WWE has been around for several decades. Although the wrestling industry has thrilled fans worldwide, it is indisputable that being in the business is challenging. Notwithstanding the demanding nature of the business, several wrestlers and even families have contributed to the popularity of wrestling as a sport today.
And when it comes to wrestling dynasties, few families can match the Rhodes’ impressive record. From patriarch Dusty Rhodes to his sons (Cody and Dustin Rhodes), this wrestling family has left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling.
Having said that, the Rhodes family has a long history in professional wrestling, and its members risk everything in the ring to uphold that reputation. Cody Rhodes is already possibly superior to both his father and brother in terms of performance. The youngest son of ‘The American Dream’ rose to fame in 2006 when he began working for WWE.
Cody Rhodes was instrumental in the development of AEW (All Elite Wrestling), the only organization to seriously challenge WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) after WCW (World Championship Wrestling).
The Rhodes family is home to some of the most well-known wrestlers in history, including Rhodes’ illustrious father. Let’s learn more about them.
The Remarkable Journey of Cody Rhodes’ Father in Wrestling
As we all know, Cody Rhodes’ father, Dusty Rhodes (Dustin Patrick Runnels), is a well-known figure in the wrestling industry. The American Dream is rightfully regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time and helped to shape NXT into the brand it is today.
Being a highly amiable and captivating wrestler in his era, Dusty Rhodes won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship three times. His wrestling career started in the late 1960s, and he quickly rose to fame due to his charm, and special in-ring abilities.
We learned from WWE that Dustin Rhodes and Kristin Runnels were his two children from his marriage to Sandra McHargue, which lasted from 1965 to 1975. In 1978, he married Michelle Rubio and the couple became parents to two kids, Cody Rhodes and Teil Runnels.
Sadly, Dusty Rhodes passed away in 2015 (see Wrestling Inc). He is remembered as one of the most important and beloved figures in the history of the sport, and the wrestling community was shocked to learn of his death.
His influence on the professional wrestling scene is immense, and Cody Rhodes has frequently honored his late father’s legacy in his own work.
Brothers in the Ring: Cody Rhodes and His Wrestling Sibling
As we learned above, Cody Rhodes has one half-brother, Dustin Rhodes, who is better known for his time in WWE as Goldust.
The two brothers have a close friendship, even though their personalities and professional paths are very different. Goldust started wrestling in 1988 and quickly gained recognition for his unique character and prowess in the ring. Over the years, he has competed for a number of promotions, including TNA, WWE, and WCW, and he has won multiple titles.
In addition to being a former Hardcore Champion, he has won two WWE Tag Team Championships and three Intercontinental Championships. Also, did you know that the two brothers fought each other in an AEW pay-per-view event called Double or Nothing in 2019?
But despite Cody Rhodes’ eventual victory, the two brothers gave each other hugs and showed their affection and regard for one another. Also, apart from being Teil Runnels’ brother, Cody Rhodes has Kristin Runnels as his paternal half-sister.
Brandi Reed: Meet Cody Rhodes’ Wife
In September 2013, Cody Rhodes married Brandi Reed, an American ring announcer, and former professional wrestler. In 2011, she made her professional wrestling debut while employed by Florida Championship Wrestling.
The pair first became acquainted in 2011 while they were both working for WWE. Rhodes, 38, shared with Andscape:
“He thought, ‘You know what I’m gonna do?.. And I didn’t know at the time that he was talking about my future wife.”
The couple welcomed Liberty Iris Runnels into the world in 2021.
Apart from his dad and brothers, Cody Rhodes has two well-known wrestling uncles, Fred Ottman and Jerry Sags. All things considered, the Rhodes family has had a significant influence on the professional wrestling industry. Their legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence generations of wrestlers for many years to come!
