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Cody Rhodes took part in a media call today to promote Double or Nothing this weekend.
On AEW Rampage, he is excited and looking forward to it. They have a larger roster and are looking to expand the roster. They want to get people off the bench and give them opportunities. It will compliment Dynamite. They want to re-establish TBS as the one number destination for pro wrestling in the world. He was really excited upon seeing the digital assets and logos for the series.
On his match this Sunday, Cody said he looks at each PPV under a different light for the story he wants to tell. Being Memorial Day weekend and given that each competitor is living the American Dream, he felt it was appropriate to pick up the "sword and shield" of the American Dream, which is too heavy for him to regularly carry, even if he and Dustin have that right to use.
On Anthony Ogogo, Cody said he would consider him first AEW's first developmental wrestler. DDP had introduced him to Cody. He joked DDP tells him about ten people that are going to change Cody's life and this one was true. QT Marshall trained Ogogo. He hopes Ogogo has a great showing. They want to know they are creating and replenishing with new stars to keep the industry going.
On rumors that EVPS in the company aren't on speaking terms, Cody said he chalked that story to AEW being successful. With NXT losing the Wednesday night wars, people needed something to cling to and that's why stories like that pop up. Tony Khan is the man and the boss but they would not be able to put the show on the air if they weren't functioning as one team. He talks with the Bucks every day and talks to Kenny regularly.
On his American Dream promo, Cody said he didn't use a focus group for it but he worked on it very hard. His promo process is voice-memo is out to some he trusts to get some feedback but there's no AEW focus group listening to his promos. He saw the relationship with The Rock and Brian Gewirtz and that's the type of relationship you should shoot to have. He wants to have the best potential promos when he puts a mic to his lips.
On mentoring talents at the Nightmare Factory, it has honed his patience. He teaches the beginner camps and you have to remember what that was like when you were a rookie. That has been one of the most rewarding experiences. He said not to tell his wife, but it's helped him prepare for fatherhood.
On the energy in the locker room as everyone prepares for crowds again, he said he wouldn't be shocked to see tears. Pandemic wrestling has had some high spots but it's time to get back in front of crowds. He can't wait. They are going to have to hold him back from hopping in the crowd. He's been texting with members of the roster and everyone backstage is ready to come back to a full house at the PPV and beyond.
On Rampage, it will be treated with the same care as Dynamite. Rampage is not intended to be a second show. Dark and Dark - Elevation are going to continue to be produced. He's excited about having talents from the independent scene featured as they go to different markets. Rampage and Dynamite are not competing shows. The roster will be split. They will lean into the super-specials on TNT. He said those specials will be like Clash of Champions or Saturday Night's Main Event with converging stories.
On the expansion, Rhodes said he's the internal pessimist because he grew up in a wrestling family and heard so many stories. It wasn't until Tony Khan that wrestling was able to return to a comparable network. His vision has intersected with Tony, Kenny and The Bucks' vision, which creates a fluid identity for the show itself. He said Khan has fearless endeavoring to keep expanding and keep growing. He's not surprised but he's not taking it for granted.
On whether Tim Tebow would pop up in AEW, he joked he better be All Elite.
Regarding touring, they will do everything by the books and comply with all State guidelines. If they can only have a percentage of fans in the venue, they will have a percentage. If they can go full capacity, they will. If there are holes or markets they can't hit yet, they can go back to Daily's Place if needed from time to time. There are some major touring announcements coming.
On Britt Baker, Cody said he wanted to make it clear he is not in charge of the action figures. He is sure she has a figure coming and said he is in fear every time there are new figures announced because he may be listed.
On what he's looking forward to at the PPV, he said Young Bucks vs. Eddie Kingston & Jon Moxley. He said he gets to be a kid again sitting in the go position watching Sting go to the ring again. Sting is incredible motivated and is taking this seriously.
On the potential of a TBS title, that has not been discussed. There's been another title that has been talked about more about the future, hinting at a six-man tag title without saying it. WarnerMedia were the ones who suggested and pushed for the TNT title, wanting AEW to represent them.
On how he sees his role in the company, Cody said he's aware of his numbers and reach and is humbled by the level of fans that he has. He chased those fans for a decade before he felt there was noise made. In terms of going up the card, he's keeping the promise that he won't chase the AEW World title. As a brand and a person, he wants to keep his promise. He tries to make everything he produces valuable to the show. There has been challenges doing that with freshman talent but no risk, no reward. He points to Darby Allin as an example of someone developed who's close to breaking out as a household name.
He tries to keep up with the talents up and down the card. He's happy with his direction currently on camera.
On fans taking sides between he and Ogogo, Cody said he's shocked at how much attention the promo is still getting. He's proud to be an American and feels hope outweighs everything else. He was trying to say how proud he is of his wife and of the daughter he has on the way. He wasn't trying to Mansplain racism. Ogogo has things he said about America. Cody said the country has messy spots but everyone has a role in hoping and cleaning it up. He said what Ogogo did to him was crass but as a fan, who are allowed to feel and do anything you want. If people want to think Cody is the bad guy, that's fine because it gives you more interest in the match. He is proud of Anthony, even if he isn't happy with him.
On trying to balance all the content and originality, Cody said the roster. That's what makes them all tick and all work. Competition creates great product and they are competitive among each other. It's up to the roster and management in order to diversify. Tony Khan has said not everyone has to be on every show. Cody said the ticket to avoiding over-saturation and dumbing the product down is putting the freshest wrestlers out there and "letting them fly." The roster's motivations will be the ticket.
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