Casey Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 5 minutes ago, kafkonia said: Punk has more recognition. Danielson has more recognition. Moxley was on WWE tv more recently, higher up on the card, and is getting name-dropped by non-wrestling outlets because of the time he took to help himself. And as much as some people hate him, Chris Jericho is, was, and always will be a much bigger star than Cody Rhodes. But I was told that WarnerMedia doesn’t know who any of those people are, and are probably upset since they green lit a second season of a reality show that never began filming apparently and have to *gasp* re-cast yet another chair on that talent show they air weekly (if he signs with WWE). Cody leaving really isn’t the big deal that some want it to be. Shocking, yeah, I guess. But it won’t break AEW in half or anything. He was important in the beginning, but became less important as the years went on and they got bigger names. Also worth noting that the only person from the original group of founders that actually wanted to meet with Tony Khan was one of the Young Bucks (Matt, I think?), everyone else was super hesitant, so I mean, who REALLY deserves the credit there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cobra Commander Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 23 minutes ago, Wyld Samurai said: Am I the only one wondering where this leaves Arn? We never got an Anderson double crossing a Rhodes in the 21st century! I'm sure there's still a few guys in AEW who don't have an older wrestler as a manager/big brother. Plus Arn is managing Lee Johnson and Tony Schiavone's son Brock. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheVileOne Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 A_K, just to check, you're not Tony Khan, right? 2 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLowe Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 Scorching hot takes on both sides, and as usual I suspect folks like @Gordlowwho are somewhere in the middle as “good for all sides” are the closest to correct. Biggest question is how big a deal the promotions themselves will make over this on TV and the socials. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Dave Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 FWIW, Alvarez (and SRS) both pointed out that there was never an official announcement from Warner about season two of RTTT. Only from the AEW/Rhodes side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A_K Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 19 minutes ago, Cobra Commander said: Not directly saying that Cody is gonna turn out like any of these guys but... Austin was pretty much floundering for a year solid on his way out of WCW. Dustin Rhodes was pushed at a slightly higher level for 1996 WWF compared to 1994 WCW. Chris Jericho was effectively irrelevant for the last 8 months of his WCW run and debuted in the WWF interrupting the Rock in 1999. Big Show debuted in the main event of a WWF PPV after being lost in the mix in 1998 WCW. Like there's no shortage of situations where someone actually ended up in a better card position in the WWF than their previous promotion. Then if they fit in, they stuck around the top. If they had to step back and cool down a guy, they would cool him down. Sometimes they cooled the guy down no matter what. Aside from people who think wrestling is real or people wanting some sort of bragging rights because they need to vindicate the show they watch, who's gonna give a fuck that Cody Rhodes was in the midcard or holding the TNT title if he won the WWE's second most important title from Lashley in the next month and holds it for a month or so. I think this is off base. The incredible skill of Vince & co in the 90s was identifying under-developed talent in other promotions who had not been given the platform to shine (the held-down cruisers like Jericho; Austin). Rhodes has actually been given an incredible & sustained platform at AEW and he has .. failed. The Ogogo angle was a failure. The QT angle was a failure. The Black angle was a failure whereby as face fans couldn’t stand the sight of him. The last time he was really over in any effective capacity was the MJF angle which was years ago now. For me this is kind of opposite to the skill of Vince in the 90s - this would be akin to taking the Total Package version of Luger who was still somewhat relevant in late 90s/early 00s WCW and treating him as a big deal in WWF. Instead WWF didn’t go near that kind of talent when WCW failed. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John E. Dynamite Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 4 minutes ago, A_K said: I think this is off base. The incredible skill of Vince & co in the 90s was identifying under-developed talent in other promotions who had not been given the platform to shine (the held-down cruisers like Jericho; Austin). Rhodes has actually been given an incredible & sustained platform at AEW and he has .. failed. The Ogogo angle was a failure. The QT angle was a failure. The Black angle was a failure whereby as face fans couldn’t stand the sight of him. The last time he was really over in any effective capacity was the MJF angle which was years ago now. For me this is kind of opposite to the skill of Vince in the 90s - this would be akin to taking the Total Package version of Luger who was still somewhat relevant in late 90s/early 00s WCW and treating him as a big deal in WWF. Instead WWF didn’t go near that kind of talent when WCW failed. This is a very astute take, @Antony_Khan. