AEW founders don't need to follow Cody Rhodes' lead

When AEW was first formed, Matthew and Nicholas Jackson played a key role. Along with Cody Rhodes and Kenny Omega, the talented tag team helped launch the challenger brand, secured talent and provided wrestler-led leadership from day one. 

In return for their role in the company's launch and continued growth, AEW co-owner Tony Khan ensured that all four were given executive vice president Roles. Real-life titles and responsibilities that have also bled into recent storylines.

AEW quickly gathered traction. Some of the most talented wrestlers in the world had all teamed up and were putting on exceptional matches, week after week. However, once the allure of WWE came calling for Rhodes, and the chance to be one of its top stars arose, he decided to part ways with AEW in search of completing his story.

The Young Bucks and Omega are still vital parts of AEW. However, in his latest guest column for "Uncrowned," Scott D'Amore — a highly respected figure in wrestling and the former president of TNA — shared his belief that The Young Bucks could potentially follow in Rhodes' footsteps in the near future.

"The Bucks — Matt and Nick Jackson — have done everything there is to do in AEW as characters and as real-life executives," D'Amore wrote. "...It’s no secret WWE wanted the Bucks badly before they helped form AEW — and I can see Matt and Nick, not tomorrow, but at some point — maybe deciding it is time to go have a WrestleMania moment like fellow AEW founder Cody Rhodes did." 

When Rhodes left AEW, the company was still in its early stages — and it arguably still is. However, the Young Bucks have helped steady the ship following a down year in 2024. They've played pivotal roles in getting AEW back on the right track and just produced one of the best matches of the night at All-In Texas. There's no reason for them to leave the company.

Back in 2019, during an interview with Chris Van Vilet, the duo explained why they (and Omega) couldn't turn AEW down, even with WWE showing legitimate interest.

"At one point, I remember me, Nick and Kenny were in a room because all of our deals were up at the same time," Matt Jackson said. "We got off the phone one day and we looked at each other and we said ‘I think we’re all going to WWE.’ It was that close. Tony came to us at the right time and he made the right offer. I’m not talking financially, I’m talking ‘hey, you guys can run this thing’ and ‘I want you guys to hire your people.’...He gave us the keys to this thing. You can’t say no to this."

Given the fact that the Young Bucks weren't willing to turn their back on AEW before it even got off the ground, it's hard to envision them doing so now that it's gaining enormous traction.

So, while making the cross-brand jump was clearly the right move for Rhodes, it would appear sticking with AEW is what's best for the Young Bucks. After all, "WrestleMania moments" are cool and all, but what about historic moments on a brand you helped establish and grow into a worldwide powerhouse? That must be just as, if not more, special.