Cody Garrett Runnels, aka Cody Rhodes, left World Wrestling Entertainment over a year ago. Rhodes became frustrated with the Stardust character. He became even more livid when his repeated pleas to creative fell on deaf ears. Everything built to a crescendo and on May 21st of 2016, Rhodes asked for his release. The company granted his request 24 hours later. Rhodes put in major work on the independent scene. He silenced many critics that stated he wouldn’t be able to work outside of the “WWE safe style”. Rhodes wanted to test his mettle in several promotions, not wanting to sign exclusively with any of them. He worked dates in Ring of Honor, New Japan Pro Wrestling and even with Impact Wrestling. In a stunning turn of events, Cody Rhodes has signed an exclusive deal with Ring of Honor, which is one hell of a coup.
As reported by Wrestling Inc, Cody was confident in putting his trust in ROH
“I grew up in this business; I’ve seen its peaks and valleys. I know we are entering an unprecedented time in pro wrestling/sports entertainment and it’s time to put my flag in the sand. Joe Koff and his team put together such a generous offer… with some non-wrestling projects on the horizon that I hope to announce soon, and the potential of starting a family down the road…it was a perfect fit. Myself, Marty Scurll, Hangman Page, Matt and Nick Jackson…it’s the dream team…like the 1992 dream team. I have several goals in mind for myself and for ROH and I can’t wait to get started.”
Rhodes signing with the company couldn’t have come at a better time. ROH allegedly offered Cody the biggest deal in the company’s history. They may not have had the resources to do so prior to now. Sinclair Broadcasting, the company that owns ROH, also purchased Tribune Media several months ago. This lends credence to the rumor that a weekly television series on WGN could happen in the near future. If that is the case, a former WWE superstar leading the charge on your flagship show is definitely a smart move to build your audience, especially one that may be new to the ROH product.
Congratulations to Rhodes for a well deserved lucrative contract and to Ring of Honor for treating Cody Rhodes like the mega star that many of us knew he would be.
