5 Cody Rhodes rumors you need to know: WWE return before WrestleMania 38, backstage heat in AEW

Will Cody Rhodes join WWE after leaving AEW? The entire wrestling world is asking the question right now. The American Nightmare truly is the talk of the town this week.

There have been rumblings over what happens next in this saga, with backstage reactions from both promotions. Rhodes might be headed to WWE but what does Vince McMahon think of him? And how will the locker room react?

So, without further ado, let's get up to speed on the entire situation. Here are the latest rumors surrounding Cody Rhodes following his AEW departure and ahead of his potential WWE return.

---

#5 His AEW exit was "amicable"

While the two have disagreed to the point that Cody Rhodes has left AEW, there doesn't seem to be any bad blood between him and Tony Khan.

Sean Ross Sapp reported on Fightful Select that the split between the two appears to be "at least amicable." Rhodes and Khan may still have enough of a relationship to work together at some point down the line.

---

#4 Reported backstage heat

While Tony Khan and a few others released heartfelt statements about Cody Rhodes leaving AEW, it seems like The American Nightmare wasn't quite the 'hero' he was being presented as.

In this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that there were people in the promotion who were happy to see Cody and Brandi Rhodes leave.

"While many publicly thanked Cody for his work, it was noted to us that this was not universal. There were those happy both Cody and Brandi were gone and thought the "hero treatment" given to him by some in the company after he left is a great public story but not the real story," reported Dave Meltzer.

He added that the former TNT Champion was unhappy over his loss of power in AEW, while many talents "quietly celebrated" his and Brandi's exits. A key person in the promotion told Meltzer he was surprised by the departure, but said the locker room's reaction was mainly positive.

#3 Vince McMahon's big plans for Cody Rhodes

Following his AEW exit, speculation was rampant over a potential WWE return for Cody Rhodes. At this stage, anything is possible. Even a WrestleMania match, according to Wade Keller of PWTorch.

He reported that The American Nightmare would receive a big push upon his arrival. Vince McMahon seemingly loves the idea of acquiring one of AEW's co-founders and EVPs, which Keller stated should lead to Rhodes being featured at WrestleMania.

It was additionally reported that he will be given scripted promos and it is up to him to maintain his push in WWE. However, as of right now, the signing is yet to be confirmed.

---

#2 Will Brandi Rhodes join her husband if he returns to WWE?

While there have been rumors suggestingn that Cody Rhodes could be WWE-bound, that isn't the case for Brandi Rhodes. Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated has reported that she will not return alongside her husband.

Brandi was a part of the company for a few years as a ring announcer named Eden Stiles. She left a little after Cody did, back in 2016. Barrasso did state that AEW's former Chief Brand Officer is not done in the ring. She is determined to get her hands on championship gold.

#1 The WWE locker room's reaction to Cody Rhodes' potential return

The internet is not the only place that has been abuzz ahead of Cody Rhodes potentially returning to WWE. While it is not yet a done deal, it has caused quite a stir in the locker room.

According to Sean Ross Sapp on Fightful Select, the announcement regarding his departure from AEW was being "actively hyped" by those within WWE. Those in the know reportedly spread the word about 15 minutes before Rhodes sent out his statement, with many believing he would sign with Vince McMahon's promotion.

Among those in the locker room who have spoken to Sapp about this, the general feeling was described as "excitement and shock." Several top stars intend to welcome Cody Rhodes back into the locker room with "open arms."

Additionally, SRS mentioned that one top name considers Rhodes' return the most interesting thing in the company in a long time. The road to WrestleMania will certainly be much more interesting if it features the first major defection from AEW to WWE.

Are you excited to see Cody Rhodes return? Let us know in the comments section below.