Cody Rhodes Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Cody Rhodes

Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes (born June 30, 1985), widely known by his ring name Cody Rhodes, is an acclaimed American professional wrestler and actor. As of August 2025, he is prominently signed to WWE, performing on the SmackDown brand, where he holds the prestigious title of Undisputed WWE Champion in his second reign and is the incumbent King of the Ring. Renowned as “The American Nightmare,” Rhodes has cultivated a career characterized by resilience, innovative self-reinvention, and a deep connection to his family’s wrestling legacy. He is particularly celebrated for his pivotal role as a co-founder and former executive vice president of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) from 2019 to 2022, a period that significantly impacted the professional wrestling landscape, before making a high-profile return to WWE in 2022.

Cody Rhodes Overview

Early Life and Education of Cody Rhodes

Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes was born on June 30, 1985, in Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.. Some sources also list Marietta, Georgia, U.S. as his birthplace. He is the son of the legendary professional wrestler Virgil Runnels Jr., famously known as “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, and Michelle Rubio. Growing up, Cody was immersed in the world of professional wrestling, with his father being a WWE Hall of Famer and his paternal half-brother, Dustin Rhodes (Goldust), also a notable figure in the industry. He also has a sister named Teil and a paternal half-sister named Kristin, a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. His maternal grandfather was of Cuban descent.

Rhodes spent his childhood in Georgia and attended Lassiter High School in Marietta. During his high school years, he pursued amateur wrestling with significant success. He placed sixth in the 171 lb (78 kg) division as a sophomore. He then went on to win the Georgia state tournament at 189 lb (86 kg) in both his junior year (2003) and senior year (2004), showcasing his athletic prowess from an early age. Despite initially planning to wrestle collegiately at Penn State University, Rhodes ultimately chose to follow in his family’s footsteps and pursue a career in professional wrestling. During his time in high school, he also gained early exposure to the business by acting as a referee in his father’s Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling promotion, providing him with valuable insight into match construction and progression.

Cody Rhodes’ Career

Cody Rhodes’ professional wrestling career officially began in 2006, after being trained by notable figures such as Al Snow, Danny Davis, Randy Orton, and Ricky Morton. He made his debut in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), then a developmental territory for WWE, under his birth name, Cody Runnels. In OVW, he quickly accumulated championships, including the OVW Television Championship, the OVW Heavyweight Championship, and twice the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship, the latter alongside Shawn Spears.

In 2007, Rhodes signed with WWE and began performing under the “Rhodes” surname. His initial WWE run saw him capture multiple championships, including two Intercontinental Championships and six Tag Team Championships with various partners. Early in his main roster career, he teamed with Hardcore Holly, winning a World Tag Team Championship in 2007. He later became a member of “The Legacy” stable alongside Ted DiBiase Jr. and Randy Orton from 2008 to 2010. This period saw him evolve, eventually leading to his “Dashing” Cody Rhodes persona and later the “Undashing” character, where he wore a protective mask after a storyline injury, which he credits as his second most successful work as a pro wrestler.

A significant shift in his career came with the “Stardust” character, a melodramatic, face-painted persona similar to his half-brother Goldust, which he debuted in 2014. While this gimmick brought him more tag team success, it ultimately led to creative frustration for Rhodes, who felt it limited his potential as a main event talent. This dissatisfaction culminated in his departure from WWE in May 2016, a surprising move given his family’s long history with the company.

Following his WWE exit, Rhodes embarked on a highly successful independent circuit run, dubbing it his “List” of opponents and promotions he intended to work with. He competed for various promotions globally, including Ring of Honor (ROH), New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)/Impact Wrestling, and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). During this period, he captured the ROH World Championship, the NWA World Heavyweight Championship (a title his father famously held), and the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship, demonstrating his ability to thrive outside WWE. He also notably became a prominent member of the Bullet Club faction in NJPW.

A pivotal moment in modern wrestling history was Rhodes’ co-promotion of the “All In” independent pay-per-view event in 2018 alongside The Young Bucks. Its overwhelming success directly led to the formation of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019, where Rhodes served as an executive vice president and a top in-ring performer. In AEW, he became the inaugural and a three-time TNT Champion. However, in February 2022, Rhodes, along with his wife Brandi, shocked the wrestling world by departing AEW. Rhodes later indicated his departure stemmed from feeling “disrespected” within the company he helped build, citing creative differences and a desire to evolve beyond the “American Nightmare” character’s limitations within AEW.

The “American Nightmare” made a sensational return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022 as a surprise opponent for Seth “Freakin” Rollins. This marked the beginning of a new chapter, driven by his stated mission to “finish the story” by winning the WWE Championship, a title his father never held. His rivalry with Rollins included a legendary Hell in a Cell match where he competed with a torn pectoral muscle, solidifying his reputation for toughness. Rhodes achieved back-to-back Royal Rumble victories in 2023 and 2024, joining an elite group of WWE legends. At WrestleMania XL in 2024, he achieved his ultimate goal, defeating Roman Reigns to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship, thereby “finishing his story” and honoring his father’s legacy. As of August 2025, he continues to perform on the SmackDown brand, is the current Undisputed WWE Champion in his second reign, and is the incumbent King of the Ring.

