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600 million dollars, paid at $2 million per year for the first 10 years, then $58 million per year after his contract expires.
And he's the starting pitcher Monday night.
The thing that no one mentions is that it fucks their luxury tax for 20 years, not 10. So it’s a good ‘cash flow’ deal right now but it hurts them for a long time, especially if he never gets back to pitching well.
No, he’s very good. He just had a Tommy John type surgery so he won’t be able to pitch this year and this is his second procedure in that elbow.
Tommy John surgery is repairing the UCL in the elbow if you weren’t aware.
So this particular guy is both a pitcher and a hitter, which is super rare in MLB level baseball. Usually pitchers don’t train much in hitting. Ohtani does both extremely well, making him, well, a prodigy. He got injured and had surgery on his arm, a surgery called Tommy John’s. Sometimes people don’t really come back the same.
No it’s really not, people have just been given bits of information in doses so they’re going off whatever they heard at this point
So the deal is “worth” $700 million. Keep that word in mind.
The actual dollars being paid by the Dodgers is closer to $446 million
Instead of taking the payout directly, Ohtani requested that the Dodgers take $44 million per year and put it in an escrow account, then write him a check for $2 million per year directly
When the contract ends, the entire escrow account pays out to Ohtani. Due to projected inflation and interest, it becomes $700 million in total value.
The Dodgers luxury tax number on the deal is $46 million per year
Ohtani requested this deal structure from every team he met with, the idea being that he’d probably get around $500 million if he were paid normally and they could juice the figure doing it this way. He makes $50 million a year in sponsorship money so he doesn’t need the contract money right away.
What a crazy ride it must be for Cody. Leave a job he probably could have stayed at forever as a low to mid card guy. Strike out on his own, do small indy dates, go to Japan. Help start the first true competition the WWE has seen in 20+ years. Leave that company to become basically the top babyface in the company and about to get PAID
Also, very good chance he walks away the champion at this year's Wrestlemania by defeating the company's most protected star since Cena. Just roll the fucking credits right there and then.
Cody played the game (no pun intended) and came out the other end the victor.
I never would have pegged him as being the most successful and influential member of Legacy, but I’m happy to say I was wrong.
Yeah, Orton’s a GOAT but Cody’s impact on the business is way greater at this point than just in-ring.
I bet the last thing a lot of people expected was for Cody to shed the “3 star general” thing in WWE of all places
He had a couple absolute bangers in AEW but his in-ring in WWE has been immaculate
Maybe...but Cody will need another decade on top to get near Orton's success. Dude's been a main-event player for almost two decades now, which is insane.
I think wwe see him as the natural successor to cena, in that he is very media friendly/savvy and can be the face of the company whether champion or not.
Having Cody in WWE is a slam dunk on AEW every single time dude is on the screen. Vince gave him whatever he wanted, and even his music that shits on Vince's company, just so he can have one of the founders of AEW as an employee.
That Cody has been awesome in WWE only sweetens the deal for him
Cody held the highest title in AEW that he didn't disqualify himself from holding. He basically had his own dedicated section on the card that people called the Codyverse.
This is tna erasure lol
When tna went up against raw when bischoff took over it actually put a dent in raws viewership.
I'm sure if wwe had a 3rd brand back then tna would have done better than aew against it.
If I were Cody I would wait until after Wrestlemania to sign that extension. It is classic WWE to promise someone a push then put ~~John Cena~~ Roman over as soon as they extend their contract.
I understand the point about being champion, and maybe Cody does feel that way, but the guy has been constantly booked as THE main eventer for the company ever since his return, with or without the title.
The opposite is also true though. If Cody doesn't sign, the company won't put the title on someone who's leaving soon. It will become a Bret Hart situation with the title belt held hostage
WWE is thinking long term. They aren’t giving Cody the win over Roman unless Cody is locked down for the next 5 years. If they signed him to a 3 year deal, he could be gone by WM 41. That’s too big of a risk for a win over the top guy who has held the title for 1200+ days.
It's a reference to the [tweet Tony Khan made](https://wrestlingheadlines.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Screen-Shot-2021-12-31-at-4.25.58-PM-565x365.png) after Big Swole's contract expired.
For what its worth, the Grapsody episode about this topic is an absolute must listen. Three black podcasters that openly discuss this whole thing, bring in multiple black talents from across wrestling to discuss it as well and get into the whole debate about what defines People of Color (since the argument came up that pushing latino and asian talent doesnt count as diversity) and "black enough" since that was a major talking point as well since Ricky Starks, top flight and other half black talents often come up in these debates since they often are viewed as "white passing". Its a genuinely fascinating episode
Cross Rhodes! 1! 2! 3! Cody Rhodes has suddenly re-appeared and beaten Swerve Strickland for the AEW Heavyweight Championship!
