Cody Rhodes Bio
Early Life and Background
Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes was born on June 30, 1985, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is the son of legendary professional wrestler Dusty Rhodes and Michelle Rubio. Growing up in a wrestling family, Cody was exposed to the sport from an early age, which greatly influenced his career path. He has a sister named Teil and a half-brother, Dustin Rhodes, who is also a professional wrestler. Cody’s upbringing included a strong emphasis on wrestling, as he won two Georgia state high school championships in amateur wrestling during his teenage years.
Rhodes attended Lassiter High School in Marietta, Georgia, where he excelled in wrestling. He initially planned to pursue collegiate wrestling at Penn State University but ultimately decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a professional wrestler. After high school, he moved to Los Angeles to study acting for a year, further honing his performance skills.
Path to WWE
Cody began his wrestling training at the age of 12, primarily under the guidance of his father. He later trained with notable figures such as Al Snow, Danny Davis, Randy Orton, and Ricky Morton. In 2006, he debuted in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), WWE’s developmental territory, where he quickly made a name for himself by winning multiple championships, including the OVW Television Championship and the OVW Heavyweight Championship.
Cody made his main roster debut on July 2, 2007, on WWE Raw, where he appeared alongside his father. His early years in WWE saw him adopt various personas, including the tag team partner of Hardcore Holly and later as part of the faction known as The Legacy alongside Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase. These experiences laid the foundation for his future success in the wrestling industry.
Cody Rhodes Career
Early Career (2006–2016)
Cody’s early career in WWE was marked by significant achievements. He won his first championship, the World Tag Team Championship, alongside Hardcore Holly. Over the years, he captured multiple tag team titles and the Intercontinental Championship, showcasing his versatility as a performer. His character evolved through various gimmicks, including the melodramatic Stardust, which was a nod to his family’s wrestling legacy.
Despite his success, Cody felt restricted creatively and left WWE in 2016. He spent the next few years wrestling on the independent circuit and in promotions such as New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and Ring of Honor (ROH), where he won the ROH World Championship and the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at the historic All In event.
WWE Return and Breakthrough (2022–Present)
Cody made a triumphant return to WWE on April 2, 2022, at WrestleMania 38, where he faced Seth Rollins and emerged victorious. His return was marked by a renewed focus on winning the WWE Championship, a title his father never held. In 2023, he won the Royal Rumble match, solidifying his status as a top contender.
In 2024, Cody achieved a significant milestone by winning the Undisputed WWE Championship, marking his first world title in WWE. He has since defended the title successfully against various challengers, including a notable victory over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL. His journey has been characterized by resilience and a commitment to honoring his family’s legacy in professional wrestling.
Professional Wrestler Style and Strengths
Cody Rhodes is known for his technical wrestling skills and ability to connect with the audience through compelling storytelling. His diverse range of wrestling styles allows him to adapt to various opponents, making him a formidable competitor in the ring. His strategic approach to matches, combined with his charisma, has made him a fan favorite.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Cody’s career is highlighted by several significant achievements, including being a two-time WWE Champion, a three-time TNT Champion in AEW, and a Triple Crown Champion in WWE. His victory at All In and subsequent success in AEW helped reshape the wrestling landscape, leading to the establishment of a viable alternative to WWE.
Cody Rhodes Career Wins
Cody Rhodes has amassed numerous championships and accolades throughout his wrestling career, including titles in WWE, AEW, ROH, and NJPW. His ability to adapt and evolve as a performer has resulted in a rich legacy in professional wrestling.
Current WWE Series Highlights
As of 2025, Cody has solidified his position as a top star in WWE, with a total of two WWE Championship reigns. His most recent victory at WrestleMania XL marked a significant moment in his career, as he captured the Undisputed WWE Championship, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Previous Wrestling Series Achievements
Before returning to WWE, Cody achieved considerable success in AEW, where he became the inaugural TNT Champion and won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at All In. His contributions to the independent circuit and various promotions have established him as one of the most versatile and respected wrestlers in the industry.
Cody Rhodes Family
Family Background and Wrestling Lineage
Cody comes from a prominent wrestling family, with his father, Dusty Rhodes, being a legendary figure in the industry. He has a half-brother, Dustin Rhodes, who is also a well-known wrestler. This lineage has played a crucial role in shaping Cody’s career and passion for wrestling.
Personal Life
Cody is married to Brandi Rhodes, a former wrestler and ring announcer. The couple has two daughters together. Outside of wrestling, Cody is known for his interests in gaming and comic books, often incorporating elements from these passions into his wrestling persona.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a pivotal year for Cody Rhodes as he continues to establish himself as a top contender in WWE. His recent victories have solidified his status, and he remains a key player in major storylines, including a significant feud with Seth Rollins. As he prepares for upcoming events, Cody’s momentum is strong, and he is poised to defend his championship against formidable challengers. With the support of his fans and his family’s legacy behind him, Cody Rhodes is set for a remarkable year ahead.
