History of Cody Rhodes in Timeline
Cody Rhodes, an American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE's SmackDown brand, is a prominent figure in the wrestling world. He is recognized for his past tenure with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) where he achieved significant milestones, including becoming a record-setting three-time AEW TNT Champion. As of August 2024, he holds the Undisputed WWE Champion title, marking his first reign as both WWE Champion and WWE Universal Champion.
June 30, 1985: Birth of Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes
On June 30, 1985, Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes was born.
1992: Release of X-Men Arcade Game
The X-Men arcade game, which Cody Rhodes has stated he owns a cabinet of, was released in 1992.
1993: Milestone for non-WWE/WCW events
The All In event in 2018 was the first non-WWE/WCW event in the United States to sell 10,000 tickets since 1993.
1997: Cody Rhodes Wins Back-to-Back Royal Rumble Matches
Cody Rhodes's victory in the 1997 Royal Rumble marked the first instance of consecutive Rumble wins since Stone Cold Steve Austin's victories in 1997 and 1998.
1997: Stone Cold Steve Austin's first Royal Rumble victory
Stone Cold Steve Austin won his first Royal Rumble match in 1997.
1998: Stone Cold Steve Austin's second Royal Rumble victory
Stone Cold Steve Austin secured his second consecutive Royal Rumble victory in 1998.
1998: Stone Cold Steve Austin's Consecutive Royal Rumble Wins
Stone Cold Steve Austin won the Royal Rumble in both 1997 and 1998, making him the first to achieve consecutive wins since Cody Rhodes.
2003: Cody Rhodes wins Georgia state wrestling championship
Cody Rhodes won the Georgia state wrestling tournament in the 189 lb (86 kg) division in 2003.
2005: Triple H's Reaction to Departure
In 2005, Triple H expressed surprise at Cody Rhodes' feelings towards WWE, given the support provided to Rhodes' father. Rhodes emphasized his need to forge his own path, separate from his father's legacy.
May 13, 2006: Cody Runnels begins wrestling in OVW
Cody Runnels, using his birth name, started his wrestling journey in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) on May 13, 2006.
August 2006: Cody Runnels forms tag team with Shawn Spears
In mid-August 2006, Cody Runnels teamed up with Shawn Spears in OVW, winning the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship twice.
2006: Cody Rhodes joins WWE developmental territory
Cody Rhodes joined WWE's developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), in 2006.
2006: Cody Rhodes debuts in WWE
Cody Rhodes began his first run with WWE in 2006.
March 31, 2007: WWE Hall of Fame Induction of Dusty Rhodes
On March 31, 2007, Cody Rhodes and his half-brother inducted their father, Dusty Rhodes, into the WWE Hall of Fame.
July 2, 2007: Cody Rhodes makes his television debut
Cody Rhodes made his first television appearance on July 2, 2007, in a segment with his father Dusty Rhodes and Randy Orton.
July 16, 2007: Cody Rhodes' main roster in-ring debut
Cody Rhodes had his first main roster match on July 16, 2007, facing Randy Orton in a losing effort.
2007: Cody Rhodes debuts on WWE's main roster
In 2007, Cody Rhodes made his debut on WWE's main roster.
May 2008: Ted DiBiase's feud with Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly
Ted DiBiase initiated a feud with Cody Rhodes and Hardcore Holly in May 2008.
August 4, 2008: Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase lose World Tag Team Championship
On August 4, 2008, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase were defeated for the World Tag Team Championship by John Cena and Batista.
2008: Turning Face and Feud with Damien Sandow
In 2008, Cody Rhodes turned face for the first time since 2008 after Damien Sandow betrayed him during the Money in the Bank ladder match. Rhodes then feuded with Sandow, leading to several matches including a victory at SummerSlam.
July 2009: Cody Rhodes Featured in Gillette "Be a Superstar" Campaign
In July 2009, Cody Rhodes, alongside Chris Jericho and John Cena, was selected as a face of the Gillette "Be a Superstar" advertising campaign, a four-month initiative centered around Gillette Fusion products.
August 2009: Cody Rhodes Appears on "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien"
Cody Rhodes made a guest appearance on "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" in August 2009.
2009: Video Game Debut
Cody Rhodes made his video game debut in "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009", marking the start of his recurring presence in wrestling video games.
2009: Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase's involvement in various feuds and events
Throughout 2009, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase were involved in several storylines, including feuds with Randy Orton's rivals, Triple H and D-Generation X, and participating in events such as SummerSlam, Breaking Point, Hell in a Cell, Bragging Rights, and Survivor Series.
2010: Featured in "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010"
Cody Rhodes appeared in "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010", continuing his involvement in the popular wrestling game franchise.
2010: Draft to SmackDown and Various Matches
In 2010, Cody Rhodes was drafted to the SmackDown brand during the WWE supplemental draft. He made a notable debut by defeating John Morrison and participated in various matches, including the Intercontinental Championship tournament and the Money in the Bank ladder match.