Cody Rhodes Personal Life & Family

Cody Rhodes was born into a prominent wrestling family. His father was the legendary “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, a WWE Hall of Famer who passed away in 2015. His paternal half-brother is Dustin Runnels, known to wrestling fans as Goldust (now Dustin Rhodes in AEW). He also has a sister, Teil, and a half-sister, Kristin, who was a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. Rhodes is also the nephew of professional wrestlers Jerry Sags and Fred Ottman (Tugboat/Typhoon), and the godson of Magnum T.A.

In September 2013, Cody Rhodes married Brandi Reed, a former WWE ring announcer and wrestler. Brandi Rhodes has been an integral part of Cody’s career, accompanying him to the ring and working alongside him in various wrestling promotions, including AEW, where she served as Chief Brand Officer. The couple welcomed their daughter, Liberty Iris Runnels, in June 2021.

The Rhodes family resides in Chavel, Florida, where they have lived since 2018. Their home, reportedly valued around $500,000, was featured on the reality show “Rhodes to the Top.” Cody is known to be a car enthusiast, with a collection that includes high-end vehicles such as a Lamborghini Urus, a Mercedes G-Wagon, a Porsche Panamera, a Hummer EV, and a Rolls-Royce Phantom. Beyond his wrestling persona, Cody Rhodes is a private individual but has shared insights into his personal life through interviews and reality television. He embodies a strong work ethic and a deep respect for the wrestling tradition instilled by his father.

Awards and Achievements of Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes has garnered a significant number of championships and accolades throughout his distinguished career, reflecting his versatility and enduring impact in professional wrestling.

Amateur Wrestling

• Georgia State High School Champion (189 lb division) – 2003, 2004
• Sixth place, 171 lb division – 2002

Professional Wrestling (Selected)

Cody Rhodes Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Cody Rhodes’ net worth is estimated to be around $8 million. His financial success is attributed to his lucrative wrestling contracts, significant endorsement deals, and various entrepreneurial ventures.

Rhodes currently earns an annual salary of approximately $3 million from his WWE contract, a figure that places him among the top five highest-paid wrestlers in the company. This substantial salary reflects his status as a top babyface and Undisputed WWE Champion. He signed a multi-year contract extension with WWE in March 2024, which will see him continue wrestling beyond his 40th birthday.

Beyond his in-ring earnings, Cody Rhodes has diversified his income streams. He receives significant revenue from merchandise sales related to his “American Nightmare” brand, with royalties from official WWE shop merchandise. He also boasts lucrative endorsement deals with major brands, including Fanatics, Mattel Creations, PRIME Hydration, Wheatley American Vodka, and Real Sports Apparel.

Additionally, Rhodes is a co-owner and coach at the Nightmare Factory, a professional wrestling school located in Atlanta, Georgia, which serves as both a business venture and a talent pipeline for the industry. He also manages the “Nightmare Family” YouTube channel, further engaging with fans and showcasing wrestling talent, which contributes to his overall income. His appearances in WWE video games, films, and TV shows like “Arrow” and “Go Big Show” also add to his earnings.

Legacy and Influence

Cody Rhodes has cultivated a significant legacy and influence within the professional wrestling industry, transcending the traditional role of a performer. His impact is multifaceted, defined by his relentless pursuit of personal and professional goals, his role in shaping a new wrestling landscape, and his enduring connection with fans.

As the son of the revered Dusty Rhodes, Cody carries the torch of one of wrestling’s most iconic families, but he has carved out his own distinct path. His “American Nightmare” persona, symbolizing the pursuit of an elusive dream against all odds, resonates deeply with audiences, embodying themes of resilience and perseverance. His journey to “finish the story” by winning the WWE Championship, a title his father never held, became one of the most compelling narratives in modern professional wrestling, culminating in a highly emotional and celebrated victory at WrestleMania XL.

Beyond his in-ring achievements, Rhodes’ most profound influence stems from his role as a co-founder and executive vice president of All Elite Wrestling (AEW). By helping establish a credible mainstream alternative to WWE, he played a crucial part in revitalizing the industry, fostering an environment where wrestlers had more creative freedom and fans had more choices. This move was a significant “bet on himself” that inspired many in the wrestling community. His departure from AEW and subsequent return to WWE further highlighted his independence and commitment to his personal vision, demonstrating that a wrestler could thrive and dictate their career trajectory outside established norms.

Rhodes is also known for his polished presentation, articulate promos, and ability to connect emotionally with audiences, often blurring the lines between his real-life experiences and his on-screen character. His public image is generally positive, portraying him as a dedicated family man, a passionate performer, and a savvy businessman through ventures like the Nightmare Factory wrestling school. His impact extends to social contributions through his school, training aspiring wrestlers and providing a platform for future talent.

