In a surprising backstage revelation, WWE star and former AEW executive Cody Rhodes recently disclosed that when Grammy-winning musician John Mayer’s team requested tickets to the historic All In event in 2018, Rhodes initially believed it was a prank. The All In pay-per-view, featuring the independent wrestling talents that would soon launch AEW as WWE’s top rival, was already sold out to fire-code limits, making Mayer’s interest an unexpected surprise.

On a recent episode of his podcast What Do You Wanna Talk About?, Rhodes explained how he received an unusual late-night email at 3 a.m. from John Mayer’s manager. The request was for a bachelor party group to attend All In, which was rapidly becoming one of the hottest wrestling events outside WWE. “At that point, I just thought it was a rib. A good wrestling rib,” Rhodes admitted to Fightful and WWE.com[1][2][3]. A “rib” in wrestling terms means a prank or joke, often played among insiders.

However, the next morning dispelled any doubts. Upon leaving his hotel room at 9 a.m., Cody was immediately asked if he had actually denied Mayer’s tickets. “I did not, is John Mayer really coming?” Rhodes recalled asking. To his surprise, not only was Mayer attending, but he and his bachelor party were given prime seats in the middle of the aisle to offer privacy and ease of access — though this created its own unique logistical challenge in case of emergency[2][4].

During the event, as “The American Nightmare” faced off against Nick Aldis, now a WWE SmackDown official, Rhodes caught glimpses of Mayer enjoying the show. The moment was one of the many memorable highlights of the independent card that went on to redefine pro wrestling’s landscape. “That was a really fun get. He took photos afterwards,” Rhodes said, adding that Mayer’s presence added a spike of celebrity attention to the burgeoning movement that would culminate in AEW’s debut months later[1][3][6].

John Mayer, widely known for his soft rock and blues hits as well as his previous relationships with stars like Taylor Swift and Katy Perry, was one of several prominent figures drawn to the original All In event, marking a growing overlap between mainstream entertainment and wrestling fandom. WWE has increasingly featured celebrities like Logan Paul, Jelly Roll, and Travis Scott, but Mayer’s attendance at an independent show marked a new era of cross-industry interest that underscored All In’s breakthrough appeal[1].

Sources close to Cody Rhodes reveal that backstage excitement about Mayer’s attendance was palpable, with wrestlers and organizers acknowledging the unique cachet a Grammy winner brought to an already sold-out venue. A WWE insider noted, “Having John Mayer there was a game-changer — it showed wrestling could attract A-list talent outside the WWE bubble.” Such endorsements helped leverage AEW’s credibility during its formation, with many industry observers agreeing that All In’s success reshaped wrestling’s competitive landscape forever[2][4].

This anecdote also underscores the unpredictability and networking savvy that went into producing All In. From a 3 a.m. email to accommodating a high-profile bachelor party, Rhodes and his team managed to blend wrestling tradition with celebrity intrigue seamlessly. AEW fans and WWE watchers alike continue to reflect on that night as a pivotal moment when wrestling broadened its cultural reach[3][6].

With Cody Rhodes now back in WWE, these insights from the What Do You Wanna Talk About? podcast enrich ongoing conversations about the evolving relationships between wrestling promotions and celebrities. As AEW and WWE continue their competition for viewers and star power, stories like Mayer’s surprise attendance highlight just how intertwined music, pop culture, and wrestling entertainment have become.

In summary, Cody Rhodes’ revelation that he initially thought John Mayer’s interest in the original All In pay-per-view was just a wrestling prank adds a fascinating layer to the storied history of one of wrestling’s most influential independent events. This behind-the-scenes glimpse not only illustrates the event’s cultural significance but also showcases how wrestling continues to attract a diverse array of fans and stars beyond the squared circle.

Sources: WWE.com, Fightful, Wrestling Inc., Vice, Ringside News, and What Do You Wanna Talk About? podcast.