Hello, wrestler fans! If you love following the WWE and admire world-class, Cody Rhodes is a name you’ll recognize instantly. Cody Rhodes is a top WWE main-event star, known for his “American Nightmare” persona, big WrestleMania moments and one of the strongest merch and brand profiles in modern wrestling. By 2026 he is a multi-time world champion, a consistent pay-per-view headliner and one of WWE’s most marketable names.
Cody Rhodes’ Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes |
| Nickname | The American Nightmare |
| Date of Birth | June 30, 1985 |
| Age | 40 years old |
| Birthplace | Charlotte, North Carolina, USA |
| Height | 6’2″ (188 cm) |
| Weight | 222 lbs (100 kg) |
| Nationality | American |
| University | Penn State University |
| Religion | Christian |
| Turned Pro | June 2006 |
| Current Net Worth | $8-$10 Million |
| Annual Salary | $3 Million |
| Spouse | Brandi Rhodes |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Handle | @americannightmarecody |
| Instagram Followers | 2.1+ Million |
Early Career
Cody Rhodes made his professional wrestling debut in June 2006 at Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), WWE’s developmental territory at the time. Using his real name Cody Runnels, he was trained by prestigious coaches including his father Dusty Rhodes, Al Snow, Danny Davis, Ricky Morton, and Randy Orton. At OVW, Rhodes quickly established himself as a talented prospect by winning the OVW Heavyweight Championship, OVW Television Championship, and the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship twice alongside Shawn Spears.
He became the fourth OVW Triple Crown Champion, demonstrating his versatility across singles and tag team competition. This developmental period proved crucial in honing his technical wrestling skills and understanding the fundamentals that would serve him throughout his career. By 2007, after just a year in developmental, Rhodes was ready for WWE’s main roster, where he would begin his first major run with the company.
Professional Career
Rhodes made his WWE main roster debut in July 2007, initially appearing in a backstage segment with his father and Randy Orton. His early feuds with Orton established him as a credible competitor despite the losses he suffered. However, his fortunes changed when he partnered with Hardcore Holly, capturing the World Tag Team Championship in December 2007 and winning multiple other tag team titles with partners including Ted DiBiase.
Between 2010 and 2011, Rhodes held the Intercontinental Championship while experimenting with the “Dashing Cody Rhodes” gimmick, then evolved into “Stardust” from 2014 to 2016. During his initial WWE run from 2007 to 2016, Rhodes accumulated two Intercontinental Championships and six tag team title reigns, establishing himself as a reliable main event performer.
After requesting his release in 2016, Rhodes spent the next six years wrestling independently and for promotions including Ring of Honor (where he won the world title), New Japan Pro-Wrestling (IWGP United States Championship), Impact Wrestling, and AEW, where he was a co-founder and three-time TNT Champion. His return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022 against Seth Rollins launched what many consider his best professional era. Since returning, Rhodes has won the Royal Rumble consecutively in 2023 and 2024, the King of the Ring in 2025, and most significantly, the Undisputed WWE Championship twice, defeating Roman Reigns and John Cena on WWE’s biggest stages.
Wife
Cody Rhodes is happily married to Brandi Rhodes, a former professional wrestler, businesswoman, and television personality. The couple met in 2011 while both were part of WWE, with Brandi working as a ring announcer. Though Brandi initially wasn’t interested in dating a colleague, Cody persistently pursued her, and they began dating in 2011. After about a year and a half of dating, Cody proposed in November 2012. The couple married on September 12, 2013, at the Swan House in Atlanta’s History Center, with notable WWE stars including Triple H, Becky Lynch, and Matt Hardy in attendance.
Cody Rhodes’ Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Cody Rhodes maintains an estimated net worth between $8 and $10 million, with most recent estimates placing him at approximately $8 million. His annual WWE salary is reported at $3 million, making him among the top five highest-paid WWE superstars. Beyond his base WWE contract, Rhodes earns substantial additional income through multiple revenue streams. He commands approximately $500,000 per match for special events and pay-per-views, contributing significantly to his annual earnings. Merchandise sales through WWE Shop generate ongoing royalties, and he benefits from WWE 2K video game appearances. His previous tenure as AEW Executive Vice President and four-year wrestling career with the company generated substantial capital that continues to contribute to his net worth.
