In the scripted universe of WWE, some stories shine beyond the on-paper scripts. One such tale is that of Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes. Their love story isn’t just a backstage romance; it’s a partnership that’s stood tall across promotions, personal milestones, and changing tides in wrestling. This detailed timeline follows Cody Rhodes and Brandi’s relationship from the start until 2025 and uses exact dates and unpublished stories to cover every special occasion that brought them closer.
- 2011: Cody Rhodes Meets Brandi Reed in WWE
- 2012: Cody Rhodes Proposes to Brandi in Private
- September 12, 2013: Cody and Brandi Say “I Do” (They Got Married)
- October 2016: First Wrestling Team Debut on TNT iMPACT!
- January 2019: Launching All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
- December 2020: Brandi Rhodes Announced Pregnancy
- February 2021: Gender Reveal and Parenthood Excitement
- June 18, 2021: Welcoming Daughter Liberty Iris Runnels
- September 2021: Reality TV Debut with ‘Rhodes To The Top’
- September 2021: Brandi’s Battle With Postpartum Depression
- February 2022: Departure from AEW
- July 2022: Cody’s ESPY Win and Celebration
- July 2023: Premiere of WWE American Nightmare Documentary
- April 2024: WrestleMania 40 — A Defining Night
- May 2025: Are Cody and Brandi Rhodes Still Together? What Are They Doing Now?
2011: Cody Rhodes Meets Brandi Reed in WWE
Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes’ relationship first blossomed in 2011 after Brandi was brought into WWE as a ring announcer under the name ‘Eden Stiles.’ Cody was an active mid-card star at the time, working under his “Dashing” persona. The two connected backstage during RAW and SmackDown tapings.
Despite spending much time in the same circles, Brandi initially maintained a clear boundary, keeping their relationship strictly professional. The reason was partly that she hadn’t worked in the industry before and didn’t want to deal with the issues that dating a colleague could create.
Brandi shared in a 2017 interview with WWE.com, “When I first started, I didn’t want to mix work and personal life. I was focused on proving myself. Cody was fun and charming, but I was cautious.”
Cody later joked about this early stage: “I had to work hard to get a date. I probably asked her out five times before she finally said yes!”
2012: Cody Rhodes Proposes to Brandi in Private
A year into Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes’ relationship, The American Nightmare proposed to her in 2012. The way they proposed was nothing flashy, but rather a private moment that reflected the couple’s grounded nature. They kept things low-key and only shared the news later through personal social media updates.
Brandi took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the news with her fans and wrestling community: “Last night was for us, time to share! @CodyRhodesWWE is officially my fiancé! (Or my Beyoncé for those who know).”
Cody reflected on the proposal’s significance in a 2019 podcast interview: “It was spontaneous but sincere. I knew I wanted to build a life with her, not just a career.” Brandi added, “He made it personal. It wasn’t flashy; it was just us in a quiet moment, and that’s what made it perfect.’
Also, Brandi told on her podcast “2 Lies & 1 Truth” (2019): “He didn’t plan anything showy. It was just us, in a quiet place. Perfect.”
Last night was for us, time to share! @CodyRhodesWWE is officially my fiancé! (Or my beyonce for those who know) 💍😍 pic.twitter.com/kq8l82Yr
— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) November 17, 2012
September 12, 2013: Cody and Brandi Say “I Do” (They Got Married)
A year almost to the day after announcing their engagement, Cody Rhodes and Brandi Reed married on September 12, 2013, at the Swan House and History Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The event saw top wrestlers from years past, like Triple H, Matt Hardy, and Becky Lynch, proving how their careers and everyday lives now overlap so much.
Brandi fondly recalled, “The day was surreal. Seeing our closest friends and family there, supporting us — it was a reminder that we were about to start a new chapter, not just as individuals but as a team.”
Cody also noted, “Getting married felt like the foundation I needed to chase bigger dreams, knowing Brandi was right there with me.”
On Instagram, Brandi posted a now-iconic black and white wedding photo with the caption: “Forever. ❤️ 9/12/13.”
October 2016: First Wrestling Team Debut on TNT iMPACT!
In 2016, the couple started working together as a team on TNT iMPACT! Wrestling. It became an important event because it united their professional activities and personal life, showing them they could team up in front of fans.
Brandi Rhodes got changed from her previous role as a ring announcer to an in-ring wrestler. This showed Brandi’s dedication to growing her career alongside his partner Cody Rhodes.
Reflecting on this new chapter, Brandi said, “It was a leap of faith for me to step into the ring. Cody’s encouragement made me believe I could do it.”
Cody shared, “Watching her evolve into a wrestler was inspiring. It made me realize our partnership was about more than love — it was about respect and shared goals.“
January 2019: Launching All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
January 2019 was likely the most transformative moment for them, as that’s when Cody and Brandi co-founded All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
The main reason to do this was that WWE kept limiting their creative freedom.
Cody took on the role of Executive Vice President, while Brandi took on the role of Chief Brand Officer. The launch of AEW was a bit risky, but a visionary move that paid off. They wanted to offer wrestling fans a fresh alternative.
Cody said, “AEW is the dream we dared to chase together. It’s a place where wrestlers and fans both feel heard.”
Brandi added, “We weren’t just building a company — we were creating a family, and that family includes our fans.”
December 2020: Brandi Rhodes Announced Pregnancy
In December 2020, Cody and Brandi announced they were expecting their first child, which brought a lot of joy and hope to many.
Brandi posted on Instagram: “We are so excited, grateful and filled with love! The perfect next chapter for us. #babynightmare.”
