Cody Rhodes

{{Short description|American professional wrestler (born 1985)}} {{pp-semi-blp|small=yes}} {{pp-move|small=yes}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2025}} {{Infobox person | name = Cody Rhodes | image = Cody Rhodes Fort Bragg Army 250 Birthday Celebration (headshot).jpg | caption = Rhodes in 2025 | birth_name = Cody Garrett Runnels | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|6|30}} | birth_place = Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. | children = 2 | father = Dusty Rhodes | relatives = Dustin Rhodes (half-brother) Fred Ottman (uncle) Jerry Sags (uncle) | spouse = {{marriage|Brandi Rhodes|2013}} | module = {{Infobox professional wrestler | child = yes | names = Cody<ref name="ROHbio">{{Cite web |title=Cody |url=https://www.rohwrestling.com/wrestlers/roster/cody |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623070032/https://www.rohwrestling.com/wrestlers/roster/cody |archive-date=June 23, 2017 |access-date=July 15, 2017 |publisher=Ring of Honor }}</ref> Cody R<ref name="BOLAShop">{{Cite web |title=2016 Battle of Los Angeles – Stage Two |url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/merch/2016/dvd0174.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230092608/http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/merch/2016/dvd0174.html |archive-date=December 30, 2018 |access-date=September 9, 2016 |website=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla}}</ref><ref name=Cody/> '''Cody Rhodes'''<ref name="WWE-Bio" /> Cody Runnels Fuego 2<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2021 |title=Resultados AEW Dark (30 de noviembre de 2021) | Adam Cole vs. Anthony Greene | Superluchas |url=https://superluchas.com/resultados-aew-dark-30-de-noviembre-de-2021-adam-cole-vs-anthony-greene/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013110153/https://superluchas.com/resultados-aew-dark-30-de-noviembre-de-2021-adam-cole-vs-anthony-greene/ |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=February 20, 2022 |website=Superluchas.com}}</ref> Stardust | height = 6 ft 2 in<ref name="WWE-Bio" /> | weight = 222 lb<ref name="WWE-Bio">{{Cite web |title=Cody Rhodes |url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/codyrhodes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529082126/https://www.wwe.com/superstars/codyrhodes |archive-date=May 29, 2019 |access-date=April 27, 2010 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> | billed = Atlanta, Georgia<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1179550024780283904 |user=AEWonTNT |title=Going to need new ears after this... worth it. #AEWDynamite @CodyRhodes @TheBrandiRhodes |date=October 2, 2019 |access-date=October 2, 2019 |publisher=AEW on TNT}}</ref> Charlotte, North Carolina The Fifth Dimension<ref name="WWE-Bio" /> Marietta, Georgia<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cody Rhodes bio |url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/codyrhodes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606075037/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/codyrhodes/ |archive-date=June 6, 2014 |access-date=August 28, 2015 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> | trainer = Al Snow Danny Davis Dusty Rhodes Dustin Rhodes Randy Orton Ricky Morton Shawn Spears | debut = June 16, 2006 }} | module2 = {{Infobox youtuber | child = yes | youtube_handle = @CodyRhodes | youtube_display_name = What Do You Wanna Talk About? With Cody Rhodes | youtube_years_active = 2025–present | youtube_genre = Professional wrestling | youtube_subscribers = 295 thousand | youtube_views = 66.9 million | stats_update = April 27, 2026 }} }} {{Professional wrestling sidebar}}

'''Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes''' (born '''Cody Garrett Runnels'''; June 30, 1985) is an American professional wrestler. As of April 2022, he is signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown brand and is the current Undisputed WWE Champion in his third reign. Rhodes co-founded All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he served as an executive vice president and wrestler from 2019 to 2022.

The son of Dusty Rhodes and half-brother of Dustin Rhodes, Rhodes won two Georgia state high-school championships as an amateur wrestler in 2003 and 2004. He signed with WWE in 2006 and featured for its developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), where he won every title in the promotion. Between 2007 and 2016, he won seven world tag team championships with four different partners, as well as the Intercontinental Championship twice.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stardust |url=https://www.wwe.com/superstars/codyrhodes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925213656/https://www.wwe.com/superstars/codyrhodes |archive-date=September 25, 2018 |access-date=August 3, 2013 |website=WWE}}</ref> During this time, he adopted various gimmicks, including performing as '''Stardust''', a melodramatic spin-off of his brother's gimmick, Goldust. He departed WWE in 2016 and returned in 2022, and has since won the Royal Rumble match in 2023 and 2024, the inaugural WWE Crown Jewel Championship in 2024, the King of the Ring tournament in 2025, and the WWE Championship three times, becoming the promotion's 34th Triple Crown Champion.

From 2016 until 2019, Rhodes wrestled on the independent circuit and for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), and Ring of Honor (ROH) under the mononym '''Cody''',<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 5, 2020 |title=AEW's Cody Got 'Rhodes' Name Back, but He Still Won't Be 'Cody Rhodes' on Wrestling TV |url=https://www.thewrap.com/aew-cody-rhodes-name-rights-american-nightmare-wwe-tnt-dynamite/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013111259/https://www.thewrap.com/aew-cody-rhodes-name-rights-american-nightmare-wwe-tnt-dynamite/ |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=August 5, 2021 |publisher=The Wrap}}</ref> during which he won the ROH World Championship, ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Champion (with Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson), and the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship once each. In 2018, Rhodes and the Jacksons independently promoted All In, where he won the NWA World's Heavyweight Championship. All In marked the first event by a promoter outside of WWE or World Championship Wrestling (WCW) to sell 10,000 tickets in the United States since 1993 and directly led to the formation of AEW in early 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|first= Sean |last=Radican|date=January 19, 2019 |title=AEW/ROH News: Who owns All In footage, what will happen to the footage in the future |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/01/19/aew-roh-news-ownership-of-all-in-footage-what-will-happen-to-the-footage-in-the-future/ |website= PWTorch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Brandon |last=Howard|date=May 12, 2018 |title=7 things to know about 'All In' – the huge indie wrestling show coming to the Chicago area |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2018/05/12/7-things-to-know-about-all-in-the-huge-indie-wrestling-show-coming-to-the-chicago-area/ |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> Between 2019 and 2022, Rhodes served as an executive vice president and also wrestled for AEW, becoming the inaugural and a three-time AEW TNT Champion. Between WWE, AEW, ROH, NJPW, and NWA, Rhodes has held 19 total championships (including five world titles).

Outside of wrestling, Rhodes served as a judge on the competition television series ''Go-Big Show'' and starred with his wife Brandi Rhodes on the reality television series ''Rhodes to the Top''.

==Early life== Rhodes was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on June 30, 1985,<ref name="slam" /> the son of Michelle Rubio and professional wrestler Dusty Rhodes. He is of Cuban descent through his maternal grandfather.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Rhodes |first1=Dusty |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yGUPAWdai_IC&q=Cuba |title=Dusty: Reflections of Wrestling's American Dream |last2=Brody |first2=Howard |date=November 20, 2013 |publisher=Sports |isbn=9781613212448 |access-date=June 14, 2015}}</ref> He has a sister named Teil in addition to his paternal half-brother and fellow professional wrestler Dustin and a paternal half-sister named Kristin, who is a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kickin' It Up With... Kristin Ditto |url=http://www.dallascowboyscheerleaders.com/history/watn.cfm?id=1477AB1D-0234-28D0-025A70ED93BAB9EA |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628080849/http://www.dallascowboyscheerleaders.com/history/watn.cfm?id=1477AB1D-0234-28D0-025A70ED93BAB9EA |archive-date=June 28, 2009 |access-date=June 27, 2009 |publisher=Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders}}</ref> He is the nephew of professional wrestlers Jerry Sags and Fred Ottman,<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 26, 2014 |title=8 Things You Didn't Know About WWE Tag Team Champion Stardust |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/8-things-you-didnt-know-about-wwe-tag-team-champion-stardust/ |access-date=August 4, 2023 |website=CBS Sports}}</ref> and the godson of professional wrestler Magnum T. A.,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gaydos |first=Ryan |date=April 2023 |title=WWE star Cody Rhodes reveals legendary father slapped man at Waffle House for calling wrestling fake |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/wwe-star-cody-rhodes-reveals-legendary-father-slapped-man-waffle-house-calling-wrestling-fake |access-date=August 4, 2023 |website=Fox News}}</ref> who was present at both Rhodes's birth and baptism.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leighty Jr. |first=Robert |title=411's Dark Side of The Ring Report: 'Shattered: The Magnum T.A. Story' |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/411s-dark-side-of-the-ring-report-shattered-the-magnum-t-a-story/ |access-date=August 4, 2023 |website=411Mania.com}}</ref> He legally changed his surname to "Runnels Rhodes" as a teenager.<ref name="RhodesName">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5PmEVwHpVY |title=Cody Rhodes is making more money since leaving WWE, advice from his father and Goldust, Bullet Club |date=November 12, 2017 |last=Vliet |first=Chris Van |author-link=Chris Van Vliet |time=7m 15s |access-date=November 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211217/C5PmEVwHpVY |archive-date=December 17, 2021 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="RhodesName2">{{Cite tweet |number=959562297663508481 |user=codyrhodes |title=My legal last name is runnels rhodes...both. Do your research fuckface. (Been that way since I was 15) |date=February 2, 2018 }}</ref>

Rhodes grew up in Georgia and went to Lassiter High School in Marietta, where he had a successful high school wrestling career.<ref name="slam" /> He placed sixth in the {{convert|171|lb|kg|abbr=on}} division as a sophomore.<ref name="Lassiter">{{Cite web |title=Lassiter High School Wrestling Wall of Fame |url=http://lassiterwrestling.com/_wsn/page6.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071006132626/http://lassiterwrestling.com/_wsn/page6.html |archive-date=October 6, 2007 |access-date=October 29, 2007 |publisher=Lassiter High School}}</ref> As a junior, he won the Georgia state tournament at {{convert|189|lb|kg|abbr=on}} in 2003 and repeated as champion his senior year.<ref name="Lassiter" /> He had planned to wrestle collegiately at Penn State University, but decided to become a professional wrestler instead.<ref name="mercury">{{Cite web |last=Matsumoto |first=Jon |date=June 25, 2009 |title=WWE: Ted DiBiase, Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton wrestle at HP Pavilion Monday |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_12672125?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com&nclick_check=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303222944/http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_12672125?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com&nclick_check=1 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=July 6, 2009 |website=San Jose Mercury News}}</ref> During his time in high school, Rhodes also acted as a referee in his father's Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling promotion.<ref name="Legacy to Calgary">{{Cite web |last=Baines |first=Tim |date=August 7, 2009 |title=Rhodes bringing real Legacy to Calgary |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/08/07/10393826.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617171920/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/08/07/10393826.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 17, 2015 |access-date=August 8, 2009 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> After graduating from high school, Rhodes moved to Los Angeles and studied acting at the Howard Fine Acting School for a year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mooneyham |first=Mike |date=November 19, 2017 |title=Pro wrestler Cody Rhodes originally wanted to be an actor |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/wrestling/pro-wrestler-cody-rhodes-originally-wanted-to-be-an-actor/article_cfdf2a50-cbcb-11e7-8c2d-4f47e0b9d57b.html |access-date=April 20, 2024 |website=Post and Courier |language=en}}</ref><ref name="ESPN">{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Jon |date=April 13, 2009 |title=Cody Rhodes: Link to the Past |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/thelife/videogames/news/story?id=4064815 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303165537/http://espn.go.com/espn/thelife/videogames/news/story?id=4064815 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=April 15, 2009 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref>

==Professional wrestling career== ===World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE (2006–2016)=== ====Ohio Valley Wrestling (2006–2007)==== [[File:Cody Rhodes (cropped).png|thumb|left|120px|Runnels during his stay in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) in 2007]] Rhodes credits his father for starting to train him as a wrestler from the age of 12, which was limited mainly to simple fundamentals. From there, his training was provided by Al Snow, Danny Davis, Randy Orton, and Ricky Morton.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1070166196048330757 |user=CodyRhodes |title=Dusty trained me in a very different way, but in the ring he literally just gave me a bodyslam, a chop, and a hip t… |date=December 4, 2018}}</ref> Using his birth name Cody Runnels, he began wrestling in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) on May 13, 2006.<ref name="slam">{{Cite web |last=Elliott |first=Brian |title=Cody Rhodes |url=https://x.com/CodyRhodes/status/1166019434865184774 |access-date=July 19, 2024 |website=X.com |publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Cody Rhodes |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=3686&page=20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531183643/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=3686&page=20 |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |access-date=February 20, 2022 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> He formed a tag team with Shawn Spears in mid-August 2006 and won the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship twice.<ref name="slam" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 20, 2006 |title=December 20, 2006–OVW TV Tapings in Louisville, Kentucky |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2006/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214153038/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2006 |archive-date=December 14, 2018 |access-date=June 23, 2009 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> He also won the OVW Heavyweight Championship<ref name="slam" /><ref name="ovw title" /> and the OVW Television Championship.<ref name="slam" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zaldana |first=Arturo |date=July 6, 2007 |title=July 6, 2007–OVW Six Flags in Louisville, Kentucky at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222101647/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2007 |archive-date=December 22, 2018 |access-date=June 23, 2009 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>

====Teaming with Hardcore Holly (2007–2008)==== {{multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | width = 175 | image1 = Cody Rhodes World Tag Team Champ.jpg | caption1 = Rhodes captured his first championship in WWE in December 2007: the World Tag Team Championship, with partner Hardcore Holly | image2 = Cody rhodes and hardcore holly.jpg | caption2 = | footer = Rhodes (left) with Holly in February 2008 }} On the July 2, 2007, episode of ''Raw,'' Runnels made his television debut as a face, using his family's wrestling last name, Rhodes, in a backstage segment with his father Dusty Rhodes and Randy Orton, where Orton introduced himself to Rhodes and then slapped Dusty as a sign of disrespect.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Plummer |first=Dale |date=July 3, 2007 |title=Raw: Lashley rises to No. 1 |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/07/03/4309400.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309193439/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/07/03/4309400.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 9, 2016 |access-date=July 6, 2009 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> He made his main roster in-ring debut losing to Orton via pinfall on the July 16, 2007, episode of ''Raw.''<ref>{{Cite web |title=WWE News, RAW Results, Smackdown Results |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2006/1184643701.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013110103/https://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2006/1184643701.shtml |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=January 20, 2023}}</ref> Rhodes appeared at The Great American Bash on July 22 to prevent Orton from further attacking his father.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Plummer |first1=Dale |last2=Tylwalk, Nick |date=July 23, 2007 |title=Cena still champ after busy Bash |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/07/23/4361568.html |access-date=July 6, 2009 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{dead link|date=April 2026|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw,'' Rhodes challenged Orton to a rematch from the previous week, only to lose again. Orton followed this up by kicking Rhodes's father in the head.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clayton |first=Corey |date=July 23, 2007 |title=One bad apple leads to Dominator destruction |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07232007/mainarticle |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629113521/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07232007/mainarticle |archive-date=June 29, 2019 |access-date=October 18, 2007 |publisher=WWE}}</ref>

In September, he began a feud with Hardcore Holly and lost three consecutive matches to him.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clayton |first=Corey |date=September 24, 2007 |title=Raw gets Hardcore with Holly's return |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/09242007/mainarticle |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701221415/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/09242007/mainarticle |archive-date=July 1, 2019 |access-date=July 18, 2009 |publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Plummer |first=Dale |date=October 2, 2007 |title=Raw: Throwing away the first Cena-Kennedy bout |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/10/02/4543345.html |access-date=July 6, 2009 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{dead link|date=April 2026|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Writer X |date=October 16, 2007 |title=Raw: Orton faces trio of trouble |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/10/16/4580341.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611141743/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/10/16/4580341.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 11, 2015 |access-date=July 6, 2009 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> Later, they would work as a tag team and they defeated Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch on the ''Raw'' 15th Anniversary special episode for the World Tag Team Championship, marking Rhodes's first championship in WWE.<ref name="WWETagHistory1">{{Cite web |date=December 10, 2007 |title=World Tag Team Championship – Cody Rhodes & Hardcore Holly |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/090820071 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071227194718/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/090820071 |archive-date=December 27, 2007 |access-date=March 6, 2009 |publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Plummer |first=Dale |date=December 10, 2007 |title=Raw: Nostalgia show quite the (beer) blast |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/12/10/4717835.html |access-date=July 6, 2009 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{dead link|date=April 2026|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

In May 2008, Ted DiBiase began feuding with the duo, threatening to take their titles in his first match as part of the Raw brand.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DiFino |first=Lennie |date=May 26, 2008 |title=Priceless |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/05262008/mainarticle |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701221426/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/05262008/mainarticle |archive-date=July 1, 2019 |access-date=June 4, 2008 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> At the pay-per-view event, Night of Champions on June 29, Rhodes turned on Holly by revealing himself as DiBiase's partner to help him win the match and also become a two-time World Tag Team Champion, turning heel in the process.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Matt |date=June 30, 2008 |title=Big names still on top after Night of Champions |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/06/30/6025711.html |access-date=July 17, 2009 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{dead link|date=April 2026|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="world tag2">{{Cite web |date=June 29, 2008 |title=World Tag Team Championship – Ted DiBiase & Cody Rhodes |url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldtagteam/0908200711 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002073525/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldtagteam/0908200711 |archive-date=October 2, 2015 |access-date=December 19, 2008 |publisher=WWE}}</ref>

====The Legacy (2008–2010)==== {{main|The Legacy (professional wrestling)|l1=The Legacy}} {{multiple image | align = left | direction = vertical | width = 175 | image1 = Priceless Rosemont IL 081808.jpg | caption1 = Rhodes (left) and his tag team partner Ted DiBiase Jr. as World Tag Team Champions in August 2008 | image2 = The Legacy.jpg | caption2 = The Legacy in 2009 (from left to right): Rhodes, Randy Orton, and DiBiase }}

After holding the championship for just over a month, they dropped it to John Cena and Batista on the August 4 episode of ''Raw,'' but regained it the next week.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sitterson |first=Aubrey |date=August 5, 2008 |title=Championship scramble |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/08042008/mainarticle |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701222423/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/08042008/mainarticle |archive-date=July 1, 2019 |access-date=August 5, 2008 |publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref name="world tag3">{{Cite web |date=August 11, 2008 |title=World Tag Team Championship – Ted DiBiase & Cody Rhodes |url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldtagteam/090820071111 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212082116/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldtagteam/090820071111 |archive-date=December 12, 2015 |access-date=August 13, 2008 |publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Plummer |first=Dale |date=August 12, 2008 |title=Raw: Cena & Batista drop belts; Kane's mystery revealed |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/08/12/6422581.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309205948/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/08/12/6422581.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 9, 2016 |access-date=April 3, 2011 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> Rhodes and DiBiase were then joined by Manu, the son of Afa, in September, forming a stable of multi-generational wrestlers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Matt |date=September 8, 2008 |title=Scramble matches make for wild Unforgiven |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/09/08/6698911.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519215513/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/09/08/6698911.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 19, 2015 |access-date=June 19, 2009 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> On the October 27 ''Raw,'' Rhodes and DiBiase lost the World Tag Team Championship to Kofi Kingston and CM Punk.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sitterson |first=Aubrey |date=October 27, 2008 |title=Just desserts |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/10272008/mainarticle |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701082931/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/10272008/mainarticle/ |archive-date=July 1, 2016 |access-date=November 4, 2008 |publisher=WWE}}</ref>

On November they began a storyline with Orton and, at Survivor Series on November 23, Rhodes, along with Orton, was a survivor, for Orton's team, in the annual Elimination match.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Plummer |first1=Dale |last2=Tylwalk, Nick |date=November 24, 2008 |title=Two new world champs at dull Survivor Series |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/11/24/7514611.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519022414/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/11/24/7514611.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 19, 2015 |access-date=December 30, 2008 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> The three of them created a stable with Orton called The Legacy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sitterson |first=Aubrey |date=December 8, 2008 |title=Slam, bam, thank you ma'am! |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/12082008/mainarticle |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701222434/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/12082008/mainarticle |archive-date=July 1, 2019 |access-date=December 30, 2008 |publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Matt |date=December 8, 2008 |title=Raw: A night of Slammys, solid matches |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/12/08/7678596.html |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{dead link|date=April 2026|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

As part of the Legacy, Rhodes entered the Royal Rumble match at the Royal Rumble on January 25, 2009, in order to help Orton win, and lasted until the final three, before being eliminated by Triple H.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Plummer |first1=Dale |last2=Tylwalk, Nick |date=January 26, 2009 |title=Orton triumphs, Cena survives, Hardy falls at Royal Rumble |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/01/26/8146161.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018125944/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/01/26/8146161.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 18, 2015 |access-date=June 23, 2009 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> Rhodes and DiBiase became involved in Orton's scripted rivalry with the McMahon family, helping him to attack Shane and Stephanie McMahon, and Stephanie's real-life husband, Triple H.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tylwalk |first=Nick |date=February 3, 2009 |title=Raw: Shane McMahon feels Legacy's wrath |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/02/03/8244926.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222142838/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/02/03/8244926.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |access-date=June 23, 2009 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McNamara |first=Andy |date=March 6, 2009 |title=Smackdown: Legacy ends The Game |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/03/06/8659751.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222142038/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/03/06/8659751.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |access-date=June 23, 2009 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> Rhodes was elevated to main event status as a result of joining the Legacy, competing in handicap and six-man tag team matches against Orton's opponents and rivals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tylwalk |first=Nick |date=March 24, 2009 |title=Raw: Triple H and Undertaker get tastes of their own medicine |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/03/24/8863466.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222094028/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/03/24/8863466.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |access-date=June 23, 2009 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Plummer |first=Dale |date=April 14, 2009 |title=Raw: Drafting a fresh start for the WWE |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/04/14/9103546.html |access-date=June 23, 2009 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{dead link|date=April 2026|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

On April 26 at Backlash, Rhodes, DiBiase, and Orton defeated Triple H, Batista, and Shane McMahon in a six-man tag team match, which, per the pre-match stipulation, resulted in Orton winning the WWE Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Matt |date=April 27, 2009 |title=Backlash: All 3 world titles change hands |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/04/27/9256696.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519165132/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/04/27/9256696.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 19, 2015 |access-date=May 2, 2009 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> Rhodes suffered a minor neck injury in June, but continued working.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 27, 2009 |title=WWE Injury Updates: Edge, Cody Rhodes, & Nikki Bella |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2009/06/wwe-injury-updates-edge-519798/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013105648/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2009/06/wwe-injury-updates-edge-519798/ |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=January 10, 2020 |website=Wrestling Inc.}}</ref>

Throughout mid-2009, Rhodes and DiBiase continued to compete against and attack Orton's rivals, especially Triple H.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Plummer |first=Dale |date=June 8, 2009 |title=Raw: Batista hurt, Vicki quits, Triple H returns |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/06/08/9731446.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702133009/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/06/08/9731446.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 2, 2015 |access-date=June 23, 2009 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> This led to Triple H reforming D-Generation X (DX) with Shawn Michaels, and DX defeated Rhodes and DiBiase at SummerSlam on August 23.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Plummer |first1=Dale |last2=Tywalk, Nick |date=August 24, 2009 |title=TLC Match and the return of a fan favorite liven up SummerSlam |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/08/24/10581981.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724123552/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/08/24/10581981.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 24, 2015 |access-date=October 10, 2009 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> Rhodes and DiBiase defeated DX at the following pay-per-view, Breaking Point on September 13 in a submissions count anywhere match, but were defeated in a Hell in a Cell match at the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view on October 4, when Rhodes was pinned following a sledgehammer shot to the head.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elliott |first=Brian |date=September 14, 2009 |title=Montreal fans 'screwed' again in Breaking Point sham |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/09/14/10886081.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019023438/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/09/14/10886081.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 19, 2015 |access-date=October 10, 2009 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Sokol |first1=Chris |last2=Sokol, Bryan |date=October 5, 2009 |title=Title changes highlight Hell in a Cell |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/10/05/11300786.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710194953/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/10/05/11300786.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 10, 2015 |access-date=October 10, 2009 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> Rhodes represented Team Raw at the first Bragging Rights pay-per-view on October 25, reluctantly teaming with DX. The match would go on to be won by Team SmackDown. At Survivor Series on November 22, having aided Orton in his feud with Kofi Kingston, was part of Team Orton (against Team Kingston) alongside DiBiase. Kingston would lastly eliminate Orton in the match to be sole survivor.

