I can remember three times that professional wrestling has made me cry. First time, was when Scott Hall hit Goldberg with the Stun Gun.. I was a kid. The second time was a WrestleMania moment for the ages. The story began with a gauntlet match on SmackDown that Randy Orton won, giving him the final entrance at Elimination Chamber. The story continued as the fans made sure that WrestleMania that year was going to be KofiMania. The fans put Kofi in that position and management couldn’t deny the response.

When Kofi pinned Daniel Bryan, Big E and Woods came in the ring and Woods was ugly crying. I was too. Kofi winning that title was such a special moment. Since that moment wrestling hadn’t made me cry until Sunday, April 7th, 2024. When the story had finally been completed.

Ohio Valley Wrestling is where we start Cody Rhodes’ wrestling journey. At the tender age of 12, his father took the initiative to train him in the basics of wrestling. His family  is wrestling royalty and he has always played the part. However, it was Al Snow, Danny Davis, Randy Orton, and Ricky Morton who truly honed his skills. Under the name Cody Runnels, he made his debut in Ohio Valley Wrestling on May 13, 2006. As time went on, he formed a formidable tag team with Shawn Spears in mid-August 2006, and together they clinched the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship not once, but twice.

Cody’s success didn’t stop there. He also secured the OVW Heavyweight Championship and the OVW Television Championship, solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with in the wrestling world.

Rhodes clinched his inaugural WWE championship in December 2007 when he and Hardcore Holly secured the World Tag Team Championship. On July 2, 2007, Rhodes debuted on RAW, adopting his family name, Rhodes, in a backstage segment with his father Dusty Rhodes and Randy Orton. Orton disrespected Dusty by slapping him, prompting Cody to make his in-ring debut on July 16, 2007, against Orton, resulting in a loss. Rhodes intervened at The Great American Bash to protect his father from Orton’s assault. Despite challenging Orton to a rematch on RAW the following night, Rhodes suffered another defeat, leading to Orton attacking Dusty.

In September, Rhodes began a rivalry with Hardcore Holly, losing three consecutive matches to him. However, they later teamed up and won the World Tag Team Championship by defeating Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch on the RAW 15th Anniversary special, marking Rhodes’ first WWE title. In May 2008, Ted DiBiase initiated a feud with the duo, ultimately causing Rhodes to betray Holly at Night of Champions on June 29, teaming up with DiBiase another second generation superstar, to secure their second World Tag Team Championship.

After reigning as champions for just over a month, they lost the title to John Cena and Batista on the August 4, 2008, episode of RAW, only to reclaim it the following week. Rhodes and DiBiase were later joined by Manu, Afa’s son, in September, forming a group of wrestlers from different generations.

On October 27, Rhodes and DiBiase dropped the World Tag Team Championship to Kofi Kingston and CM Punk. In November, they kicked off a storyline with Orton and, at Survivor Series, Rhodes, alongside Orton, emerged as a survivor for Orton’s team in the annual Elimination match. The trio then formed a faction with Orton, all second generation superstars, representing their family name, they were known as The Legacy. As part of The Legacy, Rhodes entered the Royal Rumble match to assist Orton, making it to the final three before being eliminated by Triple H. Rhodes and DiBiase also played a role in Orton’s feud with the McMahon family, aiding in attacks against Shane and Stephanie McMahon, as well as Stephanie’s husband, Triple H. Rhodes’ status was elevated to the main event scene due to his involvement with The Legacy, competing in various matches against Orton’s adversaries.

At BackLash on April 26, Rhodes, DiBiase, and Orton emerged victorious in a six-man tag team match against Triple H, Batista, and Shane McMahon, resulting in Orton capturing the WWE Championship as per the stipulation. Despite suffering a minor neck injury in June, Rhodes continued to compete.

Throughout the middle of 2009, Rhodes and DiBiase were constantly targeting and attacking Orton’s enemies, particularly Triple H. This eventually led to Triple H reuniting with Shawn Michaels to reform D-Generation X (DX), who defeated Rhodes and DiBiase at SummerSlam. Despite Rhodes and DiBiase managing to defeat DX at Breaking Point, they were later defeated in a Hell in a Cell match at the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view in October. Rhodes then represented Team RAW at Bragging Rights, teaming up with DX reluctantly, only to be defeated by Team SmackDown. At Survivor Series, Rhodes sided with Orton in his feud against Kofi Kingston, being part of Team Orton against Team Kingston, with Kingston ultimately eliminating Orton to be the sole survivor. The tension within The Legacy escalated at the 2010 Royal Rumble, when Rhodes tried to interfere in Orton’s WWE Championship match, resulting in a disqualification for Orton. After the match, Orton attacked both Rhodes and DiBiase.

On a RAW episode on February 15, Orton faced Sheamus in a non-title rematch but was once again disqualified due to interference from Rhodes and DiBiase. During the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match pay-per-view, Rhodes passed a lead pipe to DiBiase, who used it to eliminate Orton from the match. This led to a series of attacks between Orton, Rhodes, and DiBiase, culminating in a triple threat match at WrestleMania XXVI, where Orton emerged victorious.

In 2010, Rhodes was selected to join the SmackDown brand during the WWE supplemental draft. He kicked off his SmackDown career by defeating John Morrison on the April 30 episode. Rhodes also competed in a tournament for the vacant WWE Intercontinental Championship, but was defeated by Christian in the semi-finals. Additionally, he took on the role of mentor to Husky Harris on the second season of NXT. Rhodes later participated in the Money in the Bank ladder match at the inaugural Money in the Bank pay-per-view, but was unable to secure the victory. On June 25, Rhodes introduced a new narcissistic persona, dubbing himself “Dashing” Cody Rhodes and claiming to be the most attractive wrestler in WWE. He even shared grooming tips in vignettes and was very protective of his face during matches. In September, Rhodes and Drew McIntyre formed an alliance by attacking Christian and Matt Hardy. The duo went on to win the WWE Tag Team Championship at Night of Champions, only to lose it to The Nexus at Bragging Rights. Following a tag team loss on October 29, Rhodes and McIntyre decided to go their separate ways.

