Cody Rhodes Says Paul Wight First Reached Out To Him When Wanting To Join AEW

AEW has been on a signing spree in recent weeks adding the likes of Paul Wight, Ethan Page, and Christian Cage to their roster.

The signing of Wight (Big Show in WWE) came out of nowhere with AEW sending out a press release on February 24 to announce him joining the company.

Appearing on Action Sports Jax, Cody Rhodes revealed Wight first reached out to him to join AEW before speaking with AEW President Tony Khan.

“I’m typically one of the first people that people reach out to because we shared locker rooms together and they are curious. I’m never afraid to chat with somebody and see where they’re at mentally. With him, that was one of the main giveaways and how I know how motivated he is. There wasn’t much negotiation. He talked to me and then moved on to talking to Tony Khan and they were quite a match. The benefit he provides to the locker room are endless. The lack of negotiation tells me he’s very hungry and wants to be part of this, it was almost an emotional decision. People who follow my career know that I was not happy with what happened with my rivalry with Big Show and what it led to at WrestleMania, creatively. It was actually the beginning of my downfall at the company. The part they didn’t see was the three to four months where I was basically married to this giant on live events. There are a few people I ever learned as much from. It was so valuable to me. I see him talking backstage and I see the sincerity. They are going to learn so much and I can’t wait to see him go (in the ring),” said Cody.

Wight is expected to wrestle at some point for AEW. He will also be in the commentary booth alongside Tony Schiavone for AEW Dark: Elevation, which premieres on March 15.

Elsewhere during the interview, Cody discussed his recent match with Shaquille O’Neal. You can find his full comments by clicking here.

If you use any of the quotes above, please give a h/t and link back to Fightful for the transcription.