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One of the most surprising news stories last week confirmed the departure of Cody and Brandi Rhodes from AEW.
Soon after their AEW exit, several reports started speculating about his potential WWE return. Many reports have suggested that he is close to agreeing to a deal with his former company.
Additional backstage details claim that Brandi Rhodes' will not be accompanying her husband should Cody decide to go to WWE. It is also being reported that Vince McMahon has big plans for the second-generation star.
It would certainly be a shocking move to see one of the founding fathers of All Elite Wrestling turn up in WWE. But if that were to happen, here are five things the company should avoid with Cody's debut.
#5. Renew the Stardust gimmick instead of using Cody Rhodes' actual name
Since leaving WWE, Cody Rhodes has done exceptionally well playing a character by his real name. Cody also used his real name in WWE for a considerable period of time. In the final years of his first WWE stint, he played an ill-fated character called Stardust.
Stardust was essentially inspired by his brother Goldust's appearance and gimmick. It was dead on arrival and saddled Cody to the WWE midcard. Bringing back the Stardust character would be an awful idea today. But you wouldn't put it past Vince to do so as a rib to the former EVP.
#4. Ignore Cody's accomplishments and legacy in AEW
Cody Rhodes' AEW legacy could be swept under the rug by WWE. It won't be the first time that the company has chosen not to acknowledge its superstars' accomplishments in other promotions.
It was seen all the way back in the Attitude Era when Chris Jericho had to prove himself all over again in Vince McMahon's eyes. Recently, even household names like Drew McIntyre and AJ Styles had to prove themselves all over again in WWE before they were given the ball to run with.
Despite Cody creating an impressive legacy for himself outside of WWE, he was essentially a mid-card superstar at best during the previous run. It would be interesting to see if ignores his AEW past.
#3. Leave Cody Rhodes out of WrestleMania
The WrestleMania season is in full swing. Now that WWE Elimination Chamber is in the rear view mirror, WWE can fully focus on building their card for the 2-day premium live event. Other than Roman Reigns vs Brock Lesnar and the Women's title matches, there is still a need for more compelling match-ups to reel in wrestling fans.
If Cody Rhodes were to appear at WrestleMania, it will be a huge story coming out of the show that will set the wrestling world on fire. WWE can even book his return match on the Show of Shows if he can bring him back earlier and pencil in his opponent. Names like The Miz, Seth Rollins or Finn Balor have been suggested. Regardless it's a huge missed opportunity if WWE chooses to hold Cody's debut off the biggest show of the year. The fact that it's being held in Texas, the home state of his late father and wrestling legend Dustin Rhodes makes it even more significant.
#2. Don't debut him in a backstage segment but let him cut a promo
AEW allowed Cody Rhodes to cut his own promos, which was the perfect way to showcase his greatest strength: mic work and storytelling. While some critics point to how he workshops his promos to the point of self-indulgence at times, there's no denying that he is a captivating speaker.
The worst thing that WWE can do is let him appear on television for the first time without saying a word or worse, in a nondescript backstage promo. He deserves time in the middle of the ring to acknowledge his AEW departure if possible and establish his motivations for coming back to WWE. That would be a money segment.
#1. Not pulling the trigger on a heel run which Cody refused to do in AEW
Cody Rhodes was one of AEW's biggest babyfaces when the company first started. But whether it's due to his various Hollywood projects, constant absence from television or confusing storylines, Cody's slowly turned into one of the most unlikeable wrestlers in the industry.
Despite numerous boos from every Dynamite audience and calls to become a villain, the former TNT Champion has remained stubborn in not turning heel. Now that creative control is no longer in his hands, WWE should absolutely make the decision for the American Nightmare and make him a villain right off the bat. He has spent his entire time in AEW taking potshots towards Vince McMahon and Triple H. The WWE talent could take issue with his past comments and treat him like the outside invader that he is. The story essentially writes itself. The company would be wise to listen to the wrestling audience.