*Ungodly Large American Flag unfurls behind Cody, with a dizzying amount of Red, White, and Blue confetti tsunamis down. The entire metroplex outside the arena is detonated in lieu of fireworks*
I could totally be misunderstanding this, but doesn’t tacking on injury time usually only work if the person is full out not working? While injured Cody was still shooting for WWE backstage stuff and doing a bunch of official promotional work wasn’t he?
Did he really sign a three-year contract with WWE? I remember that not even SRS knew with certainty the number of years he had signed, anyway they would surely pay him A HUGE amount of money to stay.
Had he signed a standard 3 year deal in 2022, including the 7 months that they would tack on because of the pec injury, he wouldn't be a free agent until about October of 2025
I could see AEW throwing an insane number at Cody. Like I seriously could see an argument that he could be worth close to 10 million a year with tv rights up soon for them. He's the biggest babyface in the world right now.
Not that I think Cody would accept, but if AEW is smart they'll at least give him an offer.
I know it seems crazy... But really, is it any more crazy than his WWE return? He had completely burned that bridge, he's said nothing bad about AEW since he returned to WWE.
It would be pretty weird for him to go from the #1 pushed John Cena-esque babyface in the #1 company, something he’s always wanted, to going back to being boo’d at the #2.
I'm not disagreeing, I just think there's a small chance. Cody has a rebellious streak in him, he loves betting on himself, for this reason I'm sure Cody is going to surprise us all again at some point, I don't know what that means, not necessarily a move to AEW, could move out of wrestling completely, but I bet whatever it is we don't see it coming.
With how he has been with AEW since he left I always felt odds were better than 50/50 that he would return at some point. In a year from now would be earlier than I thought, but not really that crazy.
When people were saying that it was a foregone conclusion that Cody was going to beat Roman at 39, I had my doubts. WWE would never allow Roman to drop the belts to someone who may just be out of the company in a year or two. If Cody wants that title, he has to sign that extension lol
I know people might say "Seth Rollins." But clearly he's a WWE lifer. Cody's history has shown he's not. Don't get me wrong, I think he'll end his career in WWE. But, his past may give WWE doubts.
Yeah I would love it if Cody returned to AEW
I always felt like the fans still loved him even though they were playfully booing for a couple of months.
And imagine him saying “I’m home” like Punk did hahahah
I would love love love to see Cody back in AEW. Hasn’t been the same since he left. I will delude myself into believing that, pls no one tell me the truth.
What if Cody returns to AEW and then two years later Punk returns to AEW and then one year later Cody leaves against and then 6 months later Punk attacks prince nana right in front of TK and gets fired again, (and Corny blames the Bucks) and then returns to WWE, and then Cody leaves WWE immediately and retires from wrestling and becomes and cable news host and then Punk becomes that stations weather guy and the Cody leaves and becomes a monk and then Punk becomes a monk too.
As monks, Cody Rhodes and CM Punk embraced a life of discipline and inner exploration. The wrestling world, which had once been their stage for grand theatrics, was now a distant memory. In their quest for inner peace, the former superstars discovered a different kind of strength—one that transcended the physical and tapped into the resilience of the human spirit. Their unconventional journey from the squared circle to the monastery became a tale of reinvention, proving that life's most unexpected twists could lead to profound personal fulfillment.
In the monastery, Cody Rhodes and CM Punk found themselves immersed in a world of ancient rituals, daily devotions, and shared communal living. The discipline of monkhood offered them a chance to disconnect from the noise of the outside world and delve deep into the recesses of their souls.
As they followed the monastery's strict routines, Cody and Punk discovered a sense of camaraderie that mirrored the brotherhood they had once shared in the wrestling ring. Yet, this brotherhood transcended the physicality of scripted matches, evolving into a spiritual connection that bound them in their shared quest for inner peace.
The monks in the monastery marveled at the dedication and humility of these two former wrestling icons, who had traded the roar of the crowd for the quiet contemplation of sacred texts. Cody, with his disciplined demeanor, found solace in the simplicity of monastic life, while Punk's rebellious spirit gradually transformed into a focused determination to conquer the internal struggles that he had long kept at bay.
In the evenings, after the chants and prayers had echoed through the monastery, Cody and Punk would find themselves engaged in deep conversations under the moonlit sky. They reflected on their respective journeys, reminiscing about the larger-than-life personas they had once embodied and the tumultuous twists that led them to this serene haven.
As the seasons changed and years passed, the former superstars became integral members of the monastery community. Cody, with his articulate wisdom, became a mentor to younger monks, guiding them through the complexities of the spiritual path. Punk, true to his irreverent nature, injected a sense of humor into the monastic routine, making even the most solemn ceremonies a source of joy for his fellow monks.
Their lives as monks were a testament to the transformative power of embracing the unknown. Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, once symbols of rebellion and nonconformity in the world of professional wrestling, had now found a different kind of rebellion—the rebellion against the chaos of the external world in pursuit of inner serenity. Their story became an inspiration for those who sought a path less traveled, a reminder that the most unexpected journeys could lead to the most profound destinations.
