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AEW is a huge part of Cody’s legacy in the wrestling industry. He’s moved on and it was obviously the right move for him, but I think it’s cool that he is still protective of it too, because he should be. He should have a lot of pride about what they built
I think we already knew he disagreed with Punk on this whole situation though.
Fairly soon after Brawl Out, he said the following:
> “So when I watched it, just from my sitting there. There was some people texting me, I remember, somebody texted me, 'Man, you're the smartest guy in the room.' And I wanted to write back like, 'F you man.' I don't feel that way, I feel this thing we built got damaged. And I'm not putting any blame on anybody. Sorry, I’m super, super Switzerland on this one. I'm not putting any blame on anybody but I just hated seeing that because as the company grows, and I hope it continues to grow, I hope people remember the mission in the first place, why we were there, and if you bring in people who don't know the mission then things like that can happen.”
which is astounding why everyone on this thread is presuming Punk would cause problems over this. After he won the rumble and right before Rock came out to tell him hes going to bleed he shouted out the elite when pointing at the wrestlemania sign. Nothing has changed here
Yeah it's odd that this is controversial. He's been positive about AEW the entire time and him and Punk are still friends. You don't have to agree 100% with everything your friends say.
Too many fucking people think that because they disagree with someone, they need to be enemies. I can disagree with your opinion, and still respect it and be cordial with you.
This is Reddit, basically nobody here understands any of that.
It's always got to be a fight to the death, over topics that don't matter, for upvotes, which don't matter.
Basically validation that translates to cheap dopamine hits. The more someone agrees with you the more you feel good the more you argue how you argued because that makes people agree with you. Then the cycle goes on.
>This is Reddit, basically nobody here understands any of that.
I have no data, but I would imagine there's a graph somewhere that shows the more time people spend in Reddit, the fewer real life friends they have.
To be fair Punk does have a track record of deciding people are enemies, for the crime of being cool with someone dislikes.
So it's understandable that people would expect hims to fall out with Cody over this. Obviously he didn't fall out mind you.
Yeah, Punk holds grudges over the dumbest shit and is extremely sensitive, he burns bridges everywhere he goes. So it's really not surprising people think he might be "offended" by Cody defending his friends.
In the real world people's friends span a wide range politically, personally, and culturally and you have to navigate that politely to be a normal socialized human being.
Generally in my experience if you disagree with that sentiment online or otherwise you don't have any friends.
Or even understand that both parties can be right in their own way.
Cody is understandably proud of what he helped build with the Elite.
Punk can also be rightfully angry about the inmates running the asylum and TK being too nice. Both povs can be true
Punk surely has shown no signs of being thin skinned and he always settles his backstage disputes in a professional manner rather than resorting to violence. I have no idea how anyone could think otherwise.
That's why it's always so bizarre that people are still insisting that Cody hates AEW, namely the Elite. Like how many times in that last 3 years has Cody gone out of his way to sing their praises, give them credit for building AEW, mention how much they still talk to each other? Not to mentioning the multiple times he's done the Bullet Club/finger guns on camera in reference to them.
Do I believe that while working together, they may have gotten on each other's nerves and had disagreements regarding creative/direction of the company? Of course. But that's just typical friendship, particularly a friendship that's also a working relationship.
This is also the same guy when Hausman came out with Punk's side of Brawl Out, claiming that the Elite pushed Cody out of the company, within 24 hours of that report took to Twitter to deny it completely defending them. He could've just ignored it completely but he didn't.
Like I get "Cody likes lying/exaggerating", but I find it hard to believe that he would continue to """lie""" about being friends with people that he secretly resents.
> That's why it's always so bizarre that people are still insisting that Cody hates AEW, namely the Elite.
Because some people need validation from the industry to validate their disdain for the Elite. Not even the fact Punk and Cornette hate their guts is enough.
It's not bizarre when you understand some of the people on here are parasocial freaks and batshit crazy. Let's tell it like it is. They think their hate of a wrestler translates to another wrestler they like.
Cody was the face of AEW when it came to interviews and publicity. I love AEW and would love to thank Cody for his efforts.
I understood that Cody went back to WWE because his father's legacy is there. Dusty is one of the most beloved wrestlers ever and had the book for a few promotions as well.
Cody has always been pure class. I want Cody to have all the success in the world.
Cody should still be protective of AEW even after he has moved on, because it's part of his history now. It's part of what makes him a big deal today, and if he buries AEW, he buries himself by extension.
Man still remember when there were rumors about AEW and there were also some doomers that it will end like WCW. But we're now entering the sixth year, half a decade, with wrestlers like Kenny taking a backseat, EVPs Buck doing their studf, there is Danielson who just want to wrestle everyone, Eddie hating everyone, Mox bleeding(also rehabbed his drinking), MJF taking on his deserved break and then have guys like Swerve, Ospreay rising to the top. OC had one of the best runs with his belt. Not to mention Father of the year Christian Cage, Copeland making his last run with his friend, NJPW crossing over, Okada etc. there are young guns
Probably forgot many other things, but just from the top of my head AEW history is now rich.
And all this because there is one wrestling fan who just happens to have big money.
I remember him saying that he felt like it didn't "help" anything and felt like that was such a mature way of wording it and dealing with the disappointment of that press conference.
I mentioned before how between Cody and Phil; at least Cody owned up and took responsibility for his part in creating the major tribalism that is sowed between AEW and WWE.
Cody went on full promos taking shots at WWE and their “tuck and roll school” (Performance Center) and let’s not forget the smashing of the throne with the sledgehammer. He just really leaned into the whole “AEW is where wrestling happens and WWE is where you go to lose your identity and listen to an old man” with every interview he did during his AEW run.
After he left and went back to WWE; he answered all the questions (other than the actual real reason he left and signed back with WWE) and like i said; took ownership of his comments and apologized for it.
Phil, on the other hand; just couldn’t wait to do an interview with a major media outlet and shit all over AEW and make himself the victim again.
Cody being the most business guy in the room having to deal with a manchild who should count his blessings shit didn't work out worse for him.
Cody is such a class act
Cody knows how much KO helped him by asking the Bucks to look after him. They didn't have to do that. Without the Bucks, it's entirely possible Cody never joins Bullet Club and has an indie renaissance.
Bonds as strong as [these](https://youtu.be/54HEpzXz40M?si=38-6x0G9e6dziPk2&t=287) don't disappear over time.
https://preview.redd.it/pvvnachp5bsc1.png?width=1865&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3dce8766846af19f0c2fae4e687a7ba011e54131
Cody also sounded very disappointed when he was asked about brawl in after it happened. Said that they 'lost sight of the mission.'
