Days After Edge’s AEW Debut, John Cena Takes a Clever Jibe at Rival Promotion by Putting Cody Rhodes on an ‘Elite’ List

John Cena has had several memorable feuds throughout his two-decade-long WWE career. One of these involves WWE Hall of Famer Edge, who had established himself as a thorn in Cena’s side for numerous years. While they fought hard inside the squared circle, the two icons had respect for one another. This became evident in Cena’s tribute video for Edge’s 25th anniversary celebration.

Now, just days after losing his good friend to WWE’s rival promotion, AEW, the ‘greatest of all time’ has taken a cheeky dig at Tony Khan’s company, while praising alumni Cody Rhodes.

What did John Cena say?

Cena has seen Cody Rhodes from close quarters. From the time he donned The Dashing gimmick, to playing his current American Nightmare version, John Cena has witnessed it all. The 16-time world champion has massive praise for the 38-year-old.

Appearing as a guest on WWE’s The Bump, Cena answered how he feels about Rhodes’ comeback to WWE. The Leader of Cenation declared he’s extremely proud of Dusty Rhodes’ younger son.

“Especially because he was bold enough to better himself, and knew that it was going to be painful, and a path of growth,” Cena said, referencing to Rhodes’ departure from WWE in 2016. His exit from the promotion led to him touring the independent circuit. Rhodes later collaborated with other wrestlers to host All In in 2018. This eventually led to the formation of All Elite Wrestling the following year.

“And now he’s back and now he’s performing at a level even more elite than before and he’s crafting his own path,” Cena said, taking a clever jibe at AEW. Cody Rhodes worked as a wrestler and executive vice president from 2019 to 2022.

The Hollywood star also highlighted how Rhodes managed to initiate a massive transformation to emerge as a colossal star.

Cena reckons responsibility changed Cody Rhodes

As stated above, Cena has seen Cody Rhodes’ growth. In his prime, Rhodes was an upcoming wrestler in the WWE, who tasted success as a doubles player. Now, as the sun sets on Cena’s wrestling prime with his Hollywood career becoming bigger than ever, Rhodes has taken center stage.

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The wrestler-turned-actor said responsibilities have changed Rhodes into a better man. John Cena told the host of the show that The Prince of Pro Wrestling is now a more authentic man who values the business.

“… He’s learnt business, he’s learnt this business, he has learnt to be more grateful,” Cena said. But that wasn’t the end of Cena’s love for Rhodes and his digs at AEW. 

He concluded with, “And I’m really proud of him and I’m very thankful he’s back where he belongs in the WWE family.” Is this John Cena’s way of venting out at AEW for snapping up Edge, who debuted at the inaugural WrestleDream PPV on October 1? We will never know.

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Tell us your views on Cena’s praise for Rhodes in the comments.