Interesting Facts about Cody Rhodes

• Childhood Referee: As a teenager, Cody Rhodes worked as a referee for his father’s Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling promotion, gaining early insight into the wrestling business.
• Acting Aspirations: Before fully committing to professional wrestling, Rhodes studied acting for a year in the mid-2000s at the Howard Fine Acting School in Los Angeles. He has since appeared in TV shows like “Arrow” and films such as “The Jetsons & WWE: Robo-WrestleMania.”
• Amateur Wrestling Success: He was a two-time Georgia state high school wrestling champion in the 189 lb division.
• ”Undashing” Persona: His “Undashing” Cody Rhodes character, where he wore a clear protective mask after a storyline broken nose, is considered by him as his second most successful work in wrestling.
• ”Cosmic Key” Quest: During his “Stardust” persona, he and Goldust often spoke cryptically about acquiring “The Cosmic Key,” which was their name for the WWE Tag Team Championships.
• Family Legacy Tattoo: Cody has a prominent tattoo of his family’s “Nightmare Family” logo, a tribute to his father and their wrestling heritage.
• Back-to-Back Royal Rumbles: Rhodes is one of the few WWE Superstars to win the Royal Rumble match in consecutive years (2023 and 2024).
• Meeting his Wife: Cody met his wife, Brandi Reed, when they were both working for WWE in 2011.
• Car Collector: He is an avid car collector, owning several luxury vehicles.
• ”Go Big Show” Judge: Rhodes served as a judge on the reality competition series “Go Big Show.”

Controversies

Throughout his career, Cody Rhodes has largely maintained a public image focused on his professional endeavors and personal narrative. However, his departure from All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2022 generated significant discussion and has been the closest point of “controversy” in his recent career.

Rhodes, a pivotal figure in AEW’s creation and its Executive Vice President, left the company under circumstances he later described as stemming from feeling “disrespected.” In interviews, he clarified that while there was “respect and love” for AEW, there was “clearly bad blood” over the perceived disrespect. He explained that feeling disrespected in a company he helped build with friends was different from feeling like a “number on a spreadsheet” in an established corporation like WWE. He alluded to creative limitations and not being able to fully execute his vision for “The American Nightmare” character within AEW as contributing factors to his decision.

Rhodes has also stated that the full story behind his AEW departure is a “huge chapter locked behind a wall,” hinting at a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) or similar restrictions preventing him from discussing all details publicly. This has led to speculation among fans and media regarding the exact nature of the disagreements and the parties involved. Despite the lingering questions, Rhodes has consistently framed his decision as a strategic move to “bet on himself” and further his “story” in professional wrestling.

Social Media Presence

Cody Rhodes maintains an active and substantial presence across various social media platforms, utilizing them to connect with his fanbase, promote his brand, and share aspects of his professional and personal life.

• Instagram: His official Instagram account, @americannightmarecody, has approximately 998,004 followers as of late 2024/early 2025. This platform serves as a primary visual outlet for sharing behind-the-scenes content, family moments, and career updates.
• X (formerly Twitter): Cody Rhodes is active on X. While exact up-to-the-minute follower counts vary, he commands a significant following, engaging in direct communication with fans and promoting WWE programming.
• YouTube: He operates a YouTube channel titled “Nightmare Family,” which had 153,000 subscribers as of February 2025. This channel showcases various content, including glimpses into his wrestling school, “The Nightmare Factory,” and other aspects of his brand.

His strong social media engagement underscores his popularity and his strategic approach to brand building in the modern era of sports entertainment.

Final Words about Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes stands as a compelling figure in contemporary professional wrestling, a testament to ambition, resilience, and a deep-seated commitment to storytelling. His journey, marked by both triumphs and calculated risks, has solidified his status as one of the industry’s most influential personalities. As of August 2025, Rhodes is at the pinnacle of his career in WWE, holding the Undisputed WWE Championship and the King of the Ring title, fulfilling the long-held dream of “finishing his story” by capturing the top prize that eluded his legendary father.

His legacy extends beyond championships, encompassing his instrumental role in co-founding All Elite Wrestling and subsequently choosing to return to WWE, a decision that reshaped the wrestling landscape and highlighted his unwavering self-belief. Rhodes continues to captivate audiences with his powerful promos, impeccable in-ring work, and genuine emotional connection. His future plans within WWE likely involve further solidifying his championship reign and continuing to evolve “The American Nightmare” persona, potentially engaging in new high-profile rivalries and main eventing more major shows. Outside the ring, his ventures with the Nightmare Factory and various endorsements ensure his influence remains broad, underscoring his position as both a wrestling icon and a successful entrepreneur. Cody Rhodes is not merely a wrestler but a storyteller who has masterfully crafted his own narrative, continuing to inspire fans with his relentless pursuit of greatness.