Cody Rhodes has entered the fray surrounding AJ Styles’ son, Avery Styles, and independent wrestler Arik Cannon.
The controversy kicked off over the weekend when Cannon called out Avery for not helping set up chairs at a recent GCW event. AJ Styles fired back, noting his 19-year-old son was booked to wrestle at the show — not working as ring crew.
Cannon doubled down, posting photos on social media of Rhodes and WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart pitching in on ring-related duties at indie shows despite their standing in the business — including one shot of Rhodes sweeping the ring.
That prompted Rhodes to weigh in directly.
“Arik my friend no shade intended, but my outlook,” he wrote. “Avery is 19. His Father was paying dues and making sacrifices throughout that young man’s youth that some people may never understand.”
Rhodes continued, “When you’re the family holding down the fort. To simplify…he already set up the fn’ chairs.”
Arik my friend no shade intended, but my outlook…
Avery is 19. His Father was paying dues and making sacrifices throughout that young man’s youth that some people may never understand. When you’re the family holding down the fort.
To simplify…he already set up the fn’ chairs https://t.co/SEMIN4h3E5
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) August 11, 2026
