Tag: Brandi Rhodes

Cody Rhodes & Brandi Rhodes Announce The Birth Of Second Child

Cody Rhodes & Brandi Rhodes Announce The Birth Of Second Child

The Rhodes family just got a little bigger. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and his wife Brandi have announced the arrival of their second child, sharing the happy news with fans on social media.

The couple, who became first-time parents in 2021 with the birth of their daughter Liberty, are now celebrating the arrival of another baby girl. Born on August 29, 2025, the newest addition to the family has been named Leilani Ella Runnels.

Brandi shared the announcement on Twitter, posting a photo of herself holding her newborn’s tiny hand alongside a heartfelt message:

“Welcome to the world Leilani Ella Runnels. We are in love. Thank you God for answered prayers. Cody + Brandi + Libby + Lani = ❤️”

For Cody, this marks an especially meaningful time in his life, balancing the top spot in WWE with the joys of fatherhood. Fans and fellow wrestlers have already begun flooding the couple’s timelines with congratulatory messages, celebrating not only his championship reign but also the family milestone.

Brandi Rhodes Diagnosed With Stage 4 Endometriosis

Brandi Rhodes took to Twitter on Tuesday to announce that she’s been diagnosed with endometriosis.

In her statement, which you can see below, Rhodes revealed that she’s been diagnosed with Stage 4 endometriosis after years of experiencing pain. She wrote,

“3 years of pain with no answers. @MaryseMizanin’s story encouraged me to press on. Many appts later, we found the answer. Stage 4 endometriosis. Successful surgery today. Ladies, listen to your bodies. We don’t have to live with pain. Advocate for yourself. Finally on the road to recovery we have to talk more about women’s health. Love you @CodyRhodes. I am so blessed with your love.”

Source: eWn

We send our best wishes to Brandi Rhodes on her journey in this battle.

Cody Rhodes Teases That Brandi Could Make Her Return To WWE

Could Brandi Rhodes be making an appearance on WWE programming in due time? Never say never.

In February 2022, both Cody and Brandi parted ways with AEW but at this time, the American Nightmare is the only one to have made a return to WWE.

Speaking on the “Out of Character with Ryan Satin” podcast, Cody spoke about his wife, saying that it isn’t unusual for the pair to do things independently. He said,

“We always wanted to do everything separately. I think even in one of the last interviews she had done before I left, guy was making fun of me in the ring, and she went out there and didn’t even need me anywhere near her. She very much can defend herself and fight her own battles.”

Cody went on to say that given her support for his career both on and off-screen, Brandi is already playing a role in his WWE return.

The 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble winner remained cagey when discussing the possibility of Brandi returning to WWE, saying,

“I wouldn’t rule it out, but she absolutely loves watching what I’m doing. She’s got some stuff that she’s working on secretly, unrelated.”

Rhodes said he won’t spoil what his wife is working on, but he reminded fans to “never say never” when it comes to the wrestling business.

Brandi worked as a ring announcer for WWE in 2011 and then for a second run from 2013 to 2016 under the name Eden Stiles.

Source: eWrestlingNews

Update On Brandi Rhodes’ Wrestling Career

Brandi Rhodes recently wrestled a match at the WWE Performance Center during a live event, but it doesn’t appear the former AEW Chief Brand Officer is a WWE Superstar quite yet.

Fightful Select is reporting that Brandi Rhodes is still a free agent. While Brandi has wrestled at the Performance Center and her husband is under contract, Rhodes has yet to reach a deal with WWE. Rhodes has reportedly been in contact with Warner Bros Discovery earlier this month. No context has been provided for the conversation, but it is noted that Brandi and WBD aren’t in regular contact, though both parties have maintained a cordial relationship. News broke earlier this month that WBD had reached out to Brandi’s husband Cody Rhodes to try and retain him before Cody’s exit from All Elite Wrestling.

Besides her wrestling life, Brandi Rhodes is also a board member of Kulture City and had been hopeful of integrating the non-profit into her work with WWE. AEW and Kulture City have maintained a good relationship despite Brandi & Cody’s departure from the wrestling promotion.

