In a new interview, Cody Rhodes offered up some fresh details on the cold response he received from those in AEW he thought were friends after he made his return to WWE three years ago.

One of the biggest stories in pro wrestling in 2022 was Rhodes going back to the company that turned him into a name, WWE. However, his comeback was more than simply a former star going back to their previous company. The future WWE Champion helped to create top rival AEW. And it was a huge surprise to many that he would leave to go back to the company he chose to quit in 2016.

During his time there, Rhodes made many close friends, or so he thought. In a new edition of his “What Do You Wanna Talk About” podcast, he spoke with guest Ricky Saints about why he is cautious about being friends or a mentor to those inside the business. And how being burned after his AEW exit played a key role in that opinion.

“When I was off in the wilderness and started my own deal, the team that I had — and they were wonderful teammates and helped me create it — I made everybody my BFF,” Rhodes recalled. “I made everybody my number one. And when I came up on the stage at WrestleMania 38, I was warmly received by, you know, 80-something thousand people. That was a wonderful feeling.

“But I can tell you, none of those people — I want to flat out say none — but you can probably count on one hand that messaged me [after his WWE return],” he said. “And I thought, that’s a lesson. It’s not that I wanted anything from it, but that’s why I’m trepidatious to jump in the water and say, ‘Hey kid, you’re with me.'”

Cody Rhodes has chosen to say very little about why he left the promotion he helped form. This is one of the few insights he has given since going back to WWE three years ago. And unfortunately, it seems his exit from the company helped him realize who his real friends in the industry truly are.

Cody Rhodes Gives New Details On Bitter Response From Friends In AEW For His Return To WWE