Cody said he felt excited and a little nervous about becoming a father: “I hope the kid looks like Brandi. Thank you all for the intense outpouring of love and support. I get to be a Dad!”
Brandi later reflected on how this new chapter deepened their bond: “Becoming parents was scary but incredible. It made us even more connected, more understanding of life beyond wrestling.”
February 2021: Gender Reveal and Parenthood Excitement
February 2021 brought a joyful gender reveal. Cody shared in an interview with Us Weekly, “I am having a girl.”
Brandi playfully noted, “He had a gut feeling. I didn’t, but I’m so happy it’s a girl.”
The couple welcomed parenthood with happiness, ready for their daughter, and having to balance their careers.
Brandi said, “Balancing AEW responsibilities and pregnancy wasn’t easy, but Cody and I leaned on each other every step.” Cody remarked, “Knowing we were building a family alongside a wrestling empire made everything feel more meaningful.”
June 18, 2021: Welcoming Daughter Liberty Iris Runnels
On June 18, 2021, Brandi and Cody welcomed their daughter Liberty Iris Runnels into the world. They shared this wonderful news on their social media accounts.
They Wrote: “Happy Birthday, Liberty Iris. We are so in love with you, sweet, beautiful girl. We are so fortunate and blessed to be your mom and dad❤️.”
On Being a Dad, Cody said, “The most humbling, beautiful experience.“
Brandi added, “She brought us closer and reminded us of what really matters.“
September 2021: Reality TV Debut with ‘Rhodes To The Top’
In September 2021, the couple debuted ‘Rhodes To The Top’, a reality show that lets fans see what goes on in their lives. Throughout the show, they talked about what it’s like to lead AEW, prioritize family, and handle being in the public eye.
Being honest and emotional stood out among the massive personas from the ring that wrestlers usually portrayed.
Brandi commented, “The show is real. You see the good, the bad, and the in-between. It’s about who we really are.”
Cody echoed this sentiment: “We wanted to show that being a wrestling star doesn’t mean life is perfect. It’s about perseverance.”
September 2021: Brandi’s Battle With Postpartum Depression
Despite their success, Brandi revealed she struggled with postpartum depression after Liberty’s birth.
Speaking to Us Weekly, she said, “Things were really kind of difficult for me. I felt alone a lot because Cody was away filming.”
Cody expressed his support during that difficult time: “Mental health is real. I wanted to be there for Brandi every moment, but sometimes work called. It was a learning experience for both of us.”
Their openness contributed to destigmatizing postpartum depression among fans and the wrestling community.
February 2022: Departure from AEW
In February 2022, Cody and Brandi announced they were leaving AEW after joining and supporting the company since its launch.
Cody posted, “Amazing locker room. Amazing fans. Amazing people. The ‘revolution’ was indeed televised.” Brandi praised Cody as her “constant rock and partner every single day.”
This decision marked a new chapter, full of anticipation for what the future would bring. Cody said, “Leaving AEW was bittersweet, but we’re excited for the next adventure.” Brandi added, “Our bond is stronger than ever, no matter what the industry throws at us.”
July 2022: Cody’s ESPY Win and Celebration
Cody’s win at the 2022 ESPY Awards for WWE Moment of the Year was a proud moment for the couple.
Brandi took to social media to communicate, “So proud of my husband for winning the ESPY! His hard work and heart truly inspire me every day.”
Cody thanked fans and Brandi, saying, “This isn’t just my award — it’s ours. Brandi is my backbone.”
Scenes from the #ESPYS red carpet
— WWE (@WWE) July 21, 2022
📸: ESPN Images pic.twitter.com/ALgiJG7ThP
July 2023: Premiere of WWE American Nightmare Documentary
In July 2023, Cody’s documentary WWE American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes premiered. The documentary showcased how Cody evolved through tough times and struggles to become one of the WWE legends.
Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes attended the premiere together, celebrating Cody’s hard work and success.
Brandi said, “This film shows what we’ve been through as a family and a team. I’m proud to be part of his story.” Cody added, “It’s about fighting for your dreams, and Brandi’s been my biggest champion.”
April 2024: WrestleMania 40 — A Defining Night
WrestleMania 40 went beyond just a major event; it was the endpoint of Cody Rhodes’ emotional path to finish his story. In the championship match, Cody beat Roman Reigns and seized the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship from him.
Brandi Rhodes was there to commemorate the moment with Cody, and together they looked amazing as Cody made his way into the ring.
Brandi being there shocked everyone and made the night even more heartfelt.
Having her there meant they remembered the obstacles they had overcome, the things they sacrificed, and every dream they held, both within wrestling and outside it. The Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes relationship resonated deeply with fans when Cody walked with her, feeling like the bride of their love story.
May 2025: Are Cody and Brandi Rhodes Still Together? What Are They Doing Now?
As of 2025, Cody and Brandi Rhodes are still happily married, stronger than ever, and thriving in their personal and professional lives.
Cody is currently riding high as the face of WWE with regular appearances on SmackDown and premium live events; he’s more than just a top-tier talent—he’s a locker room leader and a company icon.
At the same time, Brandi now pays more attention to motherhood, her content, and speaking out for women in sports. She uses Instagram and YouTube to provide views of family life, motivational advice, and updates on her fitness. Brandi hasn’t ruled out a return to wrestling yet, but she is currently focusing on being a good mother to Liberty and building her personal empire.
In a recent Instagram Q&A, Brandi responded to a fan asking if they were still together with:
“Always and forever. He’s my best friend, my rock, and my tag team partner in life.”
The Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes relationship continues to represent the heart of pro wrestling’s power couples—respected, inspiring, and deeply connected.