Tension within The Legacy became apparent at the Royal Rumble on January 31, 2010, when Rhodes attempted to interfere in Orton's match for the WWE Championship. Rhodes was caught by the referee, resulting in a disqualification for Orton, who attacked Rhodes and DiBiase, who had tried to help Rhodes, after the match.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Plummer |first1=Dale |last2=Tylwalk, Nick |date=February 1, 2010 |title=The 2010 Royal Rumble is Rated R in Atlanta |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/01/12692126.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707142128/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/01/12692126.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 7, 2015 |access-date=March 3, 2010 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> On the February 15 ''Raw'', Orton took on Sheamus in a non-title rematch, but was again disqualified after Rhodes and DiBiase interfered.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Plummer |first=Dale |date=February 15, 2010 |title=Raw Springing into the Elimination Chamber |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/15/12892096.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810044444/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/15/12892096.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 10, 2016 |access-date=March 3, 2010 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> During the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view on February 21, Rhodes interfered, passing a lead pipe through the cage to DiBiase. DiBiase hit Orton with the pipe and eliminated him from the match.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Plummer |first1=Dale |last2=Tylwalk, Nick |date=February 22, 2010 |title=Batista, Jericho and Michaels capitalize on Elimination Chamber opportunities |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/02/22/12978356.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018112021/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/02/22/12978356.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 18, 2015 |access-date=March 3, 2010 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', Orton attacked Rhodes and DiBiase during a six-man tag team match, and they attacked Orton the following week in retaliation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Plummer |first=Dale |date=February 22, 2010 |title=Raw: Finding a Jewel on the Road to Wrestlemania |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/22/12990596.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923144027/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/22/12990596.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |access-date=March 3, 2010 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Plummer |first=Dale |date=March 1, 2010 |title=Raw: A bad trip on the Road to Wrestlemania |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/03/01/13076276.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707173828/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/03/01/13076276.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 7, 2015 |access-date=March 3, 2010 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> This led to a triple threat match at WrestleMania XXVI on March 28, in which Orton defeated Rhodes and DiBiase.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=March 28, 2010 |title=Wrestlemania 26 Results – 3/28/10 |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1269831368 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401034109/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1269831368 |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |access-date=March 29, 2010 |publisher=WrestleView}}</ref>

====Dashing and Undashing (2010–2011)==== thumb|upright|"Dashing" Cody Rhodes in 2010 As part of the 2010 WWE supplemental draft, Rhodes was drafted to the SmackDown brand.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2010 WWE Supplemental Draft results |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2010draft/2010supplementaldraftresults |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513182612/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2010draft/2010supplementaldraftresults |archive-date=May 13, 2019 |access-date=April 27, 2010 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> He made his debut for the brand on the April 30 ''SmackDown'', by defeating John Morrison.<ref name="SDdebut">{{Cite web |last=Hillhouse |first=Dave |date=May 1, 2010 |title=Smackdown!: Comings and goings |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/01/13790226.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626214522/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/01/13790226.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 26, 2015 |access-date=May 1, 2010 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> The following week on ''SmackDown'', Rhodes participated in a tournament for the vacant WWE Intercontinental Championship, but lost to Christian in the semi-finals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillhouse |first=Dave |date=May 8, 2010 |title=Smackdown!: All about the Championships |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/08/13874841.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310072046/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/08/13874841.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 10, 2016 |access-date=May 13, 2010 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> Rhodes mentored Husky Harris, a third-generation wrestler, in the second season of ''NXT''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Matt |date=June 1, 2010 |title=WWE NXT: Barrett wins show's first season |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/01/14222371.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626213756/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/01/14222371.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 26, 2015 |access-date=June 2, 2010 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=June 1, 2010 |title=WWE News: NXT Results – Season Two announced, Pro & Rookie pairings revealed |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_41691.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603042018/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_41691.shtml |archive-date=June 3, 2010 |access-date=June 1, 2010 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

On the June 25 ''SmackDown'', Rhodes began a new narcissistic gimmick, claiming to be the best-looking wrestler in WWE and demanding to be called "Dashing" Cody Rhodes. Rhodes would participate in the SmackDown Money in the Bank ladder match at the first ever Money in the Bank pay-per-view event on July 18 but was unsuccessful as the match was won by Kane.<ref name="dashing">{{Cite web |last=Passero |first=Mitch |date=June 25, 2010 |title=Hot pursuit |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/06252010/mainarticle |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701230552/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/06252010/mainarticle |archive-date=July 1, 2019 |access-date=June 27, 2010 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> As part of the gimmick, vignettes began airing in which Rhodes gave "grooming tips".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillhouse |first=Dave |date=July 24, 2010 |title=Smackdown: On Removing Masks & Nose Hairs |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/07/24/14814041.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110183256/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/07/24/14814041.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 10, 2016 |access-date=August 17, 2010 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillhouse |first=Dave |date=August 7, 2010 |title=Smackdown: The search for vengeance and championships |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/07/14953166.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723073205/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/07/14953166.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 23, 2017 |access-date=August 17, 2010 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> He was extremely protective of his face during matches; if he was hit in the face, he threw a fit and checked his mirror.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=November 21, 2010 |title=Caldwell's WWE Survivor Series PPV results 11/21: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Cena's decision, six title matches |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_45451.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303195840/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_45451.shtml |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=June 4, 2011 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Parks |first=Greg |date=November 19, 2010 |title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 11/19: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Mysterio vs. Del Rio |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_45414.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128174148/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_45414.shtml |archive-date=November 28, 2020 |access-date=June 4, 2011 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> In September, he attacked Christian along with Drew McIntyre after a match, and the duo also attacked Matt Hardy, forming an alliance. At Night of Champions on September 19, Rhodes and McIntyre captured the WWE Tag Team Championship in a Tag Team Turmoil match.<ref name="NightofChampions2010">{{Cite web |last=Tylwalk |first=Nick |date=September 20, 2010 |title=Few gimmicks, more title changes at Night of Champions |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/09/20/15407301.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019023438/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/09/20/15407301.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 19, 2015 |access-date=September 20, 2010 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> At Bragging Rights on October 24, Rhodes and McIntyre lost the championship to The Nexus (John Cena and David Otunga).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=October 24, 2010 |title=Caldwell's WWE Bragging Rights PPV Results 10/24: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Orton vs. Barrett, Kane vs. Taker, Raw vs. Smackdown |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_44753.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404072448/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_44753.shtml |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |access-date=October 25, 2010 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the October 29 ''SmackDown'', after losing a tag team match, Rhodes and McIntyre dissolved their partnership.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillhouse |first=Dave |date=October 30, 2010 |title=Smackdown: No tricks, but a couple of treats |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/10/30/15889771.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305003525/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/10/30/15889771.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=November 1, 2010 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref>

On the January 21, 2011, episode of ''SmackDown'', Rhodes faced Rey Mysterio in a match, during which Mysterio hit Rhodes in the face with his exposed knee brace and legitimately broke Rhodes's nose,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillhouse |first=Dave |date=January 22, 2011 |title=Smackdown: Run, Edge, run! |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/22/16992366.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627235937/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/22/16992366.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 27, 2015 |access-date=March 5, 2011 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref><ref name="AruneSingh">{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Singh |date=April 26, 2011 |title=Fightin' Fanboys: The Fall of Cody Rhodes |url=http://marvel.com/news/story/15747/fightin_fanboys_the_fall_of_cody_rhodes |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101110923/http://marvel.com/news/story/15747/fightin_fanboys_the_fall_of_cody_rhodes |archive-date=November 1, 2013 |access-date=May 2, 2011 |publisher=Marvel Entertainment}}</ref> which led to Rhodes declaring he was no longer dashing and had required facial reconstructive surgery.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillhouse |first=Dave |date=January 29, 2011 |title=Smackdown: Babyfaces behaving badly |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/29/17081976.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106215416/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/29/17081976.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 6, 2015 |access-date=March 5, 2011 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> Rhodes was off television for several weeks. Upon his return, he wore a clear protective mask over his face and colluded with his father to attack Mysterio and remove Mysterio's mask on the February 25 ''SmackDown''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillhouse |first=Dave |date=February 26, 2011 |title=Smackdown: Some water is thicker than blood |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/26/17418961.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106215422/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/02/26/17418961.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 6, 2015 |access-date=March 5, 2011 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> Rhodes then regularly used his protective mask as a weapon during matches by headbutting opponents and using it to hit his opponents.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tait |first=James |date=March 20, 2011 |title=Tait's WWE SmackDown Report 3/18: Alt. perspective review of Friday's show, segment-by-segment Reax, weekly category Winners (and Losers) |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_48565.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202525/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_48565.shtml |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=June 2, 2011 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cupach |first=Michael |date=March 13, 2011 |title=Cupach's SmackDown Report 3/11: Alt. perspective review of this week's Smackdown, Booker's commentary, Did You Know Check |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_48413.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303190626/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_48413.shtml |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=June 2, 2011 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stephens |first=David |date=September 12, 2011 |title=Raw Results – 9/12/11 |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1315883647 |access-date=December 26, 2011 |publisher=Wrestleview}}</ref> In 2020, Rhodes said his time as Undashing Cody Rhodes was his second most successful work as a pro wrestler.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1249852951201538049 |user=CodyRhodes |title=In terms of just bottomline success and not how I felt personally. Top to bottom would be...12 3 4 9 10 11 6 7 8 2… |date=April 14, 2020}}</ref> Rhodes defeated Mysterio in a match at WrestleMania XXVII on April 3.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Matt |date=April 3, 2011 |title=The Rock costs Cena as The Miz retains at WrestleMania XXVII |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania27/2011/04/03/17863646.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016212345/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania27/2011/04/03/17863646.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 16, 2015 |access-date=April 4, 2011 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> The duo also faced off in a Falls Count Anywhere match at the Extreme Rules pay-per-view on May 1, which was won by Mysterio.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillhouse |first=Dave |date=May 1, 2011 |title=Extreme Rules: Championship make-over edition |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/05/01/18090841.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310090358/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/05/01/18090841.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 10, 2016 |access-date=May 2, 2011 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref>

alt=A dark-haired Caucasian male stands in a wrestling ring with grey ring ropes. He is wearing short black wrestling tights with a black, hooded jacket, and his face is covered with a clear plastic mask. He is holding a microphone to his mouth with his right hand, and in his left hand he is holding brown paper bags.|thumb|upright|Rhodes wearing his protective mask and holding paper bag masks in June 2011 On subsequent episodes of ''SmackDown'' following WrestleMania XXVII, Rhodes, with the help of assistants, would hand out paper bags to the audience during his promos. Rhodes demanded the audience to put on the paper bags on their heads to cover their ugliness and imperfections, because they offended him.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tait |first=James |date=May 7, 2011 |title=Tait's WWE SmackDown Report 5/6: Alt. perspective review of Christian's one week as champion, Overall Show Break Down |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_49864.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303171244/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_49864.shtml |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=June 2, 2011 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Rhodes also put paper bags over several of his opponents' heads after matches with them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillhouse |first=Dave |date=April 23, 2011 |title=Smackdown: Night of Champions comes early |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/23/18057351.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720225231/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/23/18057351.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 20, 2015 |access-date=December 11, 2011 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tait |first=James |date=May 28, 2011 |title=Tait's SmackDown Report 5/27: Alt. perspective review of Over the Limit fall-out, Tait Reax on each segment & overall show |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_50399.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701233718/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_50399.shtml |archive-date=July 1, 2019 |access-date=June 2, 2011 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Rhodes reformed his alliance with Ted DiBiase on the May 20 ''SmackDown'', and the duo went on to feud with Sin Cara and Daniel Bryan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cupach |first=Mike |date=May 22, 2011 |title=Cupach's SmackDown report 5/20: Alt. perspective review of final PPV hype, Mike's Reax on overall show |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_50224.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303190350/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_50224.shtml |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=June 4, 2011 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillhouse |first=Dave |date=June 4, 2011 |title=Smackdown: Christian's patience wearing thin |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/04/18237591.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703202327/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/04/18237591.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 3, 2015 |access-date=June 18, 2011 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillhouse |first=Dave |date=June 11, 2011 |title=Smackdown: Factions renewed and rejected |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/11/18270206.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703195625/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/11/18270206.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 3, 2015 |access-date=June 18, 2011 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> At the second annual Money in the Bank pay-per-view on July 17, Rhodes participated in the SmackDown Money in the Bank ladder match, but was unsuccessful as Bryan won the match.<ref name="MoneyintheBank2011">{{Cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=July 17, 2011 |title=WK'S WWE Money in the Bank PPV blog 7/17: Ongoing live coverage of Punk vs. Cena, Orton vs. Christian, Show vs. Henry, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wadekellerdotcom/51486.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411092420/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wadekellerdotcom/51486.shtml |archive-date=April 11, 2019 |access-date=July 17, 2011 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

====Intercontinental Champion (2011–2012)==== At the August 9 tapings of the August 12 ''SmackDown'', Rhodes defeated Ezekiel Jackson to win the Intercontinental Championship, his first singles title with the company.<ref name="WWEIC" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 10, 2011 |title=WWE News: Smackdown spoilers 8/12 – Results & Notes from Tuesday's Smackdown TV taping leading to Summerslam |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_52014.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701233732/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_52014.shtml |archive-date=July 1, 2019 |access-date=August 10, 2011 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following week, Rhodes and DiBiase had a verbal confrontation with Orton. The following week, Rhodes attacked DiBiase after the latter lost a singles match to Orton, ending their alliance and resulting in an Intercontinental Championship match between the two at Night of Champions on September 18, which Rhodes won.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mackinder |first=Matt |date=August 27, 2011 |title=Smackdown: Calgary show subpar, even with "Hitman" |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/27/18607356.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927162817/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/27/18607356.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 27, 2015 |access-date=December 11, 2011 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Matt |date=September 19, 2011 |title=Triple H, Henry, Cena victorious at Night of Champions |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/09/19/18706136.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710094141/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/09/19/18706136.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 10, 2015 |access-date=December 11, 2011 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> Simultaneously, Rhodes had begun a feud with Orton, with Orton defeating Rhodes on the September 9 ''SmackDown'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillhouse |first=Dave |date=September 10, 2011 |title=Smackdown: Friday night in Toledo, Ohio |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/10/18665546.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309220018/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/10/18665546.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 9, 2016 |access-date=December 11, 2011 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> but Rhodes defeated Orton on the September 12 ''Raw SuperShow'' when Mark Henry distracted Orton.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=September 12, 2011 |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 9/12: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw Supershow on USA Network |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_53221.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303194301/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_53221.shtml |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=December 2, 2011 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the September 23 ''SmackDown'', Rhodes defeated Orton by disqualification when Orton took Rhodes's mask off and hit him with it.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillhouse |first=Dave |date=September 24, 2011 |title=Smackdown: Blood on TV and a title match |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/24/18733826.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310092257/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/24/18733826.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 10, 2016 |access-date=December 11, 2011 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> Post-match, Orton attacked Rhodes with the timekeeper's bell, legitimately cutting Rhodes and causing him to bleed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=September 21, 2011 |title=Spoilers: Live notes from Smackdown tapings |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1316612852 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501013053/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1316612852 |archive-date=May 1, 2012 |access-date=December 11, 2011 |publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> The following week on ''SmackDown'', Rhodes claimed he needed nine staples to close the wound.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parks |first=Greg |date=September 30, 2011 |title=Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 9/30: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Randy Orton vs. Christian in the main event |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_53843.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701233733/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_53843.shtml |archive-date=July 1, 2019 |access-date=December 11, 2011 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

[[File:Cody raises IC strap.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Rhodes as the Intercontinental Champion in January 2012]] At the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view on October 2, Rhodes debuted a new design for the Intercontinental Championship, which included a white strap and plates similar to the title's classic 1980s design, before successfully defending it against John Morrison.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillhouse |first=Dave |date=October 2, 2011 |title=Hell in a Cell ... and outside as well |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/10/02/18772571.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709215300/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/10/02/18772571.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 9, 2015 |access-date=December 11, 2011 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> Throughout October, Rhodes continued feuding with Orton, explaining that Orton had mistreated him during their time together as part of Legacy, costing him the World Heavyweight Championship and attacking him.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillhouse |first=Dave |date=October 14, 2011 |title=Smackdown: 41 WWE superstars in the ring, 41 WWE Superstars... |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/10/14/18829166.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710063744/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/10/14/18829166.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 10, 2015 |access-date=December 11, 2011 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillhouse |first=Dave |date=October 22, 2011 |title=Smackdown: Bizarro-Land, South |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/10/22/18863181.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309201710/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/10/22/18863181.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 9, 2016 |access-date=December 11, 2011 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> At Vengeance on October 23, Rhodes was defeated by Orton in a non-title match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kapur |first=Bob |date=October 24, 2011 |title=Henry and Del Rio retain at solid Vengeance show |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/10/24/18867666.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710090123/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2011/10/24/18867666.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 10, 2015 |access-date=December 11, 2011 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> On the November 4 ''SmackDown'', Orton defeated Rhodes in a Street Fight to end the feud; in the process, Orton broke Rhodes's mask.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillhouse |first=Dave |date=November 5, 2011 |title=Smackdown: Of DQs and PPVs |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/11/05/18928061.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106044955/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/11/05/18928061.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 6, 2015 |access-date=December 11, 2011 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> On the November 14 ''Raw SuperShow'', Rhodes reappeared without his mask, claiming that Orton had set him free, signalling the end of his masked gimmick.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=November 14, 2011 |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 11/14: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live three-hour Raw – The Rock's return, final Survivor Series hype |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_55160.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303211310/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_55160.shtml |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=December 2, 2011 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At Survivor Series on November 20, Rhodes was sole survivor alongside Team Captain Wade Barrett in their traditional Survivor Series match against Team Orton.

Rhodes then feuded with ''SmackDown'' commentator Booker T, attacking him from behind on several occasions and successfully retaining the Intercontinental Championship against him at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs on December 18 and on the January 6, 2012, ''SmackDown''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=December 18, 2011 |title=PPV: WWE TLC |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1324257677 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107205936/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1324257677 |archive-date=January 7, 2012 |access-date=December 26, 2011 |publisher=WrestleView}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillhouse |first=Dave |date=January 7, 2012 |title=Smackdown: The champs are here |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2012/01/07/19213471.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927165535/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2012/01/07/19213471.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 27, 2015 |access-date=January 7, 2012 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> At the Royal Rumble on January 29, Rhodes competed in the Royal Rumble match, lasting over 40 minutes and eliminating more wrestlers than other any other competitor with six, before he was eliminated by Big Show.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=January 29, 2012 |title=Caldwell's WWE Royal Rumble report 1/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Rumble match, Punk-Ziggler, Cena-Kane, steel cage |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_57526.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211044443/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_57526.shtml |archive-date=December 11, 2018 |access-date=January 30, 2012 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=January 30, 2012 |title=WWE News: Royal Rumble match result – Chris Jericho makes Final Four, but did he win the Rumble? |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_57529.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303185838/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_57529.shtml |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=February 7, 2012 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At Elimination Chamber on February 19, Rhodes pinned Big Show in the World Heavyweight Championship Elimination Chamber match, before being eliminated by Santino Marella.<ref name="ec12">{{Cite web |last=Plummer |first=Dale |date=February 20, 2012 |title=Good matches but not enough of them at Elimination Chamber |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2012/02/20/19401186.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927153959/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2012/02/20/19401186.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 27, 2015 |access-date=March 5, 2012 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref><ref name="SDChamber">{{Cite web |last=Giannini |first=Alex |date=February 19, 2012 |title=World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan won the SmackDown Elimination Chamber Match |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2012/smackdown-elimination-chamber-2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304041320/http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2012/smackdown-elimination-chamber-2012 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> Rhodes spent the following weeks highlighting Big Show's embarrassing moments in previous WrestleManias, often costing Big Show to lose matches in the process.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cupach |first=Mike |title=Cupach's WWE SmackDown Report 3/2: Alt. perspective review of last week's Smackdown – Bryan vs. Orton, GM Switch preview, Mike's Reax |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_58796.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323030650/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_58796.shtml |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |access-date=March 16, 2012 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At WrestleMania XXVIII on April 1, Rhodes lost the Intercontinental Championship to Big Show, ending his near eight-month reign of 233 days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |title=Caldwell's WWE Wrestlemania 28 PPV Report 4/1: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Rock-Cena, Taker-Hunter, Punk-Jericho |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_59831.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617024142/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_59831.shtml |archive-date=June 17, 2015 |access-date=April 2, 2012 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

Following the loss at WrestleMania, Rhodes went on a brief losing streak, due to Big Show distracting him during matches.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/2: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – WM28 fall-out, how will Cena respond to Rock loss?, two big title matches |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_59908.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217133715/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_59908.shtml |archive-date=February 17, 2023 |access-date=October 18, 2019 |website=pwtorch.com}}</ref> Four weeks after losing the title, Rhodes regained it at Extreme Rules on April 29 by defeating Big Show in a Tables match.<ref name="PWTorch1">{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=April 29, 2012 |title=Caldwell's WWE Extreme Rules PPV Report 4/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Brock-Cena, Punk-Jericho in Chicago |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_60881.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106053223/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_60881.shtml |archive-date=November 6, 2015 |access-date=April 30, 2012 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the May 7 episode of ''Raw SuperShow'', Rhodes retained his title against Big Show in a rematch after getting himself counted out.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 5/7: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – broken bones follow-up, Over the Limit hype |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_61167.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217133713/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_61167.shtml |archive-date=February 17, 2023 |access-date=October 18, 2019 |website=pwtorch.com}}</ref> Two weeks later at Over the Limit on May 20, Rhodes lost the Intercontinental Championship to the returning Christian. He would go on to lose to Christian in a rematch for the title at No Way Out on June 17.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Giannini |first=Alex |date=May 20, 2012 |title=Christian def. Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/2012/christian-def-intercontinental-champion-cody-rhodes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702000941/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/2012/christian-def-intercontinental-champion-cody-rhodes |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=May 21, 2012 |website=WWE}}</ref> On the June 29 ''SmackDown'', Rhodes and David Otunga were defeated by Christian and United States Champion Santino Marella in a Money in the Bank qualification match for the World Heavyweight Championship, due to Otunga being pinned.<ref name="SmackDownresults">{{Cite web |date=June 29, 2012 |title=Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 6/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Triple Threat match for the World Title |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_62913.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120903110042/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_62913.shtml |archive-date=September 3, 2012 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |website=PWTorch.com}}</ref> Afterwards, Rhodes claimed that he had not lost and demanded another chance.<ref name=SmackDownresults/> Four days later on ''Super SmackDown Live'', the WWE Board of Directors granted Rhodes another shot and he defeated Christian to earn a spot in the match.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Parks' WWE SmackDown Report 7/3: Complete "virtual time" coverage of the live Great American Bash special, including 20-man Battle Royal; winner acts as GM for Smackdown next week |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_63002.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305140236/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_63002.shtml |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |website=PWTorch.com}}</ref> At Money in the Bank on July 15, he was unsuccessful as the match was won by Dolph Ziggler.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=June 29, 2012 |title=Dolph Ziggler won the Money in the Bank Ladder Match for a World Championship Contract |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2012/world-heavyweight-championship-contract-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702000940/https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2012/world-heavyweight-championship-contract-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |website=Wwe.com}}</ref> On September 16 at Night of Champions, Rhodes failed to capture the Intercontinental Championship from The Miz in a fatal-four-way match, also involving Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=September 16, 2012 |title=Caldwell's WWE Night of Champions PPV report 9/16: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Punk vs. Cena, six title matches |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_65243.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403121633/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_65243.shtml |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |access-date=September 16, 2012 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

====Team Rhodes Scholars (2012–2013)==== thumb|upright|Rhodes sporting a moustache following his return from injury

Rhodes then aligned himself with Damien Sandow, attacking Tag Team Champions Team Hell No (Daniel Bryan and Kane) on the September 24 ''Raw''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 9/24: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Cena announcement, Lawler interview, latest on WWE Title picture |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65455.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325005314/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65455.shtml |archive-date=March 25, 2013 |access-date=September 30, 2012 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The team, now known as "Rhodes Scholars", won a Tag Team Championship tournament to become the number one contenders to the Tag Team Championship, but after defeating Team Hell No (Daniel Bryan and Kane) by disqualification at Hell in a Cell on October 28, they were defeated by Team Hell No on the November 14 episode of ''Main Event''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=October 22, 2012 |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 10/22: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – final PPV hype, tournament finals |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66112.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201100938/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66112.shtml |archive-date=February 1, 2013 |access-date=October 22, 2012 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 28, 2012 |title=Team Rhodes Scholars def. Hell No! By Disqualification. |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2012/team-hell-no-team-rhodes-scholars-26059965 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214256/http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2012/team-hell-no-team-rhodes-scholars-26059965 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=November 2, 2012 |website=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2012 |title=Cupach's WWE Main Event Results 11/14: Cody injured in Tag Title match, Miz-Ziggler, what changed from the taping to TV? |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_66648.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702011343/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_66648.shtml |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |website=PWTorch.com}}</ref> Rhodes suffered a concussion and a strained shoulder in the latter match, resulting in him being removed from his traditional five-on-five tag team match at Survivor Series on November 18.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2012 |title=WWE News: Rhodes injury update – will he miss Survivor Series? |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_66650.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702011325/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_66650.shtml |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |website=PWTorch.com}}</ref>

After he returned from injury, sporting a mustache, he and Sandow worked as a tag team, facing the champions Team Hell No twice: one on the December 19 episode of ''Main Event''<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 19, 2012 |title=Cupach's WWE Main Event Results 12/19: Kane & Bryan defend Tag Titles, Players vs. Team Co-Bro |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_67391.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702012658/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_67391.shtml |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |website=PWTorch.com}}</ref> and another at the Royal Rumble on January 27, 2013. They would also be joined by The Bella Twins, as they began feuding with Tons of Funk (Brodus Clay and Tensai) and The Funkadactyls (Cameron and Naomi).<ref name="Raw3/25/13">{{Cite web |last=Mike Tedesco |first=Mike |title=WWE RAW Results – 3/25/13 (Rock/Cena Q and A) |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/40536-wwe-raw-results-3-25-13-rock-cena-q-and-a |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225050820/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/40536-wwe-raw-results-3-25-13-rock-cena-q-and-a/ |archive-date=February 25, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2013 |publisher=Wrestleview}}</ref><ref name="2013Return">{{Cite web |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 3/11: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – WWE recognizes Bearer by incorporating him into Taker-Punk, Lesnar challenges Hunter, no Cena, more |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69177.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404155029/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69177.shtml |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |access-date=October 18, 2019 |website=pwtorch.com}}</ref><ref name="SmackMarch2213">{{Cite web |title=Parks' WWE Smackdown Report 3/22: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the Friday night show, including Chris Jericho vs. Jack Swagger in a rematch from last week |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69461.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404171416/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69461.shtml |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |access-date=October 18, 2019 |website=pwtorch.com}}</ref> The two teams were originally booked to face each other in an eight-person mixed tag team match on April 7 at WrestleMania 29,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brodus Clay, Tensai & The Funkadactyls vs. Team Rhodes Scholars & The Bella Twins |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/29/brodus-clay-tensai-the-funkadactyls-vs-team-rhodes-scholars-the-bella-twins-26102098 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702012649/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/29/brodus-clay-tensai-the-funkadactyls-vs-team-rhodes-scholars-the-bella-twins-26102098 |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=March 27, 2013}}</ref> but their match was cut due to time constraints.<ref>{{Cite web |title=WWE News: Clay & Tensai comment on match cut from WM29 |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_69858.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109155532/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_69858.shtml |archive-date=January 9, 2019 |access-date=October 18, 2019 |website=pwtorch.com}}</ref> The match instead took place the following night on ''Raw'', where Tons of Funk and The Funkadactyls emerged victorious.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/8: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – WM29 fall-out, new World Champ, no Rock, Taker live, crowd takes over |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69884.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403092537/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69884.shtml |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |access-date=October 18, 2019 |website=pwtorch.com}}</ref>

On July 14 at Money in the Bank pay-per-view, Rhodes competed in the World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank ladder match, which was won by Damien Sandow after Sandow turned on Rhodes and threw him off of the ladder just as Rhodes was about to win the match.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caldwell's WWE MITB PPV Results 7/14 (Hour 1): World Title MITB ladder match, IC Title match, Divas Title match |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71942.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929104957/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71942.shtml |archive-date=September 29, 2019 |access-date=October 18, 2019 |website=pwtorch.com}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Rhodes attacked Sandow and dissolved Team Rhodes Scholars, turning face for the first time since 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/15 (Hour 2): The Wyatts Week 2, Rhodes Scholars explode |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71983.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217232617/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71983.shtml |archive-date=February 17, 2023 |access-date=October 18, 2019 |website=pwtorch.com}}</ref> They feuded over the briefcase, which Rhodes threw into the Gulf of Mexico.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Parks's WWE Smackdown Report 7/26: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Wyatt Family in-ring debut, Del Rio vs. RVD match |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_72289.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219115140/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_72289.shtml |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |access-date=October 18, 2019 |website=pwtorch.com}}</ref> On August 18 at SummerSlam, now no longer sporting a mustache, Rhodes defeated Sandow in a singles match,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caldwell's WWE Sslam PPV Results 8/18 (Hour 1): World Title match, Ring of Fire, clean-shaven Rhodes vs. Sandow |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_72777.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513182453/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_72777.shtml |archive-date=May 13, 2019 |access-date=October 18, 2019 |website=pwtorch.com}}</ref> and did so again the following night on ''Raw''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 8/19 (Hour 1): Cena says farewell, Bryan-Steph confrontation starts Raw, Heyman promo |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72814.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123182800/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72814.shtml |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |access-date=October 18, 2019 |website=pwtorch.com}}</ref>

====The Brotherhood (2013–2014)==== {{main|Cody Rhodes and Goldust}}

[[File:Rhodes dynasty.jpg|thumb|right|In 2013, Goldust returned to WWE, teaming with his half-brother Cody.]]

