WWE Universe, USA – The journey of ‘The American Nightmare,’ Cody Rhodes, has been a testament to resilience, overcoming adversities, and reaching the pinnacle of professional wrestling. In today’s wrestling landscape, Cody’s name stands tall as one of the most dependable faces of the industry and a magnet for success. Yet, the path to this legacy was fraught with challenges and uncertainties, particularly when Cody departed from WWE.
The post-WWE phase proved to be an unexpectedly perilous journey for Cody Rhodes. However, amid the turmoil and uncertainty, it was his better half, Brandi Rhodes, who stood as a pillar of unwavering support, guiding Cody through the storm and helping him rise once more.
In a candid acknowledgment of his wife’s pivotal role during those trying times, Cody Rhodes returned to WWE last year at WrestleMania, immediately regaining his momentum. His transformation from a mid-card talent to a WrestleMania main eventer within a year garnered significant attention.
But Cody’s initial WWE tenure was a stark contrast to his current status. He grappled with the challenges of ascending to the main event scene and achieving his dream of capturing the Championship belt. Creative differences with WWE eventually led to his departure in 2016.
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Seeking to rejuvenate his career, Cody ventured into various promotions, including the National Wrestling Alliance, Ring of Honor, New Japan Pro Wrestling, TNA/Impact Wrestling, and finally, AEW. While he found success on the independent circuit and in AEW, the transition was not without its hardships, including financial challenges.
Reflecting on this daunting period of his life during an interview on The Dale Jr. Podcast, Cody admitted, “It was so personally scary, but it was my job. You know my dad had passed away at this point and I had kind of absorbed his role. It was so risky, like I joked with people all the time. I was actually one wrestler who was good with my money. I am going to be okay outside of WWE. That’s not true. Right? I was just like it was check to check and then checks were going to end. And now it’s indie payday. And all these different, you create these revenue streams and do these things. So it was very risky.”
Cody Rhodes credited his wife, Brandi, for being his rock and a boundless source of motivation during those tumultuous times. He acknowledged her unwavering belief in him, saying, “God bless her. My wife just believed. Had she not believed, this wouldn’t have worked. She believed.”
This wasn’t the first time Brandi Rhodes played the role of a guardian angel for Cody and their family. Her steadfast support and belief in Cody’s potential propelled him to become one of the industry’s top stars, reaffirming the profound impact of love and partnership in the world of wrestling.