Navigating professional wrestling’s complex landscape often involves difficult decisions, and the theme of creative control and respect has recently come to the forefront with the departures of Cody Rhodes and Jake Hager from All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Both exits, though separated by time, share a common thread: a feeling of being undervalued and creatively stifled. This article delves into the circumstances surrounding these departures, exploring the implications for AEW and the wrestlers involved.
Cody Rhodes’ Shocking Departure
In early 2022, the wrestling world was stunned by Cody Rhodes’ exit from AEW, a company he helped build from the ground up. Rhodes, a co-founder and former Executive Vice President, reportedly felt “disrespected” by AEW, leading to his departure. This sentiment, as reported by Sportskeeda, stemmed from a perceived lack of appreciation for his contributions and creative vision within the company.
“No Disrespect,” But Why Leave?
Rhodes has been candid about his reasons for leaving AEW. In interviews conducted as recently as August 2025, he elaborated on the circumstances surrounding his exit, emphasizing the distinction between corporate decisions and what he viewed as a personal slight. According to WrestleNews365 (via YouTube), Rhodes felt undervalued despite his pivotal role in AEW’s early success. He expressed disappointment at feeling disrespected by the very organization he helped create alongside The Elite and Tony Khan.
Rhodes’ perspective highlights a crucial aspect of talent relations: the need for wrestlers to feel valued and respected, both professionally and creatively. His departure underscores the importance of open communication and mutual understanding between management and talent, especially in a creative industry like professional wrestling.
Jake Hager’s Similar Sentiments
Cody Rhodes isn’t the only wrestler to express dissatisfaction with AEW’s creative direction and contract offers. Jake Hager, another former AEW star, also departed the company last year, around 2024, citing similar concerns. According to JDfromNY206 (via YouTube), Hager felt that the contract offer he received from AEW was “disrespectful.”
Creative Frustration and Contract Disputes
Hager’s issues extended beyond financial compensation. He also expressed frustration with the lack of attention given to his creative ideas. Hager claimed that his attempts to pitch creative storylines and character developments to Tony Khan were often met with indifference or outright rejection. This lack of creative input, combined with the perceived lowball contract offer, ultimately led to his decision to leave AEW.
Hager’s experience further emphasizes the importance of creative autonomy and open communication in maintaining positive talent relations. Wrestlers often have strong ideas about their characters and storylines, and when these ideas are consistently dismissed or ignored, it can lead to feelings of frustration and resentment.
Impact on AEW and the Wrestlers
Cody Rhodes’ departure had a significant impact on AEW. As a top-tier talent and a key figure behind the scenes, his absence was felt both in the ring and in the company’s overall direction. His subsequent return to WWE has been exceptionally successful. Rhodes captured the Undisputed WWE Championship and headlined multiple WrestleMania events. This success has been viewed by many as validation of his decision to leave AEW, showcasing his value as a performer and a creative force.
Jake Hager’s departure, while perhaps less impactful than Rhodes’, still contributes to the narrative of talent dissatisfaction within AEW. These departures, alongside other instances of talent expressing similar concerns, have fueled ongoing discussions within the wrestling community regarding talent relations and creative control under Tony Khan’s leadership.
Creative Control Under Scrutiny
The departures of Rhodes and Hager have placed a spotlight on Tony Khan’s management style and the overall creative environment within AEW. While Khan has undoubtedly achieved significant success in building AEW into a major wrestling promotion, these incidents raise questions about his ability to effectively manage talent relations and foster a collaborative creative environment. The wrestling community continues to debate whether Khan’s approach to creative control is ultimately beneficial or detrimental to AEW’s long-term success.
The success of Cody Rhodes in WWE after leaving AEW serves as a compelling case study. His ability to thrive in a different environment suggests that his creative vision and talent were perhaps not fully utilized within AEW. This highlights the potential cost of not adequately addressing talent concerns and fostering a sense of value and respect within the organization.
Looking Ahead
The situations surrounding Cody Rhodes and Jake Hager serve as valuable lessons for AEW and other wrestling promotions. Maintaining positive talent relations, fostering open communication, and valuing creative input are essential for retaining top talent and creating a thriving creative environment. As AEW continues to evolve, addressing these concerns will be crucial for ensuring its long-term success and maintaining its position as a leading force in the professional wrestling world. Ultimately, respecting talent’s creative vision is vital for success.
