Wrestling: What Could be the Next Move for Cody in 2018?

 In the Summer of 2016, Cody Rhodes had decided he needed to leave the WWE and strike out on his own. Since that day, Cody has become one of the hottest free agents in all of professional wrestling.

When Cody Rhodes decided it was time for his run in the WWE to end, I’ll admit I wasn’t sure what the market for him would be. There is always the instant independent boom for recently released WWE talent, but it has a shelf life.

What Cody has done in the last 18 months has been nothing short of marvelous. The guy at one point wrestled in the major annual event for WWE, Impact, ROH, and NJPW all in the same 365-day span.

That being said, 2018 has just kicked off and it doesn’t look like Rhodes will be slowing down. Though nothing long term has been signed, Cody has made his home in Ring of Honor and New Japan. He has also become the face of the US rendition of the Bullet Club and has teased some tension with current leader Kenny Omega. Being in the Bullet Club has helped Cody majorly, but feuding with Omega over the throne doesn’t end well, ask Adam Cole and AJ Styles.

After his great match with Kota Ibushi at Wrestle Kingdom 12, Cody is set for a major 2018 as far as NJPW is concerned. On the Ring of Honor front, Rhodes always has his rematch opportunity against Dalton Castle. Their first match was fantastic and a rematch would be a great story to tell.

Also this summer, barring any contract related issues it would be hard to not have Cody in BOLA 2018 for PWG. He made his debut at the 2017 event and was over huge with the Reseda crowd. So as far as the known places Cody wrestles he seems to be on a patch for a great 2018, but what about the unknown?

Will it pay off to go “All In” for Cody?

Towards the end of 2017, Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks began teasing their own sponsored event. A show that would have no backing from any promotion, but funded completely by themselves. The cast of “Being The Elite” have fully taken this idea and made it into a reality. The Elite recently announced that on September 1st their self-funded supershow “All In” would take place, though the venue is still a mystery. As of now, Cody, the Young Bucks, Omega, Marty Scurll, Hangman Page, actor Stephen Amell and female wrestlers Brandi Rhodes and Tessa Blanchard have been announced.

Obviously, with the event being self-funded, there could be a huge financial burden. With the huge popularity of The Bullet Club in the U.S. now is the time to strike. Add in the dominance the BC shows at Hot Topic, 2018 will be the year. Rhodes is at the top of his game as far as in ring is concerned. Add in his current more true to life character and Rhodes is flourishing. It feels like he is hitting his stride and is imminent he returns to the WWE.

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As far as “All In” is concerned, it’s hard to believe that ROH and NJPW won’t loan talent. A successful event would benefit both ROH and NJPW. If 2017 was any indication of what Cody is capable of, fans should be ready for a great 2018. I fully expect Cody to leave 2018 with not only domestic but international gold around his waist. Prepare to witness a dominant year for The American Nightmare.