It has been two and a half months since Cody Rhodes shocked the WWE Universe with his request for, and was given, his release. In his statement right after, he told fans that he had an epiphany and was ready to move on after fighting a losing battle.
It was something he felt he had to do, and was fed up with how things were going for him in the WWE.
While one may be surprised, in all honesty after he posted his statement, fans could understand why Rhodes just decided to walk away from it all. He wasn’t being elevated and in essence, he was not growing as a pro wrestler.
So with someone of his namesake, being the heir to the late Dusty Rhodes, he took a chance, and maybe it was for the better. There was nothing to lose in taking a risk, and taking a chance to salvage his career.
So what has Rhodes been up to since he walked away from WWE?
Rhodes has actually been quite busy since he has left WWE. He has been booked in Evolve, BOLA, WCPW and several high-rated Independent shows and will wrestle with Ring of Honor in December as well.
In addition, he has been booked as a guest star on Arrow that stars Stephen Amell. If you remember, both Amell and Rhodes had a storyline last summer that culminated at SummerSlam.
In essence, now that his commitments are coming through this month, Rhodes will begin making an impact outside of WWE. This will give him time to grow and explore himself more as a wrestler. Many fans have always stated that he was misused, and while he had great moments, he never really could kick on because of that.
Rhodes clarified this by blasting WWE Creative in his statement as well, stating he was trying for months to get out of the Stardust gimmick. Now, we will really see what he is made of when he gets set to wrestle for Evolve, his first booking commitment since leaving WWE.
Chris Jericho once said on his podcast that “as long as you know how to wrestle, you will always have a job”. Rhodes has absolutely nothing to worry about as he steps out onto the Independent scene.
He’s a hot commodity, and he will not go broke in this new journey. Plus he is stepping out into acting, so things seem to be looking real good for Rhodes right now.
Only time will tell what will happen for the younger son of Dusty Rhodes. Perhaps once the ball is in his court, Rhodes will play the game the way he wants to play.
Several Superstars have come back to the WWE and they were better than ever. Rhodes will definitely have this to his advantage should things work out for him when the time comes.
Until then, we can sit back and enjoy Rhodes as himself – not being held back by anyone and doing what he knows best – wrestle.
There is life after WWE.
