Tony Khan Responds to Cody Rhodes Claiming He Felt Disrespected by AEW

AEW President Tony Khan has finally broken his silence following Cody Rhodes’ remarks about feeling disrespected by AEW—and Khan is choosing to keep things professional.

Speaking on the Q101 podcast, Khan was asked directly about Cody’s quote from his appearance on The Ringer’s Bill Simmons Podcast, where the current Undisputed WWE Champion said the breaking point in AEW was about respect—or a lack of it.

“If I ever felt disrespected ever at WWE, that’s one thing. That’s a company that was built… that’s the Yankees. That’s the flagship of it all,” Rhodes said. “Feeling disrespected at something I built with my friends. That we built. Feeling disrespected there, I wouldn’t stand for it.”

When asked if it bothered him that Cody claimed he’d tolerate disrespect at WWE but not at AEW, the very company he helped build, Khan gave a measured response as he noted that Cody Rhodes has also said positive things about AEW.

“You know, he does a lot of interviews, and I think when you have to say so many words so often — because he works so hard, he works such a big schedule — to his credit, I bet he does hundreds of interviews a year. And I’m not sure I agree with that, but I also would give him the benefit of the doubt that, you know, I’ve heard him say a lot of positive things, too.”

Instead of getting defensive, Khan remained calm and professional, pointing out that despite being in a rival company, Cody usually keeps it respectful.

“For somebody that doesn’t work here and is involved in a competitive promotion, he’s usually pretty gracious with the things he says.”

He even said that when they’ve crossed paths since Cody’s departure, things have been just fine.

“I’ve seen him since he’s been gone, and it’s always been very positive and good.”

Khan finished by making it clear that he holds no grudges—and still appreciates what Cody brought to AEW.

“I have only good things to say about him and his contributions here. It’s okay. You know, that’s okay. Everyone’s entitled to their opinions.”

So what’s the takeaway? While Cody’s “disrespect” remarks confused fans, Tony’s not losing sleep over it. No buried bodies, no heated clapbacks—just Tony brushing it off like a boss and keeping it classy.

Do you think Cody Rhodes was right to speak out about feeling disrespected in AEW? Or did Tony Khan handle it like a true professional? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!

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