Randy Orton Comments on Cody Rhodes’ Contribution in the Success of AEW

Since his return back to WWE, the American Nightmare Cody Rhodes has been on a roller coaster ride. From winning the Royal Rumble match consecutively to main eventing WrestleMania, Rhodes has been able to accomplish a lot of what he wanted. 

While Rhodes is one of the hottest stars in the industry currently, him helping Tony Khan build AEW to where it is now will always be special. Being away from WWE, Rhodes worked as the Executive Vice President of AEW for a few years, helping the Tony Khan-led company become a competition for WWE. 

Though not many WWE stars have broken character to talk about Rhodes’ work in AEW, the Viper Randy Orton didn’t step back. In an interview with Fox News recently, Orton gave the flowers to the American Nightmare for his work in the immense success of AEW throughout the years. 

However, while appreciating Rhodes for his work, Orton clearly called WWE the No.1 promotion in the wrestling industry, something the former himself chose after having a huge hand in building competition. 

“What he did for the business when he left and what he did for us talent in offering a competition, and I don’t know if I call it competition now, but for a hot second there, Cody was buzzing because he got these guys together, got a ragtag group of guys together and got a TV deal and was drawing eyes from all over the world with this product. And the fact that he came back to us, I think, kind of shows you where the obvious No. 1 place to be is if you’re a pro wrestler.”

While Cody Rhodes’ stint with AEW is over, the story he came to WWE for is still unfinished. However, on his path to become the World Champion, Rhodes has also helped WWE attain immense success in the past couple of years and is dubbed as the new face of WWE.

What is your take on Cody Rhodes’ contribution in the success of AEW? Drop your thoughts in the comment section below.