Darby Allin Defends Controversial Cody Rhodes Reference on 2/14 AEW Dynamite

Darby Allin often stirs controversy with his promos. This was evident on last week’s AEW Dynamite, where he referenced Cody Rhodes. Allin has since defended his decision to include Rhodes in the promo.

During last week’s AEW Dynamite, Darby Allin engaged in a promo segment with The Young Bucks. In a subtle nod to their authority as EVPs of AEW, Allin mentioned Cody Rhodes, who previously held the same position in the company. The reference sparked supportive cheers from the audience but many also felt it was unnecessary.

While speaking with Stephanie Chase of Digital Spy, Darby Allin talked about his decision to reference Cody Rhodes in the promo. Allin defended his decision, stating that Cody Rhodes was the reason why he was in AEW and he wanted to give Rhodes his due.

“That’s easy because he’s the reason I’m in AEW. You think back to my debut, I wrestled him at Fighter Fest and we went a 20-minute Broadway draw.”

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 “For him to take a chance on me that early… I was relatively super unknown still, I was never really the guy on the independent scene.”

“He did that. You’ve got to give respect where respect is due. I feel very strongly on paying homage to how I got here because I never thought I was going to get here.”

“I begged people for jobs, I wasn’t part of the little ‘California crew.’ I had to sit by and watch all these press conferences and have all these people that had no business being on national television get on national television.”

“Meanwhile I knew exactly what I was capable of doing if I was given the opportunity. Fast forward all these years later and now look at me.”

“My biggest problem is when people try to ignore the history of things as if something never happened. I’m like, we’re not stupid, come on.”

We have also reported the backstage reaction to Darby Allin referencing Cody Rhodes in the promo. In the meantime, Allin and Sting will defend the AEW World Tag Team Titles against The Young Bucks at AEW Revolution next month, so we’ll have to see whether Allin will end up making more Cody Rhodes references until then.

Did you like Darby Allin’s promo from Dynamite last week? Do you feel he shouldn’t have mentioned Cody Rhodes? Sound off in the comments section below!