Rhodes hasn’t only been wrestling in the Performance Center, as reports suggest she’s also been active in the ring at the Nightmare Factory training facility, telling Muscle & Fitness Magazine that she wasn’t training in the ring “for the hell of it,” and is staying in shape for whenever her in-ring return might be. Brandi’s last official match was a win over KiLynn King on a January episode of “AEW Dark: Elevation.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Brandi Rhodes Reportedly Had “Productive Conversations” During WrestleMania Weekend

Brandi Rhodes was backstage with Cody Rhodes for her husband’s triumphant WWE comeback at WrestleMania 38.

According to Fightful Select, although Brandi hasn’t initially been brought in with Cody on WWE TV, she had “many productive conversations” with several influential names on WrestleMania weekend. It was also noted that Brandi has been working on her unscripted content and has continued training in the ring.

Brandi’s last televised AEW match was a loss to Anna Jay on the September 16, 2020 episode of Dynamite. Since then, she wrestled nearly a dozen matches on Dark and Dark: Elevation, defeating indie wrestlers such as Kenzie Paige, KiLynn King and Robyn Renegade in singles matches. She also briefly teamed with Red Velvet.

In the aftermath of her AEW exit, Brandi Rhodes is reportedly looking to take her Shot of Brandi cooking show to a TV network. According to Deadline, DIGA Studios is currently shopping the project to broadcasters and streamers.

“I started shooting this show in my kitchen four years ago with two iPhone cameras and a cocktail,” Brandi said in a press release. “I am excited to see the show evolve and thankful for the fans who have followed along. I assure you, now that I’m working with DIGA the best is yet to come.”

Brandi Rhodes worked for WWE as a ring announcer until 2016. Going by the name Eden, she made her PPV announcing debut at WrestleMania 31, as well as becoming the backup ring announcer for RAW, while Lilian Garcia was recovering from surgery. On May 24, 2016, she was granted her release from WWE, just days after her husband Cody Rhodes also requested his release. Stay tuned for updates on Brandi Rhodes’ possible comeback to WWE TV.

Brandi Rhodes Looking To Take YouTube Show “Shot of Brandi” To TV

Brandi Rhodes is reportedly looking to take “Shot of Brandi” to TV.

Rhodes has hosted her cooking show on YouTube for the past four years, starting out on her own channel and then moving to the official AEW channel. Now that she and husband Cody Rhodes have left AEW, Deadline reports that Brandi has partnered with Scream and Teen Wolf producer DIGA Studios in hopes of taking “Shot of Brandi” to TV.

Rhodes and DIGA are looking to turn the show, where Rhodes cooks and chats with celebrities and wrestlers, into a thirty-minute TV series. DIGA is currently shopping the project to broadcasters and streamers.

“I started shooting this show in my kitchen four years ago with two iPhone cameras and a cocktail,” Brandi said in a press release. “I am excited to see the show evolve and thankful for the fans who have followed along. I assure you, now that I’m working with DIGA the best is yet to come.”

“Brandi is an incredibly dynamic talent who just pops off the screen, and this genre busting concept she created is the perfect showcase for her electric personality,” added Tony DiSanto, CEO of Allyance Media Group & DIGA Studios. “We are beyond excited to dive into this project with her and share some great food, drink, fun and a hell of a lot of laughs with viewers everywhere.”

Rhodes is represented by the Hyperion talent agency.

There’s been no word on Brandi’s pro wrestling future, but she indicated in past interviews that she wants to continue performing in the ring. While Cody is expected to return to WWE in early April, it’s believed that Brandi will not be returning to the company with him.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

New Details On Why Cody Rhodes Left AEW, Cody To WWE Update, Brandi

Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso reports that multiple sources have said Brandi is not expected to join Cody in WWE.

It was also said that Cody could begin working for WWE as soon as this weekend, potentially visiting the WWE Performance Center in Orlando to film segments for his return.

Rhodes left WWE back in 2016 after being frustrated with a lack of direction, and dissatisfaction with certain members of the WWE creative team, mainly over his Stardust character. It was noted that this will be a non-factor in his upcoming return to WWE as he is expected to have a far different relationship with Vince and the writing team.

