Even as he reigns as the current WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes remains a prominent figure on All Elite Wrestling’s digital platforms. The promotion has once again delved into its Ring of Honor archives, uploading a classic match from 2018 that saw Rhodes team with The Young Bucks against The Kingdom.
This move marks the second time in recent weeks that AEW has showcased the “American Nightmare,” following the upload of his 2017 ROH match against Will Ospreay. By featuring a top WWE star who was instrumental in AEW’s founding, the company continues to highlight its unique connection to one of its biggest competitors.
Bryan Danielson on AEW’s Role in Rhodes’ Success
This digital strategy aligns with recent comments from AEW star Bryan Danielson, who argued that Rhodes’ current main event run in WWE is a direct result of AEW’s formation. In an interview with the Kairouz Bros, Danielson stated plainly, “If AEW wouldn’t have started, would Cody Rhodes be where he is right now? No, they have a megastar because AEW exists.”
Danielson believes the competitive landscape forged by AEW provided Rhodes—one of the promotion’s founding Executive Vice Presidents—the platform and leverage necessary to build the momentum that carried him back to WWE’s biggest stage. He concluded that this industry-wide competition is ultimately a positive, stating, “It’s good for the wrestlers, both in AEW and in WWE. It’s good for them.”
AEW’s continued use of Rhodes’ ROH footage serves as a subtle reminder of his path to the WWE Championship. The uploads coincide with a public narrative, articulated by stars like Danielson, that AEW was the essential catalyst for the rise of the current “American Nightmare.”