AEW superstar and Executive VP Cody Rhodes recently appeared on Busted Open Radio to discuss Brodie Lee’s Exalted One character. Despite many references to WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, Rhodes states that Lee’s portrayal is not a direct parody of the legendary wrestling promoter, then goes on to praise McMahon for helping him in his early days of wrestling. The American Nightmare also reveals that Vince McMahon’s name will never be said on AEW television.
So I can never tell you the original plan and I don’t even know if there was an original plan and I will say, very unlikely on AEW, you’ll ever hear the name of Vince McMahon said and if you do hear me say it in interviews and in general, I always speak very highly of Vince, because, well A, he’s Vince McMahon and B, I was a WWE guy to start. I didn’t come from anywhere else. I came through their feeder system and they were the house that built me so, when it comes to some of the parallels, I don’t wanna be vague or coy with your question.
When it comes to some of the parallels between Brodie’s style of leadership, there are unique parallels but I don’t think it’s particularly a spoof on Vince McMahon and maybe it’s because we’ll see how it develops in the next few weeks. I think Brodie just has a very power boss, very animal kingdom, kind of social Darwinism-type approach to the Dark Order, and I think that’s all in line with perhaps some of Vince’s quirks but, it’s not an outright spoof on the legendary Mr. McMahon. Not outright.
Lee’s most recent vignette with The Dark Order on last night’s Dynamite saw him poking fun at his followers appearances. He would go on to defeat Lee Johnson in a squash match. Check out Rhodes’ full interview here.
(H/T and transcribed by Post Wrestling)