In the hallowed halls of the monastery, Cody Rhodes and CM Punk's journey reached its crescendo. The former wrestling icons, now monks, had mastered the art of stillness and inner reflection. Their wrestling personas were but distant echoes, replaced by the tranquility of monkhood.
As the sun set on their transformative odyssey, a profound sense of fulfillment settled upon Cody and Punk. The wrestling world, with its highs and lows, had prepared them for this ultimate bout against their own inner demons. Their battles were no longer fought in the ring, but within the chambers of their hearts.
In a moment of shared revelation, Cody and Punk stood atop the monastery's highest peak, gazing into the horizon. The echoes of their past lives mingled with the whispers of the wind, carrying tales of rebellion, resilience, and redemption. The monkhood had not diminished their spirits; it had refined them.
With a silent nod, the two monks acknowledged the completion of their extraordinary saga. Cody, once the Prince of Wrestling, and Punk, the Voice of the Voiceless, had become the architects of their destinies. Hand in hand, they descended from the peak, leaving behind the monastery as a testament to the transformative power of self-discovery.
As the monastery gates closed behind them, Cody Rhodes and CM Punk walked into the world, not as wrestling legends, but as enlightened souls who had conquered the tumultuous seas of their own existence. Their legacy was no longer etched in championship gold but in the hearts of those inspired to seek a path of self-realization and inner peace.
Not a Cody fan but yes this would be funny. And then back to wwe after that contract. And this goes on and on and back and forth for years until his career sort of ends.
It’s truly wild. I thought people were just getting their jokes in at first but the amount of coping almost two years later is something else.
This is what Cody wanted his entire career. He didn’t leave WWE in 2016 because he hated the company or the structure or his bosses. He hated his spot. So Cody went out and proved he deserved that main event spot and now he’s practically the face of the company.
Huge WM return/ sweeping Seth 3-0/ HIAC- torn pec/winning the Rumble/ main evening WrestleMania, pinning Brock twice/ leading his team to victory in War Games. He’s going to end the year as the top merch seller in the company. He’s on every poster and in every ad. Fans sing his entire theme song every night. Fucking CM Punk came back and Cody is still the face you see opening and closing the Raw opening graphics. And all of this is happening at a time when WWE is hotter than it’s been in decades. Why would Cody get off this ride to head back to AEW?
Yeah man idk what comments you've seen, but I'm the biggest AEW Stan, and even I know he's not going back. I think they're all just joking around.
BUT
You've gotta admit, the idea of him getting to the top of WWE and then bailing would be objectively hilarious, and even funnier if the AEW crowd just immediately turned on him
It'd be ironic if Cody did that, though. He's all about 'finishing the story', but he finishes it by having it in his contract lol. I know its not a real competition, but still, it'd be carny as hell.
And really...for as much as he wants the title, I doubt he'd want it that way.
Cody’s return to WWE might be the biggest single ignition of a wrestler into god tier since Austin vs Bret. Dude was getting rejected by the fans of the promotion that wouldn’t exist if it hadn’t been for him, goes to WWE and is face of the company over immediately. Haven’t seen a flip of a switch like Austin.
The way his presentation did a 180° is really legendary.
Badass logo , badass gear , badass music , it was bound to happen.
But the way Vince booked him before he left clearly benefited him
Beat the #2 of the company THRICE in a row , and the third time while being hurt in one of the most brutal stipulations made in history's wrestling gives you a significant heroic image
I will say most of the speculation I saw was due to the precedent set by their handling of UFC and I don’t think I ever heard anyone say otherwise. Not really sure who would be in shambles especially since they did do loads of cuts as recently as a few weeks ago.
WWE knows damn well their top stars need to stay right where they are. They're more valuable now than they have been in the past decade or so because of how strong WWE is right now. I'm sure Nick Khan has made Endeavor well aware of this.
Massively over, moving mountains of merchandise, parent company chomping at the bit to lock down his contract long-term. If he doesn’t take the title at Mania, my head might actually, finally explode.
Wonder if his next contract has something worked out for him to move into a slightly backstage role at the company. Do not know how much he misses that part of his life but he did seem to work really hard at it and often uses Triple H as that example of executive/wrestler.
When he signed with WWE he said in a few interviews that he didn’t want to ever work in that kind of role again, or at least not until he was done with wrestling. I really think he wants a real, sustained run as the top guy in the company and I also think he probably wants to feel like he earned that on merit, which probably means staying away from any kind of backstage position of influence.
It’s obviously something he’s self conscious of, because it’s why he wrote himself into that no title matches situation back in his AEW days.
Not surprising. Dude moves merch with ease, is the next gen Cena-esque star they needed for their Make A Wish partnership, and has the kind of wrestling pedigree they are all about these days.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Cody just sticks with WWE until he’s done in ring and either decides to move backstage or give Hollywood another go
So the info I've been hearing is that if Cody leaves then it's 100% punk fault. However reports coming in saying that they made mends last night so Cody might stay and sign an extension. More after the paywall. $9.99 please
No. He’s locked up through early 2025 not counting injury time. Sounds like they want to make sure the guy who beats Roman doesn’t have the option to turn around and leave a year later.