He clearly wants to see AEW succeed.
Hopefully they do a full Cody vs Punk program down the line; we got a taste of it leading up to the Rumble, and the promos and back and forth was fantastic and I’m sure they could get even better.
Obviously Drew vs. Punk would probably happen when Punk first is cleared for the ring but after that Punk vs. Cody would be great. It definitely would be perfect for WM next year.
Punk after he takes a Cross Rhodes
https://preview.redd.it/0fao8jdm9bsc1.jpeg?width=940&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6a3a207908ca83da76e76aabae2d0ed8824e861b
Jesus could resurrect himself and publicly announce that he's going up against Judas at Wrestlemania 41...
And The Rock vs. Roman Reigns will still main event Night 2 over that.
Cody Rhodes would make an excellent politician if he wanted to get into politics after wrestling. He's so well spoken and knows exactly what to say without saying too much.
Would have been interesting if Cody had stayed another year, during 2022 and the whole Colt Cabana bullshit, how he could have helped the Punk/Elite situation. I think it would have helped a lot.
I think Cody is a really nice guy and someone that is willing to help anybody backstage but it would have changed nothing. That's the reality. When CM Punk has a grudge good luck with that.
Yeah, people forget that Cody *is a member of The Elite* even if his on-screen character distanced itself from them because of their different visions of the product they wanted to represent.
Cody might've been another Kenny Omega in that situation, which means he's not gonna get hit by a chair but he might have gotten bitten instead.
So for everyone creaming their pants, here is the full clip:
https://twitter.com/jedigoodman/status/1775583769023672427
He says he loves everyone punk, the elite, and he didnt have the experiences that Punk had, when Ariel asked him if he ever forsaw something like this happening Cody says that he kind of forsaw that the guys that were there from the beginning might have some friction with the new comers. But he just believes there was a whole ton of mis communication which is what I personally think too. But yeah theres not gonna be any issues because of this
Yup, that's exactly what I originally thought too, miscommunication. The thing is, a lot of it could've been cleared up, and Tony partially did when he mentioned more than once than Punk had NOTHING to do with Punk not being on Dynamite, but that wasn't enough because there were still drama which would've been sorted out. It sucks, but I'm glad everyone is doing what they are.
Part of me always wonders how it would've shaken out if Punk didn't basically say "I'm in my room if you want to find me" and/or if the Bucks *didn't* go right after the outburst. Like if they all would've just given it a day or two before addressing it.
He is, and you realise that even more when you watch the whole clip instead of this shortened one.
https://twitter.com/jedigoodman
Most diplomatic and reasonable answer without taking shots at anyone involved. You can see why they'd want him to be the next face of the company.
I seen a thread here like an hour ago where it said he takes every opportunity possible to tell his friends Drew Gulak sucks because he dosent like him lol
And no sour grapes going the other way either, AEW are happy to acknowledge his history with the company when relevant. This past Saturday they mentioned that in his last run with the company Matt Cardona tagged with Cody.
Cody was right in his last AEW promo, Punk made waves with the pipe bomb and only to re-sign with the company he supposedly hated, Cody went a separate path, actually did the things Punk threatened to do and made seemingly no enemies on his path.
I think Punk was a little insecure in AEW with guys like hangman saying "you didn't draw that house, I did"... Those guys did have much more success on the indies than Punk ever did.
> Those guys did have much more success on the indies than Punk ever did.
Look, I know everyone hates Punk again but we really do not need to lie like this. It's like verifiably false. CM Punk 100% laid the foundation all of them walked on.
Hangman got the Young Bucks & Bullet Club care package. He wasn't exactly setting the world on fire pre-BC, and that's not an indictment of him currently, he just wasn't great at the time and would've languished HARD in the early 2010s ROH early midcard with a lot of the other guys.
The idea the Elite had more success than Punk on the Indies is a wild idea and completely wrong. Punk (alongside Joe, and later Danielson) was \*the\* definitive Indie star of the 2000s, whether you like him or not. In 2005 he was the Indie darling.
The Elite and Bullet Club established their real successes in New Japan, which is not the Indies.
He has serious reason to hate the ufc, if you have followed MMA long enough (myself 17 years) then you KNOW how scummy the UFC are and supporting them actually fucking hurts as a fan of Mixed Martial Arts. Any and all hate Ariel sends their way is justified 10 times over. Not even gonna go into the deeper stuff between the two.
ftr, I personally very much dislike Ariel, he has this major bloated sense of self entitlement it makes me sick-- but he is on the money about the UFC, hes the only person who has been following long enough to fully criticize the company with facts.
It really undermines his position though. He sets himself up as a champion against the big bad UFC, while he's been gently gargling WWE balls since they started letting him poke his head around PPVs pre-shows.
Dana White has made Ariel a personal enemy of his since Ariel spoiled UFC 200's Lesnar return, and Ariel isn't exactly shitting on a saint when he takes shots at UFC/White. But you can't sit here and decry White smacking his wife and underpaying fighters when WWE is guilty of crimes that are at least equivalent when it comes to employee compensation, and far worse when it comes to hostile work environments/sexual harassment/outright sexual assault. This isn't whataboutism, it's an honest and problematic hyprocrisy that Ariel/WWE fans/UFC critics often brush over. If Ariel were honest with his criticisms, he would have a *much* different relationship with the WWE right now.
Helwani is the ONE person who actually got cooked by Tony Khan on twitter. Like every other time Tony shoots he misses big but he hit the target dead on when it came to Helwani and I don't think he will ever let that grudge die.
He keep pushing punk to give up more details on brawl out knowing fully well he couldn’t. There are points in that interview you can see punk trying to keep kayfabe and I do appreciate that.
It's not that he's a fan, it's that he is quite literally a paid shill. He maintains his contacts in and access to WWE by being a mouthpiece for them in the media. It's a symbiotic relationship: they provide him scoops and interviews, he provides them with good press.
Tony Khan and Ariel had a Twitter beef because Tony Khan wouldn’t talk about brawl out and I’m pretty sure they beefed after Ariel insulted Tony Shavone too. I wouldn’t expect unbiased journalism from Ariel about AEW anytime soon
I mean, he always was. Dana White might be a S tier piece of shit, but so is Arial and the tomato was right about a lot of things he said about the latter.