Fight Purses
| Event/Championship | Purse/Earnings | Notes |
| WrestleMania 40 (Roman Reigns Match) | $500,000+ | Undisputed WWE Universal Championship winning match |
| WrestleMania 41 (John Cena Match) | $500,000+ | Undisputed WWE Championship defense |
| Royal Rumble (2023) | $100,000+ | Event appearance and match fee |
| Royal Rumble (2024) | $100,000+ | Back-to-back Royal Rumble winner |
| SummerSlam 2025 | $250,000+ | Championship match vs. John Cena |
| Standard PPV Main Event | $200,000-$300,000 | Typical main event match compensation |
| Standard SmackDown/Raw Match | $15,000-$50,000 | Television appearance fees |
| Per-Match Base Rate | $500,000 | Reported fixed amount per match |
| Annual Total Earnings | $3 Million+ | Base salary plus match bonuses and PPV cuts |
Endorsements & Brand Partnerships
Cody Rhodes has built an extensive endorsement portfolio that diversifies his income beyond wrestling:
- Wheatley American Vodka – Brand ambassador with prominent tour bus promotion; serves as sponsor of interview segments and major WWE events
- PRIME Hydration – Beverage endorsement partnerships featuring branded content
- Fanatics – Official merchandise and collectibles partner
- Mattel Creations – Action figure and wrestling merchandise deals
- Clash of Clans – Video game endorsement beginning March 2025
- DraftKings – Sports betting and gaming partnerships since August 2023
- Mountain Dew – Beverage brand collaboration since March 2023
- Nike & Nightmare Family Sneakers – Custom footwear line launched in 2018
- Funko Pops – Collectible figure deals and licensing
- WWE 2K Games – Video game appearances and promotional deals
- WWE Shop – Official WWE merchandise and apparel
- Ringside Collectibles – Wrestling merchandise and memorabilia partner
- American Rebel Cigars – Co-founder and stakeholder (with Frankie Kazarian and Sam Leccia)
- Nightmare Factory Wrestling School – Owner and operator; promotion of student training programs
Career Records
| Notable Opponent | Notable Matches/Results | Championship Context |
| Roman Reigns | WrestleMania 39 (Loss); WrestleMania 40 Night 2 (Win) | Won Undisputed WWE Universal Championship |
| John Cena | WrestleMania 41 (Loss); SummerSlam 2025 (Win in Street Fight) | Cena won his record 17th world championship |
| Seth Rollins | WrestleMania 38 (Win); WrestleMania Backlash 2022 (Win); Hell in a Cell 2022 (Win) | First match of WWE return; trilogy matches |
| Drew McIntyre | Multiple matches throughout 2023-2026; Street Fight 2025 | Recent championship contention |
| The Rock | WrestleMania 40 Night 1 Tag Team Match (Loss with Seth Rollins) | Tagged with Rollins; Rock/Reigns won |
| Brock Lesnar | Multiple matches during 2024-2025 | WWE title program |
| Kevin Owens | Bash in Berlin 2024 (Win) | Championship defense |
| Logan Paul | Multiple matches in 2024-2025 | Celebrity wrestler program |
| The Judgment Day | Multiple televised matches | Tag team title feuds |
| Randy Orton | King of the Ring 2025 Finals (Win) | Tournament championship match |
FAQs
1. What is Cody Rhodes’ Real Name?
Cody Rhodes’ real name is Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes. He adopted “Cody Rhodes” as his professional wrestling name early in his career, choosing to use the Rhodes surname in homage to his legendary father, Dusty “The American Dream” Rhodes, while building his own identity within the wrestling industry.
2. How Did Cody Rhodes Decide Between College and Professional Wrestling?
After receiving wrestling scholarship offers from major universities including Penn State, Cody made the deliberate choice to pursue professional wrestling instead. He has stated that he “saw zero value” in attending college and preferred to pursue his passion for wrestling immediately. This decision proved correct, as he began his professional career at age 21 in Ohio Valley Wrestling and has enjoyed a two-decade career in the industry. His wife Brandi holds a master’s degree, which he’s joked “covers that part for the family.”
