Cody Rhodes Makes Shocking Claim About WWE Return: “That Wasn’t the Plan”

Cody Rhodes left WWE in May 2016 due to frustration with how he was being used creatively and to end the Stardust gimmick.

After several years away, Cody Rhodes co-founded All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019, serving as Executive Vice President and a top performer. He left AEW in February 2022, feeling creatively restricted and disrespected in the company he helped build. Shortly after, he returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022, seeking greater opportunities.

Bruce Prichard Helped Cody Rhodes Find His Way Back To WWE

Speaking with WWE Executive Director Bruce Prichard on his What Do You Wanna Talk About? podcast, The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes revealed that when WWE offered him to return to the company, he initially planned to reject it. But after having a conversation with Prichard, something clicked, and he knew in his heart that it was his time to go home.

So, I wonder if Bruce is of the thought like, hey, come on, this is Dusty, son. He’s definitely gonna see that and go, yes. But what was funny was even though I was really well structured and prepared and had things I wanted to talk about and also wanted to be there in the moment. It hit me like a car wreck. It hit me like a car wreck in one where you’re not hurt, one where you’re shocked. I remember because you walked me downstairs, which you walking me downstairs might be the reason I’m sitting here today.

That was such a beautiful offer, and thank you. And I remember saying in the room, ‘It’s not one of these offers where if I leave today, it goes away, right?’ And no, absolutely not. But once I got out of that room, I became a little kid again. And as a little kid, I remember asking you, ‘What do I do?’ And you work for WWE.

So I asked you what I should do, and what you said to me was the best answer, but not the best answer. You said, I think you know what you should do. And I thought, yeah.

Cuz again, that wasn’t the plan. And then something happened, and I had to explain, well, I don’t see a world if we’re all operating on. There’s like, 20 versions of this earth. I think in all 20 versions, I’m saying Seth Rollins, WrestleMania as me changing nothing. Keeping the music. You’re gonna keep, yes. But yeah, that’s what you said to me. And that was a very fun, fun experience. (12:40 – 15:13)

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