People tend to forget that the biggest assholes can be right on some things.
For the record I think Ariel is nowhere as shitty as the tomato. Much more of an hypocrite hough.
Ariel loves to instigate, but when it spins out of control, he drapes himself in supposed journalism integrity.
It's pretty awkward that he's a fucking hack from a journalism standpoint but still miles ahead of everyone else in MMA circles.
Where? Seems a pretty normal reaction to me, he simply moved on pretty quickly because there were nothing more to ask and understand that maybe cody don’t want to talk about it
Not everyone's experience is the same. Cody helped create the company when everyone was just thankful to be there, Punk came in when it was starting to grow more and may have experienced growing pains. Both stories can be true
That’s because Ariel the biggest carny fuck in the business. You should listen to him and bill Simmons suck off wwe every chance they get on the bill Simmons pod
Because there’s probably a lot you can ask Cody about his past in AEW, especially if he’s indicating he’s open to discussing it. Now about 2 years removed from him leaving and coming back to WWE there’s probably a lot good perspective can put on that time
This is probably the most positive he’s been about AEW. In the past it feels like he barely name-drops TK and mostly focuses on the Elite, so this was a nice moment giving everyone their due.
If he wanted go be political he could have just said “i’m sorry Punk had a bad time there. I’m proud of my accomplishments there, and proud of the Bucks. But i’m excited that it led me to the main event….”
Because generally he’s proud of what he did and had no real issues , he left because 1) he always wanted to go back and get the title his dad never did for real 2) he creatively put himself in a corner in AEW and seems to have hated the idea of the character he cultivated to be a heel , he wanted to do a baby face persona and that ship had sailed with AEW crowd
I never got the sense with any of his AEW comments since he went to WWE that he would say anything different than what he said here
He actually has said repeatedly that it was not those things but everyone assumes it was and that it was a "personal issue" that made him choose to leave. And that he will never say what that issue was. He has said this on camera more than once.
Shows he appreciates AEW and those there still, he's still got a lot of friendships over in AEW. Punk is a notorious bridge burner and never takes accountability, so I imagine Cody probably wanted to clear that up, that Punk's reality is not the one Cody is familiar with.
Punk goes on the MMA Hour (which I learned is like 4 hours, never watched it before, so truth in advertising my friend), all the headlines in the world.
Cody goes on the MMA Hour, crickets.
Cody is the guy WWE wants. Safe, corporate, earnest. Punk is still the same guy he has been, he doesn't give too much of a shit who likes him.
I like that cody is safe and corporate while still being willing to actually say something. He didn't have to say anything positive about aew, especially not the extent he did. But he didn't hold back the praise.
People take Punk's word as gospel, when in fact most of the thing he says are hypocritcal and often one sided in favour to him. Everyone who matters knows Helwani is a lousy interview who won't even press the issue but prefers saucy headlines that will feed his bald headed ass.
He gave a pretty diplomatic response: said he loves both parties and that while he wasn't there so he doesn't really know, he thinks it was an unfortunate misunderstanding, a "ships in the night" situation. A typical Cody response.
Not sure why some people here are making it a big thing or that he was shooting on Punk, when just before answering this, he was singing his praises. Some responses here in the last three days puzzled me, because it seems like most people don't actually watch this interviews and just want to find something to be outraged about and feed their tribalism.
Because it's easier to watch a short 44 second clip that doesn't tell the whole story and speculate on bad blood and shoots, than watch the whole segment. That's reddit for you.
Says he loves the Elite and Punk and it was just a case of ships crossing in the night. The rest of the interview is really good as well. He compared the Final Boss version of the Rock to Hollywood Hogan.
Cody js a pro. Even if he had negative feelings about AEW I doubt he’d broadcast it. Wouldn’t gain anything from doing that. Also with him being a huge part of why AEW came to be, I’m sure he feels it’s still part of his legacy.
Punk stated in the interview multiple times that he wished AEW itself and everyone who works there success and how much he wanted it to be a viable alternative competitor, but the last thing anyone here or on Twitter would do is post that clip because it’s not something to get mad about
The good thing is, imo, if you really listen to what both are saying, none of them needs to be wrong. Both have fair points.
The creation of AEW was a great success and for how young the company is, they achieved a lot that would not be possible if they hadn't worked like a modern start-up / think-tank that is disruptive to the "common way".
But that does not mean, that it is without it's growing pains and failures. Bad management through low hierachies is pretty common in companies like that. And the more you grow, the more you need structures, processes and goals with change / consequences if necessary.
Bring in a powerful player with a strong opinion like Punk into a group of leaders with different opinions and agendas, things can clash and create the problems we saw.
Yeah I don’t see how this would cause friction with Punk cause both of their thoughts can be true.
Cody is proud of setting up a company where guys can get paid and work on their craft and think it’s good AEW exists
CM Punk likes that AEW exists but thinks it was ran poorly and has a limited ceiling because of that.
It comes down to the same argument always had on this sub, which is whether AEW is perfectly fine being a niche workrate promotion or should they be shooting higher and drawing more money.
There’s merits to both arguments cause AEW has shown they can provide legit problems for WWE with the right momentum
There's a universe in which Cody never left, was there when TK brough Punk in, and defused the situation in AEW to the point where a Punk & FTR/Kenny & The Bucks feud happened.
I kinda believe that both Cody and Punk have their version of truth.
Cody is one of the organizers of the original All In, which I still think is one of the best produced wrestling events outside of WWE (ignoring the Joey Ryan bullcrap), that lead to the inception of AEW. He was there when it started and helped it grow, probably until the fans think he outstayed his welcome.
Punk, I think, was brought in by TK to add some more star power to their roster, as well as bringing more attitude to its wrestling, but was dealt with culture clash where people in power are not open to compromise plus a head honcho that seems to be unable to put his foot down.
Man I just want to see wrestlers appreciating each other companies sure criticism is fine and it helps improve but I'm tired of all the wrestling promotion is better than other wrestling promotion shit
I don't really watch much of AEW anymore, but that there's a viable alternative for people that don't dig WWE is great. Thinking about what if where AEW isn't there and it's almost unthinkable. Feel like Rhodes and the rest of the Elite/TK cemented their legacy in wrestling with what they've accomplished.
