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Cody Rhodes Gives His Thoughts On Current Free Agent Market
Some of the biggest names in pro-wrestling are currently free agents, and have yet to ink deals with any major promotions.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Cody gave his thoughts on a number of free agents, including Miro (Rusev), Kurt Angle, Rey Mysterio, Zack Ryder, and Tessa Blanchard.
When asked on which free agent he would love to sign the most, he mentioned Zack Ryder and Miro as being on a lot of people’s radar. He feels the pros in signing them outweigh the cons, due to their locker room and television experience.
I think there are two free agents that are on a lot of people’s radar, that being Miro — formerly Rusev — and Matt Cardona, who was Zack Ryder. Obviously, those free agents should be on any radar. They have literally drawn money. They have TV experience. They have high-profile experience. They have locker room experience. The pros heavily outweigh the cons.
Those are two great free agents. I’m not going to go as far to say that if I had to sign anybody, those would be the two that I would sign. But I think they’re great free agents. I think if they have the passion for pro wrestling, they’re going to continue to succeed.
Here’s the trick. We only have a two-hour show. And a lot of our roster hasn’t even been fully realized or seen yet. I want to make sure we honor individuals like that. If you bring in a hot free agent, that means someone is going to lose a spot. That’s just the reality of it. In my capitalistic, cold nature that I have, I actually don’t mind that, because that makes everybody else step their game up. But you do want to do it fairly and responsibly. The best wrestlers, no matter where they came from, you’re going to want on your show.
Rey Mysterio, who currently is in negotiations with on a new deal WWE is another name Cody spoke on. He did mention Rey’s talks with another promotion, but mention he has a lot left in pro-wrestling. He didn’t specify whether he would be interested, but did call him the greatest luchador of all time.
To me, the greatest luchador ever, of all time — hands down — is Rey Mysterio Jr. And he’s got friends here. Jericho and him are friends. Mysterio is not afraid to travel out there, either. He’s not a one-company individual. And I think Rey still has a lot left to give in terms of wrestling. That might be something that someone else is currently discussing with him at this point. You never know.
The final two names he spoke on was former WWE star Kurt Angle, and former IMPACT World Champion Tessa Blanchard. He is unsure if Kurt still wants to continue as a pro-wrestler, and what he plans to pursue outside the squared circle.
Cody states he is unaware of the current situation with Tessa Blanchard, and states the women’s division is more in the hands of Kenny Omega, Brandi Rhodes, and Tony Khan. He feels those three have discussed her name.
Kurt is amazing. I had three matches with Kurt when I left WWE. That’s a very special wrestler. I’m not sure if he wants to keep doing it, though. I look at someone like that and I look at what is their interest like beyond just being a wrestler. When you’re multifaceted like that and you have an Olympic background, I would just be curious as to where his passion levels lie beyond in ring.
I don’t know a lot about the current situation with her and Impact. Tully, her father, is in AEW. That’s more Kenny Omega, [my wife and AEW chief brand officer] Brandi [Rhodes] and Tony carving out the growing and evolving women’s division. They’d have more of a beat on that. She was part of All In for us. And anyone who was part of All In has a place in my heart. On a personal level, I always want all the second- and third-generation wrestlers to have the best experience. She has a lot, a lot of talent. I’m sure it’s something Kenny, Brandi and Tony have discussed.
Transcription Credit: ESPN