10 Times AEW's Cody Rhodes Broke The Internet
5. Hyping Full Gear 2019
Heading into Full Gear 2019, fans already knew they were in for a treat with Cody taking on Chris Jericho for the AEW World Championship. Yet Cody raised the stakes while cutting a memorable promo on Dynamite that November.
Confronting his conflicting status as management and talent head-on, Cody announced that if he lost to Jericho, he'd never challenge for the AEW World Championship again. It was heavy, deep, and real - all at the same time. You could feel the chills in the arena when Cody channelled the memory of his late father, Dusty Rhodes.
When he compared AEW to Ellis Island? Oh, mommy!
Plus, Cody referring to Jericho as a carny succubus who needs the younger generation more than it needs him was inspired stuff. Okay, boomer?!
It's a beautiful performance, never rushed and measured in delivery. In fact, it's so good even The Rock took notice, and judging from the rapturous response from AEW fans and the online wrestling community, it was an absolute triumph.