Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes — better known simply as Cody Rhodes — is one of the most compelling names in modern professional wrestling. Son of legendary Dusty Rhodes, he has built his own legacy, overcoming challenges, reinventing himself, and ultimately realizing the dream of being the Undisputed WWE Champion. In this article, we explore his net worth, family life, fatherhood, and his journey in WWE leading to his championship status.
Early Life and Family Background
Cody Rhodes was born June 30, 1985, in Marietta, Georgia, USA.
-
Parents: His father was Dusty Rhodes (Virgil Riley Runnels Jr.), a major figure in pro wrestling often called “The American Dream.” His mother is Michelle Rubio. Dusty Rhodes had a massive influence—both in the ring and outside—on Cody’s values, wrestling style, and sense of showmanship.
-
Siblings: Cody is the half-brother of Dustin Rhodes (also known in WWE/Evolution as “Goldust”). He has other siblings as well—his upbringing was steeped in wrestling heritage. Wikipedia+1
-
Wrestling Roots: He wrestled in high school (Georgia state championships) and was steeped in the familial environment of Dusty’s work. This background helped Cody develop both in-ring skill and an understanding of wrestling as entertainment and personal narrative.
Wrestling Career: The Undisputed WWE Champion Story
Cody Rhodes’ wrestling journey is one of evolution, risk, reinvention, and perseverance.
-
He signed with WWE in 2006-2007 and had many personas: from “Legacy” being part of a faction with Randy Orton, to “Dashing” Cody Rhodes, to “Stardust.”
-
In 2016, he left WWE to forge his own path — working in Ring of Honor (ROH), New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), on the independent circuit, and helping organise All In — which ultimately contributed to the founding of AEW (All Elite Wrestling).
-
In 2019-2022, with AEW, he took on a leadership role (EVP) and captured several championships. But his return to WWE in 2022 was a defining moment. He finally “finished the story” by winning WrestleMania 40, where he pinned Roman Reigns to become the Undisputed WWE Champion.
This championship win wasn’t just about a belt—it represented a symbolic completion of a narrative Cody had been chasing his entire career, especially given Reigns’ long run and the stories from his father’s era.
Net Worth: What Does Cody Rhodes Earn?
Estimating the net worth of a high-profile wrestler like Cody Rhodes involves looking at multiple sources: WWE salary, merchandise, endorsements, appearances, side businesses, etc.
-
Estimated Net Worth: Many sources put Cody Rhodes’ personal net worth around US$8 million as of 2025.
-
Combined with Brandi Rhodes: Cody and his wife Brandi together are estimated to have a combined net worth of about US$15 million.
-
Primary income streams:
-
WWE salary – reports suggest his WWE contract pays him about $3 million annually.
-
Merchandise and royalties – “American Nightmare” branded gear, action figures, licensed products. These add up significantly given his popularity.
-
Endorsements & partnerships – Cody has endorsement deals with brands, appearances in media outside wrestling, etc.
-
Side ventures – Brandi Rhodes is an entrepreneur; also family projects, public appearances, media, etc. These augment the household income.
-
-
Discrepancies: Some sources like Sportskeeda / Celebrity Net Worth occasionally report much lower figures (e.g. ~$2 million) which likely reflect more conservative estimations or only certain revenue streams.
Overall, the $8 million figure seems the most credible for Cody alone, with $15 million for Cody + Brandi together, given their combined ventures and incomes.
Wife: Brandi Rhodes
Cody Rhodes’ partner in life and many public endeavors is Brandi Alexis Rhodes (née Reed).
-
Background: She was a figure skater early in life, then shifted to broadcast journalism and later into wrestling and entertainment.
-
Career in Wrestling & Media: Brandi has served as a ring announcer, manager, broadcaster, backstage interviewer. She also held executive roles (in AEW, etc.).
-
Marriage and Family: Cody and Brandi met around 2011-2012 while working in WWE, and they married in September 2013. Their relationship has been public, with joint projects.
-
Children: They have at least two daughters. Their first daughter, Liberty Iris Runnels, was born June 18, 2021.
Recently, they welcomed their second daughter, Leilani Ella Runnels.
Brandi has stepped away from regular wrestling in the ring but remains involved in media, business, and supporting their family.
Dadhood: How Fatherhood Has Affected Cody Rhodes
Becoming a father changed Cody Rhodes in ways many fans noticed and in ways he has publicly discussed.
-
Perspective Shift: In interviews, Cody has said that being a dad made him rethink priorities. Wrestling, while his passion, is a selfish pursuit at times (given the travel, physical danger, personal sacrifice). Being a father made him want to ensure his family is secure and has a life that is more than just his performance in the ring.
-
Motivation: The desire to “finish the story”—not only for himself but for the legacy of his father Dusty and for stability for his family — seems to have added urgency and meaning to his recent championship pursuit. It’s not just about what he achieves; it’s about what he leaves behind. (Interpretation based on public interviews.)