Regarding Cody’s AEW departure, Barrasso reports that another key factor in the decision was losing all responsibilities related to booking. Rhodes was originally a part of the process, but Khan, as AEW’s Head of Creative, has taken full control.

There is no timeframe for Rhodes’ return to WWE, but Barrasso reports that sources have confirmed he is headed back. There is also no word on if a deal has been reached. It’s believed that Rhodes could end up being a WrestleMania 38 surprise, or WWE could hold him off until the RAW After WrestleMania, which is the biggest RAW episode of the year.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Backstage Talk On Why Cody Rhodes Left AEW, More On Cody – WWE

Regarding Cody and Brandi leaving AEW, word as of last Friday was that Cody wanted a big money deal, but several within the company didn’t think that a new deal was going to happen, according to Fightful Select. It was noted that Cody and Brandi have not been quite as connected to the AEW locker room in recent years as they were when AEW first launched, with word coming out that Cody had become distant from the other Executive Vice Presidents, Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks.

It’s believed by some that Cody could be returning to WWE soon. It was noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that there was a lot of talk at Monday’s RAW about Rhodes possibly returning to his former employer, who he was with from 2006-2016. There is said to be chatter within certain WWE circles about Cody’s future with the company, but nothing is official as of this writing. Furthermore, Ariel Helwani reported that Rhodes and WWE are in talks about a return.

Shortly before AEW and Cody confirmed the departures today, WWE officials were aware of the situation and reportedly knew ahead of time that an announcement would be made, according to the Fightful report. It was noted that Rhodes and WWE have at least had discussions, but WWE did know that an announcement on Rhodes’ AEW departure would be made this morning.

There is no word on if Cody’s WWE return deal would include a spot on the roster for Brandi, or when we might see Rhodes return to the WWE ring.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Cody And Brandi Rhodes Part Ways With AEW

Today Cody Rhodes has announced that he and Brandi Rhodes are officially leaving AEW. The former three-time TNT Champion has been working as a free agent since the start of the year. However, the two parties have not been able to come to terms on a new contract. Because of that, his time with the company has come to an end.

Cody Rhodes released a lengthy statement addressing the situation on Twitter. During that, he took the time to thank Tony Khan. He also gave nods to many members of the AEW roster.

“I have loved my time at AEW. Amazing locker room, amazing fans, amazing people. The ‘revolution’ was indeed televised, and I’ve been incredibly lucky to be part of that. First, I want to thank Tony Khan. He’s taken the baton and run with it, and it was an honor to work for him and to know him on a personal level. He’s a beautiful soul. Obviously need to thank my incredible wife and the mother of my baby girl, Brandi, for all of her love and support throughout this journey together and the amazing relationships she fostered with Kulture City and the American Heart Association.

“I also need to thank Nick and Matt Jackson (these two, whether they know it or not, took an undesired and not confident lir cub and gifted me the confidence to become a leader of the pack), Kenneth Omega, Chris Jericho, Chicken…we started the fire. I must thank Tim W/Keith M/Greg W and the amazing production crew who understood and captured the vision with such grace, I can’t name everybody. But thank you to Megha, Margaret, Harrington, Jeff Jones, Dana, Tony Schiavone, Bern, Raf, and the hardest worker in the game, QT Marshall, for propping me up and kicking me in the ass when I was running on fumes.

“I must thank all my kiddos… MJF, Jade, Sammy, Darby, Lee, Ricky, Tom, The Gunns, Brock, Velvet, Nyla, Aubrey, Turner, Vanilla, Solo, Spears, Julia, Anna, Will, Wardlow, Sonny, Fuego 1 and of course, -1. While we’re at it, give Jade the Codyvator! Also need to take a moment to thank the great partners at Warner Media including Brett, Sam, and the rest of the team. I have so many milestones and beautiful memories of this renaissance…through sweat, blood, tears, literal fire, and all that…I left it all on the mat.

