Triple H Reflects on Cody Rhodes' Throne Smashing Moment in AEW

The former WWE executive acknowledges the iconic spot and Rhodes' path back to the company.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:41pm

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In a recent interview, Triple H and Cody Rhodes looked back on the latter's famous throne-smashing moment during his time in AEW in 2019. Triple H said he saw it as Rhodes trying to make a name for himself rather than a spiteful act, and that he wanted to encourage Rhodes' departure from WWE to rebuild himself, even though he couldn't be too overt about it at the time due to his position in the company. Rhodes also recalled Triple H's advice to 'go rattle the cages,' which fueled his success outside of WWE before his eventual return in 2022.

Why it matters

The throne-smashing spot was a defining moment in Cody Rhodes' career, as it symbolized his break from WWE and the start of his rise to stardom in AEW. Triple H's perspective on the incident provides insight into how WWE leadership viewed Rhodes' departure and his subsequent success, and how that ultimately paved the way for Rhodes' return to the company.

The details

In 2019, Cody Rhodes destroyed a throne that resembled those used in Triple H's WWE WrestleMania entrances during an AEW pay-per-view. Seven years later, the two men discussed the moment, with Triple H saying he saw it as Rhodes trying to make a name for himself rather than a spiteful act. Triple H also revealed that he personally struggled with Rhodes' 2016 departure from WWE, as he felt connected to Rhodes and his family, and wanted to encourage him to rebuild himself outside the company, even though he couldn't be too overt about it due to his position.

  • In 2019, Cody Rhodes destroyed a throne that resembled those used in Triple H's WWE WrestleMania entrances during an AEW pay-per-view.
  • In 2022, Cody Rhodes returned to WWE after a successful run in AEW.

The players

Cody Rhodes

A professional wrestler who is currently the Undisputed WWE Champion, and who previously had a successful run in AEW after departing WWE in 2016.

Triple H

A former professional wrestler and current WWE executive, who was close to the Rhodes family and wanted to encourage Cody Rhodes' departure from WWE to rebuild himself outside the company.

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What they’re saying

“I saw it as your hammer because it was smaller than mine [laughs]. No, look, that kind of sh*t to me is like, I remember when people brought it to me and were showing it to me and I was like, 'F**k yeah, all right, good for him.' You know what I mean? That's the kind of sh*t you do, you're trying to make a name for yourself, you're trying to get out there, you're trying to do some cool sh*t, trying to do some different stuff.”

— Triple H, Former WWE Executive

“You kind of made yourself the target for me to rattle in terms of the optics of wrestling. And there was no malice for sure because this is after I won the Ring of Honor title. One of the first texts I got back to was yours: 'Congrats.' As I was walking to the hospital in Lowell because my lip was busted open, holding my first World title.”

— Cody Rhodes, Undisputed WWE Champion

What’s next

Cody Rhodes is set to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against his former mentor, Randy Orton, at WrestleMania 42, with Pat McAfee now in Orton's corner.

The takeaway

The throne-smashing moment was a pivotal point in Cody Rhodes' career, as it symbolized his break from WWE and the start of his rise to stardom in AEW. Triple H's perspective on the incident provides insight into how WWE leadership viewed Rhodes' departure and his subsequent success, and how that ultimately paved the way for Rhodes' return to the company.