All Elite Wrestling Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes has released an emotional open letter ahead of AEW's TNT debut on Oct. 2. Alongside the hashtag "ImWithAEW," Rhodes thanked fans worldwide as he shared his feelings on AEW: Dynamite's forthcoming premiere, calling it the most significant night in wrestling during his lifetime.Rhodes recounted his experience leaving WWE after having been with the company for 11 years, recalling the "fateful bet" that ended in him promoting All Out -- an event that drew 10,000+ fans. He thanked AEW President Tony Khan for his passion, influence and business acumen that he imparted onto the EVP team, describing himself, Matt and Nick Jackson and Kenny Omega as "four guys aspiring to create an alternative product."
Thanking fans worldwide for their belief and support, Rhodes highlighted the "growing number […] of fans who for some reason or another felt disillusioned by the current product and went searching for the alternative." With AEW providing an alternative to WWE, Rhodes stated that pro wrestling has passed a tipping point and that what has happened "cannot be undone." He stressed that wrestlers now have the chance for better pay and a healthier schedule, with doors having been opened wider to a wrestling show that proudly displays diversity.
Having lost his father -- pro wrestling legend "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes -- in 2015, Rhodes revealed that it was the "bright lights and ferocious passion of our fans" that helped him heal as he now prepares to face Sammy Guevara in the first-ever televised AEW match on TNT.
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"Yeah, I'm a bit nervous. I'm a little scared, too. But I'm saddling up in DC anyway along with the best partners and wrestlers on the planet. I'm with AEW because AEW is for everybody, and I hope everybody tunes in and gives us a chance to shine for you."