On January 21, 2011, Rhodes went head-to-head with Rey Mysterio in a fierce match. Mysterio delivered a brutal blow to Rhodes’ face with his knee brace, breaking Rhodes’ nose for real. This incident led Rhodes to abandon his “dashing” persona and undergo facial reconstructive surgery. After being absent from television for a few weeks, Rhodes made a dramatic return wearing a clear protective mask. He teamed up with his father to ambush Mysterio on the February 25 SmackDown, even going as far as to remove Mysterio’s mask. Rhodes then cleverly used his protective mask as a weapon in matches, headbutting opponents and striking them with it. In 2020, Rhodes reflected on his time as Undashing Cody Rhodes, considering it some of his best work as a professional wrestler. Rhodes emerged victorious against Mysterio at WrestleMania XXVII on April 3. The two rivals also clashed in a Falls Count Anywhere match at the Extreme Rules pay-per-view in May, which Mysterio won.

Cody Rhodes had one moment in wrestling that will never be compared to anything else. Let me set the scene, In the wrestling ring, a mysterious figure stood tall. With his dark hair and clear plastic mask, he exuded an air of intrigue. Clad in black wrestling tights and a hooded jacket, he commands attention. In one hand, he holds a microphone, ready to deliver his powerful words. In the other hand, he carries brown paper bags, a symbol of his unique message. As the episodes of SmackDown unfold after WrestleMania XXVII, this enigmatic individual, known as Rhodes, takes center stage. With the assistance of his allies, he distributes paper bags to the audience during his promos. His demand is clear – he wants the crowd to cover their heads with these bags, hiding their perceived flaws and imperfections. To him, their appearance is offensive. Not stopping there, Rhodes extends his unconventional approach to his opponents as well.

After defeating them in matches, he places paper bags over their heads, further emphasizing his disdain for their presence. This act becomes a signature move, leaving his rivals humiliated and masked. But Rhodes’s journey doesn’t end there. He reunites with his ally, Ted DiBiase, and together they engage in a heated feud with Sin Cara and Daniel Bryan. The intensity rises as these rivalries clash, each vying for supremacy in the ring. Seeking glory and success, Rhodes enters the SmackDown Money in the Bank ladder match at the second annual Money in the Bank pay-per-view. However, luck is not on his side as Bryan emerges victorious, leaving Rhodes empty-handed. With each twist and turn, Rhodes continues to captivate the audience with his unique persona and actions. The wrestling world eagerly awaits his next move, wondering what surprises he has in store.

During the August 9 tapings of the August 12 SmackDown, Rhodes emerged victorious over Ezekiel Jackson, securing the Intercontinental Championship. This marked Rhodes’ first singles title with the company. In the following week, Rhodes and DiBiase engaged in a heated verbal confrontation with Orton. The tension escalated when Rhodes attacked DiBiase after his loss to Orton, effectively ending their alliance.

This turn of events led to an intense Intercontinental Championship match between Rhodes and DiBiase at Night of Champions, which Rhodes triumphantly won. Meanwhile, Rhodes found himself embroiled in a feud with Orton. Although Orton emerged victorious over Rhodes on the September 9 SmackDown, Rhodes managed to defeat Orton on the September 12 Raw with the help of a distraction from Mark Henry. However, on the September 23 SmackDown, Orton resorted to disqualification tactics by removing Rhodes’ mask and striking him with it. The post-match chaos saw Orton brutally attack Rhodes with the timekeeper’s bell, resulting in a legitimate cut and bloodshed. The following week on SmackDown, Rhodes revealed that he required nine staples to close the wound, showcasing the severity of the assault.

At the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view on October 2, Rhodes unveiled a fresh look for the Intercontinental Championship, featuring a white strap and plates reminiscent of the title’s classic 1980s design. He then successfully defended it against John Morrison. In the following weeks, Rhodes clashed with Orton, citing past mistreatment and betrayal. Their rivalry culminated at Vengeance, where Orton emerged victorious in a non-title bout. The feud reached its climax on November 4 SmackDown, as Orton triumphed over Rhodes in a Street Fight, shattering Rhodes’ mask in the process. Rhodes resurfaced on the November 14 RAW, unmasked and liberated from his previous persona, courtesy of Orton. At Survivor Series, Rhodes stood tall as the sole survivor alongside Team Captain Wade Barrett in a thrilling showdown against Team Orton.

Rhodes then clashed with SmackDown commentator Booker T, launching surprise attacks from behind on multiple occasions. He managed to defend his Intercontinental Championship against Booker T at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs and on the January 6, 2012 SmackDown. In the 2012 Royal Rumble match, Rhodes put on an impressive performance by lasting over 40 minutes and eliminating a total of six wrestlers, the most by any competitor, before ultimately being eliminated by Big Show. During the World Heavyweight Championship Elimination Chamber match at Elimination Chamber, Rhodes shocked everyone by pinning Big Show, only to be eliminated later by Santino Marella. In the weeks that followed, Rhodes took pleasure in showcasing Big Show’s embarrassing moments from past WrestleManias, causing Big Show to lose matches. However, at WrestleMania XXVIII, Rhodes lost the Intercontinental Championship to Big Show, putting an end to his impressive reign of 233 days.

