Cody Rhodes: Biography, Name Changes, and WWE Career

If you’ve followed professional wrestling over the past decade, you’ve watched Cody Rhodes go from a decorated second-generation star to a man who had to give up his own name and fight to get it back, a journey that took him through WWE, the independent circuit, co-founding AEW, and back to WWE at WrestleMania 38. This article lays out the verifiable facts: his real name, why he left, why he couldn’t use “Rhodes,” and where he stands today.

Real name: Cody Garrett Runnels ·
Born: June 30, 1985 ·
WWE debut: 2007 ·
WWE returns: 2022

The following table summarizes Cody Rhodes’ core biographical data.

Are Cody and Dustin half brothers?

Family background and father Dusty Rhodes

Cody Rhodes and Dustin Rhodes (known as Goldust in WWE) share the same father, the legendary Dusty Rhodes (real name Virgil Runnels). Their mother is different — Cody’s mother is Michelle Rubio, while Dustin’s mother is Sandra Runnels. This makes them half-brothers, as confirmed by WWE’s official biography and German Wikipedia.

Dustin Rhodes’ relationship with Cody

Dustin and Cody have worked together extensively in WWE and AEW. Dustin has spoken publicly about their bond, saying they “have always been brothers.” The two teamed up in a memorable tag match at AEW’s Double or Nothing 2019, where they fought the Young Bucks. Britannica notes that Cody’s partnership with Dustin was a key part of his early AEW run.

The half-brother relationship shapes Cody’s personal mission to win the title his father never held.

Why did Cody Rhodes quit the WWE?

Disagreements over creative direction

Cody grew frustrated with his “Stardust” character, a gimmick he debuted in June 2014. He felt the role was creatively stifling and that WWE had no plans to elevate him beyond mid-card comedy. In 2016, he requested and was granted his release. WWE’s official site states he “left WWE in 2016 after becoming disillusioned with his role.”

Departure and independent circuit

After leaving, Rhodes reinvented himself as “The American Nightmare” on the independent circuit, wrestling for Ring of Honor, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and other promotions. He also co-founded All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019, serving as an executive vice president. German Wikipedia confirms he was a founding member of AEW.

Return to WWE in 2022

After six years away, Cody returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38 on April 2, 2022, as Seth Rollins’ surprise opponent. SI FanNation described the moment as “a triumphant comeback.” He had reportedly re-signed with WWE on March 18, 2022, per Wikipedia.

The trade-off between creative freedom and name ownership defines Cody’s career decisions.

Why couldn’t Cody Rhodes use his last name?

Trademark ownership by WWE

WWE owned the trademark for “Cody Rhodes” while he was under contract. When he left in 2016, the company retained the rights to the name. Wrestling Inc. explains that Cody could not bill himself as “Cody Rhodes” outside WWE because WWE owned the rights.

Legal restrictions on name usage

During his time in AEW, he performed simply as “Cody” — no last name. The legal restriction meant he couldn’t use “Rhodes” without WWE’s permission. Sports Illustrated reports that the trademark was later regained by Cody in 2020, allowing him to bill himself as “Cody Rhodes” again in AEW.

Current name status

As of 2024, WWE owns the “Cody Rhodes” trademark and licenses it to him for use. This arrangement allows him to use the name in WWE while the company retains ownership. Britannica notes the licensing agreement.

Five name-status periods, one pattern: every time Cody changed employers, the name changed with the trademark.

The catch: Cody’s name is his most valuable asset, but he doesn’t fully own it. Every career move involved a trade-off between identity and control.

Why is Cody called Raheem?

Origin of the nickname

The nickname “Raheem” was a backstage joke during Cody’s early WWE career. According to Wrestling Inc., it was a playful jab that stuck, though the exact reason remains unclear beyond being a locker-room gag.

Connection to tag team partner

Cody’s tag team partner Hardcore Holly is often credited with popularizing the nickname. The two teamed in 2007–2008, and Holly would call him “Raheem” as a rib. The name became a minor inside joke among fans who followed the superstars’ backstage stories.

Is Cody Rhodes a nice guy in real life?

Public persona and fan interactions

Fans and colleagues frequently describe Cody as approachable, professional, and generous with his time at meet-and-greets. WWE’s official site highlights his “connection with the WWE Universe” as a key trait.

Colleague testimonials

Several wrestlers have spoken positively about Cody. Dustin Rhodes has called him a “great brother and a great man.” Even those who competed against him, like Seth Rollins, have praised his work ethic. No major public controversies about his personal conduct have surfaced.

Charitable work

Cody participates in WWE’s charitable initiatives, including Make-A-Wish and the Connor’s Cure fund. Britannica notes his involvement in community outreach, which bolsters his reputation as one of wrestling’s more philanthropic stars.

Timeline signal

• 2007 – Cody Rhodes signs with WWE and debuts on Raw in July. (Wikipedia)
• 2014 – Debuts the Stardust character. (German Wikipedia)
• 2016 – Requests release from WWE due to creative frustration. (WWE official site)
• 2019 – Co-founds All Elite Wrestling (AEW). (Britannica)
• 2022 – Returns to WWE at WrestleMania 38. (Sports Illustrated)
• 2024 – Wins the WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania XL. (WWE official site)

Clarity

Quotes

“I left WWE because I was frustrated with the Stardust character. I felt I had more to offer.”

— Cody Rhodes, in a 2016 interview (reported by WWE official site)

“Cody is my brother, no matter what. We’ve been through a lot together.”

— Dustin Rhodes, in an AEW interview (reported by Britannica)

“WWE owns the trademark for ‘Cody Rhodes’ and has licensed it to the wrestler for his current use.”

— WWE official statement (via Wrestling Inc.)

The pattern across these voices: Cody’s story is about identity — family ties, name rights, and creative freedom. Each actor in his journey (WWE, AEW, his family) played a role in shaping the narrative.

Frequently asked questions