Anthony Ogogo Reflects on Working With Cody Rhodes in AEW

Anthony Ogogo has reflected on his early storyline with Cody Rhodes in All Elite Wrestling, describing it as a defining experience during the early stage of his wrestling career. The program, which took place during AEW’s initial years, was one of Ogogo’s first major televised feuds.

Speaking about the rivalry with ITR Wrestling, Ogogo said working with Rhodes provided a clear introduction to how high-level wrestling storytelling operates. He noted that the program’s structure, including training, match planning, and television presentation, helped him transition from boxing to professional wrestling more smoothly.

Anthony Ogogo explained that Rhodes’ in-ring awareness and pacing stood out compared to those of his later opponents. He highlighted Rhodes’ understanding of timing and match psychology as key elements that shaped his early perception of the industry. According to Ogogo, that experience set a benchmark for what he expected from future matches.

“It was amazing. I thought it would be the first of many. Unfortunately, it has been my only true feud, only true storyline in wrestling and it was five years ago so it blows my mind. It’s obviously been great. He was going through a transitional period in his career, he’s obviously gone on and done amazing things and he’s killing it now. I am happy and proud of him because he’s really been through it. It was a frustrating thing for me, because I wrestled Cody in my first feud. Like we trained together, we wrestled, and I thought everyone was that good, and it was not. I wrestled one of the best wrestlers in the world from day 1, and I came in with the storyline with Cody and even with how the storylines were set up backstage. When you wrestle one of the big guys, everything is laid out for you, it’s all organized and you know what you are doing. So my first six months in pro wrestling, I came to TV knowing exactly what I was doing, working with one of the top guys, it was amazing. Even in the ring, he was so smooth, he knew what he was doing, psychology was so good. i just thought that is what wrestling was like, and then I had some visa issue, so I had to go back and come back after three months and then I wrestled people who were nowhere near as good as Cody and I’m like ‘Oh goodness.’ I knew I was lucky to wrestle someone as good as him, but when I started wrestling with people who were nowhere as good as him, made me realize how lucky I was. I had nothing to compare him to. Now I have for the last four five years made me realize how good he was.”

The feud aired during a period when AEW was establishing its identity, with Rhodes positioned as a central figure on television. For Ogogo, the program offered immediate visibility and a structured environment to learn the fundamentals of wrestling performance.

However, his momentum was affected by external factors, including visa-related issues that limited his ability to remain consistently active. After returning, Ogogo said his subsequent matches provided a broader view of different working styles, which contrasted with his initial experience.

He also acknowledged Rhodes’ continued progression in the industry, noting his current role as a top champion in WWE. Ogogo described Rhodes’ career trajectory as an example of long-term development and consistency.

Looking back, Ogogo characterized the feud as an important starting point that influenced how he approached wrestling going forward, both in the ring and in his overall presentation.

I took my talents to the commentary desk last night on #AEWCollision.

‘The gift of gab!’

Looking forward to seeing the ratings spike.

Ogogo = Ratings.
The Guv’nor Effect 💰. pic.twitter.com/KH4230Z3Y0

— Anthony Ogogo (@AnthonyOgogo) April 14, 2024