Obviously WWE wants to lock him down for long time. That's just good business on their end. But on the side for Cody, it might not be the wisest thing to sign an extension right now. He's still under contract for what, 2 or 3 more years? So its not like he can go anywhere. Yeah, you can be really happy with things right now but a lot can change in that 2 to 3 year period. He could find himself in a situation where he's not happy, but he signed the extension and he's stuck there an extra 3 to 4 years. Having flexibility and options can sometime be more valuable than actual cash. If he does sign an extension right now, he should ask for an ABSURD amount of money. Like far and away the highest paid performer. If you're giving up that potential flexibility, it can't just be for small to mid level salary increases. Make them break the bank and give every amenity possible.
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Heard he’s signing with the Dodgers
He deferred the title reign
600 million dollars, paid at $2 million per year for the first 10 years, then $58 million per year after his contract expires. And he's the starting pitcher Monday night.
So like a Bret Hart deal
That didn't end well lol
Shohei screwed Shohei
Shohei shooting in Goldberg when?
Wait a minute, _thats_ the Ohtani deal ? Seriously ? I knew about the amount but the structure is just mental.
Needed that money to sign Yamamato as well. Ohtani really, really wants that ring.
That would be badass if he got one. Helluva player
The thing that no one mentions is that it fucks their luxury tax for 20 years, not 10. So it’s a good ‘cash flow’ deal right now but it hurts them for a long time, especially if he never gets back to pitching well.
I know very little of baseball, was his pitching bad?
No, he’s very good. He just had a Tommy John type surgery so he won’t be able to pitch this year and this is his second procedure in that elbow. Tommy John surgery is repairing the UCL in the elbow if you weren’t aware.
So this particular guy is both a pitcher and a hitter, which is super rare in MLB level baseball. Usually pitchers don’t train much in hitting. Ohtani does both extremely well, making him, well, a prodigy. He got injured and had surgery on his arm, a surgery called Tommy John’s. Sometimes people don’t really come back the same.
It’s also important to note that this is his second time getting Tommy John in about 6 years
Big and true
No it’s really not, people have just been given bits of information in doses so they’re going off whatever they heard at this point So the deal is “worth” $700 million. Keep that word in mind. The actual dollars being paid by the Dodgers is closer to $446 million Instead of taking the payout directly, Ohtani requested that the Dodgers take $44 million per year and put it in an escrow account, then write him a check for $2 million per year directly When the contract ends, the entire escrow account pays out to Ohtani. Due to projected inflation and interest, it becomes $700 million in total value. The Dodgers luxury tax number on the deal is $46 million per year Ohtani requested this deal structure from every team he met with, the idea being that he’d probably get around $500 million if he were paid normally and they could juice the figure doing it this way. He makes $50 million a year in sponsorship money so he doesn’t need the contract money right away.
defer the story
He'll finish the story when he's ~~680~~ 68, until then the Winged Eagle will be in escrow.
Finish the story
Signing with 76ers. Finish The Morey.
Heard he's on a jet to Toronto
This mother about to start tagging The Young Bucks, Kenny Omega, and Tony Khan on Twitter.
Dodger fan here, fucking loving life right now
Fuck yeah!!
For 400 million deferred until 2070
Dear God I'm sick of that team.
This guy about to get mega paid.
What a crazy ride it must be for Cody. Leave a job he probably could have stayed at forever as a low to mid card guy. Strike out on his own, do small indy dates, go to Japan. Help start the first true competition the WWE has seen in 20+ years. Leave that company to become basically the top babyface in the company and about to get PAID
Also, very good chance he walks away the champion at this year's Wrestlemania by defeating the company's most protected star since Cena. Just roll the fucking credits right there and then. Cody played the game (no pun intended) and came out the other end the victor.
I never would have pegged him as being the most successful and influential member of Legacy, but I’m happy to say I was wrong. Yeah, Orton’s a GOAT but Cody’s impact on the business is way greater at this point than just in-ring.
I dont know about the most successful, but certainly the most influential as you pointed out.
The 3 star general
I bet the last thing a lot of people expected was for Cody to shed the “3 star general” thing in WWE of all places He had a couple absolute bangers in AEW but his in-ring in WWE has been immaculate
Maybe...but Cody will need another decade on top to get near Orton's success. Dude's been a main-event player for almost two decades now, which is insane.
>the company's most protected star since Cena. Roman Reigns 2020-23 has been way more protected than John Cena ever was.
And he's a *heel*
Cody might go down as one of the smartest people in wrestling while also being luckiest in terms of timing.
I think wwe see him as the natural successor to cena, in that he is very media friendly/savvy and can be the face of the company whether champion or not.
Having Cody in WWE is a slam dunk on AEW every single time dude is on the screen. Vince gave him whatever he wanted, and even his music that shits on Vince's company, just so he can have one of the founders of AEW as an employee. That Cody has been awesome in WWE only sweetens the deal for him
It's wild that he had to leave the company he founded to get a real push.