In September, Rhodes started a storyline with his brother against Triple H. After Rhodes was defeated by Orton on the September 2 episode of ''Raw'', he was fired in storyline.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tylwalk |first=Nick |title=Raw: Rhodes, Big Show get put in no-win situations |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/09/03/21092596.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626205827/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/09/03/21092596.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 26, 2015 |access-date=November 1, 2013 |website=Slam Wrestling |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> This was put in place to give Rhodes time off for his marriage and honeymoon to Brandi Reed. Over the next few weeks, Rhodes's brother Goldust also lost to Orton with Cody's reinstatement on the line, while his father Dusty Rhodes was knocked out by Big Show while pleading for his sons to get their jobs back.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mackinder |first=Matt |title=Raw: Edge returns, while Triple H continues to abuse power |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/09/09/21110481.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627015310/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/09/09/21110481.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 27, 2015 |access-date=November 1, 2013 |website=SLAM! Wrestling |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tylwalk |first=Nick |title=Raw: Bryan rides an emotional roller coaster in Cleveland |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/09/17/21127846.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627052219/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/09/17/21127846.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 27, 2015 |access-date=November 1, 2013 |website=Slam! Wrestling |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> In return, the vengeful Rhodes brothers gatecrashed ''Raw'' by attacking The Shield.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tylwalk |first=Nick |title=Raw: Daniel Bryan and friends unite to take on The Shield |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/09/24/21145736.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626214035/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/09/24/21145736.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 26, 2015 |access-date=November 1, 2013 |website=Slam! Wrestling |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref>

On October 6 at Battleground, Rhodes and Goldust defeated the WWE Tag Team Champions, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins in a non-title match with the stipulation that they would be re-signed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Asher |first=Matthew |title=Battle may be over but WWE Battleground still leaves unresolved issues |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/10/06/21176466.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615090723/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/10/06/21176466.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 15, 2015 |access-date=November 1, 2013 |website=Slam Wrestling |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> On the October 14 episode of ''Raw'', they defeated The Shield in a No Disqualification match to become Tag Team Champions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cody Rhodes and Goldust's first reign |url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwetag/10142013-cody-rhodes-goldust |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019035451/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwetag/10142013-cody-rhodes-goldust |archive-date=October 19, 2013 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> The Rhodes brothers then retain the titles for months, over opponents which included the former champions The Shield,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tylwalk |first=Nick |title=Raw: The Rhodes brothers get their big chance |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/10/15/21195641.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626230515/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/10/15/21195641.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 26, 2015 |access-date=November 1, 2013 |website=Slam! Wrestling |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> until they lost them at the Royal Rumble on January 26, 2014, to The New Age Outlaws.

====Stardust, creative frustration, and departure (2014–2016)==== thumb|Rhodes as Stardust in January 2015

On the June 16 ''Raw'', Rhodes debuted a new character called Stardust (a ring name also previously used by his father during his time in American Wrestling Association), with face paint, a bodysuit and mannerisms similar to those of Goldust. He teamed with his brother to defeat RybAxel that night and then at both Money in the Bank and on ''Raw''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The home of WWE Raw, SmackDown, NXT, Total Divas, WrestleMania and more! |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2014-6-16/wwe-raw-results-26400632/page-9/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702085906/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2014-6-16/wwe-raw-results-26400632/page-9 |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |website=Wwe.com}}</ref> On the August 18 ''Raw'', Stardust and Goldust defeated the WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos in a non-title match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=August 18, 2014 |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 8/18: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Summerslam fall-out, Brock gets new WWE World Title belt, Ambrose & Rollins tear it up, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_80290.shtml#.U_OW-_l_vtU |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304111617/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_80290.shtml#.U_OW-_l_vtU |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=August 18, 2014 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> This led to a rematch on the August 25 ''Raw'', where Stardust and Goldust defeated The Usos via countout, but did not win the titles. After the match, both Stardust and Goldust attacked The Usos. At Night of Champions, Stardust and Goldust defeated the Usos to become WWE Tag Team Champions for their second reign as a team.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=August 25, 2014 |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 8/25: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Cena's Return, plus Hogan & Flair & HBK Forum, re-matches, re-matches, and more re-matches |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_80417.shtml#.U_x7c_l_vtU |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112059/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_80417.shtml#.U_x7c_l_vtU |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=August 25, 2014 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At Hell in a Cell, they successfully retained against The Usos. They lost the title to Damien Mizdow and The Miz in a fatal four-way tag team match also involving The Usos and Los Matadores the next month at Survivor Series, while also losing a rematch the next night on ''Raw''. At TLC they lost to the newly formed team The New Day.

On February, the team disbanded after Cody executed ''Cross Rhodes'' on Goldust.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Canoe – Slam! Sports – Wrestling – Raw: Bryan, Reigns not waiting for Fastlane |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2015/02/17/22240316.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150803022203/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2015/02/17/22240316.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 3, 2015 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |website=canoe.com}}</ref> This led to a match between Goldust and Stardust at Fastlane, which Goldust won.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Woodward |first=Hamish |date=January 28, 2023 |title=Cody Rhodes Time As Stardust Was The Worst Years Of His Career |url=https://atletifo.com/wrestling/cody-rhodes-stardust/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013105649/https://atletifo.com/wrestling/cody-rhodes-stardust/ |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=January 29, 2023 |language=en-GB}}</ref> The brothers tried to have a match at WrestleMania, but the WWE Chairman Vince McMahon did not book the match, since he felt the match was not good enough for WrestleMania.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2021 |title=Dustin Rhodes: 'Vince pensó que un Cody vs. Goldust no era bueno para Wrestlemania' |work=Solowrestling |url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/103937-dustin-rhodes-vince-penso-que-un-cody-vs-goldust-no-era-bueno-para-wrestlemania |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013105930/https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/103937-dustin-rhodes-vince-penso-que-un-cody-vs-goldust-no-era-bueno-para-wrestlemania |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=December 23, 2022 |author1=Solowrestling }}</ref>

The Stardust character eventually evolved to resemble a comic book supervillain, which led to him entering a storyline rivalry with actor Stephen Amell,<ref name="ComicBookCharacters">{{Cite web |title=WWE: Neville & Stardust are comic book characters come to life, what their next conflict should feature |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe-news/43905-wwe-neville-a-stardust-are-comic-book-characters-come-to-life |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817134957/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe-news/43905-wwe-neville-a-stardust-are-comic-book-characters-come-to-life |archive-date=August 17, 2015 |access-date=August 3, 2015 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |quote=He's even changed the name of his trademark rolling cutter move to "The Queen's Crossbow"}}</ref> renaming his finishing maneuver ''The Queen's Crossbow'', after Oliver Queen, Amell's character from ''Arrow''.<ref name=ComicBookCharacters/> At SummerSlam, he and Barrett were defeated in a tag team match by Amell and Neville.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=August 23, 2015 |title=Caldwell's SummerSlam report 8/23: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of Lesnar vs. Taker, Title vs. Title, more big matches |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_87122.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126220647/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_87122.shtml |archive-date=November 26, 2015 |access-date=August 23, 2015 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Then, he began to work with The Ascension, forming the faction "The Cosmic Wasteland". At Night of Champions, they defeated Neville and The Lucha Dragons in a six-man tag team match in the pre-show. From September until May, he worked on television and PPV in minor storylines and losses.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=February 16, 2016 |title=Raw Results in Anaheim 2016 |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57788-wwe-raw-results-2-15-16-live-results-from-anaheim |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006090746/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/57788-wwe-raw-results-2-15-16-live-results-from-anaheim/ |archive-date=October 6, 2016 |access-date=February 16, 2016 |publisher=Wrestleview}}</ref> At WrestleMania 32, Stardust competed in a seven-man ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship, which was won by Zack Ryder.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 21, 2016 |title=WWE WrestleMania 32: Kevin Owens to Face Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler, Four Others |url=https://dailyddt.com/2016/03/21/kevin-owens-sami-zayn-dolph-ziggler-miz-stardust-sin-cara-zack-ryder-wwe-wrestlemania-32/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702100721/https://dailyddt.com/2016/03/21/kevin-owens-sami-zayn-dolph-ziggler-miz-stardust-sin-cara-zack-ryder-wwe-wrestlemania-32/ |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=March 23, 2016 |website=Daily DDT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mrosko |first=Geno |date=April 3, 2016 |title=WrestleMania 32 results: Zack Ryder wins the Intercontinental championship |url=http://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2016/4/3/11356288/wrestlemania-32-results-zack-ryder-wins-the-intercontinental-championship |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702100712/https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2016/4/3/11356288/wrestlemania-32-results-zack-ryder-wins-the-intercontinental-championship |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |publisher=Cageside Seats}}</ref><ref name="cagema">{{Cite web |title=Stardust, TV matches in 2016 |url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=3686&page=4&year=2016&promotion=1&showtype=TV-Show%7CPay+Per+View&constellationType= |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711023000/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2 |archive-date=July 11, 2016 |access-date=May 22, 2016 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Trionfo |first=Richard |title=WWE Superstars report: Titus and Swagger versus Social Outcasts, Ryder versus Stardust |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=102146 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702100728/https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=102146 |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=May 22, 2016 |website=PWInsider.com}}</ref>

On May 21, 2016, Rhodes revealed on Twitter that he had requested his release from WWE,<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=734074764042600448 |user=PrinceCGR |title=(1/2) The past ten years have been quite the trek, but as of earlier today I have asked for my release from @WWE |author=Hyrule Husky |date=May 21, 2016}}</ref> which was officially granted the following day.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cody Rhodes released |url=http://www.wwe.com/article/cody-rhodes-released |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702100715/https://www.wwe.com/article/cody-rhodes-released |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=May 22, 2016 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> Rhodes cited frustrations with WWE's creative department and his position within the company as the reasons for requesting his release, noting that he had "pleaded" with writers to end the Stardust gimmick for over six months and pitched numerous storyline ideas which had been ignored.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rhodes |first=Cody |title=My one&only statement on the matter. No podcasts or tell-all nonsense. Thank you friends. (Part 1) |url=https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CjF5AxQVAAAG53q.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190628122813/https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CjF5AxQVAAAG53q.jpg |archive-date=June 28, 2019 |access-date=May 23, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rhodes |first=Cody |title=My one&only statement on the matter. No podcasts or tell-all nonsense. Thank you friends. (Part 2) |url=https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CjF5AxxWkAAX2QS.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190628122813/https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CjF5AxxWkAAX2QS.jpg |archive-date=June 28, 2019 |access-date=May 23, 2016}}</ref><ref name="TorchState">{{Cite news |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=May 23, 2016 |title=Cody Rhodes Statement on WWE exit – why he left, the Moment of Clarity, broken Creative system, last conversation with Triple H, honoring Dusty, what's next? |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/22/cody-rhodes-statement-wwe-exit-left-moment-clarity-broken-creative-system-last-conversation-triple-h-honoring-dusty-whats-next/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523061428/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/22/cody-rhodes-statement-wwe-exit-left-moment-clarity-broken-creative-system-last-conversation-triple-h-honoring-dusty-whats-next/ |archive-date=May 23, 2016 |access-date=May 23, 2016 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 23, 2016 |title=Cody Rhodes addresses his departure from WWE and his future |url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/05/22/cody-rhodes-addresses-his-departure-from-wwe-and-his-future/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523110137/http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/05/22/cody-rhodes-addresses-his-departure-from-wwe-and-his-future/ |archive-date=May 23, 2016 |access-date=May 23, 2016 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Reflecting on Rhodes's WWE career, Dave Meltzer of the ''Wrestling Observer'' wrote that following his run with Legacy, Rhodes was "used as more of a lower and mid-card wrestler in a number of changing roles", adding that "his career had gone nowhere and he hadn't been used well".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=May 21, 2016 |title=Cody Runnels requests his release from WWE |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/cody-runnels-requested-his-release-wwe-213191 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702100728/https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/cody-runnels-requested-his-release-wwe-213191 |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=May 23, 2016 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> James Caldwell of ''Pro Wrestling Torch'' wrote that Rhodes "had been floundering as the Stardust character over the past year or so, mostly landing on ''Superstars'' or ''Main Event''".<ref name=TorchState/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=May 21, 2016 |title="Stardust" Cody Rhodes announces exit from WWE |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/21/breaking-stardust-cody-rhodes-announces-exit-wwe/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702100723/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/21/breaking-stardust-cody-rhodes-announces-exit-wwe/ |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=May 23, 2016 |website=PWTorch.com}}</ref> Jason Powell of ''Pro Wrestling Dot Net'' commented that Rhodes choosing to leave was "surprising in the sense that Cody and his family have worked for WWE for so long".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=May 21, 2016 |title=Cody "Stardust" Rhodes asks for his release from WWE |url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/05/21/wwe-wrestler-cody-stardust-rhodes-asks-for-his-release-from-wwe/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702100734/https://prowrestling.net/site/2016/05/21/wwe-wrestler-cody-stardust-rhodes-asks-for-his-release-from-wwe/ |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=May 23, 2016 |website=prowrestling.net}}</ref> Meanwhile, Dave Scherer of ''Pro Wrestling Insider'' wrote: "I can't say I blame him a bit. Not even a little bit. WWE never gave him a real chance, and that's just sad to me".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scherer |first=Dave |title=And the reason Cody Rhodes asked for his release is.... |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=102176 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702100718/https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=102176 |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=May 23, 2016 |website=PWInsider.com}}</ref> In September 2019, Rhodes revealed WWE Executive Vice President Triple H's reaction to his WWE departure, where Rhodes stated: <blockquote>[Triple H] took [the departure] personally because he had done so much for my dad. There was one conversation where he said, "I'm shocked that you feel this way after everything I've done for your family." But I told him, "I'm not my dad. I can't stay here out of loyalty to you for giving my dad a job in 2005. I really appreciate what you did for my dad. But I'm not him. He's not here anymore. I've got to be me." I think [he] knew, "Oh, this is real. He's not asking for more money. He's not asking for a title shot. Nothing would matter at this point."<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 30, 2019 |title=Cody Rhodes Says Triple H Took his WWE Departure Very Personally |url=https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/cody-rhodes-says-triple-h-took-his-wwe-departure-very-personally |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217144810/https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/cody-rhodes-says-triple-h-took-his-wwe-departure-very-personally |archive-date=February 17, 2023 |access-date=June 26, 2020 |publisher=www.ewrestlingnews.com}}</ref></blockquote>

Despite that, Rhodes consistently spoke highly of WWE following his departure, adding that there were no grudges between him and the company and that any decisions the company makes regarding him are largely business-based.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cody on Denial of 'Cody Rhodes' Trademark, Claims He Holds No Grudge Toward WWE Over It |url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/cody-denial-cody-rhodes-trademark-wwe/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018141311/https://411mania.com/wrestling/cody-denial-cody-rhodes-trademark-wwe/ |archive-date=October 18, 2023 |access-date=September 5, 2021 |website=411Mania.com}}</ref> This included WWE redesigning the Intercontinental Championship belt (whose 2011–2019 design was introduced in storyline by Rhodes) in 2019 around the same time AEW launched being a coincidence as opposed to trying to separate themselves from Rhodes, as Rhodes himself acknowledged that the physical belt was due for a redesign anyway.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 23, 2019 |title=Cody Rhodes Comments on if He's the Reason WWE Changed up the Intercontinental Title Belt |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2019/11/cody-rhodes-comments-on-if-he-the-reason-wwe-changed-up-the-662570/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013110103/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2019/11/cody-rhodes-comments-on-if-he-the-reason-wwe-changed-up-the-662570/ |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=April 28, 2021}}</ref>

===Independent circuit (2016–2018)=== {{see also|All In (professional wrestling event)|l1=All In}} [[File:Cody and Ethan as Alpha-1 tag champs.jpg|thumb|Rhodes (right) and Ethan Page as A1 Tag Team Champions in June 2017]] After he left WWE, Rhodes continued working under his real name on the independent circuit, but often dropped his last name in order to avoid conflict with WWE.<ref name="RhodesName" /> Rhodes's first post-WWE match was for Evolve in Joppa, Maryland, on August 19 at Evolve 66, defeating Zack Sabre Jr. by submission.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 3, 2016 |title=Cody Rhodes to Wrestle at Evolve 66 |url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/cody-rhodes-to-wrestle-at-evolve-66/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702101252/https://411mania.com/wrestling/cody-rhodes-to-wrestle-at-evolve-66/ |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |website=411Mania.com}}</ref><ref name="e66">{{Cite web |date=August 19, 2016 |title=Evolve 66 results: Cody Rhodes makes his return to professional wrestling |url=https://www2.f4wonline.com/indies/evolve-66-results-cody-rhodes-makes-his-return-professional-wrestling-219076 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702101457/https://www.f4wonline.com/indies/evolve-66-results-cody-rhodes-makes-his-return-professional-wrestling-219076 |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=January 13, 2018 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> After the match, Rhodes called out Drew Galloway.<ref name="e66" /> The following day, he lost to Chris Hero.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 20, 2016 |title=Evolve 67 results: Cody Rhodes vs. Chris Hero |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/indies/evolve-67-results-cody-rhodes-vs-chris-hero-219106 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702101359/https://www2.f4wonline.com/indies/evolve-67-results-cody-rhodes-vs-chris-hero-219106 |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=January 13, 2018 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref>

Rhodes wrestled for the Northeast Wrestling promotion, most notably facing Kurt Angle in a Steel Cage match.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 2, 2016 |title=Cody Rhodes's List – Rhodes comments on facing Kurt Angle post-WWE |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/01/cody-rhodes-begins-list-big-post-wwe-match-announced-august/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702104937/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/01/cody-rhodes-begins-list-big-post-wwe-match-announced-august/ |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=June 19, 2016 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> He also participated in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla's Battle of Los Angeles tournament, where he Rhodes was eliminated from the tournament in the quarterfinals by eventual winner Marty Scurll.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=September 5, 2016 |title=PWG BOLA Night 3 results: A winner is crowned; Young Bucks vs. Pentagon Jr & Fenix |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/indies/pwg-bola-night-3-results-winner-crowned-young-bucks-vs-pentagon-jr-fenix-220101 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702105747/https://www.f4wonline.com/indies/pwg-bola-night-3-results-winner-crowned-young-bucks-vs-pentagon-jr-fenix-220101 |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=September 5, 2016 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> He also won the Global Force Wrestling' GFW NEX*GEN Championship when he defeated Sonjay Dutt.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 26, 2016 |title=Cody Rhodes is the new GFW NEX*GEN Champion – Global Force Wrestling |url=http://globalforcewrestling.com/cody-rhodes-new-gfw-nexgen-champion/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905082920/http://globalforcewrestling.com/cody-rhodes-new-gfw-nexgen-champion/ |archive-date=September 5, 2018 |access-date=January 13, 2018 |website=globalforcewrestling.com}}</ref>

In May 2017, Dave Meltzer suggested that an independent wrestling show would be unable to sell out a ten thousand seat arena in the United States. Rhodes, along with The Young Bucks, challenged the idea by planning a show specifically for the purposes of drawing ten thousand fans.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Howard |first=Brandon |title=7 things to know about 'All In' – the huge indie wrestling show coming to the Chicago area |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/ct-all-in-wrestling-chicago-young-bucks-cody-20180511-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514064332/http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/ct-all-in-wrestling-chicago-young-bucks-cody-20180511-story.html |archive-date=May 14, 2018 |access-date=May 13, 2018 |work=chicagotribune.com |language=en-US}}</ref> In May 2018, it was announced that the show would be named All In.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All In (@ALL_IN_2018) {{!}} Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/all_in_2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524115742/https://twitter.com/ALL_IN_2018 |archive-date=May 24, 2019 |access-date=May 13, 2018 |website=twitter.com |language=en}}</ref> On May 13, 2018, tickets to "All In" sold out in 30 minutes.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 13, 2018 |title=All In tickets sell out almost immediately after going on sale |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/all-tickets-sell-out-almost-immediately-after-going-sale-257626 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514025522/https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/all-tickets-sell-out-almost-immediately-after-going-sale-257626 |archive-date=May 14, 2018 |access-date=May 13, 2018 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |language=en}}</ref> At the event on September 1, Cody defeated Nick Aldis to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chiari |first=Mike |title=Cody Rhodes Beats Nick Aldis, Wins NWA World's Heavyweight Title at All In |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2792041-cody-rhodes-beats-nick-aldis-wins-nwa-worlds-heavyweight-title-at-all-in |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702153210/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2792041-cody-rhodes-beats-nick-aldis-wins-nwa-worlds-heavyweight-title-at-all-in |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=February 19, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report}}</ref> Cody lost the championship back to Aldis in a two-out-of-three falls match at the NWA 70th Anniversary Show on October 21.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 21, 2018 |title=Powell's NWA 70th Anniversary live review: Cody vs. Nick Aldis in a best of three falls match for the NWA Championship, new NWA National Champion crowned, Jazz vs. Penelope Ford for the NWA Women's Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/10/21/powells-nwa-70th-anniversary-live-review-cody-vs-nick-aldis-in-a-best-of-three-falls-match-for-the-nwa-championship-new-nwa-national-champion-crowned-jazz-vs-penelope-ford-for-th/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022033546/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/10/21/powells-nwa-70th-anniversary-live-review-cody-vs-nick-aldis-in-a-best-of-three-falls-match-for-the-nwa-championship-new-nwa-national-champion-crowned-jazz-vs-penelope-ford-for-th/ |archive-date=October 22, 2018 |access-date=October 21, 2018 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref>

