Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes is an American professional wrestler, producer, and entrepreneur who has carved out a remarkable career in the wrestling industry. Born Cody Garrett Runnels in Marietta, Georgia, he is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes and the half-brother of fellow wrestler Dustin Rhodes, known as Goldust. Cody grew up immersed in the wrestling business and made his WWE debut in 2006, where he competed for over a decade in various roles and character incarnations, including the memorable Stardust persona.

After requesting and receiving his release from WWE in 2016, Rhodes embarked on a journey that would reshape the professional wrestling landscape. He became one of the hottest acts on the independent circuit and in New Japan Pro-Wrestling before co-founding All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019 alongside Tony Khan, Kenny Omega, and The Young Bucks. AEW launched on TNT and quickly established itself as the first legitimate alternative to WWE in nearly two decades. Rhodes served as an executive vice president and one of the promotion’s top stars during its formative years.

In a shocking move, Rhodes left AEW in early 2022 and returned to WWE, where he launched one of the most compelling storylines in modern wrestling history, centered around his quest to “finish the story” his father never could by winning the WWE Championship. After a heartbreaking loss to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39 in 2023, Rhodes finally achieved his goal by defeating Reigns at WrestleMania 40 in April 2024 to win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, delivering one of the most emotionally resonant moments in WrestleMania history.

Rhodes’s net worth of approximately $8 million reflects his WWE salary, which increased significantly after his return and championship victory, along with merchandise sales, media appearances, and his business ventures. His journey from leaving WWE to co-founding a rival promotion and returning triumphantly has made him one of the most respected and beloved figures in professional wrestling.