Cody Rhodes on Double or Nothing 2021, Anthony Ogogo, The American Dream & The Future of AEW

Double or Nothing has always been a high stakes event for Cody Rhodes. Yes, that might seem like a very lazy casino-related pun tied to the name of the event, but in reality this annual event has been Cody’s show.

In 2019, AEW debuted at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cody was charged with one being of the marquee matches of the night against his brother Dustin. The match would establish AEW in multiple ways. First, the “throne breaking” moment (something people still talk about) showed the company’s statement of being an alternative/anti-WWE. Second, the emotional violence of the match has become a tenant not only for Cody Rhodes matches and big AEW main events.

Fast forward to 2020. Cody faced Lance Archer to crown the first-ever TNT Champion, and on AEW’s first PPV in the pandemic era. It was a show that needed to establish this new belt, a belt Warner Media had suggested to them as well as deliver a show that would lift the spirits of a world being hammered left and right by the pandemic and politics. Rhodes would give the title credence in its earliest days by defending it against in-house AEW talent and unsigned independent talent before losing it (and then regaining it) in grand fashion to Mr. Brodie Lee.

Now in 2021, Rhodes will be featured in a match that will not only be a huge moment for his opponent — former Olympic medalist and true AEW developmental talent Anthony Ogogo, but also for a company on the verge of taking the “next step” in its evolution. To top all of that off, Rhodes will be donning the moniker of his legendary father, “The American Dream.” With a child on the way, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say emotions will be running high once again for Rhodes at Double or Nothing.

Recently, Cody Rhodes took part in his traditional media roundtable — as he does before most big AEW events — to discuss a number everything ranging from the future of AEW television to his opponent at Double or Nothing to Twitter rumors to the return of live audiences.

In the round table Cody Rhodes discusses the following:

• The Format of AEW’s new series, Rampage.
• Becoming The American Dream for one nightly only.
• The upside of his Double or Nothing opponent, Anthony Ogogo.
• Ogogo as a true AEW developmental talent.
• The controversy surrounding he and his fellow EVPs “not being on speaking terms.”
• The controversy over stating he workshopped his Dynamite promo.
• Has the Nightmare Factory prepped him for fatherhood.
• His thoughts on developing new talent for AEW.
• The vibe of the locker room on the eve of the company being able to perform in front of a sold-out PPV crowd.
• The Growth of AEW.
• Will Trevor Lawrence and Tim Tebow be all elite.
• AEW’s touring plans.
• The Britt Baker action figure.
• Matches he’s excited for at Double or Nothing.
• Will it be the TBS Title or TNT Title come January 2022?
• A potential AEW Trios Title.
• The formatting and production of Dark & Elevation once touring starts.
• Will staple AEW Dark & Elevation Talent be touring/signed to the company once touring starts?
• Fuego del Sol.
• Keeping his promise not to challenge for the world title.
• His star power.
• Politics in pro wrestling.
• AEW and himself staying fresh.