Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes has established himself as one of professional wrestling's most compelling figures, navigating a career that spans multiple promotions and includes reinventing himself from a mid-card performer into a main event star and executive. Born Cody Garrett Runnels on June 30, 1985, in Marietta, Georgia, he is the son of legendary WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes and the half-brother of Dustin Rhodes (Goldust). Growing up in a wrestling family meant that the business was in his blood from birth.

Rhodes began his professional wrestling career in 2006, signing with WWE and initially working in their developmental territories before being called up to the main roster. During his first WWE run, he held the Intercontinental Championship multiple times and won tag team championships with various partners. However, despite his talent and famous lineage, WWE never positioned him as a top-level main event star, often casting him in comedic or mid-card roles that failed to showcase his full potential.

The most memorable phase of his initial WWE career came as part of the tag team Legacy alongside Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase, where Rhodes showed glimpses of his ability to work at a higher level. He also had a memorable character run as 'Dashing' Cody Rhodes and later a masked character following a storyline facial injury. Despite these creative opportunities, he grew frustrated with his position in the company and his inability to break through the glass ceiling into main event status.

In 2016, Rhodes made the bold decision to request his release from WWE, gambling on himself to prove his worth outside the company that had employed him for a decade. This decision proved transformative, as he began wrestling for various independent promotions and New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he flourished creatively and commercially. His work on the independent circuit showcased his versatility and proved he could be a top star when given the creative freedom to express himself.

Rhodes became a central figure in the founding of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019, serving as both a performer and executive vice president. His involvement helped establish AEW as a legitimate alternative to WWE, and he became the inaugural AEW TNT Champion, defending the title with an open challenge format that produced acclaimed matches. His willingness to wrestle anyone and his passionate promos about his father's legacy resonated deeply with fans and helped establish AEW's identity.

During his AEW run, Rhodes main-evented major shows and had classic matches against Kenny Omega, Dustin Rhodes, and many others. However, despite his contributions to building the company, he was never AEW World Champion, which became a source of frustration. In 2022, Rhodes shocked the wrestling world by departing AEW and returning to WWE at WrestleMania 38, receiving one of the loudest reactions in recent WWE history.

Rhodes' return to WWE has been nothing short of triumphant, as he has been positioned exactly as he always wanted to be: a top main event star. He has headlined major premium live events, won the Royal Rumble, and engaged in high-profile feuds with Roman Reigns and other top stars. His quest to win the WWE Championship and 'finish his story' by accomplishing what his father never did has become one of wrestling's most compelling narratives.

Beyond his in-ring work, Rhodes is known for his exceptional promo skills, charismatic presence, and old-school approach to professional wrestling that honors the business's traditions while embracing modern elements. He has become a locker room leader and mentor to younger talent, embodying the professionalism and work ethic instilled in him by his father.