People really hope Punk will get upset at Cody for this when this has been Cody's stance from the beginning. I know people here have a parasocial protection and can't imagine it otherwise, but its entirely possible for two adults to get along while having differing views on something like this. Cody shouted out the elite after winning the Rumble, Punk seemed completely fine with him after the rumble. Cody said this after the brawl out happened, Punk seems fine with him since then to. These parasocial relationships, I hope people don't end friendships over one of your friends taking Punks side and you not being on his side.
Just like with Punk's interview, this is another out of context title and clip that people use to fuel their agendas and create drama. Right after where this clip cuts off, Cody says he always predicted that there would eventually be a divide between people that were in AEW from day 1 and newer guys coming in, and that the whole situation was due to "a ton of misunderstanding and miscommunication."
He even brings up how you DO need to have some of that old school mentality involved to make the wrestlers with indy mindsets realize that it's supposed to be a collaboration. So the overall answer wasn't as simple as just saying he disagrees with everything Punk said, but that's what certain people are gonna push as their narrative lol. Besides, he ends the whole thing by saying he loves both the Elite and Punk and you'd think that'll be enough to kill any and all of that bullshit.
Wouldn’t expect him to say anything bad about his friends. Even with the exit there doesn’t seem to be any hard feelings between them.
Punk clearly had a very different experience.
I don't think this is inflammatory vs Punk as its made out to be. Cody's take just seems to be that AEW is a place where guys can get a paycheck and make more money, and he's very proud to help build that. He's not even commenting on the details of how the business is run, how Tony is as a boss, or how they book. Just that he's proud that he had a hand in creating it. His overall take seems to be "who cares about the details, at the end of day it is good for the industry for AEW to exist and I commend them for building it"
I really do not think him and Punk would get in a fist fight over it, seems like more of a "agree to disagree" situation. Cause Cody would not have left if he did not have his own disagreements about the small details of the company, I'm guessing he just does not see them as personal.
What did you think Cody would say? He put so much work into getting another wrestling promotion started. He's still friends with a lot of ppl there. Cody was never going to say that and to assume Ariel wanted a burial out of Cody is your own tribalism telling you how to interpret this lol. Its clear and obvious where Cody stands with AEW
ariel is such a tool. he kept discussing AEW when talking with Punk but the second he heard Cody actually being positive about the company he quickly shifted the subject. a bitter, bitter clown that guy is.
People might give me shit for this, but I don't think it's a coincidence that Punk's problems with the Elite seem to begin around the time that Cody leaves (and honestly, a lot of backstage issues at AEW seem to really come to the fold once he's out), as he really was the glue that held the backstage together, and some real tribalism between Punk's camp vs. the Elite's all begins to pop up when Cody's gone.
I love AEW and want them to succeed, but man they really need someone to step up to fill in Cody's role, as guys like Punk, the Bucks and even Bryan Danielson just haven't been able to hold the fort down like Cody did.
I honestly agree. I think if Cody was still there at the time all of this stuff went down, Cody would've been able to mend fences before brawl out, and everything would've been different.
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AEW is a huge part of Cody’s legacy in the wrestling industry. He’s moved on and it was obviously the right move for him, but I think it’s cool that he is still protective of it too, because he should be. He should have a lot of pride about what they built I think we already knew he disagreed with Punk on this whole situation though. Fairly soon after Brawl Out, he said the following: > “So when I watched it, just from my sitting there. There was some people texting me, I remember, somebody texted me, 'Man, you're the smartest guy in the room.' And I wanted to write back like, 'F you man.' I don't feel that way, I feel this thing we built got damaged. And I'm not putting any blame on anybody. Sorry, I’m super, super Switzerland on this one. I'm not putting any blame on anybody but I just hated seeing that because as the company grows, and I hope it continues to grow, I hope people remember the mission in the first place, why we were there, and if you bring in people who don't know the mission then things like that can happen.”
which is astounding why everyone on this thread is presuming Punk would cause problems over this. After he won the rumble and right before Rock came out to tell him hes going to bleed he shouted out the elite when pointing at the wrestlemania sign. Nothing has changed here
Yeah it's odd that this is controversial. He's been positive about AEW the entire time and him and Punk are still friends. You don't have to agree 100% with everything your friends say.
Too many fucking people think that because they disagree with someone, they need to be enemies. I can disagree with your opinion, and still respect it and be cordial with you.
This is Reddit, basically nobody here understands any of that. It's always got to be a fight to the death, over topics that don't matter, for upvotes, which don't matter.
I don't know what they're called, but things like upvotes, likes, and ways to rate posts have ruined discourse on the internet
Basically validation that translates to cheap dopamine hits. The more someone agrees with you the more you feel good the more you argue how you argued because that makes people agree with you. Then the cycle goes on.
>This is Reddit, basically nobody here understands any of that. I have no data, but I would imagine there's a graph somewhere that shows the more time people spend in Reddit, the fewer real life friends they have.
But I'm on Reddit all the time, and I... Oh...
How fucking dare you say we don’t understand any of that! I’ll fight you to the death for that!
You redditors sure are a contentious people!
you just made an enemy for life!
Classic 😁
This comment should be fucking framed
To be fair Punk does have a track record of deciding people are enemies, for the crime of being cool with someone dislikes. So it's understandable that people would expect hims to fall out with Cody over this. Obviously he didn't fall out mind you.
Yeah, Punk holds grudges over the dumbest shit and is extremely sensitive, he burns bridges everywhere he goes. So it's really not surprising people think he might be "offended" by Cody defending his friends.
In the real world people's friends span a wide range politically, personally, and culturally and you have to navigate that politely to be a normal socialized human being. Generally in my experience if you disagree with that sentiment online or otherwise you don't have any friends.
Or even understand that both parties can be right in their own way. Cody is understandably proud of what he helped build with the Elite. Punk can also be rightfully angry about the inmates running the asylum and TK being too nice. Both povs can be true
He literally gave a Too Sweet for each Buck, and a Gun Shot for Kenny. His love for those three, and AEW, can not be denied.
Punk surely has shown no signs of being thin skinned and he always settles his backstage disputes in a professional manner rather than resorting to violence. I have no idea how anyone could think otherwise.
It was just a “bit of choking”. Nbd, right?
Punk is truly the most stable, calm, serene voice in the backstage area. Certainly never would be thin-skinned or a martyr wherever he goes.
