10 Most Uncanny Predictions Ever Made About Wrestling
7. Cody Rhodes Is Adamant That The Indie Movement Is Massive
"I'll take that bet Dave."
Those five words shaped the modern professional wrestling landscape. Cody Rhodes was adamant that the movement that sprawled across NJPW, ROH and the independent circuit, of which the Elite were the centre, was only limited by its own browbeaten ambition. He knew that a major show, provided it was hyped and built well enough, could draw a five-figure gate for the first time in the U.S. since WCW collapsed. He knew that such a show could double as a pilot for something bigger than it was in and of itself.
Accepting that bet from Dave Meltzer was itself a hint of his ability to promote a show. He cast himself as both underdog and industry saviour; those who purchased tickets could not only watch a fun and significant event but facilitate the next chapter of wrestling's history of the big time. They were a part of it. It was because of them.
...almost. As romantic as the tale is, it is not entirely accurate; while Cody and the Elite boasted quite incredible drawing records and made All In happen, Tony Khan was drafting plans for AEW - or what was then known in the first phase as 'World's Best Wrestling' - in parallel. All In was not the pilot, though it was proof of concept.
Still, Cody's prescience was - yes - undeniable. It's little wonder that he was the top babyface when AEW launched.
In the minds of those fans, he didn't just see the future of pro wrestling; he saved it.