Cody Rhodes: 10 Legacy Moments In AEW
8. Cody And Red Velvet Vs Shaq And Jade Cargill
Celebrities have always been a big part of the special attraction of wrestling and AEW wasn’t shy about using their celebrity connections to gain that extra recognition. Having previously stepped foot in a WWE ring, basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal was no stranger to getting physical with pro wrestlers, however, this match had more to it than just a high-profile spot between Cody and Shaq.
As Cody cut a promo praising Darby Allin and talking about his future plans, he was interrupted by a debuting Jade Cargill - one of AEW’s top prospects who poured scorn over Cody’s ‘giant killer’ reputation and said that there was one real giant he can’t slay, Shaq.
With a few months to build the match, Cody was set to team with his wife after Cargill targeted Brandi backstage, however, the news of Brandi’s pregnancy forced a change to proceedings as Red Velvet stepped in to replace her friend alongside Cody.
The match took place in March 2021 and exceeded expectations. Shaq handled himself well in the ring - even executing a vicious powerbomb on Rhodes - emulating Sid at his peak, however, the match wasn’t about Cody, or really Shaq. This was a showcase for Jade Cargill. The future TBS Champion picked up the pin over Velvet in this and set herself up for her current undefeated run. Here Cody proved that despite what some online said, it wasn’t all about him.