The American Nightmare's Enduring Love Story: Cody and Brandi Rhodes' Journey
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%3Afocal(990x616%3A992x618)%2Fcody-rhodes-brandi-rhodes-1-82deebf0c8c94816a2bac0f7caee8d39.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Cody Rhodes, known to millions as "The American Nightmare" in professional wrestling, has built a formidable career inside and outside the squared circle. While his professional journey is well-documented, his personal life, particularly his enduring relationship with fellow wrestling personality Brandi Rhodes, has been a consistent anchor. Their love story, marked by shared professional ventures, personal milestones, and public support, stands as a testament to their deep connection.
Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes, born on June 30, 1985, is the son of the legendary "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes and half-brother to Dustin Rhodes (Goldust). His path into professional wrestling was almost predetermined, but his personal life found its true north when he met Brandi Alexis Reed.
Their paths first crossed in WWE, where Cody was an active wrestler and Brandi worked as a ring announcer under the name Eden Stiles. Their connection quickly blossomed, leading to a private and intimate wedding ceremony in September 2013. This marked the beginning of a partnership that would extend far beyond their personal lives, intertwining with their professional careers in unprecedented ways.
Throughout Cody's initial run in WWE, Brandi was a constant presence, often seen supporting him from the sidelines. Their bond deepened as they navigated the demanding schedule and public scrutiny inherent in the wrestling industry. Their relationship was largely kept private during this period, focusing on their personal growth as a couple.
In 2016, Cody made the significant decision to depart from WWE, seeking new challenges and creative freedom. Brandi, demonstrating unwavering support, also left the company to join him on his independent circuit journey. This period saw them work together in various promotions, including Ring of Honor (ROH) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), showcasing their partnership both in front of and behind the cameras. Their joint appearances highlighted their unity and shared vision for their careers.
Their most notable collaborative effort outside WWE came with the founding of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019. Cody served as an Executive Vice President and a top star, while Brandi held the position of Chief Brand Officer and was an on-screen personality and wrestler. This period brought their relationship into the spotlight more than ever, as they were often seen working side-by-side, promoting the new company, and appearing on the reality television series "Rhodes to the Top," which offered fans an intimate look into their lives.
A significant milestone in their personal life occurred in June 2021 when they welcomed their daughter, Liberty Iris Runnels, into the world. The arrival of their child further solidified their family unit and brought a new dimension to their public personas, showcasing them as loving parents balancing demanding careers.
In early 2022, Cody and Brandi made another pivotal decision, departing from AEW and, shortly after, Cody made his highly anticipated return to WWE. Brandi, while not returning to an active on-screen role, continued to support Cody's career from behind the scenes and through social media. This transition reaffirmed their commitment to each other's professional aspirations and their shared family life.
Their relationship has been characterized by mutual respect and open communication, as evidenced in recent public discussions. In a May 2025 podcast episode of "What Do You Wanna Talk About?" hosted by Cody, Brandi playfully recounted a moment where a cryptic comment from Cody led her to jokingly ask if they were breaking up. Cody quickly reassured her, stating their relationship was "pretty solid at this point" and that she would "have to do a lot worse to get kicked out." This candid exchange highlighted their strong bond and ability to navigate minor misunderstandings with humor and honesty.
Cody and Brandi Rhodes continue to be a prominent couple in the public eye, demonstrating a partnership that thrives amidst the unique pressures of the entertainment industry. Their journey from colleagues to life partners and parents, marked by shared professional endeavors and personal growth, remains a compelling narrative for their fans.