After his defeat at WrestleMania, Rhodes experienced a string of losses, his first set of hard times, baby, mainly due to Big Show’s interference during his matches. However, he managed to turn the tables at Extreme Rules, regaining the title by defeating Big Show in a Tables match. Rhodes continued to prove his worth on the May 7 episode of RAW, successfully defending his title against Big Show in a rematch, albeit by getting himself counted out. Unfortunately, his reign as Intercontinental Champion came to an end at Over the Limit, where he lost the title to Christian. Rhodes attempted to reclaim the championship in a rematch at No Way Out, but was once again defeated by Christian. Determined to prove himself, Rhodes teamed up with David Otunga in a Money in the Bank qualification match on June 29 SmackDown. However, they were defeated by Christian and United States Champion Santino Marella, with Otunga taking the fall. Undeterred, Rhodes insisted that he hadn’t truly lost and demanded another opportunity. His persistence paid off when the WWE Board of Directors granted him another chance on Super SmackDown Live, where he emerged victorious against Christian, securing his spot in the match. Unfortunately, Rhodes fell short at Money in the Bank, as Dolph Ziggler emerged as the winner. Rhodes’ quest for the Intercontinental Championship continued at Night of Champions on September 16, but he was unable to capture the title in a fatal-four-way match against The Miz, Rey Mysterio, and Sin Cara. Despite these setbacks, Rhodes remained determined to prove himself as one of the top competitors in WWE.

Rhodes then formed an alliance with Damien Sandow, launching an assault on Tag Team Champions Team Hell No (Daniel Bryan and Kane) during the September 24 Raw. The duo, now dubbed “Rhodes Scholars”, triumphed in a Tag Team Championship tournament to secure a shot at the title, but were bested by the champions on two occasions. Rhodes sustained a concussion and a strained shoulder, leading to his removal from the Survivor Series five-on-five tag team bout.

Upon his comeback from injury, flaunting a new mustache, Rhodes and Sandow teamed up to challenge Team Hell No for the titles twice: once on Main Event and again at the Royal Rumble. Their rivalry expanded to involve The Bella Twins, as they clashed with Tons of Funk and The Funkadactyls. Originally slated for an eight-person mixed tag team showdown at WrestleMania 29, their match was ultimately axed due to time constraints. The bout was rescheduled for the next night on RAW, where Tons of Funk and The Funkadactyls emerged victorious.

At the Money in the Bank pay-per-view on July 14, Rhodes found himself in the midst of a thrilling ladder match for the World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank contract. However, his hopes were dashed when Damien Sandow betrayed him and sent him crashing off the ladder, stealing the victory. The very next night on RAW, Rhodes sought revenge and attacked Sandow, effectively ending their partnership as Team Rhodes Scholars. This marked Rhodes’ return to being a fan favorite, a role he hadn’t embraced since 2008. The two rivals continued their feud, with the coveted briefcase becoming the center of their conflict. In a bold move, Rhodes tossed the briefcase into the Gulf of Mexico, adding an extra layer of intensity to their rivalry. Finally, at SummerSlam on August 18, Rhodes, now without his iconic mustache, triumphed over Sandow in a hard-fought singles match. The following night on RAW, Rhodes proved his victory was no fluke by defeating Sandow once again.

In 2013, Goldust made his triumphant return to WWE, joining forces with his half-brother Cody. The Rhodes family showing their roots. Their partnership took an interesting turn in September of that year when Rhodes found himself embroiled in a heated storyline against Triple H. Unfortunately, things didn’t go well for Rhodes as he suffered a defeat at the hands of Orton and was subsequently fired (in storyline, of course). But fear not, this was all part of the plan to give Rhodes some well-deserved time off for his marriage and honeymoon with Brandi Reed.

During this time, Goldust also faced his fair share of challenges, losing to Orton with Cody’s reinstatement on the line. As if that wasn’t enough, their father Dusty Rhodes found himself on the receiving end of a brutal attack by Big Show while desperately pleading for his sons to get their jobs back. Talk about a rough patch for the Rhodes family! But the story doesn’t end there. The vengeful Rhodes brothers decided to take matters into their own hands and crashed RAW by launching a surprise attack on The Shield. Their actions sent shockwaves through the WWE universe and set the stage for an epic showdown. And boy, did they deliver.

On October 6 at Battleground, Rhodes and Goldust faced off against the WWE Tag Team Champions, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, in a non-title match. Against all odds, they emerged victorious, earning themselves a chance to be resigned once again. The following week on RAW, they took on The Shield in a No Disqualification match and emerged triumphant, capturing the Tag Team Championships in the process. The Rhodes brothers went on to hold the titles for months, successfully defending them against formidable opponents such as The Shield.

However, their reign came to an end at the Royal Rumble when they were defeated by The New Age Outlaws. Despite the loss, the journey of the Rhodes brothers was nothing short of extraordinary. Their resilience, determination, and undeniable talent captivated audiences around the world, leaving an indelible mark on the WWE history books.

 

On the June 16 episode of RAW, Rhodes made his debut as a new character named Stardust. This persona, which was previously used by his father in the American Wrestling Association, featured face paint, a bodysuit, and mannerisms similar to those of Goldust. Teaming up with his brother, they defeated RybAxel that night, as well as at Money in the Bank and on RAW. On August 18, Stardust and Goldust faced off against the WWE Tag Team Champions, The Usos, in a non-title match and emerged victorious. This led to a rematch on August 25, where they defeated The Usos via count out but did not win the titles. After the match, both Stardust and Goldust launched a brutal attack on The Usos. At Night of Champions, Stardust and Goldust managed to defeat The Usos and became the WWE Tag Team Champions for the second time. They successfully retained their titles against The Usos at Hell in a Cell. However, their reign came to an end at Survivor Series when they lost the titles in a fatal four-way tag team match involving Damien Mizdow, The Miz, The Usos, and Los Matadores. They also failed to regain the titles in a rematch on Raw the following night. Their journey continued at TLC, where they faced off against the newly formed team, The New Day, but unfortunately, they were unable to secure a victory.

