Report: WWE Backstage Reaction To Cody Rhodes Leaving AEW

The professional wrestling world was shocked on Tuesday after joint statements from Tony Khan, Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes announced the AEW EVP and Chief Brand Officer had left All Elite Wrestling. 

Cody's camp and WWE have been in talks in recent days and The American Nightmare is expected to sign with Vince McMahon's company. 

WWE were seemingly ecstatic about poaching an AEW EVP and Andrew Zarian noted on We're Live Pal that the Stamford-based company were "waving their WWE flags in victory."

"The WWE guys were waving their WWE flags in victory with this. I was very shocked at the reaction this was getting on that side...I've never seen a celebration of sorts with someone that hasn't signed yet. They see this as a win. I was told multiple times that optic-wise this looks bad for AEW and this looks great for WWE. Especially with the fact that not only was he an on-air top talent, he's an EVP. He's one of the founders, conceptualised the whole idea," Zarian said.

PWInsider also noted individuals who work in WWE were excited about Cody's potential signing. His inside knowledge of AEW was also seen as a bonus as the three-time TNT Champion understands how the company operates due to his position as an EVP. 

Not only is Cody expected to sign with WWE, he is also reportedly in line for a big push when he does turn up on WWE TV for the first time in six years.