Shocking Debut On AEW Dynamite - Backstage Details Revealed!

Here's how last night's major AEW Dynamite debut came together.

by Andy H Murray
Roderick Strong
AEW

Roderick Strong shockingly debuted on last night's AEW Dynamite, aiding former WWE ally Adam Cole when he, Orange Cassidy, and Bandido were getting beaten down by The Jericho Appreciation Society, furthering Cole's feud with Chris Jericho.

It was the first time Strong has appeared on any wrestling programming since last summer, when he was effectively written off WWE NXT. Now, the well-respected veteran is signed to AEW, with founder Tony Khan giving him the usual Twitter treatment last night:-

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Strong's AEW debut was particularly surprising as news of him and WWE parting ways hadn't broken prior to the appearance. Fightful Select has published a report filling in this and other gaps, stating that WWE had been "dead silent" about Roderick's status with the promotion while he was offscreen, with a pitch made to have him coach talent while running down his deal. Whether or not this idea made it to Strong himself is unclear.

The former NXT North American Champion was to become the focus of WWE's Cruiserweight division after re-signing with the promotion in 2021. When Paul 'Triple H' Levesque lost developmental power, these plans changed - as did ideas for Strong's Diamond Mine stable.

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2022 saw Strong ask for his WWE release, which was rejected. Recently, too, 2K Games were reportedly asked to not include Roderick in this year's release, 2K23.

Talent within WWE had not been updated on Strong's status in the company, and it is believed that he had not been at the Performance Center in a while. It had been indicated that Strong was "doing well physically and cleared to wrestle despite this", and unsurprisingly, given how well-liked he is in the business, AEW talent is "pleasantly surprised" by Roderick's arrival.

Strong, 39, had been in WWE since October 2016.

Channel Manager
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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.