In February, the team disbanded after Cody Rhodes executed his signature move, Cross Rhodes, on Goldust. This led to a match between Goldust and Stardust at Fastlane, which Goldust emerged as the winner. The brothers attempted to have a match at WrestleMania, but WWE Chairman Vince McMahon decided not to book the match, deeming it not worthy of the grand event, a few years later, Tony Khan proved that Vince was wrong. As time went on, the Stardust character underwent a transformation, resembling a comic book supervillain. This led to a storyline rivalry with actor Stephen Amell, who portrayed Oliver Queen in the TV show Arrow. Stardust even renamed his finishing maneuver “The Queen’s Crossbow” in honor of Amell’s character. At SummerSlam, Stardust and his partner, Wade Barrett, were defeated by Amell and Neville in a tag team match. Following this, Stardust formed a faction called “The Cosmic Wasteland” with The Ascension. At Night of Champions, they emerged victorious in a six-man tag team match against Neville and The Lucha House Party.

 

During the period from September to May, he was involved in television and PPV with minor storylines and losses. At WrestleMania 32, Stardust took part in a seven-man ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship, but Zack Ryder emerged victorious.

On May 21, 2016, Rhodes announced on Twitter that he had asked to be released from WWE, which was granted the next day. Rhodes expressed his frustration with WWE’s creative team and his position within the company as the reasons for his departure. He had been trying to end the Stardust gimmick for over six months and had pitched several storyline ideas that were ignored. Looking back on Rhodes’ time in WWE, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer noted that after Legacy, Rhodes was mainly used as a lower and mid-card wrestler in various roles, with his career not progressing as desired. James Caldwell of Pro Wrestling Torch mentioned that Rhodes had struggled with the Stardust character, often appearing on Superstars or Main Event. Jason Powell of Pro Wrestling Dot Net found Rhodes’ decision to leave surprising given his family’s long history with WWE. Dave Scherer of Pro Wrestling Insider sympathized with Rhodes, stating that WWE never truly gave him a chance, which he found sad. In September 2019, Rhodes shared WWE Executive Vice President Triple H’s response to his departure from the company. Rhodes mentioned that Triple H took it personally due to his contributions to Rhodes’ father at NXT. Despite this, Rhodes made it clear that he needed to prioritize his own path and not just follow in his father’s footsteps. He expressed gratitude for Triple H’s support but emphasized the need to be true to himself. Rhodes also mentioned that there were no hard feelings towards WWE post-departure, highlighting that decisions made by the company were business-driven. Additionally, he clarified that the redesign of the Intercontinental Championship belt in 2019 coinciding with AEW’s launch was not a deliberate move to distance from him, as the belt was due for a refresh regardless.

After bidding farewell to WWE, Rhodes embarked on a new journey in the world of professional wrestling. He continued to showcase his skills under his real name on the independent circuit, occasionally omitting his last name to avoid any conflicts with WWE. His first match after leaving WWE took place at Evolve 66 in Joppa, Maryland, where he emerged victorious by making Zack Sabre Jr. submit. Rhodes didn’t waste any time and immediately called out Drew Galloway after the match, displaying his determination to take on new challenges. The next day, Rhodes faced off against Chris Hero but unfortunately fell short in securing a victory. Undeterred, he moved on to wrestle for the Northeast Wrestling promotion from August 25 to 28. On August 25, Rhodes triumphed over Brian Anthony in a thrilling match, with the legendary Ricky Steamboat serving as the guest referee. The following day, Rhodes faced Mike Bennett in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in a match that had been highly anticipated since its announcement on June 3. Adding to the excitement, both wrestlers had their wives supporting them from ringside. Continuing his winning streak, Rhodes went on to defeat Kurt Angle in Wappingers Falls, New York, on August 27. Finally, on August 28, he showcased his skills once again and emerged victorious against Sami Callihan in Bangor, Maine. Rhodes’ journey on the independent circuit was off to an impressive start, proving that he was ready to make a name for himself outside of the WWE ring.

In a thrilling announcement on June 6, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) revealed that Rhodes would be participating in their highly anticipated Battle of Los Angeles tournament. The excitement continued on September 3, as Rhodes, wrestling under the name Cody R, emerged victorious in his first round match against Sami Callihan. However, his journey in the tournament came to an end the next day when he was eliminated in the quarterfinals by the eventual winner, Marty Scurll. Rhodes didn’t let this setback dampen his spirits, as he went on to achieve more remarkable victories. On November 26, at WrestleCade’s Showcase of Champions, he triumphed over Sonjay Dutt to claim the prestigious GFW NEX*GEN Championship. His success continued on March 3, 2017, when he made a memorable appearance for Northeast Wrestling (NEW) in Connecticut, defeating none other than the legendary Kurt Angle in a thrilling steel cage match. But Cody’s journey was far from over. On March 18, 2017, he added another championship to his growing collection by defeating Mike Bennett for the NEW Heavyweight Championship. However, his reign as champion was short-lived, as on December 1, 2017, Rhodes faced tough competition in a triple threat match and ultimately lost the NEW Heavyweight Championship to Flip Gordon. Despite this setback, Rhodes had already proven himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional wrestling.

