10 WWE Disasters That Became Life-Changing Moments
3. Cody Rhodes Rejects Stardust
Vince McMahon was literally the only dude who thought prolonging Cody Rhodes' Stardust agony was the best course of action in 2016. Cody put a brave face on, but he was visibly depressed by having to clown around on episodes of Raw before requesting his release from the promotion.
Rhodes gave up on weekly mediocrity, backed himself and left a cushy-if-creatively-unfulfilling gig. That was a risk, but it breathed new life into Cody's love affair with pro wrestling. He soared on the independent scene, then eventually helped create AEW alongside some friends.
The itch to have another crack at WWE life became overpowering though, so Cody returned to the company in 2022 and commands way more respect than he did as a face-painted midcarder. He's a made man, a bigger star than ever, and will surely tear McMahon's annoying "brass rings" apart en route to become World Champ someday.
That wouldn't have been possible as Stardust.