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A_K Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 22 minutes ago, TheVileOne said: A_K, just to check, you're not Tony Khan, right? The irony here is that I was most vocal that Khan was getting a ton wrong through late 20 / early 21. But I think he has been a ton stronger overall of late, and the ratings and talent receiving emphasis show that too more or less. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SirSmUgly Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 Cody and WWE are just a much better fit for one another. Cody can cut long promos and have solid matches with other good workers. WWE will be glad to put he and Brandi in angles where they both get to talk and work. Honestly, I think he fits there much better than he does in AEW, where I think workrate means a little more and cutting long promos means a little less. It really is a winner for everyone. WWE gets a guy who is good for their house style and promo style, AEW has a bloated roster and is losing two people who really weren't an on-camera plus to them in 2022, Rhodes and Brandi get paid and will get the TV time that they're looking for with all those hours WWE has to fill, and wrestlers now have two legit companies to play off one another when negotiating their first contract with a large company that has prime-time TV. It also will keep matchups fresher if guys go back and forth. It's rare when everyone is a winner, so yeah, this is really something to appreciate, I think. 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaedmc Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 Sad day. I tuned in for Cody Rhodes. Never knew what that guy was going to do next. He wasn't always the best wrestler, but he always had a question around him. What is he going to pull this time? And honestly that kind of trait is way harder to find than good rasslin skills. Some of it was cringe and some of it absolutely sold pay per views(Remember those early promos?). But he always tried to do something. Without him it's just a good wrestling show. I don't even believe it's really over, honestly. Holding out hope he erupts from the ring in a glittery suit as DynamiteDust or something. 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EVA Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 Yeah. Love him or hate him, an absolutely compelling performer. Interesting is better than “good.” If all I cared about was “good” wrestling, I’d still have an NJPW World subscription. Or watch more main roster WWE, which is nothing but world class dudes putting in a shift. 9 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A_K Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 To each their own. His verbosity & lack of creative direction was as compelling for me in its own a way as shock-factor backyard wrestling or Nick Gage style work would be in a different fashion (not very). But it is a shame if some genuinely did enjoy his weekly contributions. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EVA Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 I think all the parties involved are going to come out fine, but WWE Cody is not going to be AEW Cody, and that is a net loss for pro wrestling in America. For as maligned as it was, Cody’s American Dream promo >>>>>>> Cody reciting boring WWE scripts about title opportunities. 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cobra Commander Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 are AEW EVPs similar to how baseball teams employ various former players as "Special Assistant to the GM"? (only AEW EVPs are still active because nobody actually retires from wrestling as long as they're able to do it) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheVileOne Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 In case anyone was ever wondering, here are the actual lyrics to Cody's theme song: Quote Adrenaline, in my soul Every thought, out of control Do it all to get them off their feet Crowd is here, about to blow Waitin' for me to start the show Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home (Whoa!) And my father said, when I was younger Hard times breed better men (better men!) You took it all away, I give it all away Can't take my freedom Here to change the game, a banner made of pain I built my kingdom Now you bow to me You took my dreams but not my name You'll follow me until the end I am my kingdom Lights go down, I'm ready now Tear this roof off for the town Gonna give 'em what they came to see Hear the crowd, on their toes Ready for me to start the show Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home (Whoa!) And my father said, when I was younger Hard times breed better men (better men!) You took it all away, I give it all away Can't take my freedom Here to change the game, a banner made of pain I built my kingdom Now you bow to me You took my dreams but not my name You'll follow me until the end I am my kingdom You tried to tell me what to do I saw the door and kicked it down I stepped right over and right through And you can never stop me now (Bow!) (Now!) I am the king and you're the crown Now watch me as I take my throne And rule my kingdom You took it all away, I give it all away Can't take my freedom Here to change the game, a banner made of pain I built my kingdom Now you bow to me You took my dreams but not my name You'll follow me until the end I am my kingdom You took it all away, I give it all away Can't take my freedom Here to change the game, a banner made of pain I built my kingdom Now you bow to me You took my dreams but not my name You'll follow me until the end I am my kingdom Now you bow to me! Like you couldn't be more blatant. So just so everyone knows, Cody is going back to the company he was just trashing a few weeks ago on TV. And he's expecting there not to be repercussions? Best of luck to him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cobra Commander Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 I mean, take what's being said on a wrestling TV show seriously at your own risk. At least we're a better society than back in the say when Kevin Nash joked on AOL about getting a sex change before going to WCW, shortly before leaving the WWF for WCW. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt925 Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 (edited) Keep trying to wrap my head around the whole thing. We know from what’s been reported that Kenny and the bucks had three year deals, with owner options for the fourth year, which were picked up. Pretty reasonable to assume that all three acts (Kenny, bucks, Cody) had the same contract structure. Dave even said maybe there was a two year option on cody. Lawyers got involved a few days ago, and now Cody and Brandi are clear from the company and apparently everything connected to that. Could the owner option on Cody’s contract have been picked up, and then he lawyered up to get out of it? Like all the wwe talent have fantasized about forever? Is this the 4d chess that’s really been going on? (Or are the edibles kicking in already…) Edit: probably most likely a star athlete tried to negotiate an extension a year early I guess. Edited February 16, 2022 by matt925 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
username Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 (edited) I feel like I'm the only one to read this one bit from the big Meltzer write-up Quote Khan had said in the past that he had options on all the key talent for 2022. Rhodes did have an option year, and possibly a two-year one, so it would have been Khan’s call not to exercise it. While we don’t know if the Rhodes’ deals are different, the big key original deals with the Young Bucks and Chris Jericho were all for three years, meaning they would end this year, plus an option period. The Bucks and Jericho’s options were picked up and they are still with the company. A lot of people are writing up how this is Cody's call or how he was demanding "Roman money" and this reads like he was basically offered either a pay cut or "demotion" of some degree (perhaps less freedom with his own angles?) and after a lot of negotiating wouldn't agree to it. I don't know Meltzer's sources but if he's not wrong if seems like if Tony Khan wanted Cody in AEW with the exact same contract he had it seems like he'd still be there. EDIT: Ha at Matt noticing the same thing literally a few seconds before I did and reading it a completely different way Edited February 16, 2022 by username 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
odessasteps Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 Presumably, Dave is getting stuff straight from TK, one would think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 2 hours ago, A_K said: I think this is off base. The incredible skill of Vince & co in the 90s was identifying under-developed talent in other promotions who had not been given the platform to shine (the held-down cruisers like Jericho; Austin) This is revisionist history. Remember that WWF brought in Austin as THE RINGMASTER and saddled him with Ted DiBiase. Austin wasn't brought in to be a headliner, he was brought in to be a mechanic. 16 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChesterCopperpot Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 4 hours ago, HarryArchieGus said: Josh Alexander’s Impact contract has apparently expired. Love to see him on any given Wednesday. He'd need a new visa if his tweet yesterday is anything to go by 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A_K Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 (edited) 21 minutes ago, Ace said: This is revisionist history. Remember that WWF brought in Austin as THE RINGMASTER and saddled him with Ted DiBiase. Austin wasn't brought in to be a headliner, he was brought in to be a mechanic. No it isn't. "Saddled" with DiBiase? DiBiase was a high profile act who left soon after Austin joined to become the 4th member of the NWO after Hall/Nash/Hogan. So, clearly, he was held in esteem, having also had exposure as manager in the WM main event the year prior and gifted Austin the Million $ Belt on his debut. In that first year despite DiBiase leaving and therefore causing issues with that initial push strategy, Austin was due to be final 4 at the Rumble, and would have evolved into the Stone Cold moniker before the 12 months were out. So, no - while WWF clearly didn't foresee Austin lift off via Stone Cold, he was hardly brought in to be a bum. The point remains. The truly great WWF reinventions of WCW transfers/other promotion journeymen (Foley/Levesque/Jericho/Austin/Calaway etc.) was to take under-exposed, often quite youthful talent and find a platform to help them flourish. A 36 year old been-around-the-block-had-a-reality-TV-show guy who has had plenty of opportunities to state top-of-the-card credentials is antithesis to this. Rhodes will be a flop over there: you can save this post and quote it end of year. Edited February 16, 2022 by A_K 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Natural Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curt McGirt Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 (edited) Christ, you fuckers can be negative. Just let this ride and see what happens, then hot take. EDIT: Okay I just remembered my own pithy comment above so I'm being hypocritical. But still. Edited February 16, 2022 by Curt McGirt 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
For Great Justice Posted February 16, 2022 Share Posted February 16, 2022 Adrenaline. In my soul. Booked 50/50 with an Uso. 4 1 9 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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