In a memorable debut on October 6, 2016, he stepped into the ring as Cody Rhodes for What Culture Pro Wrestling (WCPW) at the iPPV Refuse to Lose. His first victory came against Doug Williams, setting the stage for an exciting journey. The very next day, at the 14th episode of Loaded, Rhodes faced off against Joseph Conners for the WCPW Championship but unfortunately fell short. Undeterred, he then took on the legendary Kurt Angle at True Legacy, although the outcome didn’t favor Rhodes. However, he didn’t let that dampen his spirit as he issued a challenge to El Ligero for the WCPW Internet Championship, which Ligero graciously accepted. The stage was set for an epic showdown. Fast forward to November 30 at Delete WCPW, Rhodes proved his mettle by defeating El Ligero and claiming the WCPW Internet Championship. Not only that, but he also successfully defended his GFW NEX*GEN Championship in a title for title match. It was a night to remember, showcasing Rhodes’ skill and determination. However, every journey has its ups and downs. On April 29, 2017, at No Regrets, Rhodes faced a tough challenge in a triple threat match for the WCPW Internet Championship against Gabriel Kidd and Joe Hendry. Unfortunately, he lost the title in a hard-fought battle. But Rhodes wasn’t one to back down easily. Later that night, he entered a battle royal for the WCPW Championship, but his hopes were dashed when he was eliminated by Joe Coffey. Despite the setbacks, Rhodes had one final match with WCPW, and he made it count. The following day, he emerged victorious against former WCPW Champion Drew Galloway, leaving a lasting impression on the promotion. It was a bittersweet farewell, but Rhodes had left his mark on WCPW.

In May 2017, Dave Meltzer made a bold claim that an independent wrestling show in the United States would never be able to fill a ten thousand seat arena. However, Rhodes and The Young Bucks decided to challenge this notion by organizing a show with the sole purpose of attracting ten thousand fans. This show was later named All In and was announced in May 2018. The response from fans was overwhelming, as tickets to “All In” sold out within just 30 minutes on May 13, 2018. The event itself was a huge success, with Cody defeating Nick Aldis to become the NWA World Heavyweight Champion on September 1. Unfortunately, Cody’s reign was short-lived, as he lost the championship back to Aldis in a thrilling two-out-of-three falls match at the NWA 70th Anniversary Show on October 21.

On July 19, 2016, Rhodes made an exciting announcement that he would be participating in Ring of Honor’s (ROH) Final Battle pay-per-view on December 2. The official announcement from ROH came the very next day. At the event, Rhodes, going by the name Cody, emerged victorious against Jay Lethal after a sneaky low blow. But his actions didn’t stop there. He went on to attack Lethal, senior referee Todd Sinclair, and even taunted the passionate ROH fans. To top it off, he even shoved ROH commentator Steve Corino. The drama continued on the January 18 episode of Ring of Honor Wrestling, where Cody managed to defeat Corino. However, please note that this information comes from an unreliable source. Moving on to the Supercard of Honor XI event on April 1, Cody faced a tough defeat against Jay Lethal in a Texas Bullrope match. But Cody didn’t let that dampen his spirits. Later that night, he took matters into his own hands and attacked former ROH World Champion Christopher Daniels. The action-packed journey continued on May 12 at War of the Worlds, where Cody valiantly challenged Christopher Daniels for the ROH World Championship in a thrilling three-way match that also involved Jay Lethal. Unfortunately, Cody fell short of victory on that occasion. However, he didn’t let that setback define him. On June 23 at Best in the World, Cody achieved a monumental milestone by defeating Daniels and claiming the prestigious ROH World Championship. This victory marked the first world title of his career, and he proudly became the first member of the Rhodes family to capture a world title in 31 years. It’s worth mentioning that Cody and Dusty Rhodes now join the elite ranks of father-son combinations who have won major world championships in the United States, following in the footsteps of Fritz and Kerry Von Erich.

On September 23rd, it was announced that Cody had inked a multi-year deal with ROH. Fast forward to December 15th at Final Battle, Cody, sporting a new look with bleached blond hair, dropped the ROH World Championship to Dalton Castle. Then on July 21, 2018, Cody, along with The Young Bucks, emerged victorious against The Kingdom to capture the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championship for the first time. Unfortunately, their reign came to an end at Survival of the Fittest on November 4 when they were defeated by The Kingdom after holding the titles for 106 days and successfully defending them twice. Cody later challenged Jay Lethal for the ROH World Championship at Final Battle, but was unsuccessful. The very next day, Cody bid farewell to ROH.

Rhodes had a busy schedule, working for both Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and ROH at the same time. These deals were non-exclusive, allowing him to appear in both promotions. TNA officially announced Rhodes, now billed as Cody, would be making his debut at Bound for Glory on October 2. Alongside his wife Brandi Rhodes, Cody made a face turn by attacking Mike Bennett and Maria, sparking a feud between the two couples. In a promo on the October 6 episode of Impact Wrestling, Cody praised the company and expressed his desire to compete for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. However, Bennett and Maria interrupted, leading to a brawl. Cody’s in-ring debut came on the October 13 episode, where he defeated Bennett. He then challenged Eddie Edwards for the Impact World Heavyweight Championship on the October 20 episode but was unsuccessful in capturing the title. Cody and Brandi got their revenge on Bennett and Maria on the October 27 episode, defeating them in a match. Unfortunately, Cody was attacked by Lashley backstage after the match, resulting in him being written off television. Cody made his return on the February 23, 2017, episode of Impact Wrestling. He called out Moose to thank him for helping Brandi while he was away. However, when Cody discovered that Brandi had Moose’s phone number, he attacked Moose, turning heel. On the March 30 episode, Cody faced Moose for the Impact Grand Championship but was unable to secure the victory. Shortly after, Rhodes’ contract with the promotion came to an end.