2010: Tension within The Legacy
In 2010, tensions within The Legacy became evident when Cody Rhodes interfered in Randy Orton's WWE Championship match at the Royal Rumble, leading to a disqualification and subsequent attacks among the members. This culminated in a triple threat match at WrestleMania XXVI, where Orton defeated Rhodes and Ted DiBiase.
January 21, 2011: Facial Injury by Rey Mysterio
On January 21, 2011, Cody Rhodes faced Rey Mysterio and sustained a legitimate broken nose from Mysterio's knee brace. This incident led to Rhodes' character change to 'Undashing' Cody Rhodes, involving the use of a protective mask and a feud with Mysterio.
2011: Introduction of Intercontinental Championship Design
In 2011, Cody Rhodes introduced a new design for the WWE Intercontinental Championship belt, which was used until 2019. This was part of his storyline and involvement in WWE.
2011: Appearance in "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011"
Cody Rhodes was included in "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011", further solidifying his presence in the wrestling video game world.
2011: Cody Rhodes Receives 5-Star Rating for Hell in a Cell Match
In 2011, Dave Meltzer awarded a 5-star rating to Cody Rhodes' Hell in a Cell match, the first WWE main roster match to achieve this since 2011.
January 6, 2012: Feud with Booker T and Royal Rumble Performance
On January 6, 2012, Cody Rhodes retained the Intercontinental Championship against Booker T on SmackDown. Later that month, he had a strong showing in the Royal Rumble, lasting over 40 minutes and eliminating six competitors.
September 2013: Marriage to Brandi Reed
Cody Rhodes married Brandi Reed, a ring announcer and former wrestler, in September 2013.
September 2013: Storyline with Triple H and Time Off for Marriage
In September 2013, Cody Rhodes started a storyline involving his brother and Triple H. After losing to Randy Orton, Rhodes was 'fired' in the storyline to take time off for his marriage and honeymoon to Brandi Reed. The storyline continued with his family being involved and led to an attack on The Shield.
2014: Cody Rhodes Wins Tag Team Championship with Jey Uso
In 2014, Cody Rhodes achieved his first championship win since returning to WWE by teaming with Jey Uso to win the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship. This marked Rhodes' first tag team championship since 2014.
May 2016: Cody Rhodes begins wrestling on the independent circuit
After leaving WWE in May 2016, Cody Rhodes started wrestling on the independent circuit.
May 21, 2016: Request for WWE Release
On May 21, 2016, Cody Rhodes revealed he had requested his release from WWE due to frustrations with the creative department. His release was granted the following day. Rhodes expressed that his career had stagnated and his creative ideas were ignored.
July 19, 2016: Announcing Ring of Honor Debut
On July 19, 2016, Cody Rhodes announced his appearance at Ring of Honor's (ROH) Final Battle pay-per-view scheduled for December 2.
October 6, 2016: Debut with What Culture Pro Wrestling (WCPW)
On October 6, 2016, Cody Rhodes debuted at WCPW's iPPV Refuse to Lose, defeating Doug Williams. He also competed in a match for the WCPW Championship against Joseph Conners, which he lost.
December 10, 2016: Joining Bullet Club
Cody Rhodes, using the moniker "The American Nightmare" Cody, appeared via video at NJPW's World Tag League finals, announcing his membership in the Bullet Club.
2016: Cody Rhodes departs from WWE
Cody Rhodes' first tenure with WWE came to an end in 2016.
January 4, 2017: NJPW Debut at Wrestle Kingdom 11
On January 4, 2017, Cody Rhodes debuted in a New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) ring, defeating Juice Robinson at Wrestle Kingdom 11 in Tokyo Dome.
February 23, 2017: Return to Impact Wrestling
Cody Rhodes returned to Impact Wrestling on February 23, 2017, confronting Moose and initiating a storyline that led to his heel turn.
March 3, 2017: Victory Over Kurt Angle
On March 3, 2017, Cody Rhodes appeared for Northeast Wrestling in Connecticut and defeated Kurt Angle in a steel cage match.
March 18, 2017: NEW Heavyweight Championship Win
On March 18, 2017, Cody Rhodes won the NEW Heavyweight Championship by defeating Mike Bennett.
April 29, 2017: Final Match with WCPW
On April 29, 2017, at WCPW's No Regrets event, Cody Rhodes lost his WCPW Internet Championship to Gabriel Kidd in a triple threat match. He also participated in a battle royal for the WCPW Championship but was eliminated. In his final match with the promotion, he defeated former WCPW Champion Drew Galloway.
May 2017: Challenging the Status Quo
In May 2017, Cody Rhodes, along with The Young Bucks, challenged Dave Meltzer's assertion that an independent wrestling show couldn't sell out a ten-thousand-seat arena in the United States.
September 2017: Cody Rhodes wins ROH World Championship
Cody Rhodes became the ROH World Champion in September 2017.
December 1, 2017: Loss of NEW Heavyweight Championship
On December 1, 2017, Cody Rhodes lost the NEW Heavyweight Championship to Flip Gordon in a triple threat match.
January 4, 2018: Match against Kota Ibushi
Cody Rhodes faced Kota Ibushi at Wrestle Kingdom 12 on January 4, 2018, and was defeated.
