Why Did Cody Rhodes Quit WWE?By Coder| September 28, 2023 Wrestling Blogs Why Did Cody Rhodes Quit WWE? Since his departure from WWE in 2016, Cody Rhodes has become one of the most prominent figures in the wrestling industry. But what led to his decision to leave the world’s biggest wrestling promotion? Let’s delve into the reasons behind Cody Rhodes’ departure. The Stardust Gimmick Cody Rhodes had been a part of WWE for over a decade, portraying various characters and storylines. However, it was his portrayal of Stardust that became a breaking point for him. The Stardust gimmick, which involved him wearing face paint and adopting a bizarre persona, didn’t resonate well with fans and even Cody himself. Feeling creatively stifled The Stardust character was initially intended to be a tribute to Dusty Rhodes, Cody’s late father. While he embraced this idea at first, over time it became clear that he no longer had creative control over his character development. This lack of creative freedom left Cody feeling frustrated and restricted in showcasing his true potential as a performer. Desire for artistic expression Cody Rhodes had always been passionate about pro wrestling and wanted to explore different avenues outside of WWE. He yearned for artistic freedom and the ability to create and control his own destiny in the wrestling world. The rise of independent wrestling The growing popularity of independent wrestling promotions offered Cody an opportunity to step out of the shadow of WWE and establish himself as a force to be reckoned with on the independent circuit. This allowed him to connect with fans on a more personal level and showcase his skills without any creative limitations. Building All Elite Wrestling (AEW) Cody Rhodes played an instrumental role in co-founding All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a new wrestling promotion that aimed to provide an alternative to WWE. As Executive Vice President of AEW, Cody had the chance to shape the company’s vision and create a platform for wrestlers to thrive creatively. The pursuit of championships Another reason behind Cody Rhodes’ departure was his desire to compete for various championships outside of WWE. By leaving WWE, he opened doors to challenge himself against talented wrestlers worldwide and compete for titles in promotions such as New Japan Pro Wrestling and Ring of Honor. Family legacy and personal growth Cody Rhodes comes from a prestigious wrestling family, with his father Dusty Rhodes being a legendary figure in the industry. Leaving WWE allowed Cody to carve his own path and establish his own legacy, separate from the shadow of his father. It was a pivotal moment in his career that allowed him to grow as both an individual and a performer. Conclusion In conclusion, Cody Rhodes’ departure from WWE was driven by a combination of factors. The restrictive Stardust gimmick, creative limitations, the desire for artistic expression, the rise of independent wrestling, the creation of AEW, and personal growth all played crucial roles in shaping Cody’s decision. Since leaving WWE, Cody has flourished as an independent wrestler and has made significant contributions to the wrestling industry.