On December 10, 2016, Rhodes, known as “The American Nightmare” Cody, made a grand entrance at the World Tag League finals of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) through a captivating video package. In this exciting announcement, he revealed himself as the newest member of the prestigious Bullet Club. Fast forward to January 4, 2017, Cody showcased his incredible skills by defeating Juice Robinson in his debut match at Wrestle Kingdom 11, held in the iconic Tokyo Dome. The crowd was electrified by his performance and left in awe of his talent. Cody’s journey continued as he returned to NJPW in February for the highly anticipated NJPW and ROH co-produced Honor Rising: Japan 2017 shows. His presence added an extra level of excitement and anticipation to the events. After an impressive victory over Michael Elgin at Dominion 6.11 in Osaka-jo Hall on June 11, Cody fearlessly issued a challenge to Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. The stage was set for an epic showdown between these two incredible athletes. Finally, on July 1 at G1 Special in USA, the much-anticipated match between Cody and Okada took place. Despite Cody’s valiant efforts, Okada emerged victorious, retaining his championship title. It was a hard-fought battle that left fans on the edge of their seats. During the intense finals of the G1 Climax 27 on August 13, Cody and his fellow Bullet Club member, Hangman Page, valiantly faced off against War Machine (Hanson and Raymond Rowe) for the IWGP Tag Team Championship. Unfortunately, their efforts fell short, and they were unable to capture the coveted title. Cody’s journey in NJPW has been filled with thrilling moments, fierce competition, and unforgettable matches. As a member of the Bullet Club, he continues to leave a lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling.

Cody’s journey in NJPW has been filled with ups and downs. He faced Kota Ibushi at Wrestle Kingdom 12, but unfortunately, he couldn’t secure the victory. However, at The New Beginning in Sapporo, he found an opportunity to attack Kenny Omega with the assistance of Page, only to be halted by Ibushi. This encounter set the stage for a match at the G1 Special in San Francisco, where Cody aimed to dethrone Omega as the IWGP Heavyweight Champion, but his efforts were in vain. Following the match, chaos ensued as the “BC Firing Squad” unleashed their assault on Omega and the rest of Bullet Club. Surprisingly, Cody chose not to join the attackers and instead embraced his fellow Bullet Club members after the dust settled. It was a moment of unity amidst the turmoil. Cody’s fortunes took a turn for the better at Fighting Spirit Unleashed when he defeated Robinson to claim the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship, marking his first championship win in NJPW. However, his quest to defeat Omega for the title proved elusive once again at King of Pro-Wrestling, where he faced both Omega and Ibushi in a three-way match. On October 24, Cody made a significant announcement, declaring his departure from Bullet Club. Despite this, he remained aligned with Omega, The Young Bucks, Hangman Page, and Marty Scurll as part of The Elite. The bond between these wrestlers remained unbroken. At Wrestle Kingdom 13, Cody’s reign as the United States Heavyweight Champion came to an end as he lost the title to Robinson. Then, on February 7, his profile was unexpectedly removed from the NJPW website, leaving fans wondering about his future in the promotion.

In November 2018, a series of trademarks were filed in Jacksonville, Florida, signaling the upcoming launch of a new wrestling promotion.

Fast forward to January 1, 2019, when All Elite Wrestling (AEW) was officially introduced during a conference in Jacksonville. Cody, along with Matt and Nick Jackson and Kenny Omega, were named Executive Vice Presidents and on-air talent. Cody and The Young Bucks inked five-year deals with the promotion. The journey continued with Cody’s victory over Dustin Rhodes at Double or Nothing in May, followed by a time limit draw against Darby Allin at Fyter Fest in June. The events unfolded, leading to a heated rivalry with Shawn Spears and the formation of The Inner Circle to challenge The Elite. Fast forward to Full Gear in November, where Cody’s quest for the AEW World Championship was thwarted by MJF’s betrayal. The drama and action never cease in the world of AEW!

In the months that followed, Cody tirelessly pursued a match with MJF. However, MJF had a few conditions that Cody had to meet before agreeing to the match. First, Cody was forbidden from laying a finger on MJF until the day of the match. Second, he had to face off against MJF’s formidable bodyguard, Wardlow, in a brutal steel cage match. And finally, Cody had to endure ten lashes with a leather belt. Despite the grueling challenges, Cody persevered and successfully defeated Wardlow in the steel cage match on the February 19, 2020, episode of Dynamite. This victory paved the way for the highly anticipated showdown at the Revolution pay-per-view. Unfortunately, Cody’s efforts were in vain as he ultimately fell to MJF’s cunning tactics and was defeated at Revolution on February 29.

Cody Rhodes’ journey with the AEW TNT Championship was a rollercoaster of emotions and intense competition. From winning the title in a historic tournament to losing it to Brodie Lee and then reclaiming it in a brutal Dog Collar match, Cody proved time and time again that he was a fighting champion willing to do whatever it takes to hold onto his title. His feud with Brodie Lee and The Dark Order added a new layer of intensity to his reign, showcasing his resilience and determination to overcome any obstacle in his path. However, Cody’s reign eventually came to an end at Full Gear when he faced off against Darby Allin, a rising star in AEW. Despite putting up a valiant effort, Cody was unable to retain his title against the young and hungry competitor. This loss marked the end of Cody’s second reign as TNT Champion, but it also signaled a new chapter in his career as he continued to pursue his goal of becoming one of the top stars in AEW. Throughout his time as TNT Champion, Cody Rhodes proved himself to be a true fighting champion, willing to put everything on the line to defend his title and prove his worth in the ring. His battles with some of the best talent in AEW only solidified his reputation as a top competitor, and his legacy as the inaugural TNT Champion will always be remembered in the history of All Elite Wrestling.

