WWE History: 5 superstars who hurt the company when they left

#3 Cody Rhodes

Rhodes reportedly rejected an offer to return to WWE

Cody Rhodes' career in WWE was fine.

Appearing on the main roster in 2007, Rhodes would quickly hold the World Tag Team Titles with Hardcore Holly, before turning heel.

After turning on the Hardcore one, Rhodes would find a nice niche for himself as an upper mid-carder, competing for the Intercontinental Championship, though his arguable peek came in 2013 as a face, teaming with his family.

Repackaged as Stardust, Rhodes at first loved the character, though grew tired of it, and left the company in 2016, believing he could do better elsewhere.

He was right, as now Rhodes is one of the hottest independent stars around, as well as a former NWA Heavyweight Champion.

Now the founder of AEW, time will tell how big the promotion will be, though the WWE must no doubt be regretting letting the grandson of a Plumber go.