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In the world of professional wrestling, few names carry as much historical weight as Rhodes. For decades, the “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes captivated millions, but it is his youngest son, Cody Rhodes, who has truly redefined what it means to be a modern-day wrestling icon. Known as “The American Nightmare,” Cody has transformed from a sidelined role player into a global superstar and the face of the largest wrestling promotion on earth.

As of March 2026, Cody Rhodes stands at the pinnacle of the industry. After a career-defining journey that saw him leave the WWE, co-found a rival promotion (AEW), and make a triumphant return, he has finally “finished the story” that eluded his father. Today, he is not just a champion; he is a beacon of perseverance for fans across the globe.

 

Early Life and Background

Cody Rhodes was born into wrestling royalty on June 30, 1985. Growing up in Georgia, he was the son of the legendary “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes and Michelle Rubio. From a young age, Cody was immersed in the business, watching his father and half-brother, Dustin (known as Goldust), perform on the world stage. However, Cody didn’t just want to follow in their footsteps; he wanted to pave his own path.

He is of Cuban descent through his maternal grandfather, a heritage he often speaks of with pride. Cody grew up with a deep sense of family loyalty, often acting as a referee in his father’s promotion, Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling, while still a teenager. This early exposure to the inner workings of the ring gave him a fundamental understanding of storytelling that many wrestlers spend decades trying to master.

 

Education

Cody attended Lassiter High School in Marietta, Georgia, where he excelled as an amateur wrestler. He wasn’t just a participant; he was a standout athlete, winning the Georgia State Tournament at 189 lbs in both 2003 and 2004. His amateur pedigree was so impressive that he planned to wrestle collegiately at Penn State University.

However, the call of the family business was too strong. Despite his potential in the collegiate ranks, Cody chose to bypass university and move straight into professional wrestling training. He began his journey in 2006, heading to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) to learn the craft under the watchful eyes of industry veterans.

 

Career Journey

The Early WWE Years (2006–2016)

Cody made his WWE debut in 2007, quickly aligning himself with Hardcore Holly and later forming the villainous stable “The Legacy” with Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase Jr. During this era, Cody showcased his versatility, winning multiple tag team titles and two Intercontinental Championships. However, his career took a bizarre turn when he adopted the “Stardust” persona—a cosmic, face-painted character inspired by his brother’s Goldust gimmick. Feeling creatively stifled, Cody requested his release from WWE in 2016 to bet on himself.

The Independent Circuit and Founding AEW

Over the next few years, Cody became the face of the “independent revolution.” He traveled the world, competing in Ring of Honor (ROH), New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), and the NWA, where he won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship—the same title his father held. In 2019, Cody took the biggest gamble of his life by co-founding All Elite Wrestling (AEW). As an Executive Vice President and top star, he helped build the first true alternative to WWE in two decades.

The Triumphant Return (2022–Present)

In a shock that rocked the industry, Cody returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in 2022. He declared his intention to win the title his father never could. After back-to-back Royal Rumble victories in 2023 and 2024, Cody finally defeated Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 to become the Undisputed WWE Champion. In 2025, he added “King of the Ring” to his accolades, and as of 2026, he remains the top babyface in the company, currently feuding with the likes of Randy Orton and Jacob Fatu.

Theme Song: “Kingdom”

One cannot discuss Cody Rhodes without mentioning his iconic theme song, “Kingdom” by Downstait. The lyrics—”Wrestling has more than one royal family”—have become an anthem for his career, representing his defiance against the status quo and his pride in the Rhodes legacy.

 

Personal Life and Relationships

Cody’s personal life is as stable as his professional life is high-octane. He married fellow wrestler and announcer Brandi Rhodes (née Reed) in September 2013. The couple has been inseparable, often appearing together on screen in AEW and their reality series, Rhodes to the Top.

Children

Cody and Brandi are the proud parents of two daughters. Their first, Liberty Iris Runnels, was born in 2021. In a surprise announcement that delighted fans, the couple welcomed their second daughter, Leilani Ella Runnels, on August 29, 2025. Cody often mentions that his drive to succeed in 2026 is fueled by his desire to provide for his “three girls” at home.

 

Net Worth and Income

As of 2026, Cody Rhodes net worth is estimated at approximately $8 Million to $10 Million. While he jokes about needing to “make more money” after the birth of his second child, he is currently one of the highest-paid stars in WWE.

Main Sources of Income:

  • WWE Salary: He reportedly earns an annual downside guarantee of over $3 million.
  • Merchandise Sales: Cody is consistently a top-three merchandise seller for WWE, earning significant royalties from “American Nightmare” branded gear.
  • Endorsements: He has major deals with brands like PRIME Hydration, Wheatley American Vodka, and Mattel.
  • Media Appearances: Income from television roles (Arrow, Go-Big Show) and his popular YouTube series, What Do You Wanna Talk About?.

 

Awards and Achievements

  • Undisputed WWE Champion: 3-time champion (Current).
  • WWE King of the Ring: 2025 Winner.
  • Royal Rumble Winner: 2023 and 2024.
  • AEW TNT Champion: Inaugural and 3-time champion.
  • NWA World Heavyweight Champion: 1-time champion.
  • ESPY Award: Best WWE Moment (2022).
  • Georgia State Amateur Wrestling Champion: 2003, 2004.

 

Interesting Facts About Cody Rhodes

  • Cody legally changed his name to include “Rhodes” as a teenager to protect the family legacy.
  • He is a massive fan of The Legend of Zelda and often incorporates the “Triforce” symbol into his wrestling boots.
  • He has a recurring role as Derek Sampson in the DC superhero series Arrow.
  • Cody is the godfather to the legendary Magnum T.A.’s children.
  • He owns a famous Husky named Pharaoh, who has appeared with him on television multiple times.

 

Conclusion

Cody Rhodes is more than just a professional wrestler; he is a storyteller who understands the power of a promise. By leaving the comfort of a steady job to reinvent himself on the independent scene, he proved that he had the heart of a champion long before he held the gold. In 2026, as the Undisputed WWE Champion and a father of two, Cody has not only finished his father’s story, he has written a legendary new chapter of his own.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • How old is Cody Rhodes? Cody is 40 years old as of 2026.
  • What is Cody Rhodes net worth? His net worth is estimated at $8M – $10M.
  • Is Cody Rhodes married? Yes, he has been married to Brandi Rhodes since 2013.
  • Who is Cody Rhode’s father? His father was the late WWE Hall of Famer, “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes.
  • What is Cody Rhodes theme song? His theme song is “Kingdom” by Downstait.
  • How many children does Cody Rhodes have? He has two daughters, Liberty and Leilani.
  • Is Cody Rhodes still in WWE? Yes, he is the current Undisputed WWE Champion.
  • Why is Cody Rhodes called “The American Nightmare”? It is a play on his father’s nickname, “The American Dream,” representing his own unique identity.
  • What is Cody Rhodes real name? His legal name is Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes.
  • Has Cody Rhodes won the Royal Rumble? Yes, he won back-to-back Royal Rumbles in 2023 and 2024.

Published on: March 7, 2026 @ 6:57 am