A while ago, I wrote a piece about how the timing was right for Cody Rhodes to leave AEW.
Though there were criticisms, the heart of the article was true.
It was the correct time for Cody to leave because it was the correct time for the American Nightmare to return to WWE.
The article wasn’t published due to the negative feel to it, I’d imagine.
Now as WWE Backlash approaches, I remember that article and how right I was.
WWE has felt great since the 2023 Royal Rumble.
I watch a lot of wrestling and for a period, I was watching less WWE than Progress or NWA.
They lost me.
The stories were incoherent.
The flip-flop nature of who to pay attention to was aggravating, as a viewer and I bet also for the talent.
After a while of paying half-attention to WWE, through YouTube and Twitter, I watched the Royal Rumble PPV.
For the most-part, it was excellent.
I was impressed and intrigued by the amount of rivalries and flashpoints that could lead to Wrestlemania matches and feuds extending beyond that.
In the past, most of these gems would have be lost within a month.
This time, they have held onto everything of interest and progressed much of them.
Cody Rhodes’ quest for the title is a standout.
His purple pec against Seth Rollins.
The Royal Rumble victory, last-eliminating Günther.
Then the main event against Roman Reigns, one of the most dominant champions of the 21st century.
SPOILER.
Many fans were heartbroken when Cody failed to win, at the grandest stage of them all, against the tribal chief.
I predicted this result, as I never saw Triple H or Vince McMahon allowing a recently signed AEW star to win the main event of Wrestlemania. At least not that soon.
My full prediction involved Cody losing at Wrestlemania, having a tough feud and getting a rematch with Roman Reigns at Summerslam. Or a later PPV.
Cody lost and he is currently scheduled to face Brock Lesnar at the upcoming Backlash event in Puerto Rico.
Don’t be surprised if Cody is absolutely decimated by Brock at Backlash.
I would very much expect a second big match to fill more time in the build up to Summerslam.
Cody Rhodes has said in the past that he may not have a long-term future left in professional wrestling.
So, to his fans, I say make the most of every second he is on the microphone and in the ring.
Cody Rhodes has had a great time in WWE, from an outside perspective.
I, for one, am delighted for him and thankful to him for his work.
He is getting reactions from the people and he is having/getting great matches with the roster.
Win-win.