to offer Rhodes the amount of increased pay he wanted in his new contract. According to the Sports Illustrated report, Rhodes was more burned by the fact that AEW had revoked many of his creative responsibilities, not allowing him to contribute to AEW storylines as a booker in the way he envisioned.

Rhodes’ wife, Brandi Rhodes, will also be leaving AEW, but she remains a free agent and hasn’t confirmed a return to WWE. His brother, Dustin Rhodes, who competed in the WWE under the name “Goldust,” is remaining at AEW, and tweeted simply, “I like it here in AEW” yesterday.

Rhodes didn’t depart WWE on the best of terms with its writers back in 2016. He reportedly felt he was underutilized by the end of his 10-year career at the company, and also became dissatisfied with his Stardust character. If he officially returns to WWE, Rhodes will be coming back with even more momentum around him after winning the first three championships of All Elite Wrestling back-to-back.