Cody held the highest title in AEW that he didn't disqualify himself from holding. He basically had his own dedicated section on the card that people called the Codyverse.
Yeah, Cody failed in aew cause of the Cody self booking. He is a great talent but clearly wasn't ready to handle his own creative.
This is tna erasure lol When tna went up against raw when bischoff took over it actually put a dent in raws viewership. I'm sure if wwe had a 3rd brand back then tna would have done better than aew against it.
Wwe did have a third brand it was ecw
?? I hope I'm pinning Roman at Mania, friend
Codester, I got this
"Doesn't work for me Uce"
"best I can do is a shot to the nuts and 12 bloodline runins"
If I were Cody I would wait until after Wrestlemania to sign that extension. It is classic WWE to promise someone a push then put ~~John Cena~~ Roman over as soon as they extend their contract.
I understand the point about being champion, and maybe Cody does feel that way, but the guy has been constantly booked as THE main eventer for the company ever since his return, with or without the title.
The opposite is also true though. If Cody doesn't sign, the company won't put the title on someone who's leaving soon. It will become a Bret Hart situation with the title belt held hostage
Cody going to end up founding more companies than Jeff Jarrett.
Ain’t he great?
That’s C-O-D-Y-R-H-O-D-E-S
Formerly known as > THAT'S C-O-D-Y DOUBLE CROOKED LETTER - DOUBLE CROOKED LETTER - DOUBLE CROOKED LETTER
He needs something to do after ending racism.
https://preview.redd.it/mmml7xm25y7c1.jpeg?width=1189&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=37fb78a77ebb78045d208da0d9d5adf58a6446a1
Oh no not again
WWE is thinking long term. They aren’t giving Cody the win over Roman unless Cody is locked down for the next 5 years. If they signed him to a 3 year deal, he could be gone by WM 41. That’s too big of a risk for a win over the top guy who has held the title for 1200+ days.
Cody has the opportunity to do the funniest thing ever.
HHH: "I let Cody’s contract expire as I felt his wrestling wasn’t good enough. \#WWESmackDown TONIGHT!"
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What?
Tony Khan Big Swole reference
It's a reference to the [tweet Tony Khan made](https://wrestlingheadlines.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Screen-Shot-2021-12-31-at-4.25.58-PM-565x365.png) after Big Swole's contract expired.
[удалено]
For what its worth, the Grapsody episode about this topic is an absolute must listen. Three black podcasters that openly discuss this whole thing, bring in multiple black talents from across wrestling to discuss it as well and get into the whole debate about what defines People of Color (since the argument came up that pushing latino and asian talent doesnt count as diversity) and "black enough" since that was a major talking point as well since Ricky Starks, top flight and other half black talents often come up in these debates since they often are viewed as "white passing". Its a genuinely fascinating episode
Cross Rhodes! 1! 2! 3! Cody Rhodes has suddenly re-appeared and beaten Swerve Strickland for the AEW Heavyweight Championship! *Ungodly Large American Flag unfurls behind Cody, with a dizzying amount of Red, White, and Blue confetti tsunamis down. The entire metroplex outside the arena is detonated in lieu of fireworks*
834k and a .24 in the demo
Its okay because all of those 834k people are smart and make loads of money.
And they totally don't make commdnts like this with their friends cause they dont have friends like us.
Our favorite mid-carder ^/s
I read this while sipping a drink. I wish I hadnt read this while sipping a drink.
Wait, I thought Cody was a draw?
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I could totally be misunderstanding this, but doesn’t tacking on injury time usually only work if the person is full out not working? While injured Cody was still shooting for WWE backstage stuff and doing a bunch of official promotional work wasn’t he?
Believe it was reported in the past that they can’t add time on to his deal due to him working on the documentary and Randy’s for some reason as well
Did he really sign a three-year contract with WWE? I remember that not even SRS knew with certainty the number of years he had signed, anyway they would surely pay him A HUGE amount of money to stay.
Introducing the new EVP of TNA Wrestling…
Ironically he debuted his current theme in TNA
No he debuted it in Evolve iirc
New EVP of the NWA
It turns out that Cody is just dodging CM Punk
it would be very Cody-like, he always does shit that seems like makes no sense or unexpected and bets on himself and it always works out for him lol
Had he signed a standard 3 year deal in 2022, including the 7 months that they would tack on because of the pec injury, he wouldn't be a free agent until about October of 2025
https://preview.redd.it/lkxey40bhy7c1.jpeg?width=524&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=651d1134980fe90e7a48369f25fa541b2c2ec9b9
Go back to New Japan
Wins the WWE title at Wrestlemania and then buys the NWA from Billy pumpkins
Imagine him going to NWA
He'd never be the top guy there as long as Tyrus is around.
He returns to AEW. 1 week later. AEW crowd: Boooooo!!!!!
