Are WWE Still Holding Cody Rhodes' Surname Hostage?
Cody reveals all during new media call.
No. No, they are not.
As revealed by AEW Executive Vice President Cody during yesterday's pre-Dynamite media call, WWE are no longer holding the Rhodes surname hostage, and he is free to use it if he wants.
"I can use it," Cody said. "I won't use it though. That's not everyone's favourite answer, but I got the rub off that name plenty. The reason I don't use it is I got so used to being 'The American Nightmare' Cody in Japan, and I love that. I got the rub off Dusty and my family name long enough."
Cody was born Cody Garrett Runnells. Him and his wife have always been introduced as "Cody and Brandi Rhodes" when hitting the ring together, with many suggesting that this was down to WWE trademarking issues shortly after his release from the promotion. It appears that this is no longer the case.
Among other topics, Cody claimed that his previous statement that only 40% of AEW's roster had been revealed as inaccurate and a result of his own "bad math." Sure thing, pal. He also claimed that Kenny Omega's recent shots at NXT were just 'The Cleaner' "having a bit of fun in-character."
