Cody Rhodes Reflects: AEW Executive Role Was ‘A Failure’, Eyes Future WWE Management Position

One Big Thing

Current WWE World Heavyweight Champion Cody Rhodes candidly admits his executive role in AEW wasn’t successful, but views it as a valuable learning experience for potential future management positions.

Why It Matters

Rhodes’ admission provides rare insight into the challenges of transitioning from performer to executive in professional wrestling, particularly during AEW’s formative years. His experience could influence future talent-to-management transitions in both WWE and AEW.

By The Numbers

• Rhodes reportedly earns 15 times his previous WWE salary after his 2022 return
• The American Nightmare suggests retiring at age 45
• He served as one of four Executive Vice Presidents in AEW from 2019-2022

Key Details

Speaking on the Flagrant podcast, Rhodes shared:
• “I had the management role with my previous company. I failed at that — I would say I didn’t succeed, but I learned a lot from that failure.”
• Expressed openness to future WWE management roles: “With WWE, if that’s something that comes up for me — would you like to do something behind the scenes — it’s certainly something I’m considering.”
• Aims to avoid wrestling into his 60s like his father, Dusty Rhodes

The Bigger Picture

Rhodes’ journey from WWE to AEW and back represents one of wrestling’s most significant career trajectories in recent years. His current success as WWE World Heavyweight Champion validates his decision to leave AEW, despite the executive role’s challenges.

Looking Forward

While focused on his in-ring career, Rhodes appears to be positioning himself for a potential future leadership role in WWE, armed with lessons learned from his AEW experience.

What do you think about Cody Rhodes potentially taking on a future management role in WWE? Share your thoughts in the comments below.