Cody Rhodes Doesn’t Want To Bloat AEW Roster With Ex-WWE Talent; Wants New Talent Set Up To Win

Cody Rhodes discusses WWE talent possibly coming to AEW.

Appearing on the latest episode of The Ross Report, AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes was asked what percentage of the roster will end up being former WWE stars.

“I’ve jokingly said it’s currently at about 5% — Chris Jericho, Jim Ross, Cody Rhodes. A few others, maybe. It’s not the same. Having that equity with WWE is wonderful but you’ve got to be able to cut it and meet the standards that people have for their actual bell-to-bell contest. That number might increase. There being the opportunity to exist for the boys and girls to make more money, here or there. Just to have options. If they can play, they’re gonna play,” said Cody. “But right now, the recruitment is more about ‘freshmen.’ I want to build a new class of guys. I don’t them to feel like they were set up and that was it. I want them to feel like they were set up to win and succeed. Right now, it’s a lot of faces you’ve never seen and people you’ll be surprised when you do see them.”

Thus far, Cody and AEW have scooped up top Independent talent and diamonds in the rough, while mostly staying away from ex-WWE stars. Many fans have speculated that Dean Ambrose, Tye Dillinger or Luke Harper (should he be released) will eventually find their way to AEW. Ambrose and Harper are still under WWE contract while Dillinger is riding out his 90-day non-compete clause.

You can view the current AEW roster by clicking here.