===Ring of Honor (2016–2018)=== {{see also|Bullet Club}} [[File:Cody ROHxNJPW Global Wars 2018 crop.jpg|thumb|upright|Cody at a Ring of Honor show in 2018]] On July 19, 2016, Rhodes announced that he would appear at Ring of Honor's (ROH) Final Battle pay-per-view on December 2. ROH made the official announcement the following day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=July 20, 2016 |title=Official Announcement – Cody Rhodes to ROH's Final Battle PPV |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/20/cody-rhodes-alert-rhodes-heading-rohs-final-battle/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702112118/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/20/cody-rhodes-alert-rhodes-heading-rohs-final-battle/ |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2016 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At the event, Rhodes, who was simply billed as Cody, defeated Jay Lethal following a low blow, then proceed to attack Lethal, senior referee Todd Sinclair, taunted ROH fans and shoved ROH commentator Steve Corino.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=December 2, 2016 |title=Keller's ROH Final Battle 2016 PPV report 12/2: Cole vs. O'Reilly, Cody Rhodes vs. Lethal, Cabana vs. Dalton, Briscoes vs. Young Bucks |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/12/02/kellers-roh-final-battle-2016-ppv-report-122-cole-vs-oreilly-cody-rhodes-vs-lethal-cabana-vs-dalton-briscoes-vs-young-bucks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729174319/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/12/02/kellers-roh-final-battle-2016-ppv-report-122-cole-vs-oreilly-cody-rhodes-vs-lethal-cabana-vs-dalton-briscoes-vs-young-bucks/ |archive-date=July 29, 2017 |access-date=December 2, 2016 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the January 18 episode of ''Ring of Honor Wrestling'', Cody defeated Corino.<ref>{{Cite news |title=ROH TV Recap (1/18): Cody Rhodes Vs. Steve Corino, Jay Lethal Vs. Jushin Liger And More |url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2017/0118/621338/roh-tv-recap/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410214058/http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2017/0118/621338/roh-tv-recap/ |archive-date=April 10, 2017 |access-date=April 9, 2017 |work=WrestlingInc.com |language=en}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|certain=y|date=April 2017}} At the Supercard of Honor XI event on April 1, Cody was defeated by Jay Lethal in a Texas Bullrope match. Later in the night, he attacked former ROH World Champion Christopher Daniels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McNeill |first=Pat |date=April 1, 2017 |title=McNeill's ROH Supercard Of Honor XI IPPV Report 4/1: Hardys vs. Bucks Ladder Match, Daniels vs. Castle |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/01/mcneills-roh-supercard-honor-xi-ippv-report-41-hardys-vs-bucks-ladder-match-daniels-vs-castle/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618121904/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/01/mcneills-roh-supercard-honor-xi-ippv-report-41-hardys-vs-bucks-ladder-match-daniels-vs-castle/ |archive-date=June 18, 2019 |access-date=April 1, 2017 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On May 12 at War of the Worlds, Cody unsuccessfully challenged Christopher Daniels for the ROH World Championship in a three-way match also involving Jay Lethal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=May 12, 2017 |title=ROH War of the Worlds PPV live results: Daniels vs. Cody vs. Lethal |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/roh-results/roh-war-worlds-ppv-live-results-daniels-vs-cody-vs-lethal-235346 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612165027/https://www.f4wonline.com/roh-results/roh-war-worlds-ppv-live-results-daniels-vs-cody-vs-lethal-235346 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |access-date=May 12, 2017 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> On June 23 at Best in the World, Cody defeated Daniels to become the new ROH World Champion, marking the first world title of his career.<ref name="BITW2017">{{Cite web |last1=Meltzer |first1=Dave |author-link1=Dave Meltzer |last2=Currier |first2=Joseph |date=June 23, 2017 |title=ROH Best in the World live results: Christopher Daniels vs. Cody |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/roh-results/roh-best-world-live-results-christopher-daniels-vs-cody-237881 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702112123/https://www.f4wonline.com/roh-results/roh-best-world-live-results-christopher-daniels-vs-cody-237881 |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=June 23, 2017 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> Cody was also billed as the first member of the Rhodes family to capture a world title in 31 years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=June 23, 2017 |title=Daily Update: WWE house shows, Cody Rhodes, Mr. Pogo |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/daily-update-wwe-house-shows-cody-rhodes-mr-pogo-237861 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627105108/http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/daily-update-wwe-house-shows-cody-rhodes-mr-pogo-237861 |archive-date=June 27, 2017 |access-date=June 24, 2017 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> Cody and Dusty are the second father-son combination to win major world championships in the United States after Fritz and Kerry Von Erich.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=June 24, 2017 |title=Cody Rhodes receives six stitches after ROH World title win |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/ring-honor/cody-rhodes-receives-six-stitches-after-roh-world-title-win-237921 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704112141/https://www.f4wonline.com/ring-honor/cody-rhodes-receives-six-stitches-after-roh-world-title-win-237921 |archive-date=July 4, 2019 |access-date=June 24, 2017 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref>

On September 23, it was confirmed that Cody had signed an exclusive contract with ROH.<ref name="ROH">{{Cite web |last=Currier |first=Joseph |date=September 23, 2017 |title=Cody Rhodes officially signs with Ring of Honor |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/ring-honor/cody-rhodes-officially-signs-ring-honor-243376 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702115214/https://www.f4wonline.com/ring-honor/cody-rhodes-officially-signs-ring-honor-243376 |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=September 24, 2017 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> On December 15 at Final Battle, Cody, now with bleached blond hair, lost the ROH World Championship to Dalton Castle.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Meltzer |first1=Dave |author-link1=Dave Meltzer |last2=Currier |first2=Joseph |date=December 15, 2017 |title=ROH Final Battle 2017 live results: Cody vs. Dalton Castle |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/roh-results/roh-final-battle-2017-live-results-cody-vs-dalton-castle-248016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702112334/https://www.f4wonline.com/roh-results/roh-final-battle-2017-live-results-cody-vs-dalton-castle-248016 |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=December 15, 2017 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> On July 21, 2018, he and fellow Bullet Club members The Young Bucks defeated The Kingdom to win the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championship, marking his first reign. Cody and The Bucks lost the titles at Survival of the Fittest to The Kingdom on November 4 after a 106-day reign and two successful title defenses. Cody faced Jay Lethal for the ROH World Championship at Final Battle, but he lost the match. The next day, Cody left ROH.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Solowrestling |date=December 16, 2018 |title=The Elite y SoCal Uncensored se despiden de Ring of Honor |url=https://www.solowrestling.com/new/76902-the-elite-y-socal-uncensored-se-despiden-de-ring-of-honor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403092230/https://www.solowrestling.com/new/76902-the-elite-y-socal-uncensored-se-despiden-de-ring-of-honor |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |access-date=February 19, 2019 |website=solowrestling.com}}</ref>

===Total Nonstop Action Wrestling/Impact Wrestling (2016–2017)=== Rhodes was expected to work events for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) while simultaneously working in ROH, both deals being non-exclusive.<ref name="TNAROH">{{Cite web |last=Nason |first=Josh |date=September 5, 2016 |title=Cody Rhodes' wrestling future to include both TNA & ROH |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/indies/cody-rhodes-wrestling-future-include-both-tna-roh-220096 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702151632/https://www.f4wonline.com/indies/cody-rhodes-wrestling-future-include-both-tna-roh-220096 |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=September 5, 2016 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> On September 22, TNA confirmed Rhodes, billed as Cody, would be debuting for the promotion on October 2 at Bound for Glory.<ref name="Cody">{{Cite web |last=Currier |first=Joseph |date=September 22, 2016 |title=Cody Rhodes to make TNA debut at Bound for Glory |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/tna-news/cody-rhodes-make-tna-debut-bound-glory-221381 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702151613/https://www.f4wonline.com/tna-news/cody-rhodes-make-tna-debut-bound-glory-221381 |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=September 23, 2016 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> At Bound for Glory, Cody, alongside his wife Brandi Rhodes, made his debut as a face, attacking Mike Bennett and his wife Maria to begin a feud between the two couples.<ref name="BFG2016">{{Cite web |last=McMahon |first=Mike |title=10/2 Impact Bound for Glory PPV: McMahon's ongoing coverage – EC3 vs. Lashley, Decay vs. Broken Matt Hardy & Nero |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/10/02/102-tna-bound-glory-ppv-mcmahons-ongoing-coverage-ec3-vs-lashley-decay-vs-broken-matt-hardy-nero/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005110710/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/10/02/102-tna-bound-glory-ppv-mcmahons-ongoing-coverage-ec3-vs-lashley-decay-vs-broken-matt-hardy-nero/ |archive-date=October 5, 2016 |access-date=October 2, 2016 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the October 6 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Cody cut a promo where he put over the company and said he has a shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, but Bennett and Maria interrupted and the segment ended with a brawl. On the October 13 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Cody made his in-ring debut by defeating Bennett. On the October 20 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Cody challenged Eddie Edwards for the Impact World Heavyweight Championship, but lost the match. On the October 27 ''Impact Wrestling'', Cody and Brandi defeated Bennett and Maria. After the match, Cody was attacked backstage by Lashley, and this was done to write him off television.

Cody returned on the February 23, 2017, episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', calling out Moose to thank him for helping his wife Brandi while he was away. After learning Brandi had Moose's phone number, Cody attacked Moose, turning heel.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Cody Rhodes Returns To TNA Impact Wrestling |url=http://www.wrestlingnewsworld.com/cody-rhodes-returns-tna-impact-wrestling/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729001320/http://www.wrestlingnewsworld.com/cody-rhodes-returns-tna-impact-wrestling/ |archive-date=July 29, 2017 |access-date=January 18, 2017 |work=Wwe Wrestling News World |language=en-US}}</ref> On the March 30 episode of ''Impact Wrestling'', Cody unsuccessfully faced Moose for the Impact Grand Championship. Rhodes's contract with the promotion ended shortly after.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cody Rhodes-Impact Wrestling Update |url=http://pwinsider.com/article/110056/cody-rhodesimpact-wrestling-update.html?p=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702151620/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/110056/cody-rhodesimpact-wrestling-update.html?p=1 |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=January 13, 2018 |website=pwinsider.com}}</ref>

===New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2016–2019)=== {{see also|Bullet Club}} {{multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | width = 200 | header = | image1 = Cody Rhodes and Kenny Omega in NJPW, 2018 - 1.png | alt1 = | caption1 = During their time together in NJPW, Rhodes and Kenny Omega consistently butted heads over control of Bullet Club... | image2 = Cody turns on Omega, NJPW, 2018.gif | alt2 = | caption2 = ...eventually culminating in Rhodes attacking Omega at The New Beginning in Sapporo, leading to a "Civil War" within the stable. }}

On December 10, 2016, Rhodes, billed as "The American Nightmare", appeared at New Japan Pro-Wrestling's (NJPW) World Tag League finals via video package, announcing himself as the newest member of Bullet Club.<ref name="NJPW121016">{{Cite web |script-title=ja:戦国炎舞 -Kizna- Presents World Tag League 2016 |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/76490 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702152805/https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/76490 |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=December 10, 2016 |website=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=December 9, 2016 |title=NJPW World Tag League finals live results: The winners are crowned |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-world-tag-league-finals-live-results-winners-are-crowned-226256 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525064034/https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-world-tag-league-finals-live-results-winners-are-crowned-226256 |archive-date=May 25, 2019 |access-date=December 10, 2016 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> On January 4, 2017, Cody defeated Juice Robinson in his debut match at Wrestle Kingdom 11 in Tokyo Dome.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Rose |first1=Bryan |last2=Currier |first2=Joseph |date=January 3, 2017 |title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 11 live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-11-live-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-kenny-omega-227626 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163312/https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-11-live-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-kenny-omega-227626 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |access-date=January 4, 2017 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> Cody returned to NJPW in February during the NJPW and ROH co-produced Honor Rising: Japan 2017 shows.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=February 13, 2017 |title=Kenny Omega's return highlights ROH & NJPW Honor Rising lineup |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/kenny-omegas-return-highlights-roh-njpw-honor-rising-lineup-230046 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702153208/https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/kenny-omegas-return-highlights-roh-njpw-honor-rising-lineup-230046 |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> After defeating Michael Elgin at Dominion 6.11 in Osaka-jo Hall on June 11, Cody challenged Kazuchika Okada to a match for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=June 10, 2017 |title=NJPW Dominion live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-dominion-live-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-kenny-omega-237066 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214204518/https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-dominion-live-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-kenny-omega-237066 |archive-date=December 14, 2018 |access-date=June 11, 2017 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> The match took place on July 1 at G1 Special in USA, with Okada winning.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Radican |first=Sean |date=July 1, 2017 |title=Radican's 7/1 NJPW G1 Special In USA (night 1) report – tournament begins to crown first IWGP U.S. Champion, Okada defends IWGP Hvt. Championship against Cody (Rhodes) |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/07/01/radicans-71-njpw-g1-special-usa-night-1-report-tournament-begins-crown-first-iwgp-u-s-champion-okada-defends-iwgp-hvt-championship-cody-rhodes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702152800/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/07/01/radicans-71-njpw-g1-special-usa-night-1-report-tournament-begins-crown-first-iwgp-u-s-champion-okada-defends-iwgp-hvt-championship-cody-rhodes/ |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=July 1, 2017 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> During the finals of the G1 Climax 27 on August 13, Cody and Bullet Club stablemate Hangman Page unsuccessfully challenged War Machine (Hanson and Raymond Rowe) for the IWGP Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=August 12, 2017 |title=NJPW G1 Climax 27 finals live results: Tetsuya Naito vs. Kenny Omega |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-g1-climax-27-finals-live-results-tetsuya-naito-vs-kenny-omega-240871 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120005515/http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-g1-climax-27-finals-live-results-tetsuya-naito-vs-kenny-omega-240871 |archive-date=November 20, 2017 |access-date=August 13, 2017 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref>

Cody faced Kota Ibushi at Wrestle Kingdom 12 on January 4, 2018, in a losing effort.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 4, 2018 |title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12 results, recap, grades: Jericho impresses, Okada reigns |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-12-results-recap-grades-jericho-impresses-okada-reigns/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623034250/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-12-results-recap-grades-jericho-impresses-okada-reigns/ |archive-date=June 23, 2019 |access-date=January 13, 2018}}</ref> At The New Beginning in Sapporo, he attacked Kenny Omega with the help of Page, eventually being stopped by Ibushi.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=January 28, 2018 |title=NJPW New Beginning in Sapporo Night Two Live Results: Omega-White |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-new-beginning-sapporo-night-two-live-results-omega-white-250651 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130013754/https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-new-beginning-sapporo-night-two-live-results-omega-white-250651 |archive-date=January 30, 2018 |access-date=January 28, 2018 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> This led to a match at the G1 Special in San Francisco on July 7, where Cody unsuccessfully challenged Omega for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. After the match, as the "BC Firing Squad" of King Haku, Tanga Loa, and Tama Tonga attacked Omega and the rest of Bullet Club, Cody refused to aid the attackers and embraced the Bullet Club members afterward.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 7, 2018 |title=NJPW G1 Special in San Francisco live results: Kenny Omega vs. Cody |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-g1-special-san-francisco-live-results-kenny-omega-vs-cody-261176 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725063252/https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-g1-special-san-francisco-live-results-kenny-omega-vs-cody-261176 |archive-date=July 25, 2018 |access-date=February 16, 2019 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> At Fighting Spirit Unleashed, Cody defeated Robinson to win the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship, his first championship in NJPW.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fighting Spirit Unleashed Results |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/33018?showResult=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013110430/https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/33018?showResult=1 |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=September 30, 2018 |publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling}}</ref> Cody again failed to defeat Omega for the championship in a three-way match also involving Ibushi at King of Pro-Wrestling on October 8.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Renner |first=Ethan |date=October 8, 2018 |title=NJPW King of Pro Wrestling live results: Omega vs. Cody vs. Ibushi |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-king-pro-wrestling-live-results-omega-vs-cody-vs-ibushi-267356 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327222034/https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-king-pro-wrestling-live-results-omega-vs-cody-vs-ibushi-267356 |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |access-date=October 8, 2018 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> On October 24, Cody announced that he was no longer affiliated with Bullet Club, and he would continue teaming with Omega, The Young Bucks, Page and Marty Scurll as The Elite.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Satin |first=Ryan |author-link=Ryan Satin |date=November 21, 2018 |title='All Elite Wrestling' – Jericho and Jim Ross Involvement Blown Out of Proportion |url=https://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/all-elite-wrestling-jericho-jr/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706051520/http://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/all-elite-wrestling-jericho-jr/ |archive-date=July 6, 2019 |access-date=June 1, 2020 |website=Pro Wrestling Sheet}}</ref> At Wrestle Kingdom 13 on January 4, 2019, Cody lost the United States Heavyweight Championship back to Robinson.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=January 4, 2019 |title=1/4 NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 13 results: Kenny Omega vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Chris Jericho vs. Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, Cody vs. Juice Robinson for the IWGP U.S. Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/01/04/1-4-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-13-results-kenny-omega-vs-hiroshi-tanahashi-for-the-iwgp-heavyweight-championship-chris-jericho-vs-tetsuya-naito-for-the-iwgp-intercontinental-championship-cody-vs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104124223/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/01/04/1-4-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-13-results-kenny-omega-vs-hiroshi-tanahashi-for-the-iwgp-heavyweight-championship-chris-jericho-vs-tetsuya-naito-for-the-iwgp-intercontinental-championship-cody-vs/ |archive-date=January 4, 2019 |access-date=January 4, 2019 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On February 7, his profile was removed from NJPW website.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=February 7, 2019 |title=Where AEW Talents Stand With New Japan Pro Wrestling |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=123939 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209123926/https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=123939 |archive-date=February 9, 2019 |access-date=February 19, 2019 |website=PWInsider}}</ref>

===All Elite Wrestling (2019–2022)=== ====Formation of AEW and early storylines (2019–2020)==== {{see also|All Elite Wrestling}} In November 2018, several trademarks were filed in Jacksonville, Florida that indicated the launch of a new wrestling promotion.<ref name="Trademarks">{{Cite web |last=Nason |first=John |date=November 21, 2018 |title=Trademarks filed in Florida for All Elite Wrestling, All Out, and more |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/indies/trademarks-filed-florida-all-elite-wrestling-all-out-and-more-270671 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102050911/https://www.f4wonline.com/indies/trademarks-filed-florida-all-elite-wrestling-all-out-and-more-270671 |archive-date=January 2, 2019 |access-date=January 2, 2019 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fernandes |first=Steven |date=November 11, 2018 |title=New Trademarks Point to Elite Promotion, Next Step for Bucks and Cody |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/121945/new-trademarks-point-to-elite-promotion-next-step-for-bucks-and-cody.html?p=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103005207/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/121945/new-trademarks-point-to-elite-promotion-next-step-for-bucks-and-cody.html?p=1 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |access-date=January 2, 2019 |publisher=PWInsider}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Radican |first=Sean |date=November 21, 2018 |title=All Elite Wrestling trademarks filed, startup promotion linked to Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes, Omega, and cast of Being the Elite (w/Radican's Analysis) |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/11/21/all-elite-wrestling-trademarks-filed-startup-promotion-linked-to-young-bucks-cody-rhodes-omega-and-cast-of-being-the-elite/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215114304/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/11/21/all-elite-wrestling-trademarks-filed-startup-promotion-linked-to-young-bucks-cody-rhodes-omega-and-cast-of-being-the-elite/ |archive-date=February 15, 2019 |access-date=January 2, 2019 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=PWTorch}}</ref> On January 1, 2019, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) was unveiled during a conference in Jacksonville, with Cody revealing that he, along with Matt and Nick Jackson of The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega, would serve as Executive Vice Presidents, as well as on-air talent. Both Cody and The Young Bucks signed five-year contracts with the promotion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |date=January 8, 2019 |title=Report: Cody And Young Bucks Have Five-Year Deals With AEW |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-cody-and-young-bucks-have-five-year-deals-aew |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702215744/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-cody-and-young-bucks-have-five-year-deals-aew |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |access-date=February 10, 2019 |website=Fightful}}</ref> At their inaugural event on May 25, Double or Nothing, Cody defeated Dustin Rhodes; it would later win "Match of the Year" from ''Pro Wrestling Illustrated''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=May 25, 2019 |title=AEW Double Or Nothing results: Powell's live review of Kenny Omega vs. Chris Jericho, The Young Bucks vs. Pentagon Jr. and Fenix for the AAA Tag Titles, Cody vs. Dustin Rhodes, Britt Baker vs. Nyla Rose vs. Kylie Rae |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/05/25/aew-double-or-nothing-results-powells-live-review-of-kenny-omega-vs-chris-jericho-the-young-bucks-vs-pentagon-jr-and-fenix-for-the-aaa-tag-titles-cody-vs-dustin-rhodes-britt-baker-vs-nyla-r/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525234651/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/05/25/aew-double-or-nothing-results-powells-live-review-of-kenny-omega-vs-chris-jericho-the-young-bucks-vs-pentagon-jr-and-fenix-for-the-aaa-tag-titles-cody-vs-dustin-rhodes-britt-baker-vs-nyla-r/ |archive-date=May 25, 2019 |access-date=May 25, 2019 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Boone |first=Matt |date=January 14, 2020 |title=Cody vs. Dustin Rhodes At AEW Double Or Nothing Named 2019 Pro Wrestling Illustrated Match Of The Year {{!}} EWrestling |url=https://ewrestling.com/article/cody-vs-dustin-rhodes-aew-double-or-nothing-named-2019-pro-wrestling-illustrated-match-year/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013110158/https://ewrestling.com/article/cody-vs-dustin-rhodes-aew-double-or-nothing-named-2019-pro-wrestling-illustrated-match-year/ |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=October 29, 2022 |website=WWE Wrestling News}}</ref> On June 29 at Fyter Fest, Cody wrestled Darby Allin to a time limit draw. After the match, Rhodes was attacked by Shawn Spears and struck with a chair shot that caused Rhodes to bleed heavily from the back of his head.<ref name="Fyter Fest">{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=June 29, 2019 |title=6/29 AEW Fyter Fest results: Powell's live review of Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks vs. Pentagon Jr., Fenix, and Laredo Kid, Jon Moxley vs. Joey Janela in an unsanctioned match, Cody vs. Darby Allin, Cima vs. Christopher Daniels |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/06/29/6-29-aew-fyter-fest-results-powells-live-review-of-kenny-omega-and-the-young-bucks-vs-pentagon-jr-fenix-and-laredo-kid-jon-moxley-vs-joey-janela-in-an-unsanctioned-match-cody-vs-darby-allin/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719180243/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/06/29/6-29-aew-fyter-fest-results-powells-live-review-of-kenny-omega-and-the-young-bucks-vs-pentagon-jr-fenix-and-laredo-kid-jon-moxley-vs-joey-janela-in-an-unsanctioned-match-cody-vs-darby-allin/ |archive-date=July 19, 2019 |access-date=June 29, 2019 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> While Rhodes did not suffer a concussion, he did require 12 surgical staples.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AEW Facing Criticism Following Cody Rhodes Unprotected Chairshot |url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/2019/06/30/aew-cody-rhodes-chairshot-unprotected-head-critics/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701164328/https://comicbook.com/wwe/2019/06/30/aew-cody-rhodes-chairshot-unprotected-head-critics/ |archive-date=July 1, 2019 |access-date=July 3, 2019 |website=ComicBook|date=June 30, 2019 }}</ref> Spears' actions would be condemned by MJF, Cody's self-proclaimed best friend.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chris Van Vliet |date=June 29, 2019 |title=MJF curses at the media and storms out of Fyter Fest post show interview |url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hKqVR4hHbMM&t=70s |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211217/hKqVR4hHbMM |archive-date=December 17, 2021 |access-date=June 30, 2019 |publisher=YouTube |quote=First of all, Shawn Spears is a despicable human being... and when I saw my best friend, my mentor Cody Rhodes get hit like that, it just... messed me up}}{{cbignore}}</ref> MJF would later become Cody's cornerman for his matches.

thumb|Rhodes in October 2019|262x262px At All Out on August 31, Cody emerged victorious over Spears.<ref name="All Out">{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 31, 2019 |title=AEW All Out results: Powell's live review of Chris Jericho vs. Hangman Page to become the first AEW Champion, Pentagon Jr. and Fenix vs. The Young Bucks in a ladder match for the AAA Tag Titles, Cody vs. Shawn Spears, Kenny Omega vs. Pac |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/08/31/aew-all-out-results-powells-live-review-of-chris-jericho-vs-hangman-page-to-become-the-first-aew-champion-pentagon-jr-and-fenix-vs-the-young-bucks-in-a-ladder-match-for-the-aaa-tag-titles-cody/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831223149/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/08/31/aew-all-out-results-powells-live-review-of-chris-jericho-vs-hangman-page-to-become-the-first-aew-champion-pentagon-jr-and-fenix-vs-the-young-bucks-in-a-ladder-match-for-the-aaa-tag-titles-cody/ |archive-date=August 31, 2019 |access-date=August 31, 2019 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> With this win, Cody improved his win–loss–draw record in singles matches to 2–0–1, granting him a match for the AEW World Championship against Chris Jericho at the Full Gear pay-per-view.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Currier |first=Joseph |date=September 5, 2019 |title=Chris Jericho to Defend AEW World Title Against Cody at Full Gear |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/chris-jericho-defend-aew-world-title-against-cody-full-gear-291836 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910185603/https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/chris-jericho-defend-aew-world-title-against-cody-full-gear-291836 |archive-date=September 10, 2019 |access-date=September 6, 2019 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> On the premiere episode of ''Dynamite'' on October 2, Cody and The Young Bucks were beaten down by Jericho, Sammy Guevara, Jake Hager, Santana and Ortiz,<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 2, 2019 |title=AEW Dynamite results, recap, grades: Jon Moxley returns, Jack Hager debuts in first TNT episode |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/aew-dynamite-results-recap-grades-jon-moxley-returns-jack-hager-debuts-in-first-tnt-episode/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003174654/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/aew-dynamite-results-recap-grades-jon-moxley-returns-jack-hager-debuts-in-first-tnt-episode/ |archive-date=October 3, 2019 |access-date=October 3, 2019 |website=CBSSports.com |publisher=CBS Interactive}}</ref> leading to the creation of The Inner Circle to rival The Elite.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=October 9, 2019 |title=10/09 AEW Dynamite TV results: Barnett's live review of Chris Jericho and Sammy Guevara vs. Hangman Page and Dustin Rhodes, Jon Moxley vs. Shawn Spears, The Young Bucks vs. Private Party in an AEW Tag Title tournament match, Riho and Britt Baker vs. Bea Priestly and Emi Sakura |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/10/09/10-09-aew-dynamite-tv-results-barnetts-live-review-of-chris-jericho-and-sammy-guevara-vs-hangman-page-and-dustin-rhodes-jon-moxley-vs-shawn-spears-the-young-bucks-vs-private-party-in-an-a/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021103515/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/10/09/10-09-aew-dynamite-tv-results-barnetts-live-review-of-chris-jericho-and-sammy-guevara-vs-hangman-page-and-dustin-rhodes-jon-moxley-vs-shawn-spears-the-young-bucks-vs-private-party-in-an-a/ |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |access-date=October 10, 2019 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the November 6 episode of ''Dynamite'', Cody announced that if he were to lose at Full Gear, he would never challenge for the AEW World Championship again.<ref name="Dynamite11062019">{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=November 6, 2019 |title=11/6 AEW Dynamite TV results: Barnett's live review of Chris Jericho and Sammy Guevara vs. Kenny Omega and Adam "Hangman" Page, Pac vs. Trent, Cody's big announcement, final hype for Saturday's Full Gear pay-per-view |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/06/11-6-aew-dynamite-tv-results-barnetts-live-review-of-chris-jericho-and-sammy-guevara-vs-kenny-omega-and-adam-hangman-page-pac-vs-trent-codys-big-announcement-final-hype-for-saturdays-f/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107095202/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/06/11-6-aew-dynamite-tv-results-barnetts-live-review-of-chris-jericho-and-sammy-guevara-vs-kenny-omega-and-adam-hangman-page-pac-vs-trent-codys-big-announcement-final-hype-for-saturdays-f/ |archive-date=November 7, 2019 |access-date=November 7, 2019 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At Full Gear on November 9, Cody failed to win the championship from Jericho after MJF threw in the towel. After the match, MJF turned on Cody by kicking him the groin.<ref name="Full Gear">{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=November 9, 2019 |title=AEW Full Gear results: Powell's live review of Chris Jericho vs. Cody for the AEW Championship, Kenny Omega vs. Jon Moxley, Hangman Page vs. Pac, Riho vs. Emi Sakura for the AEW Women's Championship, The Young Bucks vs. Santana and Ortiz |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/09/aew-full-gear-results-powells-live-review-of-chris-jericho-vs-cody-for-the-aew-championship-kenny-omega-vs-jon-moxley-hangman-page-vs-pac-riho-vs-emi-sakura-for-the-aew-womens-championship/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110035908/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/09/aew-full-gear-results-powells-live-review-of-chris-jericho-vs-cody-for-the-aew-championship-kenny-omega-vs-jon-moxley-hangman-page-vs-pac-riho-vs-emi-sakura-for-the-aew-womens-championship/ |archive-date=November 10, 2019 |access-date=November 9, 2019 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref>

