Cody Rhodes, From his high-flying moves to his captivating persona, Rhodes has carved a unique path in the squared circle, captivating audiences worldwide. This article delves into his incredible journey, exploring his rise to prominence, his ventures outside WWE, and his triumphant return as the current Undisputed WWE Champion.
Son of a Legend, Legacy in the Making
Born in 1985, Rhodes’ wrestling lineage is undeniable. He’s the son of the iconic Dusty Rhodes, a WWE Hall of Famer known for his charisma and fighting spirit. Growing up surrounded by the industry, it was no surprise when Cody set his sights on becoming a wrestler himself. He trained under his father and debuted at the age of 19, showcasing his talent and determination.
Early Days in WWE: Building a Reputation (2007-2016)
Rhodes entered WWE in 2007, initially under the name Cody Rhodes. He quickly established himself as a skilled performer, capturing the attention of fans with his in-ring prowess and undeniable charisma. His early years were marked by tag team success alongside his half-brother Dustin, known as Goldust. Together, they captured the World Tag Team Championship and the WWE Tag Team Championship, etching their names in the tag team division’s history.
As a singles competitor, Rhodes displayed his potential, winning the Intercontinental Championship twice. However, he felt creatively stifled and yearned for greater opportunities. This ultimately led to his departure from WWE in 2016, a decision that would pave the way for a defining chapter in his career.
Leaving the Nest: Exploring New Horizons (2016-2019)
Following his WWE exit, Rhodes embarked on a journey of self-discovery, wrestling for various independent promotions. This period allowed him to refine his skills, develop a new persona, and showcase his versatility. He adopted the moniker “The American Nightmare,” a reflection of his ambition and willingness to challenge the status quo.
During this time, Rhodes also dabbled in acting, appearing in shows like Arrow and contributing to the wrestling docu-series “Rhodes to the Top” alongside his wife, Brandi.
The Birth of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Rhodes’ Leadership Role (2019-2022)
In 2019, the wrestling landscape shifted dramatically with the formation of All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Rhodes, along with Matt and Nick Jackson (The Young Bucks), and Kenny Omega, became the founding members and executive vice presidents of this new wrestling company. AEW aimed to provide a platform for talented wrestlers and a fresh alternative to the established giants.
Rhodes emerged as a central figure in AEW. He played a pivotal role in establishing the promotion’s identity, not only in leadership but also as a top-tier wrestler. He became the inaugural AEW TNT Champion, a title he would hold a record-setting three times. His charisma and in-ring storytelling resonated with fans, solidifying his position as a major star in the wrestling world.
A Shocking Return: Rhodes Reenters the WWE Universe (2022-Present)
In a move that surprised fans worldwide, Rhodes returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022. This marked a significant moment, showcasing his willingness to put the past behind him and embrace a new chapter. His return was met with overwhelming support, a testament to his enduring popularity.
Since his return, Rhodes has been on a phenomenal run. He captured the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship alongside Seth “Freakin” Rollins, demonstrating his adaptability. More importantly, he won the 2023 Royal Rumble, earning a shot at the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship held by Roman Reigns.
While he fell short at WrestleMania 39, Rhodes’ tenacity continued to shine. He engaged in a heated rivalry with Brock Lesnar, emerging victorious after a grueling three-match series. This culminated in a show of respect from “The Beast Incarnate” at SummerSlam 2024, a testament to Rhodes’ hard work and dedication.
On the latest episode of Monday Night Raw, the unthinkable happened. Roman Reigns, seemingly invincible for years, was forced to relinquish the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship due to a legitimate injury. A tournament was announced to crown a new champion, and Rhodes emerged victorious, defeating a string of formidable opponents. As of July 2024, Cody Rhodes stands tall as the Undisputed WWE Champion, achieving the pinnacle of success in the company where his journey began.
FAQ’S
Early Life and Family Ties (Who is Cody Rhodes? What’s his real name?)
Real Name: Cody Garrett Runnels (Born June 30, 1985)
Family Legacy: Son of the legendary “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes and half-brother to Dustin Rhodes (Goldust).
Growing up surrounded by wrestling, Cody’s path seemed destined. He trained under the watchful eyes of his father and veterans like Ricky Morton, honing his skills before stepping into the ring in 2006.
WWE: From Legacy to Stardust (What are Cody Rhodes’ accomplishments in WWE?)
Early Days (2006-2010): Cody found initial success in WWE, winning the Tag Team Championships alongside Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase Jr. as part of “The Legacy” stable. He showcased his athleticism and charisma, but struggled to break out as a singles competitor.
Reinvention (2010-2016): He went through various character changes, including the flamboyant “Dashing” Cody Rhodes and the mysterious Stardust (a dark counterpart to Goldust). These periods saw him win the Intercontinental Championship twice.
Departure (2016): Seeking creative freedom, Cody left WWE in 2016, embarking on a journey that would redefine his career.
Beyond WWE: Independent Circuit and AEW (What did Cody Rhodes do after leaving WWE?)
Independent Stardom (2016-2019): Cody thrived outside of WWE, capturing championships in prestigious promotions like Ring of Honor (ROH) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
Founding AEW (2019): He became a founding member and Executive Vice President of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a revolutionary new wrestling company.
The Face of AEW (2019-2022): In AEW, Cody became a central figure. He was the inaugural AEW TNT Champion (holding the title a record three times) and played a pivotal role in establishing AEW as a major wrestling force.
Return to WWE: The Undisputed Champion (When did Cody Rhodes return to WWE?)
Homecoming (2022): In a shocking turn of events, Cody returned to WWE in 2022. He received a thunderous reception from the crowd, signifying his immense popularity.
Championship Glory (2023-Present): His return has been nothing short of triumphant. He defeated Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40, becoming the Undisputed WWE Champion, unifying both the WWE and Universal Championships.
Personal Life (Is Cody Rhodes married? Does he have kids?)
Married Life: Cody is married to Brandi Rhodes, who is also a professional wrestler and AEW’s former Chief Brand Officer.
Family: The couple has a daughter, Liberty Runnels.
Beyond Wrestling (What else has Cody Rhodes done?)
Reality TV: Cody served as a judge on the TBS reality show “Go-Big Show,” showcasing his interest in entertainment beyond wrestling.
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