Cody & Brandi Rhodes Depart AEW
A shocking turn of events
Feb 15, 2022
Following reports that Cody Rhodes had not signed a new deal with All Elite Wrestling and there was backstage talk about him jumping ship to WWE, AEW President Tony Khan has announced both Cody and Brandi Rhodes have departed the promotion.
"Cody and Brandi Rhodes were integral to the launch of All Elite Wrestling. Cody's ability combined with his boldness and his passion for our industry and his love for community outreach helped AEW deliver on our mission to give fans what they needed for far too long - something new, innovative and lasting.
"Brandi helped us shape the AEW story, and I appreciate how hard she fought for us both in the ring and out of the ring, competing in the women's division while advancing our efforts at inclusion and civic causes, including great partnerships with Kulture City and the American Heart Association.
"I have immense respect and appreciation for Cody and Brandi, and I wish them both the best as they move on from AEW. Thank you Cody and Brandi!"
Cody and Brandi Rhodes were founding members of All Elite Wrestling along with Tony Khan, The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega. Cody served as an Executive Vice President while Brandi was the promotion's Chief Brand Officer.
It emerged in January that Cody's AEW contract expired in December 2021 and he was working in the promotion on a handshake deal.
Cody issued his own statement, writing:
"I have loved my time at AEW. Amazing locker room. Amazing fans. Amazing people. The 'revolution' was indeed televised, and I've been incredibly lucky to be part of that. 'First, I want to thank Tony Khan. He's taken the baton and run with it, and it was an honour to work with him and to know him on a personal level. He's a beautiful soul. Obviously need to thank my incredible wife and the mother of my baby girl, Brandi, for all of her love and support throughout this journey together and the amazing relationships she fostered with Kulture City and the American Heart Association.
"I also need to thank Nick and Matt Jackson (these two, whether they know it or not, took an undesired and not confident lil' cub and gifted me the confidence to become a leader of the pack), Kenneth Omega, Chris Jericho, Chicken... we started the fire. I must thank TimW/KeithM/Greg W and the amazing production crew who understood and captured the vision with such grace. I can't name everybody, but thank you to Megha, Margaret, Harrington, Jeff Jones, Dana, Tony Schiavone, Bern, Raf, and the hardest worker in the game, QT Marshall, for propping me up and kicking me in the ass when I was running on fumes.
"I must thank all my kiddos... MJF, Jade, Sammy, Darby, Lee, Ricky, Tom, The Gunns, Brock, Velvet, Nyla, Aubrey, Turner, Vanilla, Solo, Spears, Julia, Anna, Will, Wardlow, Sonny, Fuego 1 and of course, -1. While we're at it, give Jade the Codyvator! Also need to take a moment to thank the great partners at Warner Media including Brett, Sam and the rest of the team. I have so many milestones and beautiful memories of this renaissance... through sweat, blood, tears, literal fire, and all that... I left it all on the mat.
"Everything pales in comparison to the final contribution I was empowered to lead at the company, the community outreach team. In the most inward moments, your outward behavior and your ability to take fame/influence and do something of value for the communities you visit (whether the cameras are on or off) is the highest honor. I am confident Amanda Huber will lead the department with style. I’m so proud of my creations and contributions and the items I supported or collaborated on with such wonderful professionals. Thank you, fans. Y'all did the work! Let's live forever."
