Cody Rhodes has come to the defense of AJ Styles’ 19-year-old son Avery Styles following criticism over whether the aspiring wrestler is properly “paying his dues” in the business.
The discussion began after Natalya spoke positively about Avery and his attitude toward learning professional wrestling after watching him compete at a GCW event.
Wrestler Arik Cannon subsequently criticized Avery on Twitter/X, claiming he avoided helping with work surrounding the show. AJ Styles responded strongly in defense of his son, saying Cannon “sounds a jealous douche.”
Cannon later continued the discussion by posting photographs of Cody Rhodes and WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart helping clean up after wrestling events, seemingly using them as examples of established names who were still willing to help with less glamorous jobs.
That prompted Rhodes himself to respond. “Arik my friend no shade intended, but my outlook… Avery is 19.”
Rhodes argued that Avery’s circumstances are different because of the sacrifices his family already made while AJ Styles was building his wrestling career. “His Father was paying dues and making sacrifices throughout that young man’s youth that some people may never understand.”
According to Rhodes, being part of the family supporting a wrestler through years of travel and sacrifice represents its own contribution to the business. “When you’re the family holding down the fort.”
Rhodes then summarized his position with a direct defense of Avery. “To simplify… he already set up the fn’ chairs.”
Avery has been beginning his own journey in professional wrestling at 19 years old, with his father publicly supporting his ambitions while established names including Natalya and now Rhodes have defended his approach to entering the business.
— Arik Cannon (@arikcannon) August 10, 2026
