8 Things That Could Trigger AEW’s Downfall

2. WWE Getting Cody Rhodes Right

Cody Rhodes
WWE

The next few months of Cody Rhodes' wrestling career could prove an invaluable marketing tool when it comes to WWE's chances of acquiring other talents from AEW.

AEW has the perception of a promotion that will use wrestlers correctly in ways that complement their skillsets, giving them a greater chance of getting over and finding fulfilment. This is partly down to WWE. Earned through decades of creative misgivings (and a seemingly chronic ability to generate new stars beyond one or two top guys at a time), WWE has the opposite perception. The hundreds-long list of misused wrestlers who only got over to a fraction of the degree they should have supports this.

But if WWE gets Cody Rhodes right, as it has done so far, this perception flips. Suddenly, WWE becomes a more attractive proposition to AEW stars. When their deals come up and the competition extends an offer their way, they might look at Rhodes, wonder if that could be them, and become more open to making the jump.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.