After losing the TNT Championship, Rhodes found himself embroiled in a heated feud with none other than basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal. Their clash took center stage on the March 3, 2021, episode of Dynamite, where Rhodes and his partner Red Velvet faced off against O’Neal and his partner Jade Cargill in a mixed tag team match. Unfortunately, Rhodes and Velvet came up short in that encounter. Not one to back down, Rhodes set his sights on the Face of the Revolution Ladder Match at the Revolution event on March 7. The winner of this match would earn a future opportunity at the TNT Championship. However, despite his valiant efforts, Rhodes fell short once again as Scorpio Sky emerged victorious. But Rhodes’ journey was far from over. On the March 31 episode of Dynamite, a new feud ignited between Rhodes and Q. T. Marshall. This rivalry was sparked when Marshall, along with his allies Aaron Solo, Nick Comoroto, and the debuting Anthony Ogogo, viciously attacked Rhodes after a match. Seeking retribution, Rhodes faced Marshall at the Blood and Guts event on May 5 and emerged triumphant. Rhodes didn’t stop there. He went on to face and defeat Ogogo at the Double or Nothing pay-per-view later that month, proving his resilience and determination. The feud between Rhodes and Marshall reached its boiling point at the Road Rager event on July 7, where Rhodes emerged victorious in a South Beach Strap match, finally putting an end to their bitter rivalry. But just as one chapter closed, another one began. Rhodes found himself entangled in a new feud, this time with the debuting Malakai Black. Their clash took place at the Homecoming event on August 4, and unfortunately for Rhodes, it was a quick and decisive defeat. Taking a brief hiatus, Rhodes returned to face Black once again at Grand Slam on September 22, hoping to turn the tables. However, luck was not on his side as he suffered another defeat at the hands of Black. But Rhodes refused to be defeated for long. On the October 23 episode of Dynamite, he finally managed to overcome Black, securing a hard-fought victory. And the momentum continued at Full Gear, where Rhodes teamed up with Pac to take on Black and Andrade El Idolo, emerging victorious in a thrilling match. Rhodes’ journey reached its pinnacle on the December 1 episode of Dynamite, where he faced Andrade in an Atlanta street fight

In a thrilling episode of Rampage’s special Holiday Bash on December 25, Rhodes emerged victorious over Sammy Guevara, securing the TNT Championship for an unprecedented third time. However, at the electrifying Beach Break event on January 26, 2022, Rhodes faced a formidable challenge and ultimately lost the title to Guevara in a ladder match that received widespread acclaim. Little did we know that this would mark Rhodes’ final match in AEW. News broke on February 15, 2022, revealing that both Rhodes and his wife Brandi had departed from the promotion due to their inability to reach an agreement on a new contract. Rhodes later disclosed that his departure was driven by a personal matter.

 

On March 18, 2022, various sources reported that Rhodes had officially re-signed with WWE. It was an exciting moment for fans as they eagerly awaited his return to the ring. And that moment finally came on the first night of WrestleMania 38, April 2nd. Rhodes made a surprising appearance as Seth “Freakin” Rollins’ opponent, marking his comeback to WWE after a six-year absence. The crowd erupted with cheers as Rhodes defeated Rollins, proving that he hadn’t lost his touch. In the following episode of Raw, Rhodes shared his heartfelt motivation for returning to WWE. He revealed that his ultimate goal was to win the championship that his late father, Dusty Rhodes, never had the chance to hold – the prestigious WWE Championship. It was a powerful statement that resonated with both the audience and his fellow wrestlers. Rhodes continued to showcase his talent and determination by defeating Rollins once again in a rematch at WrestleMania Backlash. However, fate had a different plan for him. Just before their highly anticipated Hell in a Cell match, Rhodes suffered a severe pectoral muscle tear during a brawl on Raw. The injury worsened when the muscle completely tore off the bone while he was training in the days leading up to the event. It was a devastating setback for Rhodes, but he refused to let it dampen his spirit. Despite the excruciating pain and a discolored spot on his skin, Rhodes entered the Hell in a Cell match with unwavering determination. In a display of sheer resilience, he managed to defeat Rollins for the third time in a match that received critical acclaim. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer even awarded it a rare five-star rating, a testament to the incredible performance by both competitors. Unfortunately, Rhodes’ journey was put on hold once again. Four days later, it was announced that he had undergone successful surgery to repair his torn right pectoral tendon. The road to recovery would be long, and Rhodes would be unable to compete for the next eight months. It was a challenging time for him, but he remained optimistic and focused on making a triumphant return to the WWE ring. Rhodes’ story is one of resilience, determination, and a burning desire to honor his father’s legacy. As fans eagerly awaited his return, they know that when he finally steps back into the spotlight, he will continue to captivate audiences with his incredible talent and unwavering spirit

On the January 16, 2023, episode of RAW, Rhodes announced that he would return to competition in the men’s Royal Rumble match at Royal Rumble on January 28 which he won after lastly eliminating Gunther. On the following episode of RAW, Rhodes challenged Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 39. In the main event of the second night of WrestleMania. It was an Epic match, Rhodes had it won however, Rhodes was defeated by Reigns after interference from Solo Sikoa. The booking decision was met with divisive reactions from fans, journalists and other wrestlers. On the next episode of RAW, something unexpected happened. Rhodes, who had previously confronted Reigns and challenged him to a rematch, was met with a decline from Reigns. However, Rhodes didn’t back down and instead proposed a tag team match later that night. But there was a catch – Rhodes had to find a partner who competed at WrestleMania 39 and couldn’t challenge Reigns for his titles as long as Reigns was the champion. Rhodes made a surprising choice and selected Brock Lesnar as his partner. Unfortunately, the match never took place as Lesnar unleashed a brutal assault on Rhodes before it could even begin. It seemed like Lesnar had other plans in mind. But Rhodes didn’t let this setback discourage him. He went on to face Lesnar at Backlash and emerged victorious, proving that he was a force to be reckoned with. Rhodes didn’t stop there.

