Cody Rhodes Addresses Controversial 'American Dream' Promo, 'Focus Group' Comment

No, Cody Rhodes does not run his AEW promos through a focus group.

Cody Rhodes
AEW

Cody Rhodes clarified his comments on running his controversial 12 May promo through a "focus group" during today's pre-Double Or Nothing media call.

The American Nightmare was responding to Bleacher Report's Chris Mueller, who asked Cody to go into greater detail on his claim to Gamespot that AEW has "a full focus group" for promos, having workshopped his 'American Dream' speech.

In his explanation, Cody admitted to misusing the term "focus group," clarifying that while he does send his promos to various people via voice memo, the group doesn't exist:-

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"I'll check this up to me know knowing what a focus group is, because I woke up this morning to a very large amount of people in my mentions, almost all of them with a Roman or Sasha Banks avatar, making fun of me for using the term 'focus group.' I didn't focus group that promo. What I intended to say - and I did not say it correctly, so check it up to me being a dummy - I work on my promos very hard."

Rhodes then outlined his actual process:-

"I voice memo it out to the people that I turst the most - legends, coaches, and management - and I like to see what they think. There is no AEW focus group for my interviews. I would chalk up my passion and love for promos... I got to see a great working relationship between Brian Gewirtz and The Rock. I know that's an incredibly lofty comparison but it's one to shoot for, with him being an exceptional entertainer and promo. I like to take mine seriously and be all business about them. I want to deliver good content when I put the mic to my lips."

Here's hoping this is the end of the "Roman and Sasha Banks avatars" in Cody's mentions. It probably won't be, though.

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If using quotes from this article, please link back to WhatCulture with a h/t for the transcriptions.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.