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Part of WWE's "new era" seems to include the departure of stars the company and fans believed could be the next big thing in the recent past.
Cody Rhodes joined names like Wade Barrett and Ryback in deciding the unknown future was better than the status quo over the weekend. And just like us fans outside the business, those inside are processing the fact that an extremely talented performer with a Hall of Fame pedigree has decided he has to go outside the biggest the company in the industry to get a chance to succeed.
Here's a sampling of that reaction from social media:
Takes conviction to walk away from an annual, guaranteed, 6 figure income in a volatile biz.
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) May 22, 2016
This just in @Cody Rhodes will be just fine.
Reading the @StardustWWE statement. A total class act. Just like his brother. Just like his dad. #RhodesFamily
— Steve Corino (@KINGCorino) May 22, 2016
Including a couple of guys who've also parted ways with the company, albeit under their own unique circumstances:
So many of my fave times in WWE were with Cody Rhodes, both in front of & behind the camera. It takes balls to walk away, hats off.
— Stu Bennett (@WadeBarrett) May 22, 2016
Bravo. Your not alone. Let me know if I can help in anyway. @StardustWWE
— Alex Riley (@AlexRileyWWE) May 23, 2016
Those he's leaving behind in Vince McMahon's employ:
We may have had our differences in the ring, but he did more for me than he'll ever know. Thank you Cody. I'll truly miss you mate.
— NEVILLE (@WWENeville) May 22, 2016
— Cesaro (@WWECesaro) May 22, 2016
Thank you Cody pic.twitter.com/wr9B1qOJua
— Viktor (@ViktorRiseWWE) May 22, 2016
A guy I respect tremendously both inside and outside the ring. Nothing but success coming his way https://t.co/2jbNBx3nOp
— TJ Wilson (@KiddWWE) May 22, 2016
And one more time, from his wife:
Again. Very proud of him.
— Brandi Rhodes (@RealEdenWWE) May 22, 2016
Eden is also teasing a blog post, so we may not have heard the last from Mrs. Runnels on the subject:
Been working on this blog for some time. It might be the best thing I've written in my adult life. Can't wait to share.
— Brandi Rhodes (@RealEdenWWE) May 23, 2016
If you've seen any we've missed, share them in the comments.
#ThankYouCody