Jeff Jarrett: Cody Rhodes Made "Counterproductive" Error with AEW Title Rule

Cody Rhodes' decision to never challenge for the AEW World Championship was a big mistake, Jeff Jarrett has claimed. 

In January 2019, Rhodes, alongside Tony Khan, the Elite, and others founded All Elite Wrestling, providing the biggest competition to WWE since the demise of WCW close to two decades earlier. At AEW's inaugural All Out event, Chris Jericho defeated 'Hangman' Adam Page to become the inaugural AEW World Champion. 

A Counterproductive Mistake

At AEW Full Gear 2019, Cody Rhodes lost to Jericho after being betrayed by MJF. As per the stipulation of the match, Rhodes was never allowed to challenge for the AEW World Championship. The decision was made by Rhodes to avoid the temptation of booking himself to be the champion and avoid a potential fan backlash. 

Speaking on his "My World" podcast, however, Jeff Jarrett argued that this was a mistake on the American Nightmare's behalf. 

"In the history of the business, it's always had owner/promoter/talent in the mix. So I never liked that [stipulation] that Cody put on himself. I think it was super counterproductive and it brought a light to a situation that I didn't think he needed to bring a light to."

Jarrett named several promoters who have held gold, including Antonio Inoki, Jerry Kawker, and Fritz Von Erich, but understood Rhodes' reasoning. 

"I get it, avoid the criticism and all that. I just think it was for the wrong reason."

Rhodes would remain true to the stipulation and never have another title shot prior to his AEW exit in February 2022. Rhodes himself has said he regrets the stipulation, believing he was too focused on being an executive than as a performer. 

H/T - Wrestling Inc