Cody Rhodes – Full Biography, WWE Career, and 2025 Update
Cody Rhodes, born Cody Garrett Runnels on June 30, 1985, in Marietta, Georgia, is one of professional wrestling’s most recognizable figures. The son of Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, he has carved his own path as a top-tier performer in WWE, a co-founder of All Elite Wrestling, and a rising actor in Hollywood. At 39 years old, standing between 6’1″ and 6’2″ and weighing around 222 lbs, he currently holds the Undisputed WWE Championship, a title he won at WrestleMania XL in April 2024.
His journey from a two-time Georgia state champion in amateur wrestling to the face of WWE is marked by reinvention. After leaving WWE in 2016, Rhodes helped build AEW from the ground up, served as an Executive Vice President, and returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in 2022 to a thunderous reception. His estimated net worth of $8 million as of 2025 reflects not only his wrestling success but also his expanding media presence.
Who is Cody Rhodes? – Age, Family, and Early Life
| Full Name | Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes |
| Born | June 30, 1985 (age 39 in 2025) |
| Spouse | Eden Stiles (m. 2013) |
| Notable For | WWE Superstar, AEW Executive, Actor |
- Cody Rhodes is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, making him a second-generation wrestler.
- He is currently the Undisputed WWE Champion as of 2024–2025.
- His eye injury and a torn pectoral muscle are defining physical traits often discussed by fans.
- He has transitioned successfully between WWE, the independent circuit, AEW, and back to WWE.
- Cody Rhodes is also pursuing acting, with roles in upcoming films like The Naked Gun (2025) and Street Fighter (2026).
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Cody Garrett Runnels |
| Ring Name | Cody Rhodes |
| Date of Birth | June 30, 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Marietta, Georgia, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| Spouse | Eden Stiles (m. 2013) |
| Children | Two children |
| WWE Debut | 2006 |
| Current Status | Active WWE Superstar (2025) |
Cody Rhodes age and birth details
Born on June 30, 1985, Cody Rhodes is 39 years old as of 2025. He was raised in Marietta, Georgia, where he attended high school and developed his skills in amateur wrestling. His birth name, Cody Garrett Runnels, reflects his family’s deep roots in the wrestling business.
Cody Rhodes early life and family background
Cody is the son of Virgil Runnels Jr., known to the world as Dusty Rhodes, and the half-brother of Dustin Runnels, who performed as Goldust. Growing up in a wrestling household gave him early exposure to the industry. He became a two-time Georgia state champion in amateur wrestling before entering WWE’s developmental system at Ohio Valley Wrestling in May 2006.
Cody Rhodes children: Does he have kids?
Cody Rhodes and his wife Brandi have two children together. The couple also owns a Siberian Husky named Pharaoh, who has appeared alongside Cody on television.
Cody Rhodes Wife and Personal Life
Who is Cody Rhodes married to?
Cody Rhodes married Brandi Reed, known in WWE as Eden Stiles, on September 12, 2013. Brandi is a former WWE NXT wrestler and ring announcer. The couple has been together for over a decade and regularly shares glimpses of their family life on social media.
Cody Rhodes relationship timeline
Cody and Brandi met through the wrestling industry and built a partnership that extends beyond marriage. Brandi worked alongside Cody during his time in AEW, where she also served as an on-air personality and Chief Brand Officer. Their relationship has remained a steady presence throughout the ups and downs of his career, from his WWE release in 2016 to his triumphant return in 2022.
Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes have been married since September 12, 2013. They have two children and a Siberian Husky named Pharaoh. Brandi, a former WWE ring announcer and wrestler, has been a constant support throughout his career transitions.
Cody Rhodes WWE Career and Theme Song
Cody Rhodes WWE career highlights
Cody Rhodes debuted on the WWE main roster on July 2, 2007. During his first run from 2007 to 2016, he captured 2 Intercontinental Championships and 6 Tag Team Championships, including 4 Raw Tag Team titles. He was a key member of The Legacy alongside Ted DiBiase Jr. and later transformed into the memorable Stardust character.
His return at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022 marked a turning point. He faced Seth “Freakin” Rollins in a highly acclaimed match, aiming to win the WWE Championship his father never held. Despite suffering a legitimate pectoral muscle tear before his Hell in a Cell match with Rollins later that year, he continued competing and cemented his status as a top star.
As of 2025, Cody Rhodes holds the Undisputed WWE Championship, which he won at WrestleMania XL in April 2024 by defeating Roman Reigns. He is also a two-time Royal Rumble winner (2023 and 2024), the 2024 Crown Jewel Champion, the 2025 Royal Rumble winner, and the 2025 King of the Ring. In 2025, he successfully defended his title against Drew McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza.
What is Cody Rhodes theme song?
Cody Rhodes has used several theme songs throughout his career, reflecting his evolving character. His current entrance music, associated with his “American Nightmare” persona, is a dramatic, cinematic track that underscores his status as a top-tier performer. Earlier themes accompanied his runs as “Dashing” Cody Rhodes and Stardust.
Cody Rhodes is one of the few wrestlers to win the Royal Rumble in consecutive years (2023 and 2024). He joined an elite club of back-to-back winners, a feat that highlights his dominance in WWE’s modern era. He also won the Royal Rumble in 2025, defeating Kevin Owens.
Cody Rhodes’ return to WWE in 2022
After departing AEW on February 15, 2022, citing personal issues and contract disputes, Cody Rhodes made a surprise return to WWE at WrestleMania 38. The moment was one of the most electrifying in recent memory, as he faced Seth Rollins in a match widely praised for its intensity and storytelling. His return marked the beginning of his ascent to the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Cody Rhodes Movies and the Story Behind His Eye
Cody Rhodes filmography and upcoming projects
Cody Rhodes is expanding into Hollywood with several acting roles. He appears in the 2025 comedy The Naked Gun as a bartender. More notably, he has been cast as Guile in the upcoming Street Fighter film, set for release in 2026. These projects mark a significant step into mainstream media for the wrestler.