“Everything pales in comparison to the final contribution I was empowered to lead at the company, the community outreach team. In the most inward moments, your outward behavior and your ability to take fame/influence and do something of value for the communities you visit (whether the cameras are on or off) is the highest honor. I am confident Amanda Huber will lead the department with style. I’m so proud of my creations and contributions and the items I supported or collaborated on with such wonderful professionals.”

Following Cody Rhodes’ statement, AEW President Tony Khan also commented on the news. He took the time to thank both Cody and Brandi for their work within the company. Not just for their in-ring runs, but also what they have done with the community outreach program.

“Cody and Brandi Rhodes were integral to the launch of All Elite Wrestling. Cody’s ability combined with his boldness and his passion for our industry and his love for community outreach helped AEW deliver on our mission to give fans what they needed for far too long. Something new, innovative and lasting. Brandi helped us shape the AEW story, and I appreciate how hard she fought for us both in the ring and out of the ring, competing in the women’s division while advancing our efforts at inclusion and civic causes, including great partnerships with Kulture City and the American Heart Association.

“I have immense respect and appreciation for Cody and Brandi. And I wish them both the best as they move on from AEW. Thank you, Cody and Brandi!

“Tony Khan CEO, President, General Manager & Head of Creative, All Elite Wrestling”

Brandi also issued a statement on her departure from AEW:

It is currently unknown what is next for Cody Rhodes. However, it was reported earlier today on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, that there was talk backstage at Raw this week about him returning to the company.

https://twitter.com/CodyRhodes/status/1493601980215930880
https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1493602087481061377

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Brandi also issued her own statement today after the departures were confirmed. She wrote the following:

“A heartfelt thank you to every fan that has supported me in AEW. It was an honor to be the company’s first Chief Brand Officer. The thank you list is long so I’ll try not to wander. Thank you to Kulture City, Special Olympics Illinois and the American Heart Association for allowing me to cultivate these amazing partnerships. Thank you to every AEW Heel that helped me build a dream community of female fans. Thank you to every AEW wrestler and talent that worked hard to create a great locker room environment. Thank you to the production team, make up team, and seamstresses. Thank you, Dustin, QT, Jerry Lynn and Leva Bates, for every ounce of energy, help and encouragement you provided. Thank you to my husband for being that constant rock and partner every single day. Thank you to TNT, TBS and WarnerMedia for treating my family like your family. Thank you to Tony Khan for giving me this opportunity and platform. I move forward with my daughter and this quote in mind.

“We must take time to define our own path. Too quickly we can find the world defining it for us” – Unknown

Also…

“I’ll see you on the flippity flop” – Michael Scott

https://twitter.com/TheBrandiRhodes/status/1493602002353463310

Cody Rhodes Announces Birth Of His And Brandi’s Daughter

Just days after AEW’s Jon Moxley and Renee Paquette became parents, fellow AEW stars Cody and Brandi Rhodes have followed suit. The two time AEW TNT Champion announced on Instagram that he and Brandi’s daughter, Liberty Iris Runnels, was born this morning.

“6 lbs, 12 OZ’s. Liberty Iris Runnels,” Rhodes said. “Mother & Daughter are doing wonderful.”

Cody and Brandi announced Brandi’s pregnancy on the December 16, 2020 episode of AEW Dynamite; they would similarly reveal the gender of the baby on Dynamite in February. In an appearance on Oral Sessions with Renee Paquette that same month, Brandi noted it had been a difficult pregnancy for her due to a condition called PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).

Brandi has not appeared on AEW programming since judging a walk off between Peter Avalon and Lee Johnson on AEW Dark. She has been at AEW tapings however, appearing regularly on Sammy Guevara’s vlog during her pregnancy, and having a baby shower with the AEW Women’s roster during Double or Nothing weekend.

Cody meanwhile has kept busy in ring, feuding with QT Marshall’s Factory stable and defeating Anthony Ogogo at Double or Nothing. He is scheduled to face Marshall on the July 7 episode of Dynamite in a Miami Strap Match. Thus far, the bout is the only scheduled match for AEW’s first show outside of Jacksonville since March of 2020.

Source: Wrestling Inc.