Cody Rhodes Leaves AEW Amidst WWE Return Speculation—Josh Alexander’s Impact Contract & Visa Expire

Cody Rhodes has apparently been working in AEW without a contract since December, according to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer. This hasn’t stopped him from competing or fulfilling his duties to the company though.

He is fulfilling said duties on a “handshake deal,” according to the wrestler himself and he is intent on doing so very happily, according to some recent comments:

“There’s so many elephants in the room…I’m working here without a contract, I’m not even on the payroll anymore. I’m working here on a handshake deal, that is 100% legitimate…

But I can tell you this, I’ve never felt more at home than under those lights, wrestling for the TNT Title, a title that will never, ever be secondary because of matches like that.”

via Wrestling Inc

These sentiments have not halted the progression of rumors hinting at a possibility that Rhodes is now WWE-bound, however.

Despite how unlikely this seems to many, it now seems more possible than ever. If we look back to how his WWE run ended: Rhodes opting to leave WWE because Triple H suggested he take a pay cut in order to stay with the company. Well…Rhodes would leave and start on the path that eventually led to the formation of AEW, he racking in quite the nice amount of accolades on the indie circuit over the years in between.

Again, this has not stopped the rumors from spreading like a wildfire out of control. And the rumors got ignited that much more when news broke this morning that Cody and his wife, Brandi were officially leaving the company – a company that they helped create and build. They both made statements on Twitter…

And now, a WWE return does seem likely, despite the couple’s obligations to TNT and TBS with the shows they star in on those networks. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer has stated that it is: “…definitely something talked about…in certain circles about the potential of something happening.” Who knows if a WWE run is imminent for both of them. We’ll definitely stay on the story, dear readers. In the end, a possibility, no matter how shocking it might seem.

Josh Alexander’s work visa and Impact contract expire

It was just after last week’s epic promo in the ring by Josh Alexander that the world learned that his Impact contract actually expired for real. It wasn’t just a story line. The angle made clear in the ring between Alexander and Scott D’Amore was a way to write him off television, it would now appear.

He signed on with the company in 2019 and his 3-year deal is quite obviously up. At the same time, cultaholic.com also reports that his work visa has also expired. A Canadian, Alexander needs that to work in the United States. Here’s some of what he had to say on the matter:

“Today my contract expired & subsequently also US work visa. Unfortunately as a consequence I will not be able to honour my commitments to both @TERMINUSpro & @AMLWrestling later this month. I’m disappointed & I’m sorry. Hopefully I’ll have everything in order soon…”

via Josh Alexander on Twitter

So yeah…his obligations to other indie promotions also have suffered, and Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer has also stated that although Alexander has expressed interest in re-signing with Impact, nothing is concrete at this time. We hope to see this handled quickly and hope to see Alexander in the type of position and on the type of platform that will show him in the best light imaginable in the weeks and months to come. We’ll keep you posted should news be forthcoming on this matter.

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