When WWE star and AEW co-founder Cody Rhodes reflected on the groundbreaking 2018 All In event, one surprising backstage story stood out: the unexpected presence of Grammy-winning musician John Mayer. On the recent episode of his What Do You Wanna Talk About? podcast, Rhodes revealed that he initially believed Mayer’s interest in attending the show was a practical joke — or a “rib” — common within wrestling circles[2][5].

Cody explained the unusual situation began with an email he received at 3 a.m. from Mayer’s manager. The message requested tickets for a bachelor party seeking to attend All In, which had sold out completely, even beyond fire code capacity. Rhodes was skeptical at first, assuming the request was a wrestling prank. However, by 9 a.m., he was met unexpectedly by staff at his hotel who urgently asked whether he had denied John Mayer’s tickets. Only then did Rhodes realize the music superstar was seriously coming to the show[1][2].

“At that point, I just thought it was a rib, a good wrestling rib,” Rhodes admitted. “Apparently, there was a bachelor party, and we set him in the middle of the aisle.” This unconventional seating choice gave Mayer and his guests some privacy but also created a memorable spectacle since no one could pass him without obstruction. Rhodes recounted seeing Mayer seated directly in the aisle as he wrestled SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, making the moment impossible to miss[1][2].

This anecdote underscores just how All In, an independently organized event that paved the way for AEW’s formation, was an unprecedented fusion of wrestling and mainstream culture. Celebrities attending wrestling events are no longer rare, especially in WWE, where big names like Logan Paul and Travis Scott have been involved. Yet, AEW’s first major show unexpectedly drew in Mayer — a figure traditionally outside the wrestling world and rooted in music and pop culture. According to Rhodes, Mayer was also friendly and approachable, even taking photos with fans after the event[2].

The significance of Mayer’s attendance goes beyond mere star power. The original All In, held in 2018, was a crucial turning point for professional wrestling, demonstrating the thirst for an alternative promotion and live wrestling experiences outside WWE’s monopoly. Cody Rhodes, the architect behind both All In and AEW, noted how such moments helped spark the momentum that fueled AEW’s official launch the following year[1][5].

Brandi Rhodes, Cody’s then-wife and former AEW executive, also shared her disbelief about Mayer’s presence on the same podcast episode. She admitted it was hard to believe such a high-profile musician was attending a non-WWE, independent wrestling show, highlighting the surreal nature of the moment for those involved behind the scenes[2].

According to sources close to Cody Rhodes, the backstage atmosphere at All In was electric, with many in the industry unsure if Mayer’s arrival was genuine until he was physically spotted. The security and production team quickly adapted, realizing they needed to accommodate the bachelor party without disrupting the event or compromising fire safety, resulting in Mayer’s aisle seat[3][4].

John Mayer’s visit is just one example of how All In transcended traditional wrestling boundaries by attracting diverse audiences and industry movers. The success and innovation demonstrated in that event eventually challenged WWE’s dominance, leading to AEW’s rise as a major wrestling promotion with a distinct identity.

WWE.com and Fightful sources both affirm that Cody Rhodes continues to cherish the memory, describing Mayer’s attendance as “a really fun get,” a moment that elevated All In’s buzz and cultural resonance[1][2]. As Cody Rhodes now resides back in WWE after his AEW tenure, this story remains a nostalgic highlight of his career and a testament to pro wrestling’s expanding allure to celebrities beyond the usual spheres.

In recent interviews, Rhodes has credited All In’s success—and surprising moments like Mayer’s attendance—for helping prove that wrestling fans want innovation and fresh presentation. These factors factor into why WWE continues to monitor AEW’s progress and celebrity engagement closely, ensuring its own brand appeal remains competitive[2][5].

Key Takeaways:

• Cody Rhodes initially thought John Mayer’s request to attend the sold-out All In event was a prank, common in wrestling backstage culture[1][2].

• Mayer attended with a bachelor party and was seated mid-aisle, an unusual but effective arrangement for privacy and crowd management[1][3].

• Mayer’s attendance showcased how pro wrestling events outside WWE could attract mainstream cultural icons, paving the way for AEW’s creation[1][5].

• Brandi Rhodes expressed surprise and delight at Mayer being part of the All In audience, highlighting the event’s unique celebrity crossover[2].

• The story emphasizes wrestling’s increasing celebrity involvement across promotions, shifting the industry’s mainstream visibility[2][5].

This fascinating behind-the-scenes snapshot enriches the narrative around All In, showing how wrestling’s evolving relationship with celebrity culture continues to impact both AEW and WWE storylines today. According to insiders, moments like John Mayer’s surprise attendance will be remembered among the pivotal events that helped reshape professional wrestling’s landscape for years to come[2][3].

Reported by WWE journalist, based on Cody Rhodes’ podcast, Fightful interviews, Wrestling Inc., and reputable backstage sources as of September 14, 2025.