May 13, 2018: "All In" Sells Out
On May 13, 2018, tickets for the independent wrestling event "All In", organized by Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks, sold out in 30 minutes.
May 2018: Announcing "All In"
In May 2018, the independent wrestling event planned by Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks was officially named "All In".
July 2018: Cody Rhodes Announces Return to "Arrow"
In July 2018, Cody Rhodes shared that his character, Derek Sampson, would be returning for Season 7 of "Arrow".
July 21, 2018: ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championship Victory
On July 21, 2018, Cody, alongside Bullet Club members The Young Bucks, won the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championship, marking his first reign with this title.
November 2018: Trademarks Filed for New Wrestling Promotion
Several trademarks hinting at the establishment of a new wrestling promotion were filed in Jacksonville, Florida, in November 2018.
2018: All In independent pay-per-view event
Cody Rhodes, along with the Young Bucks, organized the All In event in 2018, where he won the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship.
January 1, 2019: Unveiling of All Elite Wrestling
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) was publicly announced during a conference on January 1, 2019, in Jacksonville, Florida. Cody Rhodes was revealed as an Executive Vice President and on-air talent, signing a five-year contract.
January 4, 2019: Losing the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship
At Wrestle Kingdom 13 on January 4, 2019, Cody Rhodes lost the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship to Juice Robinson.
January 2019: Cody Rhodes becomes AEW Executive Vice President
Cody Rhodes was appointed as an executive vice president of AEW in January 2019.
January 2019: Formation of All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
AEW was founded in January 2019, inspired by the success of the All In event.
September 2019: Revelation about Departure
In September 2019, Cody Rhodes revealed Triple H's reaction to his departure from WWE, highlighting the personal nature of the conversation and Rhodes' desire to pursue his own path.
2019: Redesign of Intercontinental Championship Belt
In 2019, WWE redesigned the Intercontinental Championship belt, coinciding with the launch of AEW. Cody Rhodes acknowledged this was a business decision and held no grudges against WWE.
2019: Cody Rhodes joins All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
Cody Rhodes joined AEW in 2019, serving as an executive vice president and becoming a three-time AEW TNT Champion.
February 19, 2020: Steel Cage Match Victory and Securing a Match with MJF
On the February 19, 2020, episode of Dynamite, Cody Rhodes emerged victorious against Wardlow in a steel cage match. This win secured him a match against MJF.
2020: Reflection on 'Undashing' Character
In 2020, Cody Rhodes reflected on his 'Undashing' character, stating it was his second most successful work as a professional wrestler.
2020: WWE relinquishes rights to the "Cody Rhodes" name
WWE gave up the rights to the "Cody Rhodes" name in 2020.
March 3, 2021: Cody Rhodes Teams with Red Velvet in Mixed Tag Team Match
On March 3, 2021, Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet teamed up but were defeated by Shaquille O'Neal and Jade Cargill in a mixed tag team match.
January 26, 2022: Cody Rhodes Loses TNT Championship in Ladder Match
In a highly acclaimed ladder match at the Beach Break event on January 26, 2022, Cody Rhodes lost the TNT Championship to Sammy Guevara.
February 15, 2022: Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes Leave AEW
On February 15, 2022, Cody Rhodes and his wife Brandi left AEW after failing to agree on a new contract.
February 2022: Cody Rhodes departs from AEW
Cody Rhodes left AEW in February 2022 after failing to agree on a new contract.
March 18, 2022: Cody Rhodes Returns to WWE
Multiple sources reported that Cody Rhodes had re-signed with WWE on March 18, 2022.
April 2022: Cody Rhodes returns to WWE
In April 2022, Cody Rhodes signed with WWE and joined the SmackDown brand.
January 16, 2023: Cody Rhodes Announces Return to Competition
Cody Rhodes announced his return to competition in a pre-recorded video that aired on January 16, 2023, revealing his participation in the men's Royal Rumble match.
2023: Cody Rhodes wins the Royal Rumble
Cody Rhodes emerged victorious in the 2023 men's Royal Rumble match.
2023: Cody Rhodes Lends Voice to Animated Series
Cody Rhodes lent his voice to a fictionalized version of himself in the debut episode of the 2023 animated show "Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix".
2023: Cody Rhodes' Journey After WrestleMania 39
In 2023, following WrestleMania 39, Cody Rhodes faced setbacks including an attack by Brock Lesnar and a loss in the World Heavyweight Championship Tournament. He would go on to defeat Lesnar at SummerSlam after a lengthy feud.
July 17, 2024: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III Operator
On July 17, 2024, it was announced that Cody Rhodes, alongside Rey Mysterio and Rhea Ripley, would be featured as a playable multiplayer operator in "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III".
August 2024: Cody Rhodes becomes Undisputed WWE Champion
As of August 2024, Cody Rhodes is the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, holding both the WWE Championship and WWE Universal Championship.
2024: Cody Rhodes wins second consecutive Royal Rumble
Cody Rhodes won his second Royal Rumble in a row in 2024.