Cody Rhodes, a name synonymous with resilience and passion in professional wrestling, has carved a unique path in the squared circle. Born on June 30, 1985, Rhodes’ journey through the wrestling world is as captivating as it is inspiring.
Born Into Wrestling Royalty: Rhodes is the son of the late Dusty Rhodes, a legendary figure in wrestling. This lineage set the stage for Cody’s future in the sport.
Height and Build: Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing approximately 220 pounds, Cody’s physicality is a perfect blend for his in-ring style.
WWE Beginnings: Cody’s wrestling career took off in WWE, where he showcased his versatile in-ring abilities and charismatic personality. After a reasonably long career with WWE, he jumped to competitor AEW.
Injury Setbacks: Rhodes’ career has been marked by injuries, including a recent pectoral tear. His determination saw him compete despite these challenges, earning him immense respect.
Post-WWE, Cody’s journey took a turn as he sought new challenges, leading to his key role in the formation of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and becoming one of its most influential figures. His departure from WWE wasn’t the end but rather a new beginning, allowing him to explore and contribute significantly to the broader wrestling landscape.
AEW Departure: In a shocking turn, Rhodes left All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2022. Fans speculated various reasons, including creative differences and a desire to explore new opportunities.
Notable Achievements and Rivalries
Reigns vs. Rhodes: In a highly anticipated bout, Cody faced Roman Reigns. The match was a testament to Rhodes’ skill and determination, even though Reigns emerged victorious.
Encounter with Lesnar: Brock Lesnar, another formidable figure in wrestling, had a notable interaction with Rhodes. Lesnar’s words to Cody, often a mix of respect and competitive fire, added depth to their professional relationship.
Theme Music: Rhodes’ entrance music, an integral part of his wrestling persona, was composed by Downstait. The music captures the essence of his character and energy.
Cody Rhodes, throughout his illustrious wrestling career, has formed several notable partnerships that have significantly impacted his trajectory in the industry. Here are a few key partnerships:
Legacy with Randy Orton and Ted Di Biase Jr: One of Rhodes’ most prominent alliances was with Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase Jr. in WWE. Formed in 2008, the group called “Legacy” was characterized by its members’ wrestling lineage and focused on establishing their dominance in the ring.
The Rhodes Scholars with Damien Sandow: Rhodes teamed up with Damien Sandow to form “The Rhodes Scholars” in 2012. This partnership was marked by a combination of intellectual gimmicks and in-ring chemistry, making them a memorable tag team in WWE.
Team with Goldust (Dustin Rhodes): Cody teamed with his half-brother Goldust (Dustin Rhodes) in WWE. This team not only showcased their familial bond but also their complementary wrestling styles, leading to several memorable matches and a WWE Tag Team Championship reign.
The Elite in AEW: In All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Cody was part of “The Elite,” a group consisting of wrestlers like Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson). This faction was instrumental in the formation of AEW and played a crucial role in its early success.
Partnership with Brandi Rhodes: Outside the ring, Cody’s partnership with his wife, Brandi Rhodes, has been significant. Together, they have been involved in various business ventures and philanthropic efforts, contributing to the wrestling community beyond the ring.
The Nightmare Family: In AEW, Rhodes formed “The Nightmare Family,” a group that included several wrestlers and was positioned as a counter to factions like The Inner Circle. This alliance showcased Rhodes’ leadership qualities and his ability to mentor upcoming talent.
Career Earnings
WWE Tenure: During his time in WWE, Rhodes would have earned a substantial salary as a regular performer. WWE wrestlers’ salaries vary widely, but established stars often earn six to seven-figure incomes annually, including bonuses and pay-per-view earnings.
AEW and Executive Role: As one of the founding members and an executive vice president of AEW, Rhodes likely had a significant salary. Additionally, AEW has been known to offer competitive pay to its top talent, which would have positively impacted his earnings.
Independent Circuit and Other Appearances: Rhodes also wrestled in various independent promotions around the world after leaving WWE and before joining AEW, which would have contributed to his income.
His journey in WWE from 2007 to 2016 was marked by significant achievements, including winning two Intercontinental Championships and six Tag Team Championships.
With a formidable array of skills and an extensive knowledge of in-ring tactics, Rhodes took on a who’s who of wrestling greats. His opponents ranged from the likes of Randy Orton and The Miz to Rey Mysterio, showcasing his versatility and competitive spirit.
In a triumphant return, The American Nightmare resurfaced at WrestleMania 38 as a surprise opponent for Seth “Freakin” Rollins, a move orchestrated by WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon. This comeback not only stunned fans but also reaffirmed Cody’s status as a top-tier wrestling talent.