Over the following months, Cody attempted to secure a match with MJF,<ref name="Dynamite11132019">{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=November 13, 2019 |title=11/13 AEW Dynamite TV results: Barnett's live review of Frankie Kazarian and Scorpio Sky vs. Chris Jericho and Sammy Guevara for the AEW Tag Titles, Adam "Hangman" Page vs. Pac, Jon Moxley speaks, fallout from AEW Full Gear |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/13/11-13-aew-dynamite-tv-results-barnetts-live-review-of-frankie-kazarian-and-scorpio-sky-vs-chris-jericho-and-sammy-guevara-for-the-aew-tag-titles-adam-hangman-page-vs-pac-jon-moxley-spe/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013111259/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/13/11-13-aew-dynamite-tv-results-barnetts-live-review-of-frankie-kazarian-and-scorpio-sky-vs-chris-jericho-and-sammy-guevara-for-the-aew-tag-titles-adam-hangman-page-vs-pac-jon-moxley-spe/ |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=February 6, 2020 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref name="Dynamite12042019">{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=December 4, 2019 |title=12/4 AEW Dynamite TV results: Barnett's live review of Jon Moxley vs. Joey Janela, Dustin Rhodes and The Young Bucks vs. Santana, Ortiz, and Sammy Guevara, Pentagon Jr. vs. Christopher Daniels, Trent vs. Rey Fenix, Hikaru Shida vs. Kris Statlander |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/12/04/12-4-aew-dynamite-tv-results-barnetts-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-joey-janela-dustin-rhodes-and-the-young-bucks-vs-santana-ortiz-and-sammy-guevara-pentagon-jr-vs-christopher-dani/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013105929/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/12/04/12-4-aew-dynamite-tv-results-barnetts-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-joey-janela-dustin-rhodes-and-the-young-bucks-vs-santana-ortiz-and-sammy-guevara-pentagon-jr-vs-christopher-dani/ |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=February 6, 2020 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> which MJF agreed to do as long as Cody met three stipulations: he could not touch MJF until the match, he would have to defeat MJF's bodyguard Wardlow in a steel cage match, and he would have to take ten lashes with a leather belt.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Renner |first=Ethan |date=December 11, 2019 |title=AEW Dynamite live results: Texas street fight |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-results/aew-dynamite-live-results-texas-street-fight-299271 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919172101/https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-results/aew-dynamite-live-results-texas-street-fight-299271 |archive-date=September 19, 2021 |access-date=February 28, 2020 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> After taking the lashes,<ref name="Dynamite02052020">{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=February 5, 2020 |title=2/5 AEW Dynamite TV results: Barnett's live review of Kenny Omega, Hangman Page, and The Young Bucks vs. Pentagon Jr., Rey Fenix, The Butcher, and The Blade, Jon Moxley vs. Ortiz, Britt Baker vs. Yuka Sakazaki, Cody taking ten lashes from MJF |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/02/05/2-5-aew-dynamite-tv-results-barnetts-live-review-of-kenny-omega-hangman-page-and-the-young-bucks-vs-pentagon-jr-rey-fenix-the-butcher-and-the-blade-jon-moxley-vs-ortiz-britt-bak/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002190334/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/02/05/2-5-aew-dynamite-tv-results-barnetts-live-review-of-kenny-omega-hangman-page-and-the-young-bucks-vs-pentagon-jr-rey-fenix-the-butcher-and-the-blade-jon-moxley-vs-ortiz-britt-bak/ |archive-date=October 2, 2022 |access-date=March 1, 2020 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Cody defeated Wardlow in a steel cage match on the February 19, 2020, episode of ''Dynamite'' to arrange the match for the Revolution pay-per-view.<ref name="Dynamite02192020">{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=February 19, 2020 |title=2/19 AEW Dynamite TV results: Barnett's live review of Cody vs. Wardlow in a steel cage match, Jon Moxley vs. Jeff Cobb, Kenny Omega and Hangman Page vs. Pentagon Jr. and Rey Fenix for the AEW Tag Titles, Tag Team battle royal for a tag title shot at AEW Revolution |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/02/19/2-19-aew-dynamite-tv-results-barnetts-live-review-of-cody-vs-wardlow-in-a-steel-cage-match-jon-moxley-vs-jeff-cobb-kenny-omega-and-hangman-page-vs-pentagon-jr-and-rey-fenix-for-the-aew-t/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201135136/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/02/19/2-19-aew-dynamite-tv-results-barnetts-live-review-of-cody-vs-wardlow-in-a-steel-cage-match-jon-moxley-vs-jeff-cobb-kenny-omega-and-hangman-page-vs-pentagon-jr-and-rey-fenix-for-the-aew-t/ |archive-date=December 1, 2020 |access-date=March 1, 2020 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Cody was defeated by MJF at Revolution on February 29.<ref name="Revolution">{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=February 29, 2020 |title=AEW Revolution results: Powell's live review of Chris Jericho vs. Jon Moxley for the AEW Championship, Kenny Omega and Hangman Page vs. The Young Bucks for the AEW Tag Titles, Cody vs. MJF, Nyla Rose vs. Kris Statlander for the AEW Women's Championship, Pac vs. Orange Cassidy |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/02/29/aew-revolution-results-powells-live-review-of-chris-jericho-vs-jon-moxley-for-the-aew-championship-kenny-omega-and-hangman-page-vs-the-young-bucks-for-the-aew-tag-titles-cody-vs-mjf-nyla-rose/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229230552/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/02/29/aew-revolution-results-powells-live-review-of-chris-jericho-vs-jon-moxley-for-the-aew-championship-kenny-omega-and-hangman-page-vs-the-young-bucks-for-the-aew-tag-titles-cody-vs-mjf-nyla-rose/ |archive-date=February 29, 2020 |access-date=February 29, 2020 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref>

====TNT Champion and departure (2020–2022)==== On March 30, AEW announced a new title, the AEW TNT Championship; Cody was announced as a participant for an eight-man, single-elimination tournament to crown the inaugural champion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=March 30, 2020 |title=AEW introducing the TNT Championship belt, winner to be crowned in a tournament |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/03/30/aew-introducing-the-tnt-championship-belt-winner-to-be-crowned-in-a-tournament/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401094914/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/03/30/aew-introducing-the-tnt-championship-belt-winner-to-be-crowned-in-a-tournament/ |archive-date=April 1, 2020 |access-date=March 31, 2020 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Cody defeated Shawn Spears and Darby Allin to reach the finals of the tournament to face Lance Archer, who also advanced to the finals.<ref name="Dynamite04292020">{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 29, 2020 |title=4/29 AEW Dynamite TV results: Powell's live review of Cody vs. Darby Allin and Dustin Rhodes vs. Lance Archer in TNT Title tournament semifinal matches, Best Friends vs. Jimmy Havoc and Kip Sabian, Brodie Lee vs. Marko Stunt, AEW Champ Jon Moxley's promo |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/04/29/4-29-aew-dynamite-tv-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-vs-darby-allin-and-dustin-rhodes-vs-lance-archer-in-tnt-title-tournament-semifinal-matches-best-friends-vs-jimmy-havoc-and-kip-sabian-b/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506035622/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/04/29/4-29-aew-dynamite-tv-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-vs-darby-allin-and-dustin-rhodes-vs-lance-archer-in-tnt-title-tournament-semifinal-matches-best-friends-vs-jimmy-havoc-and-kip-sabian-b/ |archive-date=May 6, 2020 |access-date=April 30, 2020 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At Double Or Nothing on May 23, Cody defeated Archer to become the inaugural TNT Champion; Mike Tyson afterwards presented Cody with the title belt.<ref name="DoN2020">{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=May 23, 2020 |title=AEW Double Or Nothing results: Powell's live review of Cody vs. Lance Archer to become the first TNT Champion (Mike Tyson presents the belt), Jon Moxley vs. Brodie Lee for the AEW Championship, The Elite vs. The Inner Circle in a Stadium Stampede match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/05/23/aew-double-or-nothing-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-vs-lance-archer-to-become-the-first-tnt-champion-mike-tyson-presents-the-belt-jon-moxley-vs-brodie-lee-for-the-aew-championship-the-e/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200526084416/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/05/23/aew-double-or-nothing-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-vs-lance-archer-to-become-the-first-tnt-champion-mike-tyson-presents-the-belt-jon-moxley-vs-brodie-lee-for-the-aew-championship-the-e/ |archive-date=May 26, 2020 |access-date=May 23, 2020 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Over the following weeks, Cody successfully defended the championship against the likes of Jungle Boy,<ref name="Dynamite06032020">{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=June 3, 2020 |title=6/3 AEW Dynamite results: Barnett's live review of Cody vs. Jungle Boy for the TNT Championship, Hangman Page and Kenny Omega vs. Jimmy Havoc and Kip Sabian for the AEW Tag Titles, Chris Jericho vs. Colt Cabana, Big Swole vs. Nyla Rose |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/06/03/6-3-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-cody-vs-jungle-boy-for-the-tnt-championship-hangman-page-and-kenny-omega-vs-jimmy-havoc-and-kip-sabian-for-the-aew-tag-titles-chris-je/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013110105/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/06/03/6-3-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-cody-vs-jungle-boy-for-the-tnt-championship-hangman-page-and-kenny-omega-vs-jimmy-havoc-and-kip-sabian-for-the-aew-tag-titles-chris-je/ |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=June 3, 2020 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Marq Quen,<ref name="Dynamite06102020">{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=June 10, 2020 |title=6/10 AEW Dynamite results: Powell's live review of Cody vs. Marq Quen for the TNT Championship, FTR vs. The Butcher & The Blade, Orange Cassidy and Best Friends vs. Santana, Ortiz, and Jake Hager, Hikaru Shida and Kris Statlander vs. Nyla Rose and Penelope Ford, Colt Cabana vs. Sammy Guevara |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/06/10/6-10-aew-dynamite-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-vs-marq-quen-for-the-tnt-championship-ftr-vs-the-butcher-the-blade-orange-cassidy-and-best-friends-vs-santana-ortiz-and-jake-hager-hi/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013105929/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/06/10/6-10-aew-dynamite-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-vs-marq-quen-for-the-tnt-championship-ftr-vs-the-butcher-the-blade-orange-cassidy-and-best-friends-vs-santana-ortiz-and-jake-hager-hi/ |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=June 11, 2020 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Ricky Starks,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Renner |first=Ethan |date=June 17, 2020 |title=AEW Dynamite live results: Tag titles, TNT Championship on the line |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-results/aew-dynamite-live-results-tag-titles-tnt-championship-line-313481 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615172137/https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-results/aew-dynamite-live-results-tag-titles-tnt-championship-line-313481 |archive-date=June 15, 2021 |access-date=June 17, 2020 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> Jake Hager,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |date=July 1, 2020 |title=AEW Dynamite Results – 7/1/20 (Fyter Fest Night One, Cody vs. Jake Hager for TNT Title) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/aew-dynamite-results/160626-aew-dynamite-results-july-1-2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013111259/https://www.wrestleview.com/aew-dynamite-results/160626-aew-dynamite-results-july-1-2020/ |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=July 1, 2020 |publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> Sonny Kiss,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=July 15, 2020 |title=7/15 AEW Dynamite results: Powell's live review of Fight For The Fallen featuring Jon Moxley vs. Brian Cage for the AEW Championship, Cody vs. Sonny Kiss for the TNT Championship, FTR vs. Pentagon Jr. and Rey Fenix, Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks vs. Jurassic Express |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/07/15/7-15-aew-dynamite-results-powells-live-review-of-fight-for-the-fallen-featuring-jon-moxley-vs-brian-cage-for-the-aew-championship-cody-vs-sonny-kiss-for-the-tnt-championship-ftr-vs-p/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624090415/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/07/15/7-15-aew-dynamite-results-powells-live-review-of-fight-for-the-fallen-featuring-jon-moxley-vs-brian-cage-for-the-aew-championship-cody-vs-sonny-kiss-for-the-tnt-championship-ftr-vs-p/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=July 15, 2020 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Eddie Kingston,<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 22, 2020 |title=AEW Dynamite Results for July 22, 2020 |url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-dynamite-results-for-july-22-2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227222705/https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-dynamite-results-for-july-22-2020 |archive-date=February 27, 2021 |access-date=August 28, 2020 |publisher=All Elite Wrestling}}</ref> Warhorse,<ref>{{Cite web |last=AEW Staff |date=July 29, 2020 |title=AEW Dynamite Results for July 29, 2020 |url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-dynamite-results-for-july-29-2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731051557/https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-dynamite-results-for-july-29-2020 |archive-date=July 31, 2020 |access-date=July 29, 2020 |publisher=All Elite Wrestling}}</ref> and Scorpio Sky.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=August 12, 2020 |title=8/12 AEW Dynamite results: Barnett's live review of Cody vs. Scorpio Sky for the TNT Championship, Chris Jericho vs. Orange Cassidy, Kenny Omega and Hangman Page vs. Luchasaurus and Jungle Boy for the AEW Tag Titles, The Young Bucks vs. Stu Grayson and Evil Uno, tag team appreciation night |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/12/8-12-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-cody-vs-scorpio-sky-for-the-tnt-championship-chris-jericho-vs-orange-cassidy-kenny-omega-and-hangman-page-vs-luchasaurus-and-jungle-boy-f/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919094609/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/12/8-12-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-cody-vs-scorpio-sky-for-the-tnt-championship-chris-jericho-vs-orange-cassidy-kenny-omega-and-hangman-page-vs-luchasaurus-and-jungle-boy-f/ |archive-date=September 19, 2020 |access-date=August 24, 2020 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Cody lost the championship to Brodie Lee on the August 22 episode of ''Dynamite'', ending his reign at 82 days (91 days as recognized by AEW due to tape delay).<ref name="Dynamite08222020">{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=August 22, 2020 |title=8/22 AEW Dynamite results: Barnett's live review of Cody vs. Brodie Lee for the TNT Championship, FTR vs. Private Party, Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks vs. Alex Reynolds, John Silver, and Alan "Five" Angels, Brandi Rhodes and Allie vs. Ivelisse and Diamante in the Deadly Draw tournament finals |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/22/8-22-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-cody-vs-brodie-lee-for-the-tnt-championship-ftr-vs-private-party-kenny-omega-and-the-young-bucks-vs-alex-reynolds-john-silver-and-alan-fiv/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824080753/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/22/8-22-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-cody-vs-brodie-lee-for-the-tnt-championship-ftr-vs-private-party-kenny-omega-and-the-young-bucks-vs-alex-reynolds-john-silver-and-alan-fiv/ |archive-date=August 24, 2020 |access-date=August 22, 2020 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Subsequently, it was reported that Cody would be taking up a leave of absence from the company.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=August 25, 2020 |title=Warnermedia Thrilled With AEW's Weekend Numbers, Cody Update, Bucks' Autobiography and More AEW News |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/139037/warnermedia-thrilled-with-aews-weekend-numbers-cody-update-bucks-autobiography-and-more-aew-news.html?p=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013110251/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/139037/warnermedia-thrilled-with-aews-weekend-numbers-cody-update-bucks-autobiography-and-more-aew-news.html?p=1 |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=August 28, 2020 |website=PWInsider}}</ref>

Cody returned on the September 23 episode of ''Dynamite'', attacking Brodie Lee and members of his faction, The Dark Order.<ref>{{Cite web |last=AEW Staff |date=September 23, 2020 |title=AEW Dynamite Results for September 23, 2020 |url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-dynamite-results-for-september-23-2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928113845/https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-dynamite-results-for-september-23-2020 |archive-date=September 28, 2020 |access-date=September 26, 2020 |publisher=All Elite Wrestling}}</ref> Cody would defeat Brodie Lee to win the TNT Championship in a Dog Collar match on the October 7 episode of ''Dynamite'', beginning his second reign with the championship, also marking Lee's final match before his death in December of that year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 7, 2020 |title=10/7 AEW Dynamite results: Barnett's live review of 30 years of Chris Jericho celebration, Brodie Lee vs. Cody in a dog collar match for the TNT Championship, Brian Cage vs. Will Hobbs, Chris Jericho and Jake Hager vs. Luther and Serpentico, Serena Deeb vs. Big Swole |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/10/07/10-7-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-30-years-of-chris-jericho-celebration-brodie-lee-vs-cody-in-a-dog-collar-match-for-the-tnt-championship-brian-cage-vs-will-hobbs-chris-jericho/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011071900/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/10/07/10-7-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-30-years-of-chris-jericho-celebration-brodie-lee-vs-cody-in-a-dog-collar-match-for-the-tnt-championship-brian-cage-vs-will-hobbs-chris-jericho/ |archive-date=October 11, 2020 |access-date=October 8, 2020 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On November 7, Cody, now once again under the full name Cody Rhodes due to WWE cancelling their trademark on the name (in a settlement that saw Cody relinquishing his claim to the trademarks for several WCW event names), lost the TNT Championship to Darby Allin at Full Gear.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=October 14, 2020 |title=Darby Allin to challenge for TNT title at AEW Full Gear |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/darby-allin-challenge-tnt-title-aew-full-gear-322656 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602070837/https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/darby-allin-challenge-tnt-title-aew-full-gear-322656 |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |access-date=October 14, 2020 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref>

After losing the TNT Championship, Rhodes would begin a feud with famed basketball player Shaquille O'Neal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Renner |first=Ethan |date=November 11, 2020 |title=Shaquille O'Neal AEW debut teased on Dynamite |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/shaquille-oneal-aew-debut-teased-dynamite-324941 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112031820/https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/shaquille-oneal-aew-debut-teased-dynamite-324941 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=November 17, 2020 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nason |first=Josh |date=December 9, 2020 |title=Brandi Rhodes throws water, swears at Shaq on AEW Dynamite |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/brandi-rhodes-throws-water-swears-shaq-aew-dynamite-327191 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217063725/https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/brandi-rhodes-throws-water-swears-shaq-aew-dynamite-327191 |archive-date=December 17, 2020 |access-date=December 10, 2020 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> On the March 3, 2021, episode of ''Dynamite'', Rhodes teamed with Red Velvet in a loss to O'Neal and his partner Jade Cargill in a mixed tag team match.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 4, 2021 |title=AEW Dynamite Results March 3 2021 |url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-dynamite-results-for-march-3-2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304061349/https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-dynamite-results-for-march-3-2021 |archive-date=March 4, 2021 |website=allelitewrestling.com}}</ref> At the Revolution event on March 7, Rhodes competed in the Face of the Revolution Ladder Match for a future opportunity at the TNT Championship, but the match was won by Scorpio Sky.<ref name="Revolution21">{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=March 7, 2021 |title=AEW Revolution results: Powell's live review of Kenny Omega vs. Jon Moxley in an Exploding Barbed Wire Death Match for the AEW Championship, Young Bucks vs. Chris Jericho and MJF for the AEW Tag Titles, surprise debut, Face of the Revolution ladder match for a TNT Title shot |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/03/07/aew-revolution-results-powells-live-review-of-kenny-omega-vs-jon-moxley-in-an-exploding-barbed-wire-death-match-for-the-aew-championship-young-bucks-vs-chris-jericho-and-mjf-for-the-aew-tag-titl/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511114843/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/03/07/aew-revolution-results-powells-live-review-of-kenny-omega-vs-jon-moxley-in-an-exploding-barbed-wire-death-match-for-the-aew-championship-young-bucks-vs-chris-jericho-and-mjf-for-the-aew-tag-titl/ |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |access-date=March 7, 2021 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref>

On the March 31 episode of ''Dynamite'', Rhodes began a feud with Q. T. Marshall, after Marshall and his allies Aaron Solo, Nick Comoroto and the debutant Anthony Ogogo assaulted Rhodes after a match.<ref name="Dynamite03312021">{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=March 31, 2021 |title=3/31 AEW Dynamite results: Barnett's live review of Christian Cage vs. Frankie Kazarian, Kenny Omega, Doc Gallows, and Karl Anderson vs. Penta El Zero Miedo, Rey Fenix, and Laredo Kid, Cody Rhodes vs. QT Marshall in an exhibition match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/03/31/3-31-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-christian-cage-vs-frankie-kazarian-kenny-omega-doc-gallows-and-karl-anderson-vs-penta-el-zero-miedo-rey-fenix-and-laredo-kid-cody/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013110105/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/03/31/3-31-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-christian-cage-vs-frankie-kazarian-kenny-omega-doc-gallows-and-karl-anderson-vs-penta-el-zero-miedo-rey-fenix-and-laredo-kid-cody/ |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=March 31, 2021 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At the Blood and Guts event on May 5, Rhodes defeated Marshall,<ref name="Dynamite05052021">{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=May 5, 2021 |title=5/5 AEW Dynamite results: Barnett's live review of The Inner Circle vs. The Pinnacle in a Blood and Guts match, Cody Rhodes vs. QT Marshall, SCU vs. Jurassic Express vs. The Acclaimed vs. Varsity Blonds in a four-way for a shot at the AEW Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/05/05/5-5-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-the-inner-circle-vs-the-pinnacle-in-a-blood-and-guts-match-cody-rhodes-vs-qt-marshall-scu-vs-jurassic-express-vs-the-acclaimed-vs-varsity-blo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324202458/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/05/05/5-5-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-the-inner-circle-vs-the-pinnacle-in-a-blood-and-guts-match-cody-rhodes-vs-qt-marshall-scu-vs-jurassic-express-vs-the-acclaimed-vs-varsity-blo/ |archive-date=March 24, 2023 |access-date=May 5, 2021 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> before going on to defeat Ogogo at the Double or Nothing pay-per-view later that month.<ref name="DoN2021">{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=May 30, 2021 |title=AEW Double Or Nothing results: Powell's live review of Kenny Omega vs. Orange Cassidy vs. Pac for the AEW Championship, Hikaru Shida vs. Britt Baker for the AEW Women's Title, Miro vs. Lance Archer for the TNT Title, The Young Bucks vs. Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston for the AEW Tag Titles, The Pinnacle vs. The Inner Circle in a Stadium Stampede match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/05/30/aew-double-or-nothing-results-powells-live-review-of-kenny-omega-vs-orange-cassidy-vs-pac-for-the-aew-championship-hikaru-shida-vs-britt-baker-for-the-aew-womens-title-miro-vs-lance-archer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530233917/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/05/30/aew-double-or-nothing-results-powells-live-review-of-kenny-omega-vs-orange-cassidy-vs-pac-for-the-aew-championship-hikaru-shida-vs-britt-baker-for-the-aew-womens-title-miro-vs-lance-archer/ |archive-date=May 30, 2021 |access-date=May 30, 2021 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At the Road Rager event on July 7, Rhodes defeated Marshall in a South Beach Strap match to end the feud.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 11, 2021 |title=Cody Rhodes vs. QT Marshall strap match set for AEW Road Rager |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/cody-rhodes-vs-qt-marshall-strap-match-set-aew-road-rager-343891 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202007/https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/cody-rhodes-vs-qt-marshall-strap-match-set-aew-road-rager-343891 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 21, 2021 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=July 7, 2021 |title=7/7 AEW Dynamite results: Powell's live review of The Young Bucks vs. Eddie Kingston and Penta El Zero Miedo in a Street Fight for the AEW Tag Titles, Andrade El Idolo vs. Matt Sydal, Cody Rhodes vs. QT Marshall in a strap match, Santana, Ortiz, and Jake Hager vs. FTR and Wardlow |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/07/07/7-7-aew-dynamite-results-powells-live-review-of-the-young-bucks-vs-eddie-kingston-and-penta-el-zero-miedo-in-a-street-fight-for-the-aew-tag-titles-andrade-el-idolo-vs-matt-sydal-cody/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707233823/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/07/07/7-7-aew-dynamite-results-powells-live-review-of-the-young-bucks-vs-eddie-kingston-and-penta-el-zero-miedo-in-a-street-fight-for-the-aew-tag-titles-andrade-el-idolo-vs-matt-sydal-cody/ |archive-date=July 7, 2021 |access-date=July 9, 2021 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Following this, Rhodes began a feud with the debuting Malakai Black.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=July 29, 2021 |title=AEW Dynamite preview: The "Homecoming" lineup for Wednesday's TNT show |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/07/29/aew-dynamite-preview-the-homecoming-lineup-for-wednesdays-tnt-show/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013110251/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/07/29/aew-dynamite-preview-the-homecoming-lineup-for-wednesdays-tnt-show/ |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=August 1, 2021 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At the Homecoming event on August 4, Rhodes was quickly defeated by Black.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=August 4, 2021 |title=8/4 AEW Dynamite results: Barnett's live review of "Homecoming" with Malakai Black vs. Cody Rhodes, Chris Jericho vs. Juventud Guerrera, Miro vs. Lee Johnson for the TNT Title, The Bunny vs. Leyla Hirsch for a shot at the NWA Women's Title, Christian Cage vs. The Blade |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/08/04/8-4-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-homecoming-with-malakai-black-vs-cody-rhodes-chris-jericho-vs-juventud-guerrera-miro-vs-lee-johnson-for-the-tnt-title-the-b/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013163653/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/08/04/8-4-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-homecoming-with-malakai-black-vs-cody-rhodes-chris-jericho-vs-juventud-guerrera-miro-vs-lee-johnson-for-the-tnt-title-the-b/ |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=August 4, 2021}}</ref> After taking a hiatus, Rhodes returned to face Black in a rematch at Grand Slam on September 22, but he was again defeated.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=September 22, 2021 |title=9/22 AEW Dynamite results: Powell's live review of AEW Champion Kenny Omega vs. Bryan Danielson in a non-title match, Britt Baker vs. Ruby Soho for the AEW Women's Championship, Cody Rhodes vs. Malakai Black, Minoru Suzuki and Lance Archer vs. Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston, FTR vs. Sting and Darby Allin |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/09/22/9-22-aew-dynamite-results-powells-live-review-of-aew-champion-kenny-omega-vs-bryan-danielson-in-a-non-title-match-britt-baker-vs-ruby-soho-for-the-aew-womens-championship-cody-rhodes-vs-mala/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923100947/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/09/22/9-22-aew-dynamite-results-powells-live-review-of-aew-champion-kenny-omega-vs-bryan-danielson-in-a-non-title-match-britt-baker-vs-ruby-soho-for-the-aew-womens-championship-cody-rhodes-vs-mala/ |archive-date=September 23, 2021 |access-date=September 22, 2021 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the October 23 episode of ''Dynamite'', Rhodes finally defeated Black.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=October 23, 2021 |title=10/23 AEW Dynamite results: Barnett's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. Malakai Black, Bryan Danielson vs. Dustin Rhodes, and Lance Archer vs. Eddie Kingston in AEW Eliminator tournament matches, Penelope Ford vs. Ruby Soho, and Serena Deeb vs. Hikaru Shida in TBS Title tournament matches, Jungle Boy vs. Brandon Cutler |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/23/10-23-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-malakai-black-bryan-danielson-vs-dustin-rhodes-and-lance-archer-vs-eddie-kingston-in-aew-eliminator-tournament-matches/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013110140/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/23/10-23-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-malakai-black-bryan-danielson-vs-dustin-rhodes-and-lance-archer-vs-eddie-kingston-in-aew-eliminator-tournament-matches/ |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=February 20, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At Full Gear, Rhodes teamed up with Pac against Black and Andrade El Idolo in a winning effort.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=November 13, 2021 |title=AEW Full Gear results: Barnett's live review of Kenny Omega vs. Hangman Page for the AEW World Championship, Bryan Danielson vs. Miro in the eliminator tournament finals, Penta and Rey Fenix vs. FTR for the AEW Tag Titles, CM Punk vs. Eddie Kingston, Britt Baker vs. Tay Conti for the AEW Women's Title, Darby Allin vs. MJF |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/13/aew-full-gear-results-barnetts-live-review-of-kenny-omega-vs-hangman-page-for-the-aew-world-championship-bryan-danielson-vs-miro-in-the-eliminator-tournament-finals-penta-and-rey-fenix-vs-ftr/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115004033/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/13/aew-full-gear-results-barnetts-live-review-of-kenny-omega-vs-hangman-page-for-the-aew-world-championship-bryan-danielson-vs-miro-in-the-eliminator-tournament-finals-penta-and-rey-fenix-vs-ftr/ |archive-date=November 15, 2021 |access-date=November 13, 2021 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the December 1 episode of ''Dynamite'', Rhodes defeated Andrade in an Atlanta street fight.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=December 1, 2021 |title=12/1 AEW Dynamite results: Barnett's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. Andrade El Idolo in an Atlanta Street Fight, Ruby Soho vs. Kris Statlander in a TBS Title tournament match, Bryan Danielson vs. Alan '5' Angels, Darby Allin and Sting vs. Billy Gunn and Colten Gunn, CM Punk vs. Lee Moriarty |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/12/01/12-1-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-andrade-el-idolo-in-an-atlanta-street-fight-ruby-soho-vs-kris-statlander-in-a-tbs-title-tournament-match-bryan-daniels/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013110103/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/12/01/12-1-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-andrade-el-idolo-in-an-atlanta-street-fight-ruby-soho-vs-kris-statlander-in-a-tbs-title-tournament-match-bryan-daniels/ |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=February 20, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref>