3. What Was Cody Rhodes’ Role in AEW?
Cody Rhodes served as a founding member and Executive Vice President (EVP) of All Elite Wrestling from 2019 to 2022. During his four-year tenure, he won the TNT Championship three times, including the inaugural tournament. He also frequently competed in main event matches, though he notably never won the AEW World Championship. His departure in February 2022 was mutually agreed upon, and he subsequently returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022.
4. How Many Times Has Cody Rhodes Won World Championships?
Across all major promotions, Cody Rhodes has won four world championships: two WWE Championships (2024, 2025) in his current run, one ROH World Championship (2017), and one NWA World Heavyweight Championship (2016). Additionally, he held three TNT Championships in AEW, which is a prestigious secondary title. His WWE Championship victories represent his pinnacle achievements, coming at WrestleMania 40 Night 2 against Roman Reigns and at SummerSlam 2025 against John Cena.
5. What Is Cody Rhodes’ Relationship With His Late Father Dusty Rhodes?
Cody has an incredibly deep emotional connection to his father’s legacy. He was trained by Dusty as a child and began taking wrestling bumps at age 12. After Dusty’s death, Cody carried his memory throughout his career, often dedicating achievements to him. Cody has stated that much of his motivation during his first WWE run centered on honoring his father’s legacy and proving himself as the son of wrestling royalty. However, he also witnessed his father continue wrestling into advanced age, which has influenced his own retirement planning—he’s determined to step away from wrestling while still able to be fully present for his children.
6. When Did Cody Rhodes and His Wife Brandi Get Married?
Cody and Brandi Rhodes were married on September 12, 2013, at the Swan House in Atlanta’s History Center. They met in 2011 while both worked for WWE, with Brandi serving as a ring announcer. After dating for approximately 18 months, Cody proposed in November 2012, and they married less than a year later. Their relationship has been featured in the reality television series “Rhodes to the Top” and the competitive reality show “WAGS: Atlanta.”
7. How Many Children Does Cody Rhodes Have?
Cody and Brandi Rhodes have two daughters. Their first daughter, Liberty Iris Runnels, was born on June 18, 2021. Their second daughter, Leilani Ella Runnels, was born in August 2025. The couple kept the second pregnancy completely private, surprising fans with the announcement on social media. Cody has mentioned that fatherhood has fundamentally changed his perspective on wrestling, shifting his focus from personal ambition to providing the best possible life for his family.
8. What Are Cody Rhodes’ Retirement Plans?
As of November 2025, Cody Rhodes has indicated that his next WWE contract will “probably be his last.” He’s stated that he’d like to transition away from full-time wrestling while he can still actively be present for his daughters, having witnessed how his own father remained a wrestler even in advanced age. While he originally planned to retire at age 40, his current multi-year contract extension (signed in 2024) extends well beyond that milestone. He’s mentioned that his next contract could potentially be his final one with WWE, though he hasn’t committed to a specific retirement date.
9. How Much Does Cody Rhodes Make From Endorsements?
While exact figures for individual endorsement deals aren’t publicly disclosed, Cody Rhodes’ endorsement portfolio is estimated to generate six-figure annual income. His premium partnerships, particularly with Wheatley American Vodka and major gaming/sports betting brands like DraftKings and Clash of Clans, likely command $100,000+ each annually. Combined with merchandise cuts, WWE Shop revenue, and gaming licensing deals, his total endorsement income likely approaches or exceeds his WWE salary, making these deals crucial to his financial success.
10. What Is Cody Rhodes’ Current Championship Status in 2026?
As of 2026, Cody Rhodes lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Drew McIntyre in a Three Stages of Hell match on SmackDown. This marked a significant shift in his 2026 storyline, with Rhodes positioned as chasing the championship rather than holding it. However, his championship resume remains impressive with two-time WWE Champion status, multiple tag team championships, and victories over legendary competitors. He remains one of WWE’s top draws and continues to main event major programming despite his recent title loss.