Roman Reigns hugged Paul Heyman and broke character after his loss at WrestleMania 40 to Cody Rhodes.
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In the world of professional wrestling, few stories have captured the imagination of fans quite like Cody Rhodes’ dramatic return to WWE, following a significant tenure with rival promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Rhodes, a second-generation superstar and son of the legendary “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, has always been in the spotlight, but his journey back to WWE is a tale of ambition, evolution, and homecoming that deserves to be told.
Cody Rhodes initially departed WWE in 2016, citing creative differences and a desire to explore his potential outside the constraints of his then-current character, “Stardust”. His departure was met with widespread speculation about his future in the industry. However, Rhodes quickly silenced any doubters by embarking on a global wrestling odyssey, competing in promotions around the world, and showcasing his talents in a way he never had before. His journey saw him capturing titles and accolades across various organizations, including Ring of Honor (ROH), New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), and Impact Wrestling, among others.
In 2019, Cody Rhodes, along with fellow wrestlers Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and business executive Tony Khan, founded All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a new promotion that promised to offer an alternative to WWE’s brand of sports entertainment. AEW quickly gained traction with fans, thanks in part to Rhodes’ star power and his role as both an on-screen talent and an executive vice president. Under his leadership, AEW introduced a fresh approach to professional wrestling, emphasizing athletic competition, story-telling, and fan engagement.
Despite his success in AEW, speculation about Cody Rhodes’ future began to swirl in early 2022, when reports emerged that he and WWE were in talks for a potential return. These rumors reached a fever pitch leading up to WrestleMania 38, WWE’s marquee event, when Rhodes made a surprise return, facing Seth Rollins in a match that was hailed as an instant classic. Rhodes’ return was not just a shock to fans but marked the beginning of a new chapter in his storied career.
Rhodes’ comeback to WWE is seen by many as a homecoming. His return was met with critical acclaim, with fans and pundits alike praising WWE for welcoming back one of professional wrestling’s most prodigious talents. Since his return, Rhodes has been positioned as a top star, engaging in high-profile feuds and matches, and further establishing his legacy in the industry.