Rhodes began a feud with Sammy Guevara over the TNT Championship, on December 25 at the special Holiday Bash episode of ''Rampage'', Rhodes defeated Guevara to win the title for a record third time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGuire |first=Colin |date=December 25, 2021 |title=12/25 AEW Rampage results: McGuire's live review of Sammy Guevara vs. Cody Rhodes for the TNT Championship, Hook vs. Bear Bronson, Leyla Hirsch vs. Kris Statlander, and Jungle Boy vs. Isiah Kassidy |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/12/25/12-25-aew-rampage-results-mcguires-live-review-of-sammy-guevara-vs-cody-rhodes-for-the-tnt-championship-hook-vs-bear-bronson-leyla-hirsch-vs-kris-statlander-and-jungle-boy-vs-isiah-kass/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208221927/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/12/25/12-25-aew-rampage-results-mcguires-live-review-of-sammy-guevara-vs-cody-rhodes-for-the-tnt-championship-hook-vs-bear-bronson-leyla-hirsch-vs-kris-statlander-and-jungle-boy-vs-isiah-kass/ |archive-date=February 8, 2023 |access-date=December 25, 2021 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At the Beach Break event on January 26, 2022, Rhodes lost the title back to Guevara in a ladder match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Renner |first=Ethan |date=January 26, 2022 |title=Sammy Guevara wins undisputed TNT title at AEW Dynamite Beach Break |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/sammy-guevara-wins-undisputed-tnt-title-at-aew-dynamite-beach-break#scso=_e-zyYansBd-90PEPto2OyAQ70:0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404100604/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/sammy-guevara-wins-undisputed-tnt-title-at-aew-dynamite-beach-break#scso=_e-zyYansBd-90PEPto2OyAQ70:0 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |access-date=January 27, 2022 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> This would be Rhodes's last match in AEW, as on February 15, 2022, several sources reported that he and his wife Brandi had left the promotion as they were unable to come to terms on a new contract.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 12, 2023 |title=Cody Rhodes' last AEW match is one of the greatest matches ever – Atletifo |url=https://atletifo.com/wrestling/aew/cody-rhodes-last-aew-match/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013105929/https://atletifo.com/wrestling/aew/cody-rhodes-last-aew-match/ |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=June 7, 2023 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |date=February 15, 2022 |title=Cody And Brandi Rhodes Moving On From AEW |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cody-and-brandi-rhodes-moving-aew |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215215247/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cody-and-brandi-rhodes-moving-aew |archive-date=February 15, 2022 |access-date=February 15, 2022 |website=Fightful}}</ref> He has cited since that he left AEW because of a personal issue.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chase |first=Stephanie |date=August 1, 2023 |title=WWE's Cody Rhodes says he left AEW because of a 'personal issue' |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/wwes-cody-rhodes-says-left-213600577.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928180026/https://sports.yahoo.com/wwes-cody-rhodes-says-left-213600577.html |archive-date=September 28, 2023 |access-date=September 22, 2023}}</ref>

=== Return to WWE === ==== Championship pursuits (2022–2024)==== On March 18, 2022, it was reported by multiple sources that Rhodes had re-signed with WWE.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=March 18, 2022 |title=Spoiler: The definitive Cody Rhodes update |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/156974/spoiler-the-definitive-cody-rhodes-update.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013105930/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/156974/spoiler-the-definitive-cody-rhodes-update.html |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=April 4, 2022 |website=PWInsider}}</ref> On the first night of WrestleMania 38 on April 2, Rhodes was revealed as Seth "Freakin" Rollins' surprise opponent, making his return to WWE after six years and defeating Rollins.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mohan |first=Sai |date=April 3, 2022 |title=Cody Rhodes Talks His "Complex" WWE Contract, WWE Giving Him A Bus |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2022/04/cody-rhodes-talks-his-complex-wwe-contract-wwe-giving-him-a-bus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013110140/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2022/04/cody-rhodes-talks-his-complex-wwe-contract-wwe-giving-him-a-bus/ |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=April 3, 2022 |website=Wrestling Inc}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=April 2, 2022 |title=Cody Rhodes Returns to WWE at WrestleMania 38, Says He Is 'Completely Different Individual' |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/cody-rhodes-wwe-wrestlemania-38-interview-1235221061/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614203624/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/cody-rhodes-wwe-wrestlemania-38-interview-1235221061/ |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |access-date=April 3, 2022 |website=Variety}}</ref><ref name="Cody Rhodes Beats Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 38:">{{Cite web |last=Mahjouri |first=Shakiel |date=April 3, 2022 |title=WrestleMania 38: Cody Rhodes returns to WWE triumphantly as ex-AEW vice president beats Seth Rollins |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wrestlemania-38-cody-rhodes-returns-to-wwe-triumphantly-as-ex-aew-vice-president-beats-seth-rollins/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013110103/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wrestlemania-38-cody-rhodes-returns-to-wwe-triumphantly-as-ex-aew-vice-president-beats-seth-rollins/ |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=April 3, 2022 |website=CBS Sports}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Raw'', Rhodes stated that he returned to WWE to win the championship that his father, Dusty Rhodes, never got to hold, the WWE Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 4, 2022 |title=4/4 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of the Raw After WrestleMania with Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, the return of Cody Rhodes, new Raw Women's Champion Bianca Belair appears, the "debut" of Veer Mahaan |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/04/4-4-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-raw-after-wrestlemania-with-undisputed-wwe-universal-champion-roman-reigns-the-return-of-cody-rhodes-new-raw-womens-champion-bianca-belair-appears/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614103221/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/04/4-4-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-raw-after-wrestlemania-with-undisputed-wwe-universal-champion-roman-reigns-the-return-of-cody-rhodes-new-raw-womens-champion-bianca-belair-appears/ |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |access-date=April 11, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Rhodes subsequently defeated Rollins once more in a rematch at WrestleMania Backlash.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=May 8, 2022 |title=WWE WrestleMania Backlash results: Powell's live review of Roman Reigns and The Usos vs. Drew McIntyre and RK-Bro, Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey in an I Quit match for the Smackdown Women's Title, Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins, Edge vs. AJ Styles, Bobby Lashley vs. Omos, Happy Corbin vs. Madcap Moss |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/05/08/wwe-wrestlemania-backlash-results-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-and-the-usos-vs-drew-mcintyre-and-rk-bro-charlotte-flair-vs-ronda-rousey-in-an-i-quit-match-for-the-smackdown-womens-title/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410232358/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/05/08/wwe-wrestlemania-backlash-results-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-and-the-usos-vs-drew-mcintyre-and-rk-bro-charlotte-flair-vs-ronda-rousey-in-an-i-quit-match-for-the-smackdown-womens-title/ |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |access-date=July 11, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Ahead of their Hell in a Cell match at the eponymous event, Rhodes suffered a legitimate pectoral muscle tear, which had eventuated halfway through a brawl on the prior episode of ''Raw''. The injury was exacerbated when the muscle tore entirely off the bone while Rhodes was weight training in the days preceding the event.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 5, 2022 |title=Cody Rhodes plans to fight through the pain in tonight's Hell in a Cell Match against Seth "Freakin" Rollins |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/article/cody-rhodes-plans-to-fight-through-the-pain.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013110251/https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/article/cody-rhodes-plans-to-fight-through-the-pain.html |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=June 6, 2022 |website=WWE}}</ref> He entered Hell in a Cell with a massive spot of discolored skin, but despite the severe injury, managed to defeat Rollins for the third time.<ref name="HIAC2022">{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=June 5, 2022 |title=WWE Hell in a Cell results: Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins in a HIAC match, Bianca Belair vs. Asuka vs. Becky Lynch for the Raw Women's Title, Theory vs. Mustafa Ali for the U.S. Title, Bobby Lashley vs. Omos and MVP in a handicap match, Kevin Owens vs. Ezekiel, Judgment Day vs. AJ Styles, Finn Balor, and Liv Morgan |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/06/05/wwe-hell-in-a-cell-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-seth-rollins-in-a-hiac-match-bianca-belair-vs-asuka-vs-becky-lynch-for-the-raw-womens-title-theory-vs-mustafa-ali-for-the-u/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606040304/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/06/05/wwe-hell-in-a-cell-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-seth-rollins-in-a-hiac-match-bianca-belair-vs-asuka-vs-becky-lynch-for-the-raw-womens-title-theory-vs-mustafa-ali-for-the-u/ |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |access-date=July 11, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Four days later, it was announced that Rhodes underwent successful surgery to repair a torn right pectoral tendon, rendering him unable to compete for eight months.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Renner |first=Ethan |date=June 10, 2022 |title=WWE announces Cody Rhodes to miss nine months after pectoral surgery |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-announces-cody-rhodes-to-miss-nine-months-after-pectoral-surgery |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013110251/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-announces-cody-rhodes-to-miss-nine-months-after-pectoral-surgery |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=July 11, 2022 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref>

On the January 16, 2023, episode of ''Raw'', Rhodes announced in a pre-taped video that he would return to competition in the men's Royal Rumble match at Royal Rumble on January 28,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Ryan |date=January 17, 2023 |title=It's Official – Cody Rhodes Enters The 2023 Men's Royal Rumble Match |url=https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/its-official-cody-rhodes-enters-the-2023-mens-royal-rumble-match |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013105929/https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/its-official-cody-rhodes-enters-the-2023-mens-royal-rumble-match |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |access-date=January 17, 2023 |website=eWrestlingNews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> which he won after lastly eliminating Gunther.<ref name="RR2023">{{Cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=January 28, 2023 |title=1/28 WWE Royal Rumble PLE Result: Keller's detailed report and analysis including Reigns vs. Owens, Pitch Black match, Belair vs. Bliss |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/01/28/1-28-wwe-royal-rumble-ple-report-kellers-detailed-results-and-analysis-including-reigns-vs-owens-pitch-black-match-belair-vs-bliss/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129010527/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/01/28/1-28-wwe-royal-rumble-ple-report-kellers-detailed-results-and-analysis-including-reigns-vs-owens-pitch-black-match-belair-vs-bliss/ |archive-date=January 29, 2023 |access-date=February 14, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Raw'', Rhodes challenged Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 39.<ref name="Raw01302023">{{Cite news |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=January 30, 2023 |title=1/30 WWE Monday Night Raw Results: Keller's report on Cody celebrating Rumble win, Ripley declares WM choice, Gargano vs. Corbin and Seth vs. Gable |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/01/30/1-23-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-cody-celebrating-rumble-win-ripley-declares-wm-choice-gargano-vs-corbin-and-seth-vs-gable/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201065831/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/01/30/1-23-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-cody-celebrating-rumble-win-ripley-declares-wm-choice-gargano-vs-corbin-and-seth-vs-gable/ |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |access-date=February 14, 2023 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> In the main event of the second night of WrestleMania, Rhodes was defeated by Reigns after interference from Solo Sikoa.<ref name="WM39N2">{{Cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=April 2, 2023 |title=4/2 WWE Wrestlemania 39 – Night 2: Keller's report on Reigns vs. Cody, Belair vs. Asuka, Gunther vs. Sheamus vs. McIntyre, Balor vs. Edge, Lesnar vs. Omos |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/04/02/4-2-wwe-wrestlemania-39-night-2-kellers-report-on-reigns-vs-cody-belair-vs-asuka-gunther-vs-sheamus-vs-mcintyre-balor-vs-edge-lesnar-vs-omos/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402234157/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/04/02/4-2-wwe-wrestlemania-39-night-2-kellers-report-on-reigns-vs-cody-belair-vs-asuka-gunther-vs-sheamus-vs-mcintyre-balor-vs-edge-lesnar-vs-omos/ |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |access-date=April 3, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The booking decision was met with divisive reactions from fans, journalists and other wrestlers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=April 3, 2023 |title=Dave Meltzer talks the finish of WrestleMania 39 Sunday |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/video/video-dave-meltzer-bryan-alvarez-talk-the-finish-of-wrestlemania-39-sunday |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406003432/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/video/video-dave-meltzer-bryan-alvarez-talk-the-finish-of-wrestlemania-39-sunday |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |access-date=April 16, 2023 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Roling |first=Chris|date=April 3, 2023|title=The Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes Story Is Just Getting Started After WrestleMania 39 |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10071005-the-roman-reigns-vs-cody-rhodes-story-is-just-getting-started-after-wrestlemania-39 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116150245/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10071005-the-roman-reigns-vs-cody-rhodes-story-is-just-getting-started-after-wrestlemania-39 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |access-date=November 16, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Silverio |first=Ben F. |date=April 10, 2023 |title=Madusa Calls Cody Rhodes' WWE WrestleMania 39 Loss 'The Best Angle Ever' |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1253979/madusa-calls-cody-rhodes-wwe-wrestlemania-39-loss-the-best-angle-ever/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116150245/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1253979/madusa-calls-cody-rhodes-wwe-wrestlemania-39-loss-the-best-angle-ever/ |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |access-date=November 16, 2023 |website=Wrestling Inc. |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Joseph |first=Sunil |date=May 19, 2023 |title=Cody Rhodes needed to lose at WrestleMania 39, according to WWE legend |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-cody-rhodes-needed-lose-wrestlemania-39-according-wwe-legend |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116150245/https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-cody-rhodes-needed-lose-wrestlemania-39-according-wwe-legend |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |access-date=November 16, 2023 |website=www.sportskeeda.com |language=en-us}}</ref>

Rhodes's next feud was against Brock Lesnar, defeating Lesnar at Backlash,<ref>{{cite web |last=Konuwa |first=Alfred |date=May 6, 2023 |title=WWE Backlash 2023 Results: Cody Rhodes Bloodies And Beats Brock Lesnar |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2023/05/06/wwe-backlash-2023-results-cody-rhodes-bloodies-and-beats-brock-lesnar/ |website=Forbes |access-date=March 21, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507040047/https://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2023/05/06/wwe-backlash-2023-results-cody-rhodes-bloodies-and-beats-brock-lesnar/|archive-date=May 7, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> but lost to him at Night of Champions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Gregory |date=May 27, 2023 |title=Brock Lesnar def. Cody Rhodes |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2023/cody-rhodes-vs-brock-lesnar-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606001108/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2023/cody-rhodes-vs-brock-lesnar-results |archive-date=June 6, 2023 |access-date=May 27, 2023 |website=WWE}}</ref> They have a third match at SummerSlam, where Rhodes defeated Lesnar, ending their feud.<ref name="SSlam2023">{{Cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=August 5, 2023 |title=WWE SummerSlam results (8/5): Keller's report on Reigns vs. Jey, Seth vs. Balor, Cody vs. Lesnar, Asuka vs. Charlotte vs. Belair, Logan Paul vs. Ricochet |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/08/05/wwe-summerslam-results-8-5-kellers-report-on-reigns-vs-jey-seth-vs-balor-cody-vs-lesnar-asuka-vs-charlotte-vs-belair-logan-paul-vs-ricochet/ |access-date=August 5, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806141905/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/08/05/wwe-summerslam-results-8-5-kellers-report-on-reigns-vs-jey-seth-vs-balor-cody-vs-lesnar-asuka-vs-charlotte-vs-belair-logan-paul-vs-ricochet/|archive-date=August 6, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> At Fastlane on October 7, Rhodes and Jey Uso won the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship from The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor and Damian Priest), becoming double champions in the process,<ref name="Fastlane2023">{{Cite web |last=LeClair |first=Brandon |date=October 7, 2023 |title=LeClair's WWE Fastlane 2023 Report: Alt perspective, detailed coverage of Rollins vs. Nakamura, Cena & Knight vs. Bloodline, Sky vs. Flair vs. Asuka, more |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/10/07/leclairs-wwe-fastlane-2023-report-alt-perspective-detailed-coverage-of-rollins-vs-nakamura-cena-knight-vs-bloodline-sky-vs-flair-vs-asuka-more/ |access-date=October 7, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010050250/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/10/07/leclairs-wwe-fastlane-2023-report-alt-perspective-detailed-coverage-of-rollins-vs-nakamura-cena-knight-vs-bloodline-sky-vs-flair-vs-asuka-more/|archive-date=October 10, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> before losing it nine days later against Balor and Priest.<ref name="<">{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 16, 2023 |title=WWE Raw results (10/16): Powell's live review of the season premiere, Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso vs. Damian Priest and Finn Balor for the Undisputed WWE Tag Titles, Gunther vs. Bronson Reed for the IC Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/16/wwe-raw-results-10-16-powells-live-review-of-the-season-premiere-cody-rhodes-and-jey-uso-vs-damian-priest-and-finn-balor-for-the-undisputed-wwe-tag-titles-gunther-vs-bronson-reed-for-the/ |access-date=October 16, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018103916/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/16/wwe-raw-results-10-16-powells-live-review-of-the-season-premiere-cody-rhodes-and-jey-uso-vs-damian-priest-and-finn-balor-for-the-undisputed-wwe-tag-titles-gunther-vs-bronson-reed-for-the/|archive-date=October 18, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> At Survivor Series: WarGames on November 25, Rhodes, Rollins, Jey Uso, Sami Zayn, and a returning Randy Orton defeated The Judgment Day (Damian Priest, Finn Bálor, Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh) and Drew McIntyre in a WarGames match.<ref name="Big night">{{Cite web |last=Brookhouse |first=Brent |date=November 26, 2023 |title=2023 WWE Survivor Series results, recap, grades: CM Punk makes shocking return after WarGames main event |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2023-wwe-survivor-series-results-recap-grades-cm-punk-makes-shocking-return-after-wargames-main-event/live/ |access-date=November 26, 2023 |website=CBSSports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126200225/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2023-wwe-survivor-series-results-recap-grades-cm-punk-makes-shocking-return-after-wargames-main-event/live/|archive-date=November 26, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> On the November 27 episode of ''Raw'', Rhodes announced he would compete in the men's Royal Rumble match at Royal Rumble.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mrosko |first=Geno |date=November 27, 2023 |title=Cody Rhodes is already declaring for the Royal Rumble in which he won. |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/11/27/23978899/cody-rhodes-wwe-royal-rumble-2024 |access-date=November 27, 2023 |website=cagesideseats |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129025206/https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/11/27/23978899/cody-rhodes-wwe-royal-rumble-2024 |archive-date=November 29, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Undisputed WWE Champion (2024–present) ==== {{multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | width = 200 | image1 = The Rock and Roman reigns and Seth Rollins at WMXL (cropped) b.jpg | caption1 = Rhodes and Seth Rollins face to face with Roman Reigns and The Rock on Night 1 of WrestleMania XL. | image2 = Cody Rhodes, Wrestlemania XL in 2024 8.jpg | caption2 = Rhodes defeated Roman Reigns on Night 2 of WrestleMania XL to win the Undisputed WWE Championship. }}

At the Royal Rumble event on January 27, 2024, Rhodes won the men's Royal Rumble match after lastly eliminating CM Punk.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mahjouri |first=Shakiel |date=January 28, 2024 |title=2024 WWE Royal Rumble results, recap, grades: Cody Rhodes eliminates CM Punk last, Bayley wins first Rumble |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2024-wwe-royal-rumble-results-recap-grades-cody-rhodes-eliminates-cm-punk-last-bayley-wins-first-rumble/live/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128174130/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2024-wwe-royal-rumble-results-recap-grades-cody-rhodes-eliminates-cm-punk-last-bayley-wins-first-rumble/live/ |archive-date=January 28, 2024 |access-date=January 28, 2024 |website=CBSSports.com}}</ref> This was only the fourth time someone had won two consecutive Rumble matches, and the first time since Stone Cold Steve Austin won in 1997 and 1998. After Rhodes won, he pointed at Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.<ref>{{cite web |last=Currier |first=Joseph |date=January 28, 2024 |title=Cody Rhodes wins second straight WWE men's Royal Rumble match |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/cody-rhodes-wins-second-straight-wwe-mens-royal-rumble-match |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129145429/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/cody-rhodes-wins-second-straight-wwe-mens-royal-rumble-match |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |access-date=February 3, 2024 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> On the February 2 episode of ''SmackDown'', Rhodes said that he would not challenge Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL. The Rock then appeared and confronted Reigns, with Rhodes shaking The Rock's hand and leaving the ring to Reigns and The Rock.<ref>{{cite web|date=February 2, 2024|title=SmackDown results, Feb. 2, 2024: The Rock stood toe-to-toe with Roman Reigns as Cody Rhodes shunned The Tribal Chief! |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2024-02-02 |access-date=February 3, 2024 |publisher=WWE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203044833/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2024-02-02|archive-date=February 3, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Renner |first=Ethan |date=February 2, 2024 |title=The Rock vs. Roman Reigns to headline WWE WrestleMania 40: Cody Rhodes will not finish his story at this year's WrestleMania |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/the-rock-vs-roman-reigns-to-headline-wwe-wrestlemania-40 |access-date=February 3, 2024 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203052803/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/the-rock-vs-roman-reigns-to-headline-wwe-wrestlemania-40|archive-date=February 3, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=February 3, 2024|last=O'Donoghue |first=Craig |title=Cody Rhodes rules out challenging Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania as announcement for The Rock seems inevitable |url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/wrestling/cody-rhodes-rules-out-challenging-roman-reigns-at-wrestlemania-as-announcement-for-the-rock-seems-inevitable-c-13453485 |access-date=February 3, 2024 |work=The West Australian}}</ref> This development drew backlash from fans on social media for disrupting Rhodes's long-term storyline with Reigns.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mendoza |first=Jordan |date=February 3, 2024 |title=The Rock could face Roman Reigns at WWE WrestleMania and fans aren't happy |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2024/02/03/the-rock-roman-reigns-wwe-wrestlemania/72463869007/ |access-date=February 4, 2024 |work=USA Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203192129/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2024/02/03/the-rock-roman-reigns-wwe-wrestlemania/72463869007/|archive-date=February 3, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> During the ''WrestleMania XL Kickoff'' media event on February 8, Rhodes announced that he chose Reigns. After bringing up each other's families, The Rock turned heel and viciously slapped him in the face and joined the Bloodline. In the ensuing brawl, Rhodes was backed by World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins.<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=February 8, 2024 |title=WrestleMania XL Kickoff press conference live coverage: Cody Rhodes announces his decision, The Rock, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, and Triple H appear |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/02/08/wrestlemania-xl-kickoff-press-conference-live-coverage-cody-rhodes-announces-his-decision-the-rock-roman-reigns-seth-rollins-rhea-ripley-bianca-belair-and-triple-h-appear/ |access-date=February 8, 2024 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209054306/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/02/08/wrestlemania-xl-kickoff-press-conference-live-coverage-cody-rhodes-announces-his-decision-the-rock-roman-reigns-seth-rollins-rhea-ripley-bianca-belair-and-triple-h-appear/|archive-date=February 9, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

