The Hidden Role Kevin Owens Played In AEW's Formation

WWE's Kevin Owens might've snowballed Cody Rhodes towards AEW without even knowing it.

Kevin Owens Cody Rhodes
WWE.com

Kevin Owens closed his eyes and AEW magically appeared.

OK, that's obviously not true, but the WWE star might've had an accidental role in pushing Cody Rhodes towards the company's creation. KO told 'After The Bell' that he became fast friends with Cody before the ex-Stardust left WWE, and they stayed pals when Rhodes was on the indy scene.

Cody asked Owens for advice on navigating that circuit, and Kev put him in touch with The Young Bucks. One thing led to another, and Rhodes started drumming up fresh business opportunities with Matt and Nick Jackson.

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That might not have happened had KO not recommended that Cody get friendly with the brothers.

Sure, it's ridiculous to claim that Owens inadvertently helped create AEW, but the truth is that he...did play a minor part in planting seeds. He'd also buzzed The Bucks and asked that they "take care" of Rhodes on the indy scene.

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Matt and Nick took to Cody almost immediately, and the rest is history. So, there you go, Tony Khan owes Kevin Owens quite a lot of gratitude. Only kidding, but what a story.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.