AEW TNT Champion Cody Rhodes made his return to AEW after a brief absence, and he came out swinging.
On the January 19 episode of AEW Dynamite, Rhodes referenced CM Punk’s legendary “Pipebomb” promo and noted that “The Second City Saint” failed to do meet the goals he laid out in that memorable message. He then pointed out that he did everything Punk said he would do; he went to Japan and starred all over the world while he changed the game.
“The American Nightmare” then explained that he carried the company, he deserved credit for making AEW into what it is today, and he still refused to turn heel. He took several shots at WWE NXT and mocked some of AEW’s new signings, Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish, for the fact that they rose to fame on the developmental brand. He even took a shot at WALTER’s controversial name change by referencing “Gunner McGilibuddy.”
In case you missed it, #CodyRhodes BUILT the forbidden door!
Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on @TBSNetwork right NOW! pic.twitter.com/6pmTJKLQhT— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) January 20, 2022
Later in the promo, Rhodes challenged Interim TNT Champion Sammy Guevara to a ladder match for both TNT Championships at AEW Dynamite: Beach Break on January 26.
RELATED: AEW Dynamite Results (1/19/21)