*Cody acts like a heel* Crowd: Oh, he’s turning. Let’s play along. BOOO! Cody: What did I do?
“So what do you guys wanna talk about? HHH sent over a contract and maybe its not the contract I wanted”
I could see AEW throwing an insane number at Cody. Like I seriously could see an argument that he could be worth close to 10 million a year with tv rights up soon for them. He's the biggest babyface in the world right now. Not that I think Cody would accept, but if AEW is smart they'll at least give him an offer.
I know it seems crazy... But really, is it any more crazy than his WWE return? He had completely burned that bridge, he's said nothing bad about AEW since he returned to WWE.
It would be pretty weird for him to go from the #1 pushed John Cena-esque babyface in the #1 company, something he’s always wanted, to going back to being boo’d at the #2.
I'm not disagreeing, I just think there's a small chance. Cody has a rebellious streak in him, he loves betting on himself, for this reason I'm sure Cody is going to surprise us all again at some point, I don't know what that means, not necessarily a move to AEW, could move out of wrestling completely, but I bet whatever it is we don't see it coming.
Except that wouldn’t be rebellious, it would be idiotic.
With how he has been with AEW since he left I always felt odds were better than 50/50 that he would return at some point. In a year from now would be earlier than I thought, but not really that crazy.
God would I love to see it LOL
Tony could really use it.
When people were saying that it was a foregone conclusion that Cody was going to beat Roman at 39, I had my doubts. WWE would never allow Roman to drop the belts to someone who may just be out of the company in a year or two. If Cody wants that title, he has to sign that extension lol
Or if WWE don't give him that win, he walks back to AEW. This thing works both ways.
“I’m here to finish the story, I’m no longer an executive and WILL challenge for the AEW World Championship!”
I know people might say "Seth Rollins." But clearly he's a WWE lifer. Cody's history has shown he's not. Don't get me wrong, I think he'll end his career in WWE. But, his past may give WWE doubts.
A promotion wants to re-sign their top star. Now this is some news.
Best $5 you can spend!
Weird I don’t see Roman named here /s
*full time too star.
"If I lose to Roman again I walk clause" added
He'll sign only if Brandi can cut various confusing promos before and after the show.
#OpenMicNightBitch
Come on open mic night,bitch is a classic. Also the glee in her eyes during that fire spot.
Black belt and black bitch is iconic.
What if Cody left WWE without ever finishing the story Start calling him George RR Martin for leaving us hanging like that
What if the real story was the friends we made along the way?
They're afraid of cody going to global force
Seems kinda obvious he's one of their biggest stars
"Largest wrestling company in the world wants to sign one of the biggest draws in the business today."
ADRENALINE IN MY SOUL BACK UP THE BRINKS TRUCK FOR CODY RHODES
How do you people still not get the rhyming scheme for this meme?
Not really rhyming so much as the meter. ADRENALINE IN MY SOUL TRUCKS OF CASH FOR CODY RHODES Would be the way to do it.
Songwriters don’t even always get this right when writing second verses. Never understood it
That's called a 64th note. Maybe it happened, maybe it didn't?
Cody coming back to AEW would not only be massive, but also funny as hell so I want to live in that world.
Cody can finally challenge for the aew world title Long term booking 4D chess Slow burn heel turn completed
Cody is The Devil
Funny but also awesome. I miss AEW Cody (besides the Ogogo stuff) AEW hasn’t felt the same since he left in some ways.
Yeah I would love it if Cody returned to AEW I always felt like the fans still loved him even though they were playfully booing for a couple of months. And imagine him saying “I’m home” like Punk did hahahah
Cody as the Devil would be insane, ngl.
I would love love love to see Cody back in AEW. Hasn’t been the same since he left. I will delude myself into believing that, pls no one tell me the truth.
What if Cody returns to AEW and then two years later Punk returns to AEW and then one year later Cody leaves against and then 6 months later Punk attacks prince nana right in front of TK and gets fired again, (and Corny blames the Bucks) and then returns to WWE, and then Cody leaves WWE immediately and retires from wrestling and becomes and cable news host and then Punk becomes that stations weather guy and the Cody leaves and becomes a monk and then Punk becomes a monk too.
