When Cody Rhodes walked away from WWE in 2016, he didn’t just leave a guaranteed paycheck behind—he shattered the traditional playbook for wrestling careers. The current Undisputed WWE Champion recently opened up about his unprecedented departure and eventual triumphant return, revealing insights that showcase just how unconventional his wrestling journey truly became.
Breaking the WWE Safety Net: A Legacy Star’s Bold Gamble
During his appearance on ESPN’s “UnSportsmanLike,” Rhodes painted a picture of just how unusual his WWE exit was within the wrestling industry’s ecosystem. Most wrestlers don’t voluntarily walk away from the security that comes with a WWE contract—especially second-generation stars.
“At the time that I left, it was really unheard of. Typically, WWE would cut ties with you, and I was a legacy hire, so I was gonna be there forever, just a little nepo baby.”
The son of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes had every reason to stay put. His wrestling pedigree and proven track record made him a valuable asset that WWE rarely lets slip away voluntarily.
From Young Prospect to Seasoned Veteran
Rhodes emphasized his extensive experience within WWE’s system, highlighting matches with legendary performers during their final active years. His resume included high-profile encounters that many wrestlers never get the opportunity to experience.
“I’d also done really good work, I was one of the last guys who wrestled Triple H when he was still going, Undertaker when he was still going. I was 20 years old when I first got under contract and I was 21 when I debuted on the show.”
These career-defining moments with wrestling icons demonstrated Rhodes’ value within WWE’s hierarchy. Yet despite this privileged position, he felt the need to prove his independence and maturity.
The Maturity Factor
Rhodes revealed that his departure wasn’t just about creative frustration—it was about establishing his identity as a fully-formed professional rather than the young talent who’d grown up within WWE’s walls.
“I think it was important for them to know that I wasn’t a kid anymore.”
Creating Competition: The Ultimate Career Risk
What made Rhodes’ WWE departure even more extraordinary was his role in establishing All Elite Wrestling as a legitimate competitor. Few wrestlers in modern history have left WWE only to help create a rival promotion that would eventually challenge their former employer’s dominance.
“It was even more unheard of to leave and be able to create something and create a little bit of an underground scene, a different flavor.”
This move transformed Rhodes from a disgruntled former employee into a legitimate threat to WWE’s business model. AEW’s success proved that alternatives to WWE could thrive with the right combination of talent, vision, and financial backing.
The Learning Experience That Changed Everything
Rhodes credits his time away from WWE as essential for his personal and professional development. The experience of building something from scratch provided invaluable lessons that shaped him into the performer who eventually returned as a main event star.
“I had that experience when I went away and I was able to come back far more complete.”
The Long Game: Rhodes’ Current WWE Commitment
Now firmly established as one of wrestling’s biggest stars, Rhodes has made it clear that his current WWE run represents a long-term commitment rather than another temporary stop. His journey from frustrated mid-carder to world champion validates the risk he took years earlier.
Rhodes even addressed speculation about his future role within WWE’s corporate structure, discussing the possibility of following in Triple H’s footsteps as an executive leader within the company over the next decade.
The Blueprint for Wrestling Independence
Rhodes’ story has become a template for how wrestlers can leverage their departure from WWE into career-defining opportunities. His success both outside and upon returning to WWE demonstrates that the traditional model of wrestling careers continues to evolve.
The American Nightmare’s journey from “nepo baby” to world champion proves that sometimes the biggest risks lead to the greatest rewards. But with Rhodes now firmly planted as WWE’s top star, one has to wonder: will we ever see another wrestler successfully replicate his unprecedented path to the top?