Why does Cody Rhodes have a scar on his eye?
The scar near Cody Rhodes’ eye is a result of a match-related injury. The exact details vary depending on the source, but the official story traces it to a match in 2013. The scar has become a distinctive part of his look and is frequently discussed by fans.
Cody Rhodes eye injury explained
The injury that caused the scar occurred during a televised match. While the precise mechanism is not universally documented with complete clarity, it is established that the wound required medical attention and left a permanent mark. Rhodes has never shied away from the topic, and the scar remains a visible part of his “American Nightmare” persona.
In addition to his facial scar, Cody Rhodes suffered a legitimate torn pectoral muscle before his Hell in a Cell match with Seth Rollins in 2022. He underwent surgery and returned to competition after recovery. Both injuries are well documented by WWE and medical sources.
How Did Cody Rhodes’ Career Progress from 2006 to 2025?
- – WWE debut as Cody Rhodes
- – Tag team with Hardcore Holly, then with Ted DiBiase Jr. as part of The Legacy
- – Intercontinental Champion (2 times)
- – Various gimmicks including “Dashing” Cody Rhodes and the “Undashing” masked persona
- – Stardust character
- – WWE release
- – Independent circuit, Ring of Honor, New Japan Pro-Wrestling
- – AEW Executive Vice President and top star
- – Return to WWE at WrestleMania 38
- – Wins Royal Rumble, challenges for Universal Championship
- – Wins Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 40
What Facts About Cody Rhodes Are Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Cody Rhodes has two children with his wife Brandi. | The exact cause and match details of his eye scar are not documented with full clinical precision. |
| He is currently under contract with WWE and is the Undisputed WWE Champion. | His future plans regarding a full transition to acting remain speculative. |
| He co-founded AEW and served as Executive Vice President until February 2022. | Rumors about a potential return to AEW are unsubstantiated and have no basis in official statements. |
Why Is Cody Rhodes an Important Figure in Professional Wrestling?
Cody Rhodes carries the legacy of his father, Dusty Rhodes, one of the most beloved figures in wrestling history. That weight has shaped his career, but Cody has built his own identity through constant reinvention. From his early days in The Legacy to the bizarre Stardust gimmick, and from his executive role in AEW to his current run as the Undisputed WWE Champion, he has proven an ability to adapt and thrive.
His role in the creation of All Elite Wrestling in 2018 was pivotal. As an Executive Vice President, talent, and producer, he helped launch a major competitor to WWE, reshaping the landscape of professional wrestling. His departure from AEW in 2022 and subsequent return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 created one of the most memorable moments in modern wrestling history.
Cody’s crossover into mainstream media through acting roles in The Naked Gun and Street Fighter signals a broader ambition. Whether fans know him as “The American Nightmare” or simply as the son of a plumber who dreamed big, his impact on the industry is undeniable.
Where Does Reliable Information About Cody Rhodes Come From?
“I want to be the guy that changes the business.” – Cody Rhodes, ESPN interview
ESPN
“The son of a plumber… I’m the American Nightmare.” – Cody Rhodes promo
WWE television
Verified information about Cody Rhodes can be found through his official WWE profile, his Wikipedia entry, and his IMDb page for acting credits. He is active on Instagram and X (Twitter), where he shares personal updates. Interviews on ESPN and Sports Illustrated provide additional context. His net worth has been reported by Sports Illustrated, and his career milestones are documented by ESPN and WWE’s official YouTube channel.
What Is the Full Story of Cody Rhodes?
Cody Rhodes is a second-generation wrestler who rose from amateur wrestling success in Georgia to become the Undisputed WWE Champion. He co-founded AEW, reinvented himself as “The American Nightmare,” and returned to WWE in 2022 to capture the championship his father never held. Along the way, he has built a family with his wife Brandi, pursued acting roles in Hollywood, and cemented his place as one of the most versatile and determined figures in the industry. His story is one of reinvention, resilience, and a relentless drive to shape his own legacy as the Undisputed WWE Champion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cody Rhodes
What is Cody Rhodes’ real name?
His real name is Cody Garrett Runnels. He performs under the ring name Cody Rhodes.
How tall is Cody Rhodes?
Cody Rhodes stands between 6’1″ (1.85 m) and 6’2″ (1.88 m), depending on the source.
Does Cody Rhodes have any siblings?
He has a half-brother, Dustin Runnels, known as Goldust. Both are sons of Dusty Rhodes.
What is Cody Rhodes’ net worth?
His estimated net worth is $8 million as of 2025, according to Sports Illustrated.
Why did Cody Rhodes leave WWE in 2016?
He was released from WWE in 2016. He then worked on the independent circuit, in Ring of Honor, and in New Japan Pro-Wrestling before co-founding AEW.
What is the Stardust character?
Stardust was a gimmick Cody Rhodes performed from 2014 to 2015, featuring a cosmic, comic book-inspired persona with face paint and eccentric mannerisms.
Is Cody Rhodes still in AEW?
No. He left AEW on February 15, 2022, and returned to WWE the following month at WrestleMania 38.
What is Cody Rhodes’ finish move?
His finisher is the Cross Rhodes, a swinging reverse STO, sometimes preceded by a disaster kick.
How many times has Cody Rhodes been world champion?
He is a multi-time world champion, currently holding the Undisputed WWE Championship, which he won at WrestleMania XL in April 2024.
What is the meaning of “The American Nightmare”?
“The American Nightmare” is Cody Rhodes’ current persona, a play on his father’s “American Dream” nickname. It represents his own identity and approach to wrestling.
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