AEW: 3 important takeaways from the Cody Rhodes media call

With Double or Nothing happening on Sunday, Cody Rhodes held his normal pre-pay-per-view media call. I had the opportunity to attend the media call and live tweet it. The wrestler/EVP answered a variety of questions including his workouts for his match with Anthony Ogogo, preparing for fatherhood, and if AEW has succeeded expectations.

Cody’s promo on Dynamite  a couple of weeks ago still has people talking and not necessarily in a good way. It didn’t help matters when he said he used a focus group to test said promo (more on that later). Between that and Anthony Ogogo’s response, many fans are talking about their match ahead of Double or Nothing. Any publicity is good publicity, they say.

He also says that he will not break his promise and challenge for the AEW World Championship. He also says he won’t turn heel.

There was a myriad of topics, but here are the three most important takeaways.

AEW does not use a focus group

Rhodes immediately clarified that he misspoke and doesn’t know “what focus group means”. Rhodes further explained, “What I intended to say–and I did not say correctly, chalk this up to me being a dummy–I work on my promos very hard. (…) When it comes to my promos, the process is usually I voice memo it out to the people I trust the most. The legends in our industry, some coaches, and some members of management. And I like to see what they think. But, absolutely not. There are no AEW focus groups that is listening to my interviews. I would just chalk up my passion and my love for promos.” He wants to deliver good content and mentions that he produces some segments.

AEW Rampage will compliment Dynamite

It was emphasized several times that AEW Rampage will build off of Dynamite. Rhodes said that the company is “looking to expand its roster”. They want to get “people off the bench. Some very, very talented people. To spread the wealth.” Rhodes explained that Rampage will “serve as the third hour of programming where we can further our storylines and showcase our roster.”

They will be continuing with AEW Elevation and Dark. As they travel more, they will use regional talent to appear on those brands. “Elevation is the showcase. It’s also very important to us because Paul Wight is the announcer on that. The only difference perhaps is regional, in terms of independent talent from the specific markets we’re in.” He does say that so many people that have impressed them will probably travel “because they’ve become a big part of our identity and who we are.”

Rampage and Dynamite will be “complementary shows and not competing brands. The rosters are not split. They will lead in to the four mega events that we do for TNT.” Rhodes mentioned that they aren’t a “save it for the pay-per-view type company.” He goes on to say that they’re paid incredibly well for television content. He compares the four mega events to Clash of the Champions.

Rhodes vs. Ogogo at AEW Double or Nothing

With the promos from both Rhodes and Ogogo, fans have been taking sides. In the eyes of many fans, Ogogo is the babyface and Rhodes is the heel. Many are clamoring for the former Olympian to beat the “American Dream” (as Rhodes will be known for one night only) at Double or Nothing.

Rhodes said he is “very much am proud to be an American. I do think hopes outweighs–we do have tons of problems here, which was the first thing I said when I started speaking. We have tons of problems, but I still genuinely believe hope outweighs. I’m not trying to mansplain racism to anyone, all I was trying to say was that I’m very proud of my wife, I’m proud of the city I’m in, and I’m proud of this baby girl that’s on the way.”

“When it comes to Anthony’s opinions on the United States, those are his opinions. That’s the beautiful thing about being here. He can say whatever he’d like and he’s chosen to say a lot. And to a degree, pointing out flaws and things that we do wrong as a country, I think you’re remiss if you only point them out (flaws) and don’t point out that people are functionally and actively trying to fix them. I’m excited for Memorial Day weekend and we honor our fallen, it’s just to always reiterate ‘yeah, we’ve got a lot of messy spots, but everyone does their part’– at least I believe. I’m a hopeful person in terms of trying to clean that up.

“Anthony is here, living the American dream, as were many professional wrestlers in their time. I cited Bruno Sammartino in my promo. An Italian immigrant who just changed our industry forever. I think the way Anthony has done it is a little crude and I think punching a man when his back is turned and then draping them under your flag is crass, I suppose.”

“Again that’s the beautiful things about fans, that’s the beautiful thing about wrestling. You pay your money, you’re allowed to do whatever you want as a fan. So people who might think he’s the good guy or I’m the good guy or the bad guy, or he’s the bad guy, that’s fine by me. It’s more interest for the match and more interest for the outcome of the match.”

Rhodes did a good job of selling his match with Ogogo, whether you think he should win or not. AEW seems to have some exciting things ahead with the return to the road and with new TV programming.

Be sure to stay tuned to Daily DDT for coverage of Double or Nothing and the fallout after the show.