Cody Rhodes reveals why his WWE departure was so abrupt

WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes recently discussed his abrupt departure from the Stamford-based promotion during his first stint. Rhodes started his career with World Wrestling Entertainment in 2006.

After performing in the company's then-developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), The American Nightmare debuted on the main roster in 2007. The 39-year-old gained popularity after joining forces with Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase Jr. to form The Legacy. In 2014, Rhodes' character changed drastically and he debuted his new ring name, Stardust.

After being frustrated with his booking, the former WWE Intercontinental Champion revealed on X/Twitter that he was leaving the Stamford-based promotion in May 2016.

During a recent conversation with Diamond Dallas Page on DDP Yoga, Cody Rhodes reflected on his decision to leave WWE. Rhodes said that he left the company abruptly because he felt his character was going nowhere.

"So I couldn't verbalize it, but that's exactly what it was. Which is why it was so abrupt how I left. Now because of how I left, they don't let abrupt departures happen this way so, sorry. I literally put a post out before my release papers were even done like I'm done, that's it because I needed to put it in the air and put it in writing. So that I was held to it, go ahead sue me if you want but I gotta be held to this. I cannot function in this spot," he said. [32:00 - 32:32]

The American Nightmare also mentioned he felt he was getting worse at everything during his stint as Stardust.

"One of the things that frustrated me is I was in a position that I couldn't work any harder. And that sounds like insane and we can always work harder. I was in a spot on the card that I could not work any harder to get out of the spot... I was getting worse, fundamentally worse, mentally worse, promo worse, every facet of you that needs to be involved, I was getting worse at," he added. [32:41 - 33:36]

Check out the video below:

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Cody Rhodes is set to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam

Since dethroning Roman Reigns as the Undisputed WWE Champion at WrestleMania XL, Cody Rhodes has defended his title against multiple opponents, including AJ Styles. However, he is now once again feuding with The Bloodline amid Reigns' absence from television.

The American Nightmare is set to face the self-proclaimed Tribal Chief, Solo Sikoa, for the gold at the SummerSlam Premium Live Event. Many fans believe The Head of the Table might return at The Biggest Party of The Summer to cost Sikoa the title and start a feud to reclaim The Bloodline.

It will be interesting to see if WWE has planned any surprises for Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa at SummerSlam.

Please credit DDP Yoga and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling if you use any quotes from the first half of this article.