“Screaming NDA”: Cody Rhodes’ Latest Jibe at Tony Khan’s AEW Sparks Fan Rumors of Proper Heel Turn

Cody Rhodes has been the most iconic baby face in recent times within the company. From finishing his story on an emotional note at WrestleMania Night 40 after surpassing a host of upheavals for the last few months to sitting for an abundance of media appearances, The American Nightmare has done complete justice to his fan-favorite image. But his latest take on AEW conveys a different tone, leading fans to speculate a heel turn for the current WWE Undisputed Universal Champion.

Cody Rhodes reiterates his support for AEW but chastises the digs thrown his way

Cody Rhodes cut ties with the Jacksonville-based company in 2022 to join forces with WWE to fulfill his late father’s dream. That said, this was not the only reason for the former AEW star’s departure. While some theories suggested a creative backlog behind the former executive vice president’s AEW departure, Rhodes himself didn’t disclose much on that.

The 38-year-old recently broke the silence while appearing for an interview with Cheap Heat, the WWE Champion noted it as a more painful incident than anyone could ever realize. Rhodes put his creative satisfaction as a performer on the back burner to focus on his executive role, leading to AEW’s subsequent success, eventually. While looking back at his tenure, the star believes that AEW could never have happened without his contribution.

Referring to a recent dig from Tony Stark who poked fun at him and his wife Brandi Rhodes’ WWE WrestleMania 40 celebration during the AEW Dynasty post-show presser, Rhodes elucidated, ‘‘That’s a big no-no, you should never say me or my wife’s name. Tony [Khan] should have told you that. So yeah I’ll never root against them. I really won’t.”

Although The American Nightmare vocalized his loyalty to Khan’s promotion, his way of holding back things gave fans ample space to paint a heel turn for him.

Fans anticipate a heel turn after feeling Rhodes’ unsaid wrath

Cody Rhodes has never been a reckless speaker both on and off the screen. The American Nightmare is widely known for his sobriety and diplomacy with a mic in his hand. So, it’s quite natural for him not to come off as overly loud or savage while expressing issues on a public podcast. But fans can read between the lines. They strongly believe the former AEW star had more intrusive things to say about his previous wrestling home.

They think his usual laid-back nature gets in his way of addressing heat.

Some of them also think Rhodes holding back was simply a byproduct of WWE’s NDA practice.

Fans could feel his repressed anger soaring beneath the surface.

The Deadman also saw a natural heel in Cody Rhodes. So, it will really be interesting to see how WWE acts to the hype. What’s your take on fans speculating on Cody Rhodes’ potential heel turn after some recent AEW closures?  Let us know in the comments.