More on Brandi & Cody Rhodes’ Departure from AEW

As noted before, Brandi and Cody Rhodes announced this past Tuesday that they have left AEW. In regards to Cody, he had been working without a contract since the start of this year and negotiations for a new deal between the two sides had fallen apart this past Monday. While Brandi’s wrestling future is currently not known, Cody is currently expected to be heading back to WWE soon.

In regards to the status of TNT’s Rhodes to the Top reality series, Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that TNT officials have yet to make an official decision regarding the series future. Meltzer reported that filming for the second season had already been underway prior to the Rhodes announcing they were leaving AEW. Besides his reality television series, Cody’s status for the Go Big Show reality competition series on TBS reportedly is also currently in doubt. Meltzer reported that it is possible Cody could resume his work for the show but it would all depend on WWE giving their approval if he were to sign with them.

Meltzer reported that his sources stated that the general reaction within AEW of the Rhodes’ departure was one of surprise due to most had not been aware of the issues over their contract extension talks. One source spoken to stated that while the announcement of the Rhodes leaving AEW was still a surprise, it was also something they had felt would happen due to the level of unhappiness with the duo behind-the-scenes in recent weeks.

Several people close to the situation reportedly stated that they believe WWE had made such a big offer to Cody during his free agency that he couldn’t turn it down. Meltzer reported that this would still not explain why AEW CEO Tony Khan did not pick up the option year in Cody’s contract beforehand since it would have prevented this situation from even happening.

In regards WWE, Meltzer reported that the general feeling within the company is that AEW is currently dealing with a talent budget issue in order to explain why they did not make any offers towards Kevin Owens nor Sami Zayn. Meltzer reported that even if AEW had been interested in both, they legally would have not been allowed to contact both while they were still under contract with WWE. Several within WWE also currently believe that AEW will not be able to match WWE’s high offers until they get a new higher paying television deal, which would not be the case until early 2024. Despite the AEW budget issue talks, Meltzer reported that Khan is still planning to sign Jeff Hardy, Shane “Swerve” Strickland, and Buddy Matthews to deals with the company.

In regards to AEW, Meltzer reported that several sources spoken to stated that the general feeling of the Rhodes’ departure being a sad moment was not a universal feeling within the company. Several people within the company reportedly were happy that the Rhodes were gone and felt that the “hero treatment” given to Cody by some in the company after he left was a great public story but not the real story.

In regards to issues behind-the-scene, Meltzer reported that several people spoken to stated that Cody had made it clear that he was not happy over the loss of his power in the company and Brandi had her own share of critics over how she handled things. One person spoken to stated that Dana Massie never got the real credit for a lot of the work she did with Brandi. Within AEW’s locker room, a lot of talent reportedly were quietly celebrating after learning that Brandi and Cody were gone from the company due to their issues with the duo. One key source spoken to stated that despite many being glad Cody was gone, he did have his fair share of supporters in the company.

Meltzer reported that one major source of contention with Cody involved him being the most hands-on out of all the EVPs when it came to work backstage. This reportedly led to a big split between those who liked his aggressive handling and those who despised it. Another major source of contention reportedly involved Cody being upset that he was no longer perceived as being one of the real franchise stars nor the center of attention. This change in Cody’s view reportedly was due to CM Punk, Adam Cole, and Bryan Danielson’s arrivals and the elevation of Sammy Guevara and Darby Allin into bigger stars.

One major source of contention with Brandi reportedly involved her ideas for herself and other women that did not come into fruition, especially plans for her to be involved in a major feud with Jade Cargill that were quickly dropped due to her pregnancy.

Meltzer reported that one high level source spoken to stated that everyone was aware that Cody’s contract contained an option for additional years. Another high level source spoken to stated that Khan was aware that Cody was upset over his current status in the company and decided to not pick up the option in order to allow Cody to work elsewhere if he did not want to stay in the company.