5 reasons why Cody Rhodes may eventually return to AEW

#2. Cody Rhodes was a big deal in AEW

Cody Rhodes was much more than just a wrestler in AEW. He was heavily involved in the creation of the promotion and was given the post of Executive Vice President. Furthermore, he was one of the frontline performers in AEW's budding months before veterans like CM Punk and Bryan Danielson came along.

In contrast, Cody's rumored destination rarely bestowed any importance to the American Nightmare. Right from his days as Randy Orton's partner, Cody was always viewed as one of the lower guys on the totem pole.

Even in becoming Stardust and piggybacking off his older brother's established gimmick, Cody only had a modicum of success. Cody himself has indicated in the years since that he was unhappy with the character, but could only do his best with what he was given.

All these instances point out how much better Cody's situation was at AEW. In fact, greater money may be the only upside in returning to WWE, and even that may not last beyond a single contract.

#1. Cody Rhodes leaving AEW might set him up for a big return later

While Cody Rhodes' AEW run was definitely his biggest success so far, it would be dishonest to overlook the less-than-stellar events surrounding his character before he left.

In the last year, Cody went from fan favorite to one of the most polarizing characters on the roster. His determination to remain a white-meat babyface was soundly rejected by a large portion of AEW's fanbase. This led to him being treated like a heel whenever he made an appearance.

Cody was even booed in his match against Malakai Black, where the latter was clearly intended to be the heel. Fans were screaming for the American Nightmare to give in to his darker tendencies, but that never happened. Cody's promise to never turn heel in AEW seems to have been fulfilled by him leaving the promotion entirely.

However, it is being speculated by some that Cody's exit from AEW might have been a clever and layered decision. If his run outside of AEW doesn't work out the way he wants it to, returning to the company he helped create could finally reinvigorate him.

Rhodes might never need to turn heel to gain back his popularity with the fans. After some time passes, a big return to Tony Khan's promotion might be on the cards for the former TNT champion.