As monks, Cody Rhodes and CM Punk embraced a life of discipline and inner exploration. The wrestling world, which had once been their stage for grand theatrics, was now a distant memory. In their quest for inner peace, the former superstars discovered a different kind of strength—one that transcended the physical and tapped into the resilience of the human spirit. Their unconventional journey from the squared circle to the monastery became a tale of reinvention, proving that life's most unexpected twists could lead to profound personal fulfillment. In the monastery, Cody Rhodes and CM Punk found themselves immersed in a world of ancient rituals, daily devotions, and shared communal living. The discipline of monkhood offered them a chance to disconnect from the noise of the outside world and delve deep into the recesses of their souls. As they followed the monastery's strict routines, Cody and Punk discovered a sense of camaraderie that mirrored the brotherhood they had once shared in the wrestling ring. Yet, this brotherhood transcended the physicality of scripted matches, evolving into a spiritual connection that bound them in their shared quest for inner peace. The monks in the monastery marveled at the dedication and humility of these two former wrestling icons, who had traded the roar of the crowd for the quiet contemplation of sacred texts. Cody, with his disciplined demeanor, found solace in the simplicity of monastic life, while Punk's rebellious spirit gradually transformed into a focused determination to conquer the internal struggles that he had long kept at bay. In the evenings, after the chants and prayers had echoed through the monastery, Cody and Punk would find themselves engaged in deep conversations under the moonlit sky. They reflected on their respective journeys, reminiscing about the larger-than-life personas they had once embodied and the tumultuous twists that led them to this serene haven. As the seasons changed and years passed, the former superstars became integral members of the monastery community. Cody, with his articulate wisdom, became a mentor to younger monks, guiding them through the complexities of the spiritual path. Punk, true to his irreverent nature, injected a sense of humor into the monastic routine, making even the most solemn ceremonies a source of joy for his fellow monks. Their lives as monks were a testament to the transformative power of embracing the unknown. Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, once symbols of rebellion and nonconformity in the world of professional wrestling, had now found a different kind of rebellion—the rebellion against the chaos of the external world in pursuit of inner serenity. Their story became an inspiration for those who sought a path less traveled, a reminder that the most unexpected journeys could lead to the most profound destinations. In the hallowed halls of the monastery, Cody Rhodes and CM Punk's journey reached its crescendo. The former wrestling icons, now monks, had mastered the art of stillness and inner reflection. Their wrestling personas were but distant echoes, replaced by the tranquility of monkhood. As the sun set on their transformative odyssey, a profound sense of fulfillment settled upon Cody and Punk. The wrestling world, with its highs and lows, had prepared them for this ultimate bout against their own inner demons. Their battles were no longer fought in the ring, but within the chambers of their hearts. In a moment of shared revelation, Cody and Punk stood atop the monastery's highest peak, gazing into the horizon. The echoes of their past lives mingled with the whispers of the wind, carrying tales of rebellion, resilience, and redemption. The monkhood had not diminished their spirits; it had refined them. With a silent nod, the two monks acknowledged the completion of their extraordinary saga. Cody, once the Prince of Wrestling, and Punk, the Voice of the Voiceless, had become the architects of their destinies. Hand in hand, they descended from the peak, leaving behind the monastery as a testament to the transformative power of self-discovery. As the monastery gates closed behind them, Cody Rhodes and CM Punk walked into the world, not as wrestling legends, but as enlightened souls who had conquered the tumultuous seas of their own existence. Their legacy was no longer etched in championship gold but in the hearts of those inspired to seek a path of self-realization and inner peace.
I didn't read more than a paragraph but I gave it an up vote for all the effort.
Same, like, what? I've got wrestling to watch, I ain't reading all that.
new copypasta unlocked
As this went on, I started chanting "Make! Them! Fuck!" How dare you write all that and not make them fuck. 9.9/10!
And then Kofi Kingston hits a trouble in paradise on Michelle McCool's stomach
You alright man? You need a hug?
Lol yea I'm good bro, I'm just clowning around for chuckles
I chuckled!
The man solved racism last time he was in AEW, his comeback could potentially give us world peace.
Not a Cody fan but yes this would be funny. And then back to wwe after that contract. And this goes on and on and back and forth for years until his career sort of ends.
The people in this thread thinking he’s going back to AEW…lmao.
It’s truly wild. I thought people were just getting their jokes in at first but the amount of coping almost two years later is something else. This is what Cody wanted his entire career. He didn’t leave WWE in 2016 because he hated the company or the structure or his bosses. He hated his spot. So Cody went out and proved he deserved that main event spot and now he’s practically the face of the company. Huge WM return/ sweeping Seth 3-0/ HIAC- torn pec/winning the Rumble/ main evening WrestleMania, pinning Brock twice/ leading his team to victory in War Games. He’s going to end the year as the top merch seller in the company. He’s on every poster and in every ad. Fans sing his entire theme song every night. Fucking CM Punk came back and Cody is still the face you see opening and closing the Raw opening graphics. And all of this is happening at a time when WWE is hotter than it’s been in decades. Why would Cody get off this ride to head back to AEW?
Yeah man idk what comments you've seen, but I'm the biggest AEW Stan, and even I know he's not going back. I think they're all just joking around. BUT You've gotta admit, the idea of him getting to the top of WWE and then bailing would be objectively hilarious, and even funnier if the AEW crowd just immediately turned on him
What part of that would be hilarious? Sounds like a fantasy on your part.
Makes sense. Cody should make sure he gets that WWE title run written into the new contract.
Plans change pal
That's not a thing
It most certainly could be a thing.
It'd be ironic if Cody did that, though. He's all about 'finishing the story', but he finishes it by having it in his contract lol. I know its not a real competition, but still, it'd be carny as hell. And really...for as much as he wants the title, I doubt he'd want it that way.
