Bully Ray isnt holding back when it comes to AEWs struggles. The WWE Hall of Famer believes the companys problems can be traced back to one momentCody Rhodes walking out the door.
Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Bully Ray said AEWs downturn started the moment Cody left in early 2022.
Cody [Rhodes] leaving AEW was a major, major blow to that company, he stated. Cody leaving AEW is what started the downward trend. Go back and look at any number, any metric, any talk on social media. Cody is the first crack in the wall.
Rhodes was one of the key figures in AEWs launch, helping to build the company alongside Tony Khan, The Young Bucks, and Kenny Omega. But when he left for WWE and made his shocking return at WrestleMania 38, everything changed. Since then, AEW has faced declining viewership, backstage drama, and major departuresincluding CM Punks controversial exit.
Bully Ray also criticized Tony Khans leadership, saying the AEW President needs to take a page from Vince McMahons playbook. Vince has programmed himself to not take things personally, he noted, implying that Khans emotional reactions may be hurting AEWs stability.
While Bully Ray also weighed in on Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayns upcoming Unsanctioned Match at Elimination Chamber, the biggest takeaway was his blunt assessment of AEWs struggles. With WWE growing stronger and AEW facing internal and external challenges, some fans are left wonderingdid Cody Rhodes see the writing on the wall before anyone else?
Do you agree that Cody leaving AEW started the companys decline, or was it just one piece of the puzzle? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