During Night 1 of WrestleMania XL on April 6, Rhodes and Rollins lost to The Rock and Reigns, meaning that on Night 2 of the event, Rhodes's match against Reigns would be a Bloodline Rules match.<ref name="WM40N1">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=WWE WrestleMania XL – Night One results (4/6): Keller's report on Reigns & Rock vs. Cody & Rollins, Ripley vs. Lynch, Gunther vs. Sami, Tag Team Title Ladder Match, more|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2024/04/06/wwe-wrestlemania-xl-night-one-4-6-kellers-report-on-reigns-rock-vs-cody-rollins-ripley-vs-lynch-gunther-vs-sami-tag-team-title-ladder-match-more/|date=April 6, 2024|work=PWTorch|access-date=April 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407130516/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2024/04/06/wwe-wrestlemania-xl-night-one-4-6-kellers-report-on-reigns-rock-vs-cody-rollins-ripley-vs-lynch-gunther-vs-sami-tag-team-title-ladder-match-more/|archive-date=April 7, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> On Night 2, Rhodes suffered interferences from Bloodline members Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa, and The Rock, who were each countered by Rhodes' allies Jey Uso, John Cena, Rollins, and The Undertaker. Rhodes ultimately defeated Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship to finish his story and capture his first world title in WWE.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rathi |first=Ishaan |date=April 8, 2024 |title=Cody Rhodes Wins Undisputed WWE Championship In Match Filled with Surprises at WrestleMania 40 Sunday |url=https://www.ringsidenews.com/2024/04/07/cody-rhodes-wins-undisputed-wwe-championship-in-match-filled-with-surprises-at-wrestlemania-40-sunday/ |access-date=April 8, 2024 |website=Ringside News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408025749/https://www.ringsidenews.com/2024/04/07/cody-rhodes-wins-undisputed-wwe-championship-in-match-filled-with-surprises-at-wrestlemania-40-sunday/|archive-date=April 8, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> On the April 8 episode of ''Raw'', just as Rhodes was addressing his win, he was interrupted by The Rock. After a brief exchange of both titles, The Rock announced that he would be taking time away. However, he issued a warning to Rhodes that once he returned, he would be returning for him.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kulkarni |first=Ojas |date=April 9, 2024|title=The Rock Confronts Cody Rhodes on WWE Raw After WrestleMania 40 |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/wrestling/news/1648163-the-rock-confronts-cody-rhodes-on-wwe-raw-after-wrestlemania-40 |access-date=December 10, 2024|website=ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410010143/https://www.comingsoon.net/wrestling/news/1648163-the-rock-confronts-cody-rhodes-on-wwe-raw-after-wrestlemania-40|archive-date=April 10, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

As the title was the world championship of ''SmackDown'', Rhodes was subsequently transferred to the brand, defending the title twice against AJ Styles at Backlash on May 4 and Clash at the Castle on June 15 in an "I Quit" match,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2024/06/15/wwe-clash-at-the-castle-results-6-15-priest-vs-mcintyre-for-world-hvt-title-cody-vs-styles-for-wwe-title-in-i-quit-match-bayley-vs-niven-for-wwe-womens-title-sami-vs-gable-for-ic-title/|title=WWE Clash at the Castle results (6/15): Priest vs. McIntyre for World Hvt. Title, Cody vs. Styles for WWE Title in I Quit match, Bayley vs. Niven for WWE Women's Title, Sami vs. Gable for IC Title|date=June 15, 2024|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240720230836/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2024/06/15/wwe-clash-at-the-castle-results-6-15-priest-vs-mcintyre-for-world-hvt-title-cody-vs-styles-for-wwe-title-in-i-quit-match-bayley-vs-niven-for-wwe-womens-title-sami-vs-gable-for-ic-title/|archive-date=July 20, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BacklashFrance">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Backlash France results: Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Championship, Damian Priest vs. Jey Uso for the World Hvt. Title, Bayley vs. Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women's Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/05/04/wwe-backlash-france-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-championship-damian-priest-vs-jey-uso-for-the-world-hvt-title-bayley-vs-naomi-vs-tiffany-str/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=May 4, 2024|access-date=May 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505144507/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/05/04/wwe-backlash-france-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-championship-damian-priest-vs-jey-uso-for-the-world-hvt-title-bayley-vs-naomi-vs-tiffany-str/|archive-date=May 5, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=May 10, 2024 |title=May 13, 2024 Observer Newsletter: WWE Backlash review, WrestleMania returning to Las Vegas |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-newsletter/may-13-2024-observer-newsletter-wwe-backlash-review-wrestlemania-returning-to-las-vegas/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521142934/https://www.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-newsletter/may-13-2024-observer-newsletter-wwe-backlash-review-wrestlemania-returning-to-las-vegas/ |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |access-date=May 10, 2024 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> and Logan Paul at King and Queen of the Ring on May 25.<ref name="KAQOTR">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/05/25/wwe-king-and-queen-of-the-ring-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-logan-paul-for-the-wwe-title-gunther-vs-randy-orton-in-the-kotr-finals-nia-jax-vs-lyra-valkyria-in-the-qotr-finals/|title=WWE King and Queen of the Ring results: Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. Logan Paul for the WWE Title, Gunther vs. Randy Orton in the KOTR finals, Nia Jax vs. Lyra Valkyria in the QOTR finals|date=May 25, 2024|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=May 25, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526103419/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/05/25/wwe-king-and-queen-of-the-ring-results-powells-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-logan-paul-for-the-wwe-title-gunther-vs-randy-orton-in-the-kotr-finals-nia-jax-vs-lyra-valkyria-in-the-qotr-finals/|archive-date=May 26, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> He also found himself in a feud with Solo Sikoa, successfully defending the title against him at SummerSlam on August 3 in a Bloodline Rules match and during the September 13 episode of ''SmackDown'' in a steel cage match.<ref name="SmackDown09132024">{{cite web|last=Barnett|first=Jake|title=WWE Smackdown results (9/13): Barnett's review of Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa in a cage match for the WWE Championship, Kevin Owens and a partner vs. Grayson Waller and Austin Theory|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/09/13/wwe-smackdown-results-9-13-barnetts-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-solo-sikoa-in-a-cage-match-for-the-wwe-championship-kevin-owens-and-a-partner-vs-grayson-waller-and-austin-theory/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=September 13, 2024|access-date=September 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914033858/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/09/13/wwe-smackdown-results-9-13-barnetts-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-solo-sikoa-in-a-cage-match-for-the-wwe-championship-kevin-owens-and-a-partner-vs-grayson-waller-and-austin-theory/|archive-date=September 14, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SSlam2024">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's review of Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa in a Bloodline Rules match for the WWE Championship, Damian Priest vs. Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/08/03/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-solo-sikoa-in-a-bloodline-rules-match-for-the-wwe-championship-damian-priest-vs-gunther-for-the-world-heavyweight-championship/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 3, 2024|access-date=August 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804112338/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/08/03/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-solo-sikoa-in-a-bloodline-rules-match-for-the-wwe-championship-damian-priest-vs-gunther-for-the-world-heavyweight-championship/|archive-date=August 4, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

At Crown Jewel on November 2, Rhodes defeated World Heavyweight Champion Gunther to win the inaugural WWE Crown Jewel Championship.<ref name="CrownJewel2024">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Crown Jewel results: Powell's review of Gunther vs. Cody Rhodes for the Crown Jewel Championship, Nia Jax vs. Liv Morgan for the Women's Crown Jewel Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/11/02/wwe-crown-jewel-results-powells-review-of-gunther-vs-cody-rhodes-for-the-crown-jewel-championship-nia-jax-vs-liv-morgan-for-the-womens-crown-jewel-championship/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 2, 2024|access-date=November 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109110404/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/11/02/wwe-crown-jewel-results-powells-review-of-gunther-vs-cody-rhodes-for-the-crown-jewel-championship-nia-jax-vs-liv-morgan-for-the-womens-crown-jewel-championship/|archive-date=November 9, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Rhodes also feuded with Kevin Owens, retaining the title at Bash in Berlin on August 31.<ref name=BashBerlin>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/08/31/wwe-bash-in-berlin-results-mcguires-review-of-gunther-vs-randy-orton-for-the-world-heavyweight-title-cody-rhodes-vs-kevin-owens-for-the-wwe-championship-cm-punk-vs-drew-mcintyre-in-a-strap-mat/|title=WWE Bash in Berlin results: McGuire's review of Gunther vs. Randy Orton for the World Heavyweight Title, Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens for the WWE Championship, CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre in a strap match|first=Colin|last=McGuire|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 31, 2024|access-date=August 31, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927144608/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/08/31/wwe-bash-in-berlin-results-mcguires-review-of-gunther-vs-randy-orton-for-the-world-heavyweight-title-cody-rhodes-vs-kevin-owens-for-the-wwe-championship-cm-punk-vs-drew-mcintyre-in-a-strap-mat/|archive-date=September 27, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> At Saturday Night's Main Event on December 14, Rhodes (who came out with the "Winged Eagle" version of the WWE Championship) retained the title against Owens. After the event went off the air, Rhodes was attacked by Owens, who took the Winged Eagle belt.<ref>{{cite web|last=Beaston|first=Erik|date=December 14, 2024|title=WWE Saturday Night's Main Event Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction, Highlights|website=Bleacher Report |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10147081-wwe-saturday-nights-main-event-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-highlights|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241215055637/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10147081-wwe-saturday-nights-main-event-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-highlights|archive-date=December 15, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> At Royal Rumble on February 1, 2025, Rhodes defeated Owens in a Ladder match for the championship, with both belts on the line, ending their feud.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 2, 2025|title=WWE Royal Rumble 2025 results, grades and analysis: Jey Uso, Charlotte Flair clinch WrestleMania 41 spots|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/live/wwe-royal-rumble-2025-live-results-full-card-start-time-winners-and-losers-updates-and-highlights-060003806.html |access-date=February 2, 2025|website=Yahoo Sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250202221623/https://sports.yahoo.com/live/wwe-royal-rumble-2025-live-results-full-card-start-time-winners-and-losers-updates-and-highlights-060003806.html|archive-date=February 2, 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> On the February 21 episode of ''SmackDown'', Rhodes began a storyline with The Rock, which involved The Rock cryptically stating that he wanted Rhodes's soul.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Colin|last=McGuire|date=February 21, 2025|title=WWE SmackDown live results: The Rock returns |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-smackdown-live-results-the-rock-returns-2/ |access-date=February 22, 2025|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404065400/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-smackdown-live-results-the-rock-returns-2/|archive-date=April 4, 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> At Elimination Chamber: Toronto on March 1, Rhodes rejected The Rock's offer, which then prompted Cena, who had just won the Elimination Chamber match to earn a title shot against Rhodes at WrestleMania 41, to attack Rhodes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 2, 2025|title=Cody Rhodes Tells The Rock To Go F--- Himself; John Cena Turns Heel At Elimination Chamber |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/wwe/cody-rhodes-tells-the-rock-to-go-f-himself-john-cena-turns-heel-at-elimination-chamber |access-date=March 2, 2025|website=Wrestling On Fannation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250302175245/https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/wwe/cody-rhodes-tells-the-rock-to-go-f-himself-john-cena-turns-heel-at-elimination-chamber|archive-date=March 2, 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> On Night 2 of the event on April 20, Rhodes lost the title to Cena via interference from rapper Travis Scott, and a low blow from Cena, ending his reign at 378 days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 20, 2025 |title=WrestleMania 41 results: Powell's live review of night two with Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship, Iyo Sky vs. Bianca Belair vs. Rhea Ripley for the Women's World Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/04/20/wrestlemania-41-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-with-cody-rhodes-vs-john-cena-for-the-wwe-championship-iyo-sky-vs-bianca-belair-vs-rhea-ripley-for-the-womens-world-championship/ |access-date=April 21, 2025 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}</ref>

Following a month-long absence from television, Rhodes returned and won the 2025 King of the Ring tournament, defeating Randy Orton in the finals at Night of Champions on June 28, thus winning the tournament and earning an Undisputed WWE Championship match against Cena at SummerSlam.<ref name="NOC2025">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Night of Champions results: Powell's live review of John Cena vs. CM Punk for the WWE Championship, Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes in the KOTR final, Asuka vs. Jade Cargill in the QOTR final|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/06/28/wwe-night-of-champions-results-powells-live-review-of-john-cena-vs-cm-punk-for-the-wwe-championship-randy-orton-vs-cody-rhodes-in-the-kotr-final-asuka-vs-jade-cargill-in-the-qotr-final/|date=June 28, 2025|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=June 28, 2025}}</ref> On Night 2 of the event on August 3, Rhodes defeated Cena in a Street Fight to win the Undisputed WWE Championship for a second time.<ref name="SSlam2025N2">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 3, 2025 |title=WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's live review of night two with John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes in a Street Fight for the WWE Championship, Naomi vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Iyo Sky for the Women's World Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/08/03/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-with-john-cena-vs-cody-rhodes-in-a-street-fight-for-the-wwe-championship-naomi-vs-rhea-ripley-vs-iyo-sky-for-the-womens-world-cham/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250804021805/https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/08/03/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-with-john-cena-vs-cody-rhodes-in-a-street-fight-for-the-wwe-championship-naomi-vs-rhea-ripley-vs-iyo-sky-for-the-womens-world-cham/ |archive-date=August 4, 2025 |access-date=August 3, 2025 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref>

After taking one month off to film the movie ''Street Fighter'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jayaram |first=Nishant |date=September 1, 2025 |title=Update On Street Fighter Filming Schedule For WWE's Cody Rhodes & Roman Reigns |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1955546/wwe-cody-rhodes-roman-reigns-street-fighter-film-schedule/ |access-date=September 5, 2025 |website=Wrestling Inc.}}</ref> Rhodes feuded with Drew McIntyre, retaining the title against him at Wrestlepalooza on September 20<ref name="Wrestlepalooza2025">{{cite web|last=Barnett|first=Jake|title=WWE Wrestlepalooza results: Barnett's review of AJ Lee and CM Punk vs. Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins, John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar, Iyo Sky vs. Stephanie Vaquer for the Women's World Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/09/20/wwe-wrestlepalooza-results-barnetts-review-of-aj-lee-and-cm-punk-vs-becky-lynch-and-seth-rollins-john-cena-vs-brock-lesnar-iyo-sky-vs-stephanie-vaquer-for-the-womens-world-championship/|date=September 20, 2025|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=September 20, 2025}}</ref> and Saturday Night's Main Event XLI on November 1.<ref name="SNMEXLI">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Saturday Night's Main Event results (11/1): Powell's live review of CM Punk vs. Jey Uso for the vacant World Heavyweight Championship, Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/11/01/wwe-saturday-nights-main-event-results-11-1-powells-live-review-of-cm-punk-vs-jey-uso-for-the-vacant-world-heavyweight-championship-cody-rhodes-vs-drew-mcintyre-for-the-wwe-championship/|date=November 1, 2025|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=November 1, 2025}}</ref> They also faced each other on opposing teams at Survivor Series: WarGames on November 29 in a WarGames match in a losing effort after interference from a mysterious hooded figure which was later revealed to be Austin Theory.<ref name="SSeries2025">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Survivor Series WarGames results: Powell's review of two WarGames matches, John Cena vs. Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/11/29/wwe-survivor-series-wargames-results-powells-review-of-two-wargames-matches-john-cena-vs-dominik-mysterio-for-the-intercontinental-title/|date=November 29, 2025|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=November 29, 2025}}</ref> Rhodes lost the title to McIntyre on the January 9, 2026, episode of ''SmackDown'' in a Three Stages of Hell match, due to interference from Jacob Fatu, ending Rhodes's second reign at 159 days.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|title=Drew McIntyre Wins Undisputed WWE Championship On WWE SmackDown|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/drew-mcintyre-wins-undisputed-wwe-championship-on-wwe-smackdown/|date=January 9, 2026|work=Fightful|access-date=January 9, 2026}}</ref>

At Saturday Night's Main Event XLIII on January 24, he was scheduled to face Fatu in a match that ultimately did not occur due to a brawl breaking out between the two before the match could officially take place, after which both men were attacked by McIntyre.<ref name="SNMEXLIIIresults">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Saturday Night's Main Event results (1/24): Powell's live review of Randy Orton vs. Trick Williams vs. Damian Priest vs. Sami Zayn for a shot at the WWE Championship, Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2026/01/24/wwe-saturday-nights-main-event-results-1-24-powells-live-review-of-randy-orton-vs-trick-williams-vs-damian-priest-vs-sami-zayn-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-championship-cody-rhodes-vs-jacob-fatu/|date=January 24, 2026|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=January 24, 2026}}</ref> Rhodes competed in the Royal Rumble match on January 31 and the Elimination Chamber match on February 28, but lost both matches after interferences from McIntyre.<ref name="RR2026">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn for the WWE Championship, AJ Styles putting his career on the line against Gunther|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2026/01/31/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-drew-mcintyre-vs-sami-zayn-for-the-wwe-championship-aj-styles-putting-his-career-on-the-line-against-gunther/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 31, 2026|access-date=January 31, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nason |first=Josh |date=February 28, 2026 |title=Randy Orton wins men’s Elimination Chamber match, earns WWE WrestleMania 42 title shot |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/randy-orton-wwe-elimination-chamber-2026/ |access-date=March 1, 2026 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> Rhodes defeated McIntyre to regain the title for a third time on the March 6 episode of ''SmackDown''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cody-rhodes-wins-undisputed-wwe-championship-on-3-6-wwe-smackdown/|title=Cody Rhodes Wins Undisputed WWE Championship On 3/6 WWE SmackDown|date=March 6, 2026|first=Ishaan|last=Sharma|work=Fightful|access-date=March 6, 2026}}</ref> At Night 1 of WrestleMania 42 on April 18, Rhodes successfully defended the title against Randy Orton. After the match, however, Rhodes was attacked by Orton with a punt kick.<ref name="WrestleMania42N1">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WrestleMania 42 results: Powell's live review of night one with Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Championship, Stephanie Vaquer vs. Liv Morgan for the Women's World Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2026/04/18/wrestlemania-42-results-powells-live-review-of-night-one-with-cody-rhodes-vs-randy-orton-for-the-wwe-championship-stephanie-vaquer-vs-liv-morgan-for-the-womens-world-championship/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 18, 2026|access-date=April 18, 2026}}</ref> At Clash in Italy on May 31, Rhodes successfully retained the title against Gunther.<ref name="ClashinItalyResults">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Clash in Italy results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu in Tribal Combat for the World Hvt. Championship, Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther for the WWE Championship, Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2026/05/31/wwe-clash-in-italy-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-jacob-fatu-in-tribal-combat-for-the-world-hvt-championship-cody-rhodes-vs-gunther-for-the-wwe-championship-brock-lesnar-vs-oba-fem/|date=May 31, 2026|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=May 31, 2026}}</ref>

==Other media== In July 2009, Rhodes became one of the faces of the Gillette "Be a Superstar" advertising campaign, along with Chris Jericho and John Cena.<ref name="beasuperstar">{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Richard |date=November 25, 2009 |title=WWE, Gillette team up in ring |url=https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/WWE-Gillette-team-up-in-ring-5754.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126183651/https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/WWE-Gillette-team-up-in-ring-5754.php |archive-date=January 26, 2022 |access-date=December 14, 2010 |work=Stamford Advocate}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 27, 2009 |title=Excitement builds over Gillette Fusion's interactive campaign with WWE Superstars |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/industrynews/11020272 |access-date=August 31, 2009 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> "Be a Superstar" was a four-month-long interactive campaign, which featured the wrestlers in numerous videos promoting Gillette Fusion products.<ref name="beasuperstar" /> In August 2009, Rhodes appeared on ''The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=August 27, 2009 |title=WWE stars on "The Tonight Show" |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1251352082.php?style=dark |access-date=August 31, 2009 |publisher=WrestleView}}</ref>

Rhodes guest-starred on ''Arrow'' in the fifth-season episode "A Matter of Trust" playing Derek Sampson, a drug dealer turned metahuman with the inability to feel pain (Sampson's drug of choice was named Stardust in homage to Rhodes's WWE persona).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scherer |first=Dave |date=July 2, 2016 |title=Cody Rhodes lands guest starring role on.... |url=http://pwinsider.com/article/103092/cody-rhodes-lands-guest-starring-role-on.html?p=1 |access-date=September 5, 2016 |website=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 20, 2016 |title=Arrow: "A Matter of Trust" Review |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/10/20/arrow-a-matter-of-trust-review |access-date=April 11, 2017 |website=IGN}}</ref> Rhodes reprised the role on episode 21 of the fifth season of ''Arrow''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 10, 2017 |title=Cody Rhodes Returning to Arrow as Derek Sampson |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/03/10/cody-rhodes-returning-to-arrow-as-derek-sampson |access-date=April 11, 2017 |website=IGN}}</ref> In July 2018, Rhodes announced that his character would return for Season 7;<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 22, 2018 |title=Cody Rhodes To Return For Arrow Season 7 |url=http://www.wrestling-news.net/cody-rhodes-to-return-for-arrow-season-7/110003/ |access-date=February 19, 2019 |website=wrestling-news.net}}</ref> he appeared in five episodes during the season. Rhodes also voiced a fictionalized version of himself in the first episode of the 2023 animated series ''Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix''.

Rhodes has appeared in 12 video games: he made his video game debut in ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009'' and has since appeared in ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010'', ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011'', ''WWE All Stars'' (as DLC), ''WWE '12'', ''WWE '13'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roster – WWE '13 Wiki Guide |url=https://ign.com/wikis/wwe-13/Roster |access-date=June 21, 2019 |website=IGN|date=May 25, 2012 }}</ref> ''WWE 2K14'',<ref>{{Cite web |title='WWE 2K14' full roster revealed |url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/2k/wwe-2k14/wwe-2k14-full-roster-revealed |access-date=June 21, 2019 |publisher=WWE.com}}</ref> ''WWE 2K15'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=WWE 2K15 Character Art:photos |url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/2k/wwe-2k15/wwe-2k15-character-art-photos#fid-26839992 |access-date=June 21, 2019 |publisher=WWE.com}}</ref> ''WWE 2K23''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aguilar |first=Matthew |title=WWE 2K23's New Gameplay Trailer Features Cody Rhodes, Logan Paul, and More |url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-2k23-new-gameplay-trailer-wargames-cody-rhodes-logan-paul-cora-jade-rhea-ripley/ |access-date=February 2, 2023 |website=Comicbook.com}}</ref> ''WWE 2K25'' and ''WWE 2K26'' as Cody Rhodes, in ''WWE 2K16''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Superstars and Divas featured on WWE 2K16 roster list |url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/2k/wwe-2k16/wwe-2k16-roster-playable-characters-superstars-divas |access-date=June 21, 2019 |publisher=WWE.com}}</ref> and ''WWE 2K17''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Matthew Artus |date=August 17, 2016 |title=36 Superstars join WWE 2K17 roster in third Suplex City Census update |url=http://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k17/article/wwe-2k17-roster-update-suplex-city-census-week-three |access-date=January 27, 2017 |website=Wwe.com}}</ref> under the Stardust gimmick, and in ''WWE 2K24'' as both gimmicks alongside his "Undashing" persona. Rhodes also appears in ''AEW Fight Forever'', even though he left AEW before the game was released.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Conway |first=Tyler |title=Kenny Omega Confirms WWE's Cody Rhodes Will Be in 'AEW: Fight Forever' Video Game |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10039981-kenny-omega-confirms-wwes-cody-rhodes-will-be-in-aew-fight-forever-video-game |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report}}</ref> Rhodes is the cover star for the ''WWE 2K24'' standard edition and cross gen editions of the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gelston |first=Dan |date=January 22, 2024 |title=WWE stars Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair headline 2K24 covers |url=https://apnews.com/article/wrestlemania-2k-wwe-rhodes-87862b447b1102b4694fe1cc3a81fe9d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122145021/https://apnews.com/article/wrestlemania-2k-wwe-rhodes-87862b447b1102b4694fe1cc3a81fe9d |archive-date=January 22, 2024 |access-date=January 22, 2024 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>

On July 17, 2024, it was revealed that Rhodes would be one of three WWE wrestlers who would be added to ''Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III'' as playable multiplayer operators, alongside Rey Mysterio and Rhea Ripley.<ref name="Call of Duty">{{cite web |title=Essential Intel: Season 5 Content Drop for Modern Warfare III, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile |url=https://www.callofduty.com/blog/2024/07/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-iii-warzone-wzm-season-5-essential-maps-modes-zombies-announcement#WWE |website=Call of Duty |publisher=Activision |access-date=July 18, 2024}}</ref>

In April 2025, Rhodes was added to ''Clash of Clans'' as a skin for the playable “hero” character, the Barbarian King, in the video game's ClashAMania event.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com.au/gaming/story/_/id/44490455/wwe-clash-clans-cody-rhodes-undertaker | title=Cody Rhodes and the Undertaker are coming to Clash of Clans in WWE event | date=April 2025 }}</ref>

==Personal life== thumb|Rhodes with his wife Brandi in April 2014 Rhodes and his half-brother inducted their father into the WWE Hall of Fame on March 31, 2007.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McCoy |first=Dave |date=June 11, 2015 |title=WWE Hall of Fame Wrestler Dusty Rhodes Dies at 69 |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dusty-rhodes-dead-wwe-hall-801896 |access-date=August 28, 2015 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref>

