Cody Rhodes
Lists:
Top 10 Wrestlers of 2025 (So Far)
The Best Finishing Moves in Wrestling History
The Best Wrestling Champion In History
Full Name: Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes
Ring Name(s): Cody Rhodes, Stardust (formerly), The American Nightmare
Date of Birth: June 30, 1985
Place of Birth: Marietta, Georgia, USA
Height: 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
Billed From: Atlanta, Georgia
Professional Debut: June 2006
Current Promotion: WWE (2022–present return)
Finishing Move(s): Cross Rhodes, Cody Cutter, Vertebreaker (occasionally), Figure-Four Leglock
Career Highlights
| Title/Accolade | Details |
|---|---|
| Undisputed WWE Champion | 1x (Defeated Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 to “finish the story”) |
| Intercontinental Champion | 2x (WWE) |
| Tag Team Champion (WWE) | 6x (with Ted DiBiase Jr., Hardcore Holly, Goldust, and Drew McIntyre) |
| AEW TNT Champion | 3x (First-ever champion in AEW history) |
| Ring of Honor Six-Man Tag Champion | 1x (with The Young Bucks) |
| IWGP United States Champion | 1x (NJPW) |
| Royal Rumble Winner | 2023 |
| Wrestling Observer Awards | Best Gimmick (2020), Promos, Most Improved |
Career Overview
Cody Rhodes is a multi-generational wrestler, actor, executive, and one of the most influential figures of modern pro wrestling.
The son of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, Cody debuted in WWE in 2006. Despite early success with Legacy and midcard titles, he struggled to break into the main-event scene. Frustrated with creative direction—especially during his Stardust persona—Cody requested his release in 2016.
What followed was a career-defining reinvention. Cody dominated the indie scene, worked in Ring of Honor, Impact, NJPW, and became one of the key minds behind the formation of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019. As an EVP and top star, he helped usher in a legitimate alternative to WWE.
In a shocking move, Cody left AEW in 2022 and returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38—debuting as “The American Nightmare.” His journey back to the top culminated at WrestleMania 40, where he defeated Roman Reigns to become Undisputed WWE Champion, “finishing the story” and honoring his father’s unfulfilled legacy.
In-Ring Style
Cody blends:
- Classic southern-style storytelling (inspired by his father)
- Modern big-match psychology
- A focus on emotion, drama, and high stakes
- Flashy but limited risk (more psychology than high-flying)
He’s not the most technical wrestler, but few can match the emotion and gravity Cody brings to a high-stakes match.
Cody Rhodes Crossroads Compilation
Character & Persona
Cody Rhodes has evolved into:
- “The American Nightmare” – a blend of real-life struggle and legacy-driven confidence
- A suit-wearing, epic-talking, main event babyface
- The ultimate redemption arc, making him a relatable and heroic figure for fans
His promo work is elite, often mixing real emotion, wrestling history, and deep storytelling.
Outside the Ring
- Executive: Founding EVP of AEW
- Actor: Appeared on Arrow, Go Big Show, and reality series Rhodes to the Top
- Entrepreneur: Involved in wrestling schools and branding ventures
- Media Appearances: WWE 2K cover star, major press events, comic conventions, etc.
Personal Life
- Married to: Brandi Rhodes (TV personality, former wrestler & AEW Chief Brand Officer)
- Children: One daughter, Liberty (born 2021)
- Family Legacy: Son of Dusty Rhodes; brother of Dustin Rhodes (Goldust)
Legacy & Impact
- Helped launch AEW, shifting the wrestling industry forever
- One of the few to successfully leave WWE and return even bigger
- Known for honoring his father’s legacy while carving out his own
- Mastermind of emotional storytelling, both in and out of the ring
Social Media
- Instagram: @americannightmarecody
- Twitter/X: @CodyRhodes