-
Family Life: He and Brandi balance WWE obligations with parenting. Brandi, having stepped back from some wrestling roles, places priority on home life at times. They appear to share responsibilities, and their public statements reflect love, gratitude, and sometimes the challenges of raising children in the public eye.
“Undisputed WWE Champion”: What That Means & How He Got There
“Undisputed WWE Champion” is a title that denotes a wrestler has unified or defeated all the recognized top champions (or at least the key one at the time) to become the singular top titleholder.
-
WrestleMania 40: The pivotal moment. Cody Rhodes defeated Roman Reigns to win the Undisputed WWE Championship. This was much more than a match; it was billed as the culmination of a long journey, with heavy narrative weight, both in storyline and emotionally considering Cody’s lineage.
-
Importance: The reign of Roman Reigns had lasted for a long time; the story of “The Tribal Chief” had become almost untouchable. That Cody Rhodes not only challenged but defeated Reigns carries symbolic resonance — for fans, for WWE’s storyline landscape, and for his own personal achievement.
-
Post-Win: Becoming Undisputed WWE Champion amps up his value—financially, in terms of merchandise, endorsements, and brand. It also raises expectations and puts a larger spotlight on him in promotional materials, media, pay-per-views, etc.
What Drives Cody Rhodes: Legacy, Reinvention & Resilience
To understand why Cody Rhodes is where he is, one has to look at some key themes in his life and career.
-
Legacy and Family Influence
Growing up with Dusty Rhodes as a father, and with an older brother who was already in wrestling, gives both advantage (insider knowledge, connections, early inspiration) and pressure (being compared, expectations). Cody has often spoken of wanting to do “right” by the Rhodes name. -
Reinvention
Cody has had many characters: from “Dashing” to “Stardust,” from indie hero to main roster star to promoter/executive in AEW, back to WWE. Each reinvention taught him something — about crowds, about storytelling, about what feels authentic. His theme song “Kingdom,” his persona “The American Nightmare,” reflect this evolution. -
Resilience
Leaving WWE, risking being in smaller promotions, dealing with setbacks, injuries, creative frustrations—all part of his journey. Instead of being derailed, Cody used them to sharpen his identity and drive. That resilience resonated with fans. -
Purpose Beyond Self
Fatherhood, marriage, legacy, giving back—these have become part of the public narrative. He has said fatherhood softened some of the selfishness; he wants to build something that lasts, not just win belts.
Challenges & Criticisms
No top wrestler reaches the top without facing criticism, setbacks, and challenges.
-
Creative Limitations: Early in his WWE career, Cody often complained about creative being restrictive. Some of his characters were criticized for being gimmicky or not aligned with his actual strengths. This forced him to leave WWE in search of more creative control.
-
Financial Uncertainty: Before he made it big (especially during the AEW/indie period), revenue wasn’t guaranteed. Merchandise, tour schedules, health/pay issues are more volatile outside WWE.
-
Balancing Fame & Private Life: As his profile increases, so does public scrutiny. Raising children in the public eye isn’t easy; maintaining privacy, normality, relationships under spotlight—all can strain. Cody has spoken about that.
Assets, Lifestyle, and What He Owns (As Known Publicly)
While private finances are often not fully disclosed, some info is public or reported.
-
Salary: ~$3 million per year from WWE, according to recent reports.
-
Properties & Lifestyle: Some reports mention residences (e.g. living in Florida), cars, etc., although exact property portfolio and vehicle list not fully confirmed in reliable sources.
-
Brand Deals & Merchandise: Highly significant. Cody’s gear, name recognition, action figures, appearance fees. These often form a big chunk of earnings for top wrestlers.
Looking Forward: What’s Next for Cody Rhodes
Given his current role and status, here are possible future directions:
-
Long Title Run: As Undisputed Champion, maintaining that status and being in main event storylines will likely continue. That means big pay-per-views, trophy matches, and increased responsibilities (promo work, etc.).
-
Expansion Outside WWE: More media work (TV, acting), endorsement deals, possible business ventures. Given Brandi’s entrepreneurial work, there may be shared projects.
-
Legacy Projects: Possibly training/wrestling schools, mentorship, helping younger talent. Because he has walked multiple paths (WWE, indie, AEW), he’s uniquely positioned to guide others.
-
Family & Life Balance: With his second daughter, Leilani Ella Runnels, newly born, his priorities may continue to shift. More focus on being dad, husband, and making sure the wrestling career supports family in a sustainable way.
Summary
Cody Rhodes is more than just a championship wrestler; he’s a symbol of redemption, legacy, and determination. From wrestling royalty (his father Dusty Rhodes) to creating his own identity, he has navigated ups and downs, made strategic moves, and earned his place as Undisputed WWE Champion. His net worth—estimated at around $8 million, with a combined $15 million with his wife—reflects success inside and beyond the ring. Family life (marriage to Brandi, fatherhood) has grounded him, reshaped his priorities, and added meaning to what could have been just career accomplishments. As he continues his reign, fans will be watching not just his matches, but how he balances legacy, purpose, and what comes next.
