What Happened to Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes?

Cody Rhodes, born Cody Garrett Runnels, began his professional wrestling career in WWE's developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling, in 2006 before debuting on the main roster in 2007. He achieved early success as part of the stable The Legacy alongside Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase Jr., and later held the Intercontinental Championship twice. However, a significant portion of his initial WWE run saw him portray the character Stardust, a flamboyant, cosmic persona that led to creative frustrations and ultimately his departure from the company in 2016.

Following his WWE exit, Rhodes embarked on a highly successful independent circuit run, gaining significant acclaim in promotions like Ring of Honor (ROH) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he became a World Champion. This period culminated in his pivotal role as a co-founder and Executive Vice President of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019. In AEW, Rhodes was a prominent figure, becoming the inaugural and a three-time TNT Champion. His departure from AEW in February 2022 was attributed to creative differences and a feeling of disrespect regarding his vision for his character and the company, coupled with a lucrative offer from WWE that promised main event booking.

Rhodes made a shocking return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022, immediately establishing himself as a top-tier talent. His stated goal was to win the WWE Championship, a title that eluded his legendary father, Dusty Rhodes, a narrative dubbed "finishing the story." He won the Royal Rumble match in both 2023 and 2024, earning him a main event spot at WrestleMania. After a heartbreaking loss to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39 in April 2023, Rhodes finally achieved his dream at WrestleMania 40 in April 2024, defeating Roman Reigns to become the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, ending Reigns' historic reign.

His championship reign continued through 2025, defending against various challengers. However, 2026 brought new challenges. In January 2026, Rhodes briefly lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Drew McIntyre in a "Three Stages of Hell" match, largely due to interference from Jacob Fatu. This loss sparked a more aggressive edge to Rhodes' character, though reports indicated WWE management was against a full heel turn due to his strong merchandise sales.

Rhodes quickly reclaimed the Undisputed WWE Championship from Drew McIntyre on the March 6, 2026, episode of SmackDown, with an assist from Jacob Fatu, setting the stage for WrestleMania 42. As of April 13, 2026, Cody Rhodes is the Undisputed WWE Champion and is slated to defend his title against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42, scheduled for April 18-19, 2026, in Las Vegas. Beyond wrestling, Rhodes is expanding his presence in Hollywood, with a role as Guile in the live-action 'Street Fighter' movie set for release in October 2026, and he has teased further projects.