Cody Rhodes: WWE Or AEW? Where Is He Now?

The wrestling world is always buzzing with questions about where top stars will land. One name that consistently comes up is Cody Rhodes. Is Cody Rhodes currently in WWE or AEW? Well, guys, let's dive into Cody's career trajectory and clear up any confusion about where he's wrestling right now. Understanding his moves requires a bit of a journey through his wrestling timeline, so let's get started!

A Quick Look at Cody Rhodes' Career

Before answering the burning question, "Is Cody Rhodes in WWE or AEW?", let's recap Cody Rhodes' wrestling journey. Cody has quite the wrestling pedigree, being the son of the legendary Dusty Rhodes. He initially made a name for himself in WWE, performing under the name Cody Rhodes and later as the flamboyant Stardust. During his initial WWE run, Cody showcased his versatility and potential, capturing several tag team championships and the Intercontinental Championship. However, despite his successes, he felt creatively stifled and sought new opportunities to prove himself as a top-tier performer. This led to his departure from WWE in 2016, marking a pivotal moment in his career.

Following his WWE exit, Cody embarked on a journey of self-discovery and reinvention on the independent circuit. He quickly became one of the hottest free agents in professional wrestling, showcasing his skills and charisma across various promotions. Rhodes wrestled for promotions such as Ring of Honor (ROH), Impact Wrestling, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), further honing his craft and building a global following. During this period, he demonstrated his ability to connect with audiences and deliver memorable performances, solidifying his status as a main event talent. His work on the independent scene was a clear indication of his ambition and desire to carve out his own path in the wrestling industry. It also set the stage for his next big move, which would shake up the wrestling world.

The Rise of AEW and Cody's Role

In 2019, Cody Rhodes played a crucial role in the formation of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a new promotion aiming to compete with WWE. Alongside The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) and Kenny Omega, Cody served as an Executive Vice President and one of the faces of the company. AEW's emergence marked a significant shift in the wrestling landscape, providing an alternative platform for wrestlers and a fresh product for fans. Cody's involvement was instrumental in shaping AEW's identity and attracting talent to the promotion. Cody Rhodes quickly became one of AEW's top stars, engaging in high-profile feuds and delivering memorable matches.

As an EVP, Cody was deeply involved in the creative and business aspects of AEW. He played a key role in developing the company's storylines, signing talent, and promoting AEW events. Rhodes also stepped into the ring as a wrestler, showcasing his skills and charisma to a new audience. He participated in memorable matches against top stars such as Chris Jericho, MJF, and his own brother, Dustin Rhodes. Cody's contributions both inside and outside the ring helped establish AEW as a legitimate competitor to WWE. His vision and passion for the wrestling industry were evident in every aspect of the promotion.

One of Cody's most notable achievements in AEW was his reign as the inaugural AEW TNT Champion. He won the title in a thrilling match against Lance Archer at Double or Nothing in 2020. As champion, Cody defended the title in a series of open challenges, giving opportunities to up-and-coming wrestlers and showcasing the depth of AEW's roster. His TNT Championship reign was characterized by exciting matches and compelling storytelling, further solidifying his status as a top star in the company. However, after an impressive run, Cody eventually lost the title to Brodie Lee, marking the end of his first championship reign in AEW.

So, Is Cody Rhodes in WWE or AEW Right Now?

Okay, guys, the moment you've been waiting for! Is Cody Rhodes in WWE or AEW right now? The answer is: WWE. In a move that surprised many fans, Cody Rhodes returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022. This marked his official return after spending several years with AEW. His comeback was a significant moment, and he immediately entered into a high-profile feud with Seth Rollins. Rhodes' return to WWE was met with excitement from fans who had followed his career and appreciated his growth as a performer.

Cody Rhodes' Return to WWE: What's Happened Since?

Since returning to WWE, Cody Rhodes has been presented as a major star. He immediately engaged in a heated rivalry with Seth Rollins, leading to three consecutive premium live event matches. These matches were highly praised for their storytelling and in-ring action, with Cody showcasing his resilience and determination. Despite suffering a torn pectoral muscle before their Hell in a Cell match, Cody insisted on competing, delivering a memorable performance that further solidified his connection with the WWE audience.

Following his injury, Cody Rhodes was sidelined for several months, undergoing surgery and rehabilitation. During his absence, fans eagerly awaited his return, speculating about his future storylines and potential championship pursuits. Cody made his triumphant return at the Royal Rumble in January 2023, entering as the 30th participant and ultimately winning the match. This victory earned him a spot in the main event of WrestleMania 39, where he faced Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.

At WrestleMania 39, Cody Rhodes faced Roman Reigns in a highly anticipated match that was billed as the culmination of his journey back to WWE. Despite a valiant effort, Cody was defeated by Reigns, who retained his championship. The match was filled with drama and emotion, with many fans expecting Cody to emerge victorious. Although he didn't win the title, Cody's performance at WrestleMania solidified his status as a top star in WWE. He has since continued to be a prominent figure on WWE programming, engaging in feuds with stars such as Brock Lesnar and Dominik Mysterio.

What's Next for Cody Rhodes?

So, what's next for Cody Rhodes in WWE? Well, guys, the future looks bright! After his feud with Brock Lesnar and Dominik Mysterio, Cody is again at the top of the card, winning the Royal Rumble in 2024 and is set to face Roman Reigns again at Wrestlemania 40 for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.

Cody's journey back to WWE has been nothing short of remarkable. From his early days as a mid-card performer to his reinvention on the independent scene and his pivotal role in AEW, Cody has consistently proven his dedication to the wrestling industry. His return to WWE has allowed him to showcase his skills on the biggest stage and connect with a wider audience. As he continues his journey in WWE, fans can expect to see Cody Rhodes continue to deliver memorable performances and chase his ultimate goal of winning the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.

In conclusion, the answer to the question "Is Cody Rhodes in WWE or AEW?" is definitively WWE. Cody Rhodes made a splash in WWE and has been one of the top stars in the company since he signed.