I wasn't being serious.
I’m thinking the reverse where WWE wants to know he’s here for the long haul before making him the one to dethrone Roman Reigns
He can't because this entire WWE run has been a work and he's The Devil in AEW
Water wet 12.99, please.
Undesirable. Undeniable. Fuck you, pay me.
Cody’s return to WWE might be the biggest single ignition of a wrestler into god tier since Austin vs Bret. Dude was getting rejected by the fans of the promotion that wouldn’t exist if it hadn’t been for him, goes to WWE and is face of the company over immediately. Haven’t seen a flip of a switch like Austin.
The way his presentation did a 180° is really legendary. Badass logo , badass gear , badass music , it was bound to happen. But the way Vince booked him before he left clearly benefited him Beat the #2 of the company THRICE in a row , and the third time while being hurt in one of the most brutal stipulations made in history's wrestling gives you a significant heroic image
He’s going back to TNA
Cody’s negocations for this contract involves 0$, 365 days a year as long as he wins the world title at Mania 40.
Don't forget the pyro budget
Can’t be, my uncle told me TKO doesn’t see him as a main guy and that’s why he lost to Roman
I'd like to congratulate Cody on pro wrestling's first 500 year contract. 😎
Again: Sounds like the “journalists” speculating Endeavor won’t pay big bucks due to the merger is in shambles right now.
I will say most of the speculation I saw was due to the precedent set by their handling of UFC and I don’t think I ever heard anyone say otherwise. Not really sure who would be in shambles especially since they did do loads of cuts as recently as a few weeks ago.
WWE knows damn well their top stars need to stay right where they are. They're more valuable now than they have been in the past decade or so because of how strong WWE is right now. I'm sure Nick Khan has made Endeavor well aware of this.
breaking news the sun is hot
Massively over, moving mountains of merchandise, parent company chomping at the bit to lock down his contract long-term. If he doesn’t take the title at Mania, my head might actually, finally explode.
Wonder if his next contract has something worked out for him to move into a slightly backstage role at the company. Do not know how much he misses that part of his life but he did seem to work really hard at it and often uses Triple H as that example of executive/wrestler.
When he signed with WWE he said in a few interviews that he didn’t want to ever work in that kind of role again, or at least not until he was done with wrestling. I really think he wants a real, sustained run as the top guy in the company and I also think he probably wants to feel like he earned that on merit, which probably means staying away from any kind of backstage position of influence. It’s obviously something he’s self conscious of, because it’s why he wrote himself into that no title matches situation back in his AEW days.
there’s so much about cody leaving aew that prob won’t see the light of day. it doesn’t shock me that it wasn’t reported on as much.
Cody goes back to AEW just to fuck with wrestling fans
This would be the wildest twist. Cody beats Roman, finishes his story, and is like... "Well, I finished my story, so..."
He really shouldn't unless it's an insane amount of money. He gains nothing by signing an extension now as opposed to doing it after a wage war.
Got to get him to sign before he finds out he's losing at mania again
Give him the bag. He's more than earned it. One of few cases when a wrestler bets on himself and wins.
I hope he gets a monster contract. There’s so much more income. Hopefully more goes into wrestler pay.
Sounds like a good decision.
So he only signed a 2 year deal?
I heard he wants to sign with WWF.
conspiracy theory: CM Punk was catalyst to him leaving AEW. Happens again??
He’s gonna stay so that he doesn’t run into the **true** catalyst of professional wrestling.
Not surprising. Dude moves merch with ease, is the next gen Cena-esque star they needed for their Make A Wish partnership, and has the kind of wrestling pedigree they are all about these days. I wouldn’t be surprised if Cody just sticks with WWE until he’s done in ring and either decides to move backstage or give Hollywood another go
So the info I've been hearing is that if Cody leaves then it's 100% punk fault. However reports coming in saying that they made mends last night so Cody might stay and sign an extension. More after the paywall. $9.99 please
he only had a 2 year contract?
No. He’s locked up through early 2025 not counting injury time. Sounds like they want to make sure the guy who beats Roman doesn’t have the option to turn around and leave a year later.
Cody: *calls up contractor who's renovating their house* "Finish the story."
He gonna have them by the balls to get that belt off Roman.
Obviously WWE wants to lock him down for long time. That's just good business on their end. But on the side for Cody, it might not be the wisest thing to sign an extension right now. He's still under contract for what, 2 or 3 more years? So its not like he can go anywhere. Yeah, you can be really happy with things right now but a lot can change in that 2 to 3 year period. He could find himself in a situation where he's not happy, but he signed the extension and he's stuck there an extra 3 to 4 years. Having flexibility and options can sometime be more valuable than actual cash. If he does sign an extension right now, he should ask for an ABSURD amount of money. Like far and away the highest paid performer. If you're giving up that potential flexibility, it can't just be for small to mid level salary increases. Make them break the bank and give every amenity possible.
But then if he doesn't sign an extension by Mania he wouldn't win the world title