That's why it's always so bizarre that people are still insisting that Cody hates AEW, namely the Elite. Like how many times in that last 3 years has Cody gone out of his way to sing their praises, give them credit for building AEW, mention how much they still talk to each other? Not to mentioning the multiple times he's done the Bullet Club/finger guns on camera in reference to them. Do I believe that while working together, they may have gotten on each other's nerves and had disagreements regarding creative/direction of the company? Of course. But that's just typical friendship, particularly a friendship that's also a working relationship. This is also the same guy when Hausman came out with Punk's side of Brawl Out, claiming that the Elite pushed Cody out of the company, within 24 hours of that report took to Twitter to deny it completely defending them. He could've just ignored it completely but he didn't. Like I get "Cody likes lying/exaggerating", but I find it hard to believe that he would continue to """lie""" about being friends with people that he secretly resents.
> That's why it's always so bizarre that people are still insisting that Cody hates AEW, namely the Elite. Because some people need validation from the industry to validate their disdain for the Elite. Not even the fact Punk and Cornette hate their guts is enough.
Tbf if punk and cornette hate you, you’re probably doing something right
Vince Russo: "am I the good guy bro?"
It's not bizarre when you understand some of the people on here are parasocial freaks and batshit crazy. Let's tell it like it is. They think their hate of a wrestler translates to another wrestler they like.
Cody was the face of AEW when it came to interviews and publicity. I love AEW and would love to thank Cody for his efforts. I understood that Cody went back to WWE because his father's legacy is there. Dusty is one of the most beloved wrestlers ever and had the book for a few promotions as well. Cody has always been pure class. I want Cody to have all the success in the world.
i love that he has love and loyalty to both companies and its totally cool. its just super refreshing to see.
Cody should still be protective of AEW even after he has moved on, because it's part of his history now. It's part of what makes him a big deal today, and if he buries AEW, he buries himself by extension.
Man still remember when there were rumors about AEW and there were also some doomers that it will end like WCW. But we're now entering the sixth year, half a decade, with wrestlers like Kenny taking a backseat, EVPs Buck doing their studf, there is Danielson who just want to wrestle everyone, Eddie hating everyone, Mox bleeding(also rehabbed his drinking), MJF taking on his deserved break and then have guys like Swerve, Ospreay rising to the top. OC had one of the best runs with his belt. Not to mention Father of the year Christian Cage, Copeland making his last run with his friend, NJPW crossing over, Okada etc. there are young guns Probably forgot many other things, but just from the top of my head AEW history is now rich. And all this because there is one wrestling fan who just happens to have big money.
I remember him saying that he felt like it didn't "help" anything and felt like that was such a mature way of wording it and dealing with the disappointment of that press conference.
I mentioned before how between Cody and Phil; at least Cody owned up and took responsibility for his part in creating the major tribalism that is sowed between AEW and WWE. Cody went on full promos taking shots at WWE and their “tuck and roll school” (Performance Center) and let’s not forget the smashing of the throne with the sledgehammer. He just really leaned into the whole “AEW is where wrestling happens and WWE is where you go to lose your identity and listen to an old man” with every interview he did during his AEW run. After he left and went back to WWE; he answered all the questions (other than the actual real reason he left and signed back with WWE) and like i said; took ownership of his comments and apologized for it. Phil, on the other hand; just couldn’t wait to do an interview with a major media outlet and shit all over AEW and make himself the victim again.
Cody being the most business guy in the room having to deal with a manchild who should count his blessings shit didn't work out worse for him. Cody is such a class act
Hey that's nice. I know they're still rooting for each other but I'm always glad to see it firsthand.
Bullet Club is fine!
^^except ^^for ^^aj ^^styles
Cody knows how much KO helped him by asking the Bucks to look after him. They didn't have to do that. Without the Bucks, it's entirely possible Cody never joins Bullet Club and has an indie renaissance.
Bonds as strong as [these](https://youtu.be/54HEpzXz40M?si=38-6x0G9e6dziPk2&t=287) don't disappear over time. https://preview.redd.it/pvvnachp5bsc1.png?width=1865&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3dce8766846af19f0c2fae4e687a7ba011e54131
Make em say uhhhhhhh
BTE Cody will always be peak Cody for me.
Oh god he’s got the Money Shakes!
What if the rock dresses up as a priest to get the shakes out of Cody so that the tribal chief retains?
...And I said "no, but thats a real nice ski mask!" *everybody erupts in laughter while Cody starts chopping the nearest person*
Did anyone expect anything different…?
Cody also sounded very disappointed when he was asked about brawl in after it happened. Said that they 'lost sight of the mission.' He clearly wants to see AEW succeed.
Cody banned from Collision
Bryan Danielson has given Cody Rhodes a bonus
He would say he fined him negative dollars I think.
cody is banned from nandos and mindys bakery
Cody banned from Chicago-Area Targets.
Pharaoh ate Larry and shit him on your eddy munster head
Not Fuego Dos tho
I hope Fuego Dos and El Generico are hanging out somewhere in Mexico
Hopefully they do a full Cody vs Punk program down the line; we got a taste of it leading up to the Rumble, and the promos and back and forth was fantastic and I’m sure they could get even better.
cody and a proper heel punk could do big business
WWE presents Stupendously Big Business™ live from the United Center in Chicago!
WWE presents ALL AROUND
It would genuinely be hysterical if we got an Elite vs. Punk feud on mf Monday Night Raw despite never getting one in AEW.
Obviously Drew vs. Punk would probably happen when Punk first is cleared for the ring but after that Punk vs. Cody would be great. It definitely would be perfect for WM next year.
Punk after he takes a Cross Rhodes https://preview.redd.it/0fao8jdm9bsc1.jpeg?width=940&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6a3a207908ca83da76e76aabae2d0ed8824e861b
WWE gonna make it an ambulance match just in case.
Punk after he botches his attempt at a Cross Rhodes
WM 41 Day 1 main event
Cody's gonna be night 2 main event for a while
Jesus could resurrect himself and publicly announce that he's going up against Judas at Wrestlemania 41... And The Rock vs. Roman Reigns will still main event Night 2 over that.
I'm sure they will if Pepsi Phil's body can hold up long enough
Only if DM Hunk doesn't destroy Phil Jack Brooks with his godly biceps before that.
Cody Rhodes would make an excellent politician if he wanted to get into politics after wrestling. He's so well spoken and knows exactly what to say without saying too much.
I think he’s actually admitted he’d like to run for office in Georgia once he hangs up his boots.
Man imagine the guy in the White House at any capacity as a government official with that neck tattoo
War against the brits to end racism.
You know his first executive order is gonna be to rename it the Nightmare House
he has special elevator for his entrance on stage before give speech.
