Cody Rhodes reflects on his 2016 WWE exit decision: ‘This is a big card game’
One of the most crucial figures in the modern pro-wrestling industry, Cody Rhodes, recently opened up and reflected on his 2016 WWE exit.
Following several creative differences and an unsatisfactory run, Rhodes requested his release from WWE on May 21, 2016. Shortly after being granted one, Rhodes went on to reinvent himself and wrestle all across the world.
Following runs across several indie promotions, Impact Wrestling, and NJPW, Rhodes, The Young Bucks, Kenny Omega, and Adam Page became a crucial part of the inaugural All In event, which eventually led to the formation of AEW.
Speaking on the Rich Eisen Show, Rhodes reflected on that moment and how he gained confidence from seeing the fans supporting him.
“When I left, when I put my statement out, when I hadn’t even signed my release papers, when I just walked, when the world mobilized on social media to support me, and then the list comes out, here’s who I’m going to be wrestling.
“Not only did they support me on socials, they did so with their own wallets and came to these small shows. It was a very big bluff, this is a big card game, and it was a big bluff,” he said.
Rhodes further explained that his character stopped being a “bluff” when the fans started standing behind him. “The suit and ties, the braggadocio, the confidence, all of it ceased being a bluff the moment the fans actually stood behind me. I’m very much propped up by that fandom, and I’ve continued to be through every endeavor I took. The only thing I can say for those who are out there and they’re wanting to do more, it’s easy for me to say it now having got to the top of the mountain in the wrestling space and trying to build a new mountain. Then, it was a matter of surrounding myself with people who would support me.”
Rhodes is currently scheduled to face Gunther at Clash in Italy on May 31, 2026, with his Undisputed title on the line.
Shounak Chakrabarti is an experienced sports journalist with a lifelong passion for athletics and storytelling. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Journalism from the University of Leeds and joined F4WOnline in 2025.
Shounak takes particular interest in soccer, closely following top clubs like Real Madrid and Arsenal. Beyond sports, he enjoys fiction writing, photography, gaming, and cinema.