In September 2013, Rhodes married ring announcer and former wrestler Brandi Reed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ocal |first=Arda |date=September 28, 2013 |title=WWE's Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella get engaged |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2013/09/28/wwes-daniel-bryan-and-brie-bella-get-engaged/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825212605/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-09-28/sports/bal-wwe-daniel-bryan-brie-bella-engaged-20130928_1_twitter-arda-ocal-daniel-bryan-arda-ocal |archive-date=August 25, 2018 |access-date=December 2, 2013 |website=The Baltimore Sun}}</ref> They have two children together,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mauch |first=Ally |date=December 16, 2020 |title=Pro Wrestlers Brandi and Cody Rhodes Expecting First Child Together: 'We Are Ready and Excited' |url=https://people.com/parents/pro-wrestlers-brandi-and-cody-rhodes-expecting-first-child-together/ |access-date=December 17, 2020 |publisher=People}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rhodes |first=Cody |date=June 18, 2021 |title=6lbs 12oz – Liberty Iris Runnels – Mother & Daughter are doing wonderful |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CQQ8zjxlUD4/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/americannightmarecody/2598844410889584888 |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |access-date=June 18, 2021 |website=www.instagram.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Grant |first=Kayla |date=August 29, 2025 |title=WWE's Cody and Brandi Rhodes Quietly Welcome Baby No. 2 |url=https://people.com/wwe-cody-and-brandi-rhodes-quietly-welcome-baby-no-2-11800452 |access-date=September 5, 2025 |website=People}}</ref> as well as a Siberian Husky named Pharaoh, who has appeared alongside Rhodes on both AEW and WWE programming.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tessier |first=Colin |title=Pharaoh Rhodes Debuts On 6/26 WWE Raw, Is A Good Boy |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/pharaoh-rhodes-debuts-626-wwe-raw-good-boy |access-date=August 4, 2023 |website=Fightful |date=June 27, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Sarah |title=Pharaoh, Cody Rhodes Beloved Canine, Makes WWE Raw Debut! |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/news/pharaoh-cody-rhodes-beloved-canine-makes-wwe-raw-debut/ar-AA1d7zSp |access-date=August 4, 2023 |website=MSN.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Andrew |date=June 27, 2023 |title=WWE Raw notes: Finn Bálor def. Carmelo Hayes, Giovanni Vinci returns, Cody Rhodes' dog Pharoah appears |url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2023/06/26/wwe-raw-notes-finn-balor-def-carmelo-hayes-giovanni-vinci-returns-cody-rhodes-dog-pharoah-appears/ |access-date=August 4, 2023 |website=POST Wrestling}}</ref>

Rhodes is an avid gamer and a big fan of both the ''Legend of Zelda'' and ''Metal Gear'' video game series, incorporating their styles into his wrestling gear. He has stated that he replays ''A Link to the Past'' yearly and that his favorite game in the series is ''Ocarina of Time'', which he has proclaimed is also his favorite video game, with a close second being ''Metal Gear Solid''.<ref name="ESPN" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Christensen |first=Matt |date=July 2008 |title=What's in Your Travel Bag? |work=WWE Magazine |page=49}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title='10 Things WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes Can't Live Without|website=GQ |date=August 2024 |url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/10-things-wwe-superstar-cody-160000736.html }}</ref> He is also a comic book fan and has worn wrestling gear inspired by ''X-Men'' characters Archangel and Mister Sinister.<ref name="marvel">{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Arune |date=June 30, 2009 |title=Fightin' Fanboys: WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes |url=http://marvel.com/news/story/8594/fightin_fanboys_wwe_superstar_cody_rhodes |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110309023142/http://marvel.com/news/story/8594/fightin_fanboys_wwe_superstar_cody_rhodes |archive-date=March 9, 2011 |access-date=July 6, 2009 |publisher=Marvel Entertainment}}</ref> He has cited Omega Red and Cyclops as his favorite fictional characters, along with the Inhumans, and revealed that he owns a game cabinet of the 1992 arcade game ''X-Men''.<ref name="marvel" /> Rhodes is also a fan of the ''Star Wars'' franchise.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fox|first=Robbie |title='Cody Rhodes Says 'The Last Jedi' Rules And 'Rogue One' Is His Least Favorite Star Wars Movie'|website=Barstool Sports| url=https://www.barstoolsports.com/blog/3479815/cody-rhodes-says-the-last-jedi-rules-and-rogue-one-is-his-least-favorite-star-wars-movie}}</ref>

==Filmography== {| class="wikitable sortable" |+Film |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes |- |2016 |''Scooby-Doo! and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon'' |rowspan="2"|Stardust |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warner Bros. Home Entertainment |author-link=Warner Home Video |date=August 6, 2016 |title=Scooby-Doo and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon – Skinny Man & Dead Meat |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=tg8415aQXD8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211217/tg8415aQXD8 |archive-date=December 17, 2021 |access-date=August 20, 2019 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |- |2017 |''The Jetsons & WWE: Robo-WrestleMania!'' |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stardust Bot Voice – The Jetsons & WWE: Robo-WrestleMania! |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/The-Jetsons-and-WWE-Robo-WrestleMania/Stardust-Bot/ |access-date=August 20, 2019 |website=Behind the Voice Actors}}</ref> |- |2023 |''American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes'' |Himself |<ref>{{Cite web |title=IMDB – American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes |url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt28427961/ |website=IMDb}}</ref> |- |2025 |''The Naked Gun'' |Bartender |<ref>{{cite web |last1=Grobar |first1=Matt |title=Liza Koshy, Cody Rhodes, CCH Pounder & Busta Rhymes Round Out Cast Of ''Naked Gun'' Reboot |url=https://deadline.com/2024/05/naked-gun-reboot-adds-liza-koshy-cody-rhodes-cch-pounder-busta-rhymes-1235928618/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=May 23, 2024 |date=May 23, 2024}}</ref> |- |2026 |''Street Fighter'' |Guile |<ref>{{cite web |last=Couch |first=Aaron |date=September 4, 2025 |title='Street Fighter' Moves to Paramount as Legendary Deal Becomes Official |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/street-fighter-movie-plot-cast-1236361494/ |access-date=September 4, 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> |- |}

{| class="wikitable sortable" |+Television |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes |- |2009 |''The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien'' |Himself |Episode: "Mike Tyson and Keith Berry" |- |2010 |''Warehouse 13'' |Kurt Smoller |Season 2, episode 8: "Merge with Caution"<ref name="wrestleview.com">{{Cite web |date=May 26, 2010 |title=Rhodes to appear on SyFy's Warehouse 13 |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1274903940}}</ref> |- |2011 |''Food Network Challenge'' |rowspan="2"|Himself |Season 12, episode 11: "WWE Wrestling Cakes" |- |2014 |''Surprise Surprise'' |Episode: "Mothers Day Edition" |- |2016–2018 |''Arrow'' |Derek Sampson |7 episodes Credited as Cody Runnels<ref>{{Cite web |last=Matt Fowler |date=July 2, 2016 |title=Arrow: Cody Rhodes to Guest in Season 5 |url=http://m.ign.com/articles/2016/07/02/arrow-cody-rhodes-to-guest-in-season-5 |publisher=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=October 4, 2016 |title=Official details for Cody Rhodes on 'Arrow' |url=http://pwinsider.com/article/105130/official-details-for-cody-rhodes-on-arrow.html?p=1 |access-date=October 4, 2016 |website=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |title=Arrow (TV Series 2012–2020) |type=Full credits |via=IMDb |url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2193021/fullcredits |access-date=December 31, 2021}}</ref> |- |2018 |''WAGS Atlanta'' |Himself | |- |2021–2022 |''Go-Big Show'' |Judge |<ref>{{Citation |title=Go-Big Show |date=January 7, 2021 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13063890/ |type=Reality-TV |access-date=December 31, 2021 |publisher=Propagate Content, Matador Content}}</ref> |- |2021 |''Rhodes to the Top'' |Himself |<ref>{{Citation |title=Rhodes to the Top |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14452854/ |access-date=December 31, 2021}}</ref> |- |2023 |''Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix'' |Himself | |- |2024 |''The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon'' |Himself |Episode: "Ken Jeong" |- |2025 |''CBeebies Bedtime Stories'' |Himself |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2025/01/01/cody-rhodes-makes-new-years-day-appearance-on-bbcs-cbeebies-bedtime-stories/ |title=Cody Rhodes makes New Year's Day appearance on BBC's 'CBeebies Bedtime Stories' |date=January 1, 2025 |last=Wannan |first=Jack |work=POST Wrestling |access-date=January 2, 2025 }}</ref> |}

{| class="wikitable sortable" |+Web series |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes |- |2013–2015 |''The JBL and Cole/Renee Show'' |rowspan="2"|Himself, Stardust |Series regular |- |2015–2016 |''Swerved'' |Two episodes<ref>{{Cite web |title=Swerved Season 2 episode details |url=https://www.wwe.com/swerved-season-2-episode-details |access-date=August 20, 2019 |publisher=WWE.com}}</ref> |- |2016–2022 |''Being The Elite'' |Himself |Series regular<ref>{{Cite web |title=Being The Elite |url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2V6TA0OqHr9BojcHz9az-w |access-date=January 13, 2018 |via=YouTube}}</ref> |}

{|class="wikitable sortable" |- |+ Video game appearances |- !Year !Title !Notes |- | 2008 | ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009'' | Video game debut |- | 2009 | ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010'' | |- | 2010 | ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011'' | |- | 2011 | ''WWE '12'' |- | 2012 | ''WWE '13'' |- | 2013 | ''WWE 2K14'' | |- | rowspan="2"|2014 | ''WWE SuperCard'' | |- | ''WWE 2K15'' | |- | 2015 | ''WWE 2K16'' | |- | 2016 | ''WWE 2K17'' | |- | rowspan="2"| 2017 | ''WWE Champions'' |- | ''WWE Mayhem'' | |- | 2021 | ''AEW Elite General Manager'' | |- | rowspan="2"|2023 | ''WWE 2K23'' | |- | ''AEW Fight Forever'' | |- | rowspan="2"|2024 | ''WWE 2K24'' | Cover athlete |- | ''Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III'' |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oneesports.gg/call-of-duty/cody-rhodes-mw3-release-date-price/ |title=Cody Rhodes operator bundle in Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone: Release date, price, items |date=July 29, 2024 |last=Sevilla|first=Jeremiah|work=One Esports|access-date=June 27, 2025 }}</ref> |- |2025 |''WWE 2K25'' | |- |2026 |''WWE 2K26'' | |}

==Championships and accomplishments== ===Amateur wrestling=== * '''Georgia State Tournament''' ** Champion at {{convert|189|lb|kg}} weight class (2003, 2004)<ref name="slam" />

===Professional wrestling=== {{multiple image | align = right | width = 170 | direction = vertical | image1 = Cody Rhodes, April 2024 (cropped).jpg | caption1 = Rhodes is a three-time and current Undisputed WWE Champion... | image2 = Cody Victorious (crop).jpg | caption2 = ...a two-time Intercontinental Champion... | image3 = Cody Rhodes WWE Tag Team Champion.jpg | caption3 = ...and an overall eight-time Tag Team Champion in WWE. | image4 = Cody Rhodes ROH World Champion.jpg | caption4 = Outside of WWE, Rhodes is a former ROH World Champion (on shoulder), and Alpha-1 Tag Team Champion (around waist)... | image5 = Cody Rhodes, Oct 2018 (cropped).png | caption5 = ...a former IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion (right shoulder) and NWA World Heavyweight Champion (left shoulder) }}

* '''All Elite Wrestling''' ** AEW TNT Championship (3 times, inaugural)<ref>{{Cite web |title=AEW TNT Championship |url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/aew-tnt-championship-history |access-date=May 23, 2020 |publisher=All Elite Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date=May 23, 2020 |title=AEW TNT Title Tournament (2020) |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=6324 |access-date=September 3, 2020 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> ** AEW Award (1 time) *** Best Moment on the Mic (2021) – {{small|accepting Dog Collar match on ''AEW Dynamite'' (September 30)}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Renner |first=Ethan |date=January 27, 2021 |title=AEW Awards report: Winners revealed, Shaq challenges Cody |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/aew-awards-report-winners-revealed-shaq-challenges-cody-331426 |access-date=January 27, 2021 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> * '''Alpha-1 Wrestling''' ** A1 Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Ethan Page<ref>{{Cite web |title=A1 Tag Team Championship |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1599 |access-date=August 2, 2021 |publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> * '''Bullet Proof Wrestling''' ** BPW Championship (1 time)<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=856029017463562240 |user=bulletproofdojo |title=We crowned new champions tonight...Donovan Dijak claimed the Wrestlemerica Title & Cody Rhodes became the first eve… |author=Bullet Proof Dojo |date=April 23, 2017}}</ref> * '''''CBS Sports''''' ** Promo of the Year (2019) – {{small|"Silver spoon" promo on ''AEW Dynamite'' (November 7)}}<ref name="2019CBSSportsAwards">{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Brian |date=December 24, 2019 |title=How Adam Cole went from main event substitute to clear choice for 2019 Wrestler of the Year |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/how-adam-cole-went-from-main-event-substitute-to-clear-choice-for-2019-wrestler-of-the-year/ |access-date=December 24, 2019 |website=CBS Sports}}</ref> ** Smack Talker of the Year (2019)<ref name="2019CBSSportsAwards" /> * '''''ESPN''''' ** ESPY Award – Best WWE Moment (2022) – {{small|returning to WWE at WrestleMania 38}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=July 20, 2022 |title=Cody Rhodes' return wins Best WWE Moment ESPY Award |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/cody-rhodes-wins-espy-award-for-wwe-return |access-date=July 21, 2022 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> ** Male Wrestler of the Year (2023)<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 26, 2023 |title=Pro Wrestling 2023 awards: The best male and female wrestler, feud, faction, promo and more |url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/39180531/pro-wrestling-2023-awards-which-stars-had-best-year |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228102326/https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/39180531/pro-wrestling-2023-awards-which-stars-had-best-year |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |access-date=December 29, 2023 |website=ESPN}}</ref> * '''Global Force Wrestling''' ** GFW NEX*GEN Championship (1 time)<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 26, 2016 |title=Daily Update: UFC Fight Night 101, D. Bryan responds to Cesaro, Dykstra fired |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/daily-update-ufc-fight-night-101-d-bryan-responds-cesaro-dykstra-fired-225321 |access-date=November 26, 2016 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> * '''National Wrestling Alliance''' ** NWA World's Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cyrruer |first=Joseph |date=September 1, 2018 |title=Cody wins NWA Worlds Heavyweight Title at All In |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/indies/cody-wins-nwa-worlds-heavyweight-championship-all-265026 |access-date=September 2, 2018 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> * ''' New Japan Pro-Wrestling''' ** IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 5, 2019 |title=IWGP United States Championship History |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/champions/iwgpus |access-date=June 5, 2019 |publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja}}</ref> * '''''New York Post''''' ** Male Wrestler of the Year (2024)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staszewski |first=Joseph |date=December 26, 2024 |title=The Post's 2024 pro wrestling awards: The best from WWE, AEW |url=https://nypost.com/2024/12/26/sports/the-posts-2024-pro-wrestling-awards-the-best-from-wwe-aew/ |access-date=January 17, 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref> ** Match of the Year (2022) – {{small|vs. Seth "Freakin" Rollins on Hell in a Cell}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staszewski |first=Joseph |date=December 27, 2022 |title=The Post's 2022 pro wrestling awards |url=https://nypost.com/2022/12/27/the-posts-2022-pro-wrestling-awards/ |access-date=December 30, 2022 |website=New York Post}}</ref> ** Promo of the Year (2023) – {{small|shared with Sami Zayn on ''WWE Raw'' (February 13)}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staszewski |first=Joseph |date=December 26, 2023 |title=The Post's 2023 pro wrestling awards |url=https://nypost.com/2023/12/26/sports/the-posts-2024-pro-wrestling-awards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227120049/https://nypost.com/2023/12/26/sports/the-posts-2024-pro-wrestling-awards/ |archive-date=December 27, 2023 |access-date=December 29, 2023 |website=New York Post}}</ref> * '''Northeast Wrestling''' ** NEW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="NEWHW">{{Cite web |date=March 19, 2017 |title=Cody Rhodes beats Mike Bennett to win the Northeast Wrestling title |url=http://pwinsider.com/article/108454/cody-rhodes-beats-mike-bennett-to-win-the-northeast-wrestling-title.html?p=1 |access-date=March 19, 2017 |website=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> * '''Ohio Valley Wrestling''' ** OVW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="slam" /><ref name="ovw title">{{Cite web |title=OVW Heavyweight Championship |url=http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles#heavyweight |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405184334/http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles |archive-date=April 5, 2011 |access-date=April 3, 2011 |publisher=Ohio Valley Wrestling}}</ref> ** OVW Television Championship (1 time)<ref name="slam" /><ref name="ovw tv">{{Cite web |title=OVW Television Championship |url=http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles#television |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405184334/http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles |archive-date=April 5, 2011 |access-date=April 3, 2011 |publisher=Ohio Valley Wrestling}}</ref> ** OVW Southern Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Shawn Spears<ref name="slam" /><ref name="ovwtag">{{Cite web |title=OVW Southern Tag Team Championship |url=http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles#southern_tag_team |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405184334/http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles |archive-date=April 5, 2011 |access-date=April 3, 2011 |publisher=Ohio Valley Wrestling}}</ref> ** Fourth OVW Triple Crown Champion<ref name="slam" /><ref name="ovwtag" /><ref name="ovw title" /><ref name="ovw tv" /> * '''''Pro Wrestling Illustrated''''' ** Match of the Year (2019) – {{small|vs. Dustin Rhodes at Double or Nothing}}<ref name="PWI">{{Cite web |title=PWI Awards |url=http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html#awards-wrestler-of-the-year |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109093858/http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html#awards-wrestler-of-the-year |archive-date=November 9, 2016 |access-date=October 4, 2020 |website=Pro Wrestling Illustrated |publisher=Kappa Publishing Group}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1216785488373329920 |user=OfficialPWI |title=PWI on Twitter |author=Pro Wrestling Illustrated |author-link=Pro Wrestling Illustrated |date=January 14, 2020 |access-date=October 4, 2020 |url=https://twitter.com/officialpwi/status/1216785488373329920}}</ref> ** Match of the Year (2022) – {{small|vs. Seth Rollins at Hell in a Cell}}<ref>{{cite news |title=PWI Achievement Awards |url=https://pwi-online.com/awards/#match-of-the-year |access-date=August 9, 2025 |work=Pro Wrestling Illustrated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130043416/https://pwi-online.com/awards/#match-of-the-year|archive-date=January 30, 2025}}</ref> ** Match of the Year (2024) – {{small|vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL}}<ref name="Upton2024PWI">{{Cite web |last=Upton |first=Felix |date=January 16, 2025 |title=Cody Rhodes Sweeps 2024 PWI Awards |url=https://www.ringsidenews.com/2025/01/16/cody-rhodes-sweeps-2024-pwi-awards/ |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=Ringside News |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117015211/https://www.ringsidenews.com/2025/01/16/cody-rhodes-sweeps-2024-pwi-awards/ |archive-date=January 17, 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref> ** Match of the Year (2025) – {{small|vs. John Cena at SummerSlam}} ** Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (2008)<ref>{{Cite journal |year=2009 |title=PWI Awards |journal=Pro Wrestling Illustrated |volume=30 |issue=3 |pages=66–67}}</ref> ** Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (2024)<ref name="Upton2024PWI"/> ** Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (2023, 2024)<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 18, 2024 |title=PWI Announces 2023 Award Winners; Seth Rollins Named Wrestler Of The Year |url=https://itrwrestling.com/news/pwi-announces-2023-award-winners-seth-rollins-named-wrestler-of-the-year/ |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=itrwrestling.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Upton2024PWI"/> ** Wrestler of the Year (2024, 2025)<ref name="Upton2024PWI"/> ** Ranked No. 1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''PWI 500'' in 2024 and 2025<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Rift |first=Aaron |date=September 10, 2024 |title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated's top ten male wrestlers of 2024 revealed |url=https://nodq.com/news/pro-wrestling-illustrateds-top-ten-male-wrestlers-of-2024-revealed/ |access-date=September 10, 2024 |website=NoDQ.com}}</ref><ref name="pwi2025">{{cite web |last1=Chiari |first1=Mike |title=WWE's Cody Rhodes, AEW's Jon Moxley Headline PWI Top 500 List for 2025 |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25251979-wwes-cody-rhodes-aews-jon-moxley-headline-pwi-top-500-list-2025 |website=bleacherreport.com |access-date=26 September 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''Ring of Honor''' ** ROH World Championship (1 time) ** ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with The Young Bucks ** ROH Year-End Award (2 times) *** Wrestler of the Year (2017)<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2018 |title=ROH Wrestler of the Year: Cody |url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/roh-wrestler-year-cody |access-date=January 11, 2018 |website=Ring of Honor}}</ref> *** Feud of the Year (2018) – {{small|vs. Kenny Omega}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 9, 2019 |title=Feud of the Year: Cody vs. Kenyy Omega |url=https://www.rohwrestling.com/news/feud-year-cody-vs-kenny-omega |website=Ring of Honor}}</ref> * '''''Sports Illustrated''''' ** Men's Wrestler of the Year (2018, 2024)<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 6, 2020 |title=The top 10 men's wrestlers of 2018 |url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2019/01/03/wwe-njpw-aew-news-best-wrestlers-2018-cody-rhodes-kenny-omega |website=SI.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Staszewski |first=Joseph |date=December 26, 2024 |title=The Post's 2024 pro wrestling awards: The best from WWE, AEW |url=https://nypost.com/2024/12/26/sports/the-posts-2024-pro-wrestling-awards-the-best-from-wwe-aew/ |access-date=January 17, 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref> ** Wrestler of the Year (2023)<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Barrasso |first=Justin |date=December 31, 2023 |title=Ranking The Top 10 Wrestlers of 2023 |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/news/ranking-the-top-10-wrestlers-of-2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101131516/https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/news/ranking-the-top-10-wrestlers-of-2023 |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |access-date=January 1, 2024 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> * '''''What Culture Pro Wrestling''''' ** WCPW Internet Championship (1 time)<ref>{{Cite web |title=WCPW Internet Championship |url=https://wc.pw/title/wcpw-internet-championship |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004154631/http://wc.pw/title/wcpw-internet-championship |archive-date=October 4, 2017 |access-date=October 3, 2017 |website=What Culture Pro Wrestling}}</ref> * '''''Wrestling Observer Newsletter''''' ** Best Box Office Draw (2024)<ref name="Melz24">{{cite web |last1=Meltzer |first1=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |title=February 17, 2025 Observer Newsletter: The 2024 Awards issue |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-newsletter/february-17-2025-observer-newsletter-the-2024-awards-issue/ |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |date=February 14, 2025 |access-date=February 14, 2025}}</ref> ** United States/Canada MVP (2023, 2024)<ref name="Melz23">{{cite web |last1=Meltzer |first1=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |title=February 26, 2024 Observer Newsletter: 2023 Observer Awards issue |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/newsletters/wrestling-observer-newsletter/february-26-2024-observer-newsletter-2023-observer-awards-issue |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |date=February 23, 2024 |access-date=February 23, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Melz24"/> ** Worst Gimmick (2015) – {{small|as Stardust}}<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=January 25, 2016 |title=January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue |journal=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |location=Campbell, California |page=47 |issn=1083-9593}}</ref> ** Worst Match of the Year (2025) vs. John Cena at WrestleMania 41 ** Wrestler of the Year (2024)<ref name="Melz24"/> ** ''Wrestling Observer Newsletter'' Hall of Fame (2025)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Knight |first1=Cain A. |title=CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, and Sabu enter the Hall of Fame |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/396649/cm-punk-cody-rhodes-sabu-wrestling-observer-hall-of-fame-class-2025-vote-new-inductees-meltzer |access-date=February 1, 2026 |work=Cageside Seats |date=November 14, 2025}}</ref> * '''WWE''' ** Undisputed WWE Championship (3 times, current) ** WWE Universal Championship (1 time, unrecognized){{efn|WWE had previously recognised Rhodes as Universal Champion during his first Undisputed WWE Championship reign; however, after he lost the title to John Cena at WrestleMania 41, the recognition was amended. WWE retroactively declared the Universal Championship retired at the moment Rhodes defeated Roman Reigns to win the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania XL.}} ** WWE Intercontinental Championship (2 times)<ref name="WWEIC">{{Cite web |date=August 12, 2011 |title=Intercontinental Championship – Cody Rhodes |url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/25029858 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905204327/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/25029858 |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |access-date=December 11, 2011 |publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Intercontinental Championship – Cody Rhodes |url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/20120429-cody-rhodes |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906003050/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/20120429-cody-rhodes |archive-date=September 6, 2015 |access-date=January 10, 2020}}</ref> ** WWE Raw Tag Team Championship{{efn|The title was named the WWE Tag Team Championship during his first three reigns. During his fourth reign, it was held in tandem with the SmackDown Tag Team Championship as the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship.}} (4 times) – with Drew McIntyre (1), Goldust (2) and Jey Uso (1)<ref>{{Cite web |title=WWE Tag Team Championships – Drew McIntyre & "Dashing" Cody Rhodes |url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwetag/200912131111 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019093514/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwetag/200912131111 |archive-date=October 19, 2013}}</ref> ** WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Jey Uso{{efn|It was held in tandem with the Raw Tag Team Championship as the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship.}} ** World Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with Hardcore Holly (1) and Ted DiBiase (2) ** Men's Royal Rumble (2023, 2024)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cody Rhodes won the 2023 Men's Royal Rumble Match to earn a World Title opportunity at WrestleMania |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2023/mens-royal-rumble-match-results |access-date=January 29, 2023 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> ** King of the Ring (2025) ** Crown Jewel Championship (2024) ** 34th Triple Crown Champion ** Slammy Award (9 times) *** Best Entrance of the Year (2024) *** Male Superstar of the Year (2024, 2025) *** Match of the Year (2025) – {{small|vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL}} *** Mic drop of the Year (2025) – {{small|telling The Rock "Go F*** Yourself"}} *** Most Memorable Entrance (2025) – {{small|at WrestleMania