10 AEW Disappointments We Really Didn't See Coming

10. The Codyverse

The most balanced take on all of this is that it exists for all of this. Discussion of it in any capacity means Cody Rhodes is getting what he wants, so say the sensible sorts.

But how much currency is in conversation when loads of the promos suck, the matches aren't what they used to be, and the biggest babyface of 2019 is now loathed to the extent that John Cena comparisons are being made?

These are the real questions beyond the chaos of The Codyverse, not largely irrelevant ones about if he'll turn heel. Rhodes' angles have felt unfocussed for over a year now, even when his it'll-be-alright-on-the-night strategy works out as it did in grand fashion in contests against Shaquille O'Neal and Ethan Page.

A creative catherine wheel, Rhodes' efforts are almost noble but fail far, far too often to get a pass. A short feud with Penta flattered to deceive (and had a criminal conclusion), stories with Andrade and Malakai Black (more on that elsewhere) got trapped in midcard quicksand, and a grimly misjudged patriotism angle with Anthony Ogogo is one even he regrets.

As of writing, he's TNT Champion again, and precedence suggests things are tighter with a title than without. But 2022 needs to go smoother than almost all of 2021 to restore any faith that AEW needs him as much as he still needs it.