Cody Rhodes' potential WWE return and 4 other unexpected stories of 2022 so far

On Tuesday, February 15, 2022, a bombshell dropped on the WWE Universe and general professional wrestling community. All Elite Wrestling announced that they were parting ways with Executive Vice President and one of the company's most crucial founders, Cody Rhodes. This sent the Internet Wrestling Community into meltdown.

Rhodes was seen as an on-screen and backstage pillar of the company and one of the last Superstars anyone anticipated to ever leave AEW. News outlets were awash with rumors of his return to Vince McMahon's company as soon as his exit from Tony Khan's promotion was confirmed.

While this development is shocking, it is hardly the only stunning news to come out of the industry in 2022 so far. From opening forbidden doors and game-changing debuts to last-minute title match additions, no one could have predicted the twists and turns the business has taken so far this year.

On that note, here are the five most unexpected WWE stories of 2022 so far.

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#5: The WWE Universe reels from the news of Cody Rhodes leaving AEW

WWE received a huge shock in 2018 when former superstar Cody Rhodes organized an independent pay-per-view mostly featuring talent from indie wrestling promotions. All In, which featured the likes of Rey Mysterio, Kazuchika Okada and Kenny Omega was the spark that ignited the birth of AEW.

It was a game-changing move that gave many fans hope of a viable alternative to the Stamford-based company's product. The promotion quickly gained popularity with hardcore wrestling fans due to its high-paced wrestling, edgier storylines, and less scripted promos.

In the three years since, a lot of indie and former WWE talent have joined the ranks of Tony Khan's promotion. They have been able to work a different style more suited to and favored by the key 18-49 male demographic. So, it was highly unexpected that the man who was a crucial part of starting it all would be one of the first to leave just three years in.

Rumors linking him strongly to a return to his former employers made the news even more shocking. Whatever the American Nightmare decides to do next, he will definitely alter the landscape of the entire industry.

#4: Mickie James storms through one of the biggest forbidden doors in all of professional wrestling

Professional wrestling as a whole was set abuzz on the January 7 2022 episode of Smackdown. WWE announced that IMPACT Knockouts World Champion Mickie James would compete in the 2022 Women's Royal Rumble. This news was especially surprising since James' previous spell with the company ended contentiously.

In the weeks that followed, her appearance was promoted in both promotions, leaving fans wondering if any other talent would cross the divide. Although none eventually did, the hype around the appearance and the crowd reaction she received made it a memorable crossover.

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#3: Shane McMahon is released by WWE much to the shock of professional wrestling fans

The McMahons are majority owners of WWE, and are considered by many to be the first family of professional wrestling. They have been involved in the business for almost 110 years, dating all the way back to Jess McMahon.

Shane McMahon has been an on-screen presence for the better part of 30 years, serving as a referee, authority figure and wrestler. He entered the 2022 Royal Rumble at number 28, making it to the final three before being eliminated by eventual winner Brock Lesnar.

McMahon was set to be heavily featured on the road to WrestleMania 38 before news broke of his quiet release from the company just days after the Rumble. This unexpected development sent the rumor mill swirling with speculation about his next destination.

The former World Champion's next move has not yet been revealed, but if he stays in the business, whatever he decides is sure to be huge news.

#2: The WWE Universe is divided over Stone Cold Steve Austin's rumored return to the ring

Stone Cold Steve Austin is perhaps the most popular superstar to ever step foot in a WWE ring. The Texas Rattlesnake achieved the highest peak of popularity ever seen for a professional wrestler at the height of the Attitude Era. Due to injuries and fatigue, he retired at WrestleMania 19, aged 38, after an epic battle with The Rock.

The toughest SOB in the business has over the last 19 years vowed to stay retired, reiterating his contentment with his legacy. However, with the Show of Shows taking place in his home state of Texas this year, and an Austin-esque anti-hero in Kevin Owens without a WrestleMania opponent, the company is said to see an opportunity for a stunner versus stunner match.

This idea has divided fans down the middle, with many excited just to see Austin back in the squared circle and others concerned about the quality of match the now 57-year-old will be able to put on after 19 years of retirement.

Only time will tell what merits the idea holds, but what is undeniable is that this is some of the most shocking news of the year.

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#1: Brock Lesnar's WWE Championship win at Day 1 leaves professional wrestling fans reeling

Few can dispute the claim that WWE Superstar Brock Lesnar is the biggest draw in all of professional wrestling today. At the Day 1 premium live event on New Year's Day, the Beast was set to face longtime nemesis Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship.

However, with mere hours left for the event, it was announced that the Head of the Table had contracted Covid-19 and therefore could not compete.

The Conqueror was then added to the fatal four-way WWE Championship match between Big E, Bobby Lashley, Seth Rollins, and Kevin Owens. To the shock of fans, Lesnar won the championship.

This was a totally unexpected start to the year, and one that left fans wondering what the initial plans were for both champion and championship.