On the next episode of RAW, he set his sights on the World Heavyweight Championship Tournament, challenging Finn Bálor and The Miz. However, his chances of winning were thwarted by Lesnar’s interference. It seemed like Lesnar had a personal vendetta against Rhodes. To make matters worse, Rhodes suffered an arm injury that played a significant role in his defeat against Lesnar at Night of Champions. But Rhodes didn’t let these setbacks define him. He showed resilience and determination. At Money in the Bank, Rhodes faced Dominik Mysterio and managed to secure a victory, despite interference from Rhea Ripley. Rhodes was proving himself time and time again, proving that he was a true competitor. But just when Rhodes was about to challenge World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins, he was blindsided by the returning Brock Lesnar. It seemed like Lesnar had a personal grudge against Rhodes and was determined to make his life difficult. This led to a highly anticipated rubber match between Rhodes and Lesnar at SummerSlam. Rhodes defied the odds and emerged victorious, with Lesnar even endorsing him after the match. It was a surprising turn of events, as many expected Lesnar to take a hiatus for the rest of 2023. Rhodes had overcome numerous obstacles and proved himself as a formidable competitor. His journey was filled with ups and downs, but he never gave up. He made it through Hard times.

Cody made a surprise appearance on The Grayson Waller Effect at Payback, revealing that Jey Uso would be joining the Raw roster despite his recent departure from WWE. Drew McIntyre and Kevin Owens remained skeptical of Uso due to his ties with The Bloodline, leading to tension between the wrestlers. Cody and Jey clashed with The Judgment Day faction in their efforts to recruit Jey, ultimately winning the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship from Finn Bálor and Damian Priest at Fastlane. This victory marked Cody’s first championship win since his return to WWE and his first tag team title win since 2014. Despite successfully defending their titles against various challengers, Cody and Jey lost the belts to Bálor and Priest in a rematch on Raw. Rhodes and Jey continued to pursue the titles but were unsuccessful, facing interference from McIntyre and others. At Survivor Series: WarGames, Cody, Seth Rollins, Jey Uso, Sami Zayn, and Randy Orton emerged victorious in a WarGames match against The Judgment Day and McIntyre.

Rhodes made a big statement on the November 27 episode of Raw, declaring his entry into the men’s Royal Rumble match at Royal Rumble on January 27. He emerged victorious by eliminating CM Punk last, becoming the first person to win two consecutive Rumble matches since Stone Cold Steve Austin in 1997 and 1998. After his win, Rhodes locked eyes with Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. At the post-Rumble press conference, Rhodes was pressed about choosing Reigns as his WrestleMania opponent. In response, Rhodes confidently stated, “WrestleMania 39 is in the cards. I can’t shy away from that challenge. I’m determined to step back into the ring with Roman Reigns and settle the score. Keeping my word is paramount to me.”

On the next episode of SmackDown, Rhodes surprised everyone by announcing that he wouldn’t challenge Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL. However, things took an unexpected turn when The Rock made a dramatic entrance and confronted Reigns. Rhodes, showing respect, shook hands with The Rock and left the ring, leaving Reigns and The Rock to face each other. This twist in the storyline didn’t sit well with fans, who expressed their disappointment on social media. Fast forward to the WrestleMania XL Kickoff media event, where The Rock, Reigns, and Seth Rollins were present to hear Rhodes’s decision. Reigns and The Rock took matters into their own hands and declared themselves as the main event of WrestleMania XL. Rhodes, asserting his rights as the Royal Rumble winner, appeared and announced that he had chosen Reigns. As tensions rose, The Rock and Rhodes exchanged words about their families, leading to a shocking moment when The Rock slapped Rhodes in the face, aligning himself with the Bloodline. The drama continues to unfold in the world of wrestling! Do yourself a favor and watch the whole story unfold on the shows after the press conference but before Mania. The Rock and Cody told a brilliant story of betrayal.

During the first night of WrestleMania XL on April 6, Rhodes and Rollins faced off against The Rock and Reigns, resulting in a loss for Rhodes and Rollins. This set up a Bloodline Rules match between Rhodes and Reigns for the second night of the event. Despite interference, Rhodes emerged victorious over Reigns, claiming the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. This marked Rhodes’ first world title win in WWE, solidifying his place in the company. Following his win, Rhodes was moved to the SmackDown brand as the title was the world championship of SmackDown.

The emotional ups and downs is what set this story apart from anyone else’s journey. The story of a man, who was groomed by the greatest, to be the greatest. He had to go out on his own to prove to himself and the fans that he was capable of that greatness. Since his return he has made a permanent mark on the entire industry, He showed that he was willing to put the game before his own safety when he competed in the Hell in a Cell against Seth. He proved that he can survive his own “Hard Times” overcoming the Beast Brock Lesnar. He showed that he can win 2 Royal Rumbles in a row. He proved at Mania 39 that a well timed loss, can progress a story more than a win. The story here is that the Fans insisted that Cody be the guy. Cody was our guy and no matter how great the Rock was in his day, he can’t top Cody at this point in history. He has made Dusty proud, he made his family proud and He has won the hearts of the entire WWE Universe by finishing his story at Wrestlemania 40. I cheered when Cody pinned Roman Reigns, but i started to cry when Samantha Irvin’s voice broke while she was announcing AND NEW WWE Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Cody Rhodes. I can’t wait to read the next Chapter!