10 WWE Success Stories Absolutely NOBODY Saw Coming
5. Cody Rhodes Returns As A Bona Fide Main Eventer
As 2021 came to an end, the idea of AEW EVP Cody Rhodes eventually showing up and creating one of the loudest pops in WrestleMania history just a few months later felt like little more than a silly fantasy booking tangent.
This was the same American Nightmare who'd help create the game-changing alternative to a workplace that he'd spent the last few years taking shots at on the back of a rather disappointing end to his time as a WWE personality.
Yet, not only did he kiss goodbye to that All Elite world he'd helped build in February 2022, but Cody only went and changed the game once again with his comeback at WrestleMania 38.
The fact the former TNT Champion was able to convince WWE to keep from messing with the American Nightmare aesthetic that had helped make him such a commodity outside of the Sports Entertainment world was impressive and unreal enough. But Cody being consistently protected and presented as a genuine top star since making the most unlikely of jumps has only made the entire bizarre scenario even more surreal.
This most unexpected of success stories looks destined to continue, too. And could very much set the stage for even more shocking All Elite defections in the coming years.