The Rise and Reign of Cody Rhodes: A Look at One of AEW's Biggest Stars

Cody Rhodes is one of the most prominent figures in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) today. The son of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes and brother of former WWE superstar Goldust, Cody has made a name for himself in the wrestling industry with his impressive in-ring skills, his captivating promos, and his unique character.

In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at Cody Rhodes' journey to becoming one of AEW's biggest stars, his notable achievements, and what makes him stand out from the rest of the pack.

Cody's Early Years in Wrestling

Cody Rhodes' wrestling career began in WWE, where he started out as a tag team wrestler with his brother Goldust. The duo won the WWE Tag Team Championship on two occasions, and Cody also had a successful run as Intercontinental Champion.

However, Cody felt that he wasn't being utilized to his full potential in WWE and decided to leave the company in 2016. He then spent some time wrestling on the independent circuit before signing with AEW in 2019.

The Birth of 'The American Nightmare'

When Cody first arrived in AEW, he quickly made a name for himself with his captivating promos and his unique character. He dubbed himself 'The American Nightmare,' a play on his father's 'American Dream' moniker, and portrayed a character who was both arrogant and charismatic.

Cody's first major feud in AEW was with his brother Dustin, who he faced at AEW's inaugural pay-per-view event, Double or Nothing. The match was a brutal affair that saw both brothers bleeding heavily, but it was Cody who emerged victorious.

From there, Cody went on to feud with some of AEW's biggest stars, including Chris Jericho, MJF, and Lance Archer. He also became the inaugural TNT Champion, holding the title for a total of 165 days before losing it to Darby Allin.

Cody's Legacy in AEW

Cody Rhodes has quickly established himself as one of AEW's biggest stars, both in the ring and on the mic. He has won several accolades during his time in the company, including the TNT Championship, the Dynamite Award for Best Male Wrestler, and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Award for Best Gimmick.

But perhaps what sets Cody apart from the rest of the pack is his commitment to giving back to the wrestling industry. He has been instrumental in the creation of AEW's women's division and has helped to bring in some of the top women's wrestlers from around the world. He has also been a vocal advocate for wrestlers' rights and has spoken out against the mistreatment of wrestlers in the past.

Cody Rhodes' Contribution to AEW's Success

Cody Rhodes has played a significant role in the success of AEW since its inception. As one of the company's executive vice presidents, he has been involved in everything from creative decisions to talent scouting. He has helped to create some of AEW's most memorable moments, including the unforgettable Stadium Stampede match between The Inner Circle and The Elite.

Cody has also been instrumental in bringing in top talent from around the world to AEW. He was one of the key figures in signing Jon Moxley (formerly known as Dean Ambrose in WWE) to AEW, and he has also been involved in recruiting other top stars such as Kenny Omega, PAC, and FTR.

Cody's Personal Life and Other Ventures

Outside of wrestling, Cody Rhodes is a family man. He is married to Brandi Rhodes, who is also a wrestler and serves as AEW's Chief Brand Officer. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Liberty Iris Runnels, in December 2020.

In addition to his work in wrestling, Cody has also dabbled in other ventures. He has appeared in several TV shows and movies, including Arrow, MacGyver, and The Expendables. He also co-hosts a podcast called AEW Unrestricted with Tony Schiavone, where they interview AEW wrestlers and other wrestling personalities.

Cody Rhodes' rise to prominence in AEW has been nothing short of remarkable. From his early days in WWE to his current status as one of AEW's biggest stars, Cody has proven that he has the talent, charisma, and drive to succeed in the wrestling industry. His contributions to AEW's success cannot be overstated, and his commitment to giving back to the industry and advocating for wrestlers' rights is truly admirable.