Cody Rhodes says the model to be successful outside of WWE is there.
Last Year, Cody Rhodes asked for his release from WWE. In that past year he has wrestled in promotions around the world including Ring of Honor, New Japan Pro Wrestling, Impact Wrestling, and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. On an episode of Busted Open radio, Bubba Ray Dudley asked Rhodes about being able to find a career outside of WWE.
"I think a big shock, and it wasn't what I was looking for but Dave Meltzer mentioned this to me. I wrestled the other night in The Cow Palace and it wasn't for WWE. (Meltzer) asked me, off the cuff, 'is it financially similar?' and it's ridiculous. There's money all over the place in professional wrestling. Wherever there's a good product and consistent fans, you don't need it. I needed WWE to build my name and to get the brand to where it's got me today," said Rhodes.
He gave an example of a wrestling act that has been successful outside of the WWE, his fellow Bullet Club members Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson known together as The Young Bucks.
"But if you take a look at The Young Bucks, The Young Bucks can go to WWE if they want and whenever, if they wanted to. They would go for reasons like a match they want to have or to be part of a Wrestlemania. But they definitely don't need it. Their brand is making money hand-over-foot and they're turning out match of the year performances on a regular basis. Those guys, they are a model for anybody who thinks there is a road map you have to follow. There is not," said Rhodes.
The Young Bucks have been consistently wrestling at the top of Ring of Honor, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and Pro Wresting Guerrilla for years. They have also built a brand of merchandise, which has allowed them to approach a chance in WWE differently than most independent wrestlers.
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