Wrestling

Cody Rhodes Releases Heartfelt Statement On AEW’s Journey, Says He Received His Wrestling Education From His Father, Vince McMahon, and many Legends

September 24, 2019

All Elite Wrestling superstar and Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes issued a lengthy heartfelt statement on Twitter earlier today reflecting on the wild series of events that has led to the formation of AEW, which makes its TNT debut next Wednesday from Washington D.C. Rhodes begins by giving credit to the likes of Colt Cabana, CM Punk, the Young Bucks, and PWG for igniting the raging fire of creating a wrestling alternative, then thanks Tony Khan for making the dream a reality.

We’re eight days out from the most significant night in wrestling in my lifetime. I just wanted to share these thoughts with our incredible fans, whose unbridled passion and support have led us to this moment.

This raging fire within wresting today ignited long before I hit the independent scene. There was the hot ticket and style of PWG, Colt Cabana building a brand for himself without the reliances of a large corporate backer, the narrative “pipebomb” promo that spoke heavy truths in our business, The Young Bucks creating a vlog to connect deeper with the fans, and much more.

After an 11-year stint at WWE, there was that fateful bet that I couldn’t promote a show, which ultimately drew 10,000 fans at “All In” a year ago. My stubborn ability to believe that I could expand my work-rate even further and forge powerful connections across the barricade were also driving forces in my life. And, of course, there was Tony Khan, the lifelong wrestling fan who wanted to invest his business acumen, passion and sphere of influence with four guys aspiring to create an alternative product.

Rhodes goes on to talk about the better opportunities and options that wrestlers now have due to AEW’s formation, and commends the fans for being as supportive as they’ve been to those workers. Later he reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of his father’s death, but how he channeled all of that passion and love into the business. He names his Dusty, as well as Vince McMahon, Dean Malenko, Randy Orton, and Arn Anderson as teachers in his pro-wrestling education.

I’ve had the best education one could ever receive for this job. A pro since age 15. Elven years under the learning tree of such minds as Randy Orton, Vince McMahon, Arn Anderson, Dean Malenko and countless other legends. And, of course, the three decades I spent talking wrestling every day with the American Dream himself.

I know what’s on the other side of the hill. A billion-dollar publicly traded behemoth with 70 years of experience and an expertise network of divisions and subsidiaries, which has ultimately become a monopoly in wrestling.

Yeah, I’m a bit nervous. I’m a little scared too. But I’m saddling up in DC anyway along with the best partners and wrestlers on the planet. I’m with AEW because AEW is for everybody, and I hope everybody tunes in and gives us a chance to shine for you.

Thank you!

Check out the American Nightmare’s full statement below.