6 Current AEW Superstars who have been linked to WWE

#2 WWE wanted Cody Rhodes to return

Had WWE never released Cody Rhodes, AEW might have been a diminished force, as the former TNT Champion has been an integral part of the company. Even though he's fallen out of favor with the fans in recent times, he's been one of the most consistently entertaining performers in the industry.

Rhodes' understanding of the nuances of professional wrestling and his ability to put together a unique type of match sets him apart from the roster.

He had an emotionally driven match with Dustin Rhodes that won PWI's "Match of the Year" Award for 2019 and remains one of the best matches in AEW's short history. Cody Rhodes' feud with Chris Jericho over the AEW World Championship features some of his best promo work and is also more than worthy of a rewatch.

But before AEW came into existence, Rhodes was offered the opportunity to return to WWE once he became a free agent in 2018. He revealed this nugget of information during an appearance on the Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard podcast and confirmed that he rejected the approach.