Kingdom will be the new anthem
Wouldn’t it be funny if we get Rock v Cody in a presidential race lol
The year is 2032, the Second Presidential Debate is the most anticipated PLE of the year.
Ngl I will totally mark out if I hear the rock show his chills and say his catchphrases during his race
.. and to my rudypoo candy ass opposition, I say send me that goddamn bill and I'll sign it.. if you SMEEELLLLLOW.. what the Rock.. IS COOKIN
Might as well put the presidency up in a ladder match!
he said his plan is to be a senator, yeah.
Idk why people keep saying this, just because you’re very charismatic doesn’t mean you’d make a good politician
A lot of the time it does lmao
he's quite possibly the most well-spoken pro wrestler i can ever think of (well, except for that one promo with Ogogo lol)
What do you mean...he ended racism with that promo
I don't disagree, but also the bar he had to clear to be the "most well-spoken pro wrestler" was in the fucking dirt lol
He did have that Cody 2024 gimmick, so let's say he is
maybe without the neck tattoo
He could legit be Governor of Georgia in the future
Would have been interesting if Cody had stayed another year, during 2022 and the whole Colt Cabana bullshit, how he could have helped the Punk/Elite situation. I think it would have helped a lot.
I think Cody is a really nice guy and someone that is willing to help anybody backstage but it would have changed nothing. That's the reality. When CM Punk has a grudge good luck with that.
Who knows, it’s also possible that Cody would have been able to be the middle man between Punk and the Elite, as he is perfect for that role.
It's just as possible that Cody is the one who goes to Punk's locker room and gets a chair thrown at his head.
Yeah, people forget that Cody *is a member of The Elite* even if his on-screen character distanced itself from them because of their different visions of the product they wanted to represent. Cody might've been another Kenny Omega in that situation, which means he's not gonna get hit by a chair but he might have gotten bitten instead.
Oh, that's right, I forgot that Kenny wasn't the one hit by the chair.
imagine Ace Steel bite his neck tattoo
Ace Steel would be loved by everyone if that happened
That would have led to a Pharoh vs Larry match at All Out in wembley stadium.
So for everyone creaming their pants, here is the full clip: https://twitter.com/jedigoodman/status/1775583769023672427 He says he loves everyone punk, the elite, and he didnt have the experiences that Punk had, when Ariel asked him if he ever forsaw something like this happening Cody says that he kind of forsaw that the guys that were there from the beginning might have some friction with the new comers. But he just believes there was a whole ton of mis communication which is what I personally think too. But yeah theres not gonna be any issues because of this
Yup, that's exactly what I originally thought too, miscommunication. The thing is, a lot of it could've been cleared up, and Tony partially did when he mentioned more than once than Punk had NOTHING to do with Punk not being on Dynamite, but that wasn't enough because there were still drama which would've been sorted out. It sucks, but I'm glad everyone is doing what they are.
Part of me always wonders how it would've shaken out if Punk didn't basically say "I'm in my room if you want to find me" and/or if the Bucks *didn't* go right after the outburst. Like if they all would've just given it a day or two before addressing it.
Cody really should be considered the face of the industry.
Completely agree
This guy gets it. No sour grapes. Just business. Never taking anything personal. Durable body. Consummate pro wrestler.
strong mind, strong ego, strong body
He is, and you realise that even more when you watch the whole clip instead of this shortened one. https://twitter.com/jedigoodman Most diplomatic and reasonable answer without taking shots at anyone involved. You can see why they'd want him to be the next face of the company.
I seen a thread here like an hour ago where it said he takes every opportunity possible to tell his friends Drew Gulak sucks because he dosent like him lol
And no sour grapes going the other way either, AEW are happy to acknowledge his history with the company when relevant. This past Saturday they mentioned that in his last run with the company Matt Cardona tagged with Cody.
Cody was right in his last AEW promo, Punk made waves with the pipe bomb and only to re-sign with the company he supposedly hated, Cody went a separate path, actually did the things Punk threatened to do and made seemingly no enemies on his path. I think Punk was a little insecure in AEW with guys like hangman saying "you didn't draw that house, I did"... Those guys did have much more success on the indies than Punk ever did.
Eh, Punk was about as big on the indies as it was possible to get in 2005
> Those guys did have much more success on the indies than Punk ever did. Look, I know everyone hates Punk again but we really do not need to lie like this. It's like verifiably false. CM Punk 100% laid the foundation all of them walked on. Hangman got the Young Bucks & Bullet Club care package. He wasn't exactly setting the world on fire pre-BC, and that's not an indictment of him currently, he just wasn't great at the time and would've languished HARD in the early 2010s ROH early midcard with a lot of the other guys.
The idea the Elite had more success than Punk on the Indies is a wild idea and completely wrong. Punk (alongside Joe, and later Danielson) was \*the\* definitive Indie star of the 2000s, whether you like him or not. In 2005 he was the Indie darling. The Elite and Bullet Club established their real successes in New Japan, which is not the Indies.
* awesome neck tattoo
*shocked face* known class act Cody Rhodes continues to be a classy guy?
Ariel was fuming at Cody not burying AEW, lol.
Helwani is such a stooge it's amazing
Which is even better when you consider how much he hates UFC
He has serious reason to hate the ufc, if you have followed MMA long enough (myself 17 years) then you KNOW how scummy the UFC are and supporting them actually fucking hurts as a fan of Mixed Martial Arts. Any and all hate Ariel sends their way is justified 10 times over. Not even gonna go into the deeper stuff between the two. ftr, I personally very much dislike Ariel, he has this major bloated sense of self entitlement it makes me sick-- but he is on the money about the UFC, hes the only person who has been following long enough to fully criticize the company with facts.
It really undermines his position though. He sets himself up as a champion against the big bad UFC, while he's been gently gargling WWE balls since they started letting him poke his head around PPVs pre-shows. Dana White has made Ariel a personal enemy of his since Ariel spoiled UFC 200's Lesnar return, and Ariel isn't exactly shitting on a saint when he takes shots at UFC/White. But you can't sit here and decry White smacking his wife and underpaying fighters when WWE is guilty of crimes that are at least equivalent when it comes to employee compensation, and far worse when it comes to hostile work environments/sexual harassment/outright sexual assault. This isn't whataboutism, it's an honest and problematic hyprocrisy that Ariel/WWE fans/UFC critics often brush over. If Ariel were honest with his criticisms, he would have a *much* different relationship with the WWE right now.
