Would Cody Rhodes have been bigger in AEW than in WWE?
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Cody wasn’t just an AEW wrestler — he was one of its founders. His name gave AEW credibility and helped attract top talent like Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley.
In AEW, Cody had full creative control — but it also led to overexposure and fan fatigue. In WWE, he’s part of a tighter narrative, which keeps his character fresh and impactful.
AEW fans turned on Cody when his promos started feeling forced and political. The boos grew so loud that his “hero” image collapsed — something he’s rebuilt brilliantly in WWE.
WWE gave Cody what AEW couldn’t — a storyline with emotional weight. The “Finish the Story” arc made him relatable, turning him into one of the most beloved faces in wrestling.
After 2021, AEW became more about The Elite and CM Punk. Even as a founder, Cody’s creative influence started shrinking — making WWE the smarter long-term move.
WWE’s global reach, premium events, and media exposure turned Cody into a mainstream star. AEW gave him freedom; WWE gave him fame.
Cody might’ve been bigger in power at AEW — but he’s bigger in legacy at WWE. His journey now isn’t about control, it’s about closure — finishing the story his father started.