Stevie Richards recently shared his thoughts on Cody Rhodes’ time in All Elite Wrestling after Rhodes’ comments about his difficult departure from the promotion.
On The Stevie Richards Show, the former ECW, WCW, and WWE star discussed Cody Rhodes’ tumultuous exit from the company he helped build. Richards highlighted Rhodes’ contentious relationship with AEW’s fan base and suggested that, despite Rhodes’ efforts to lead the company against WWE, something about his look may have led to audiences turning on him.
“It could have just been the eye test from the AEW fans; this guy doesn’t fit in,” said Richards.
Though there is some crossover between WWE and AEW fans, Richards believes Rhodes’ polished image makes him more appealing to WWE’s general audience. He suggests that Rhodes’ refined appearance and presentation may have made him stand out in AEW, where fans typically favor a different look and style.
“Cody has very vibrant suits. He’s got blonde hair. He’s a very visual character on the screen, and maybe it just was a visceral rejection of that with the dark, gritty type of presentation of AEW,” said Richards.
Given the acceptance and rejection of select former WWE talent in AEW, Richards’ point is worth considering.
Bryan Danielson, for example, has always prioritized wrestling skills over entertainment, which is evident in his minimalistic wrestling attire and resonates with AEW’s crowd. Similarly, Jon Moxley is cut from the same cloth, though he focuses on a brawling, deathmatch style that appeals to many of those that AEW owner Tony Khan affectionally refers to as “the sickos.”
But perhaps nothing illustrates Richards’ point better than the contrasting receptions of two WrestleMania headliners who arrived in AEW within just a few months of each other.
Last fall, Adam Copeland, formerly known as Edge in WWE, quickly gained popularity after arriving in AEW. Despite his theatrical entrances and persona, he has always been willing to perform dangerous stunts. Whether it was executing spears through fiery tables or jumping off cages with horrible consequences at age 50, that, coupled with his gruff exterior, has made him a perfect fit for the promotion.
Conversely, Mercedes Moné has struggled to win over AEW fans since becoming All Elite in March. Despite her evident passion for wrestling, her promo style and overall presentation have not resonated with AEW’s audience, who prefer a raw, blood-and-guts style, even from female wrestlers. Considering Stevie Richards’ comments on Cody Rhodes, it’s worth pondering whether Moné’s vibrant persona and flashiness might be a turnoff for this crowd.
In addition to Rhodes’ image, Richards cited other issues that may have led AEW fans to revolt against him, including the heel presentation of Rhodes’ wife, Brandi, and Rhodes’ refusal to turn to the dark side himself.
Still, concerning Rhodes’ look, it’s something other departing talent from WWE may want to consider should they seek residence in All Elite Wrestling. Perhaps a rougher, less polished exterior will help mask what some feel is the stench of sports entertainment, potentially enhancing their acceptance in AEW.