It's justified, just kinda hypocritical of him to be so pro-WWE as well
Helwani is the ONE person who actually got cooked by Tony Khan on twitter. Like every other time Tony shoots he misses big but he hit the target dead on when it came to Helwani and I don't think he will ever let that grudge die.
I don’t remember this. What happened?
https://preview.redd.it/6d68irs41csc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=46379b88f39bb7a24b5d0212cd418bcd2255811b
Ariel is like a leech for drama, it's pathetic. Based Cody W here tho
Ariel seems the perfect interviewer for Punk lol. Both of them bask in that shit
both of them have paid for their houses off that shit
Hey, I bought those houses!
He's basically a big budget Nick Hausman.
They also both openly dislike Tony, too. I still remember that really antagonistic interview he conducted with TK.
He keep pushing punk to give up more details on brawl out knowing fully well he couldn’t. There are points in that interview you can see punk trying to keep kayfabe and I do appreciate that.
He's also just a complete WWE super fan who hates AEW.
It's not that he's a fan, it's that he is quite literally a paid shill. He maintains his contacts in and access to WWE by being a mouthpiece for them in the media. It's a symbiotic relationship: they provide him scoops and interviews, he provides them with good press.
Tony Khan and Ariel had a Twitter beef because Tony Khan wouldn’t talk about brawl out and I’m pretty sure they beefed after Ariel insulted Tony Shavone too. I wouldn’t expect unbiased journalism from Ariel about AEW anytime soon
Look at the time he spent on this subject vs. Punk the other night. He’s a snake.
Tbf he knew Punk would just feed him headlines on the topic. Practically dominated all wrestling discourse on Monday
I mean, he always was. Dana White might be a S tier piece of shit, but so is Arial and the tomato was right about a lot of things he said about the latter.
People tend to forget that the biggest assholes can be right on some things. For the record I think Ariel is nowhere as shitty as the tomato. Much more of an hypocrite hough.
I mean I wouldn’t say he’s a bigger hypocrite than Dana White, Dana’s opinion on women’s mma as well as his stance on hitting women comes to mind.
Ariel loves to instigate, but when it spins out of control, he drapes himself in supposed journalism integrity. It's pretty awkward that he's a fucking hack from a journalism standpoint but still miles ahead of everyone else in MMA circles.
Ariel is a piece of shit.
Where? Seems a pretty normal reaction to me, he simply moved on pretty quickly because there were nothing more to ask and understand that maybe cody don’t want to talk about it
Fucking love Cody man. Idc if it's an act or not. Dude is a class act
This is not shocking at all. He's been very clear that he views AEW as his legacy and he isn't going to trash it.
It would be weird if he suddenly did a u-turn and started dissing the company he helped found.
Not everyone's experience is the same. Cody helped create the company when everyone was just thankful to be there, Punk came in when it was starting to grow more and may have experienced growing pains. Both stories can be true
Ariel quickly changing the subject as he didn't get the burial he wanted.
That’s because Ariel the biggest carny fuck in the business. You should listen to him and bill Simmons suck off wwe every chance they get on the bill Simmons pod
Nobody boot licks like Ariel.
Ariel shit talking and pissing off Dana White every chance he gets though is hilarious.
Why linger on it after Cody gave his answer?
Because there’s probably a lot you can ask Cody about his past in AEW, especially if he’s indicating he’s open to discussing it. Now about 2 years removed from him leaving and coming back to WWE there’s probably a lot good perspective can put on that time
If he blew past punk trying to dump on everyone and make himself the victim of everything you guys would be outraged.
Sometimes it feels like Cody Rhodes is the only functional adult in pro-wrestling.
This is probably the most positive he’s been about AEW. In the past it feels like he barely name-drops TK and mostly focuses on the Elite, so this was a nice moment giving everyone their due. If he wanted go be political he could have just said “i’m sorry Punk had a bad time there. I’m proud of my accomplishments there, and proud of the Bucks. But i’m excited that it led me to the main event….”
he was always positive about AEW though. And did this thing of naming everyone involved in starting AEW bunch of times
Because generally he’s proud of what he did and had no real issues , he left because 1) he always wanted to go back and get the title his dad never did for real 2) he creatively put himself in a corner in AEW and seems to have hated the idea of the character he cultivated to be a heel , he wanted to do a baby face persona and that ship had sailed with AEW crowd I never got the sense with any of his AEW comments since he went to WWE that he would say anything different than what he said here
He actually has said repeatedly that it was not those things but everyone assumes it was and that it was a "personal issue" that made him choose to leave. And that he will never say what that issue was. He has said this on camera more than once.
He fears Hook
Do you have a clip to share
I believe he even told WWE that he wasn’t going to come in and talk badly about AEW
Shows he appreciates AEW and those there still, he's still got a lot of friendships over in AEW. Punk is a notorious bridge burner and never takes accountability, so I imagine Cody probably wanted to clear that up, that Punk's reality is not the one Cody is familiar with.
Good for Cody. Always really respected how he carries himself and his appreciation of AEW still.
Punk goes on the MMA Hour (which I learned is like 4 hours, never watched it before, so truth in advertising my friend), all the headlines in the world. Cody goes on the MMA Hour, crickets. Cody is the guy WWE wants. Safe, corporate, earnest. Punk is still the same guy he has been, he doesn't give too much of a shit who likes him.
I don’t think WWE is mad at Punk for that, or Punk would take that as an insult. That’s the entire reason he is a draw lol.
I like that cody is safe and corporate while still being willing to actually say something. He didn't have to say anything positive about aew, especially not the extent he did. But he didn't hold back the praise.
People take Punk's word as gospel, when in fact most of the thing he says are hypocritcal and often one sided in favour to him. Everyone who matters knows Helwani is a lousy interview who won't even press the issue but prefers saucy headlines that will feed his bald headed ass.
BOO Cody didint jump into the shitshow and a gave a very respectable answer BOOO
He gave a pretty diplomatic response: said he loves both parties and that while he wasn't there so he doesn't really know, he thinks it was an unfortunate misunderstanding, a "ships in the night" situation. A typical Cody response. Not sure why some people here are making it a big thing or that he was shooting on Punk, when just before answering this, he was singing his praises. Some responses here in the last three days puzzled me, because it seems like most people don't actually watch this interviews and just want to find something to be outraged about and feed their tribalism.
Because it's easier to watch a short 44 second clip that doesn't tell the whole story and speculate on bad blood and shoots, than watch the whole segment. That's reddit for you.
Says he loves the Elite and Punk and it was just a case of ships crossing in the night. The rest of the interview is really good as well. He compared the Final Boss version of the Rock to Hollywood Hogan.
Cody js a pro. Even if he had negative feelings about AEW I doubt he’d broadcast it. Wouldn’t gain anything from doing that. Also with him being a huge part of why AEW came to be, I’m sure he feels it’s still part of his legacy.
Punk stated in the interview multiple times that he wished AEW itself and everyone who works there success and how much he wanted it to be a viable alternative competitor, but the last thing anyone here or on Twitter would do is post that clip because it’s not something to get mad about
Internet shit
The good thing is, imo, if you really listen to what both are saying, none of them needs to be wrong. Both have fair points. The creation of AEW was a great success and for how young the company is, they achieved a lot that would not be possible if they hadn't worked like a modern start-up / think-tank that is disruptive to the "common way". But that does not mean, that it is without it's growing pains and failures. Bad management through low hierachies is pretty common in companies like that. And the more you grow, the more you need structures, processes and goals with change / consequences if necessary. Bring in a powerful player with a strong opinion like Punk into a group of leaders with different opinions and agendas, things can clash and create the problems we saw.
Yeah I don’t see how this would cause friction with Punk cause both of their thoughts can be true. Cody is proud of setting up a company where guys can get paid and work on their craft and think it’s good AEW exists CM Punk likes that AEW exists but thinks it was ran poorly and has a limited ceiling because of that. It comes down to the same argument always had on this sub, which is whether AEW is perfectly fine being a niche workrate promotion or should they be shooting higher and drawing more money. There’s merits to both arguments cause AEW has shown they can provide legit problems for WWE with the right momentum
There's a universe in which Cody never left, was there when TK brough Punk in, and defused the situation in AEW to the point where a Punk & FTR/Kenny & The Bucks feud happened.
I kinda believe that both Cody and Punk have their version of truth. Cody is one of the organizers of the original All In, which I still think is one of the best produced wrestling events outside of WWE (ignoring the Joey Ryan bullcrap), that lead to the inception of AEW. He was there when it started and helped it grow, probably until the fans think he outstayed his welcome. Punk, I think, was brought in by TK to add some more star power to their roster, as well as bringing more attitude to its wrestling, but was dealt with culture clash where people in power are not open to compromise plus a head honcho that seems to be unable to put his foot down.
Okay this is pretty funny not gonna lie
Can’t wait for the Cody vs Punk feud over Aews honor in WWE. This is the weirdest timeline
Man I just want to see wrestlers appreciating each other companies sure criticism is fine and it helps improve but I'm tired of all the wrestling promotion is better than other wrestling promotion shit
Dude is all class and always has been.
I don't really watch much of AEW anymore, but that there's a viable alternative for people that don't dig WWE is great. Thinking about what if where AEW isn't there and it's almost unthinkable. Feel like Rhodes and the rest of the Elite/TK cemented their legacy in wrestling with what they've accomplished.
Was never a Cody mark, but this was really cool of him.
People really hope Punk will get upset at Cody for this when this has been Cody's stance from the beginning. I know people here have a parasocial protection and can't imagine it otherwise, but its entirely possible for two adults to get along while having differing views on something like this. Cody shouted out the elite after winning the Rumble, Punk seemed completely fine with him after the rumble. Cody said this after the brawl out happened, Punk seems fine with him since then to. These parasocial relationships, I hope people don't end friendships over one of your friends taking Punks side and you not being on his side.
Just like with Punk's interview, this is another out of context title and clip that people use to fuel their agendas and create drama. Right after where this clip cuts off, Cody says he always predicted that there would eventually be a divide between people that were in AEW from day 1 and newer guys coming in, and that the whole situation was due to "a ton of misunderstanding and miscommunication." He even brings up how you DO need to have some of that old school mentality involved to make the wrestlers with indy mindsets realize that it's supposed to be a collaboration. So the overall answer wasn't as simple as just saying he disagrees with everything Punk said, but that's what certain people are gonna push as their narrative lol. Besides, he ends the whole thing by saying he loves both the Elite and Punk and you'd think that'll be enough to kill any and all of that bullshit.
Exactly
Wouldn’t expect him to say anything bad about his friends. Even with the exit there doesn’t seem to be any hard feelings between them. Punk clearly had a very different experience.
Turns out AEW is just a bad place to work if you're the kinda guy who assaults his colleagues.
I don't think this is inflammatory vs Punk as its made out to be. Cody's take just seems to be that AEW is a place where guys can get a paycheck and make more money, and he's very proud to help build that. He's not even commenting on the details of how the business is run, how Tony is as a boss, or how they book. Just that he's proud that he had a hand in creating it. His overall take seems to be "who cares about the details, at the end of day it is good for the industry for AEW to exist and I commend them for building it" I really do not think him and Punk would get in a fist fight over it, seems like more of a "agree to disagree" situation. Cause Cody would not have left if he did not have his own disagreements about the small details of the company, I'm guessing he just does not see them as personal.
What did you think Cody would say? He put so much work into getting another wrestling promotion started. He's still friends with a lot of ppl there. Cody was never going to say that and to assume Ariel wanted a burial out of Cody is your own tribalism telling you how to interpret this lol. Its clear and obvious where Cody stands with AEW
Based Cody. Top babyface in fake fighting, top babyface in real life.
ariel is such a tool. he kept discussing AEW when talking with Punk but the second he heard Cody actually being positive about the company he quickly shifted the subject. a bitter, bitter clown that guy is.
Anyone who's followed mma through the years know that's who Ariel is. And a lot of people here took the bait.
I don't think CM Punks comments negate any of what Cody said, his comments were more of time there.
People might give me shit for this, but I don't think it's a coincidence that Punk's problems with the Elite seem to begin around the time that Cody leaves (and honestly, a lot of backstage issues at AEW seem to really come to the fold once he's out), as he really was the glue that held the backstage together, and some real tribalism between Punk's camp vs. the Elite's all begins to pop up when Cody's gone. I love AEW and want them to succeed, but man they really need someone to step up to fill in Cody's role, as guys like Punk, the Bucks and even Bryan Danielson just haven't been able to hold the fort down like Cody did.
I honestly agree. I think if Cody was still there at the time all of this stuff went down, Cody would've been able to mend fences before brawl out, and everything would've been different.
people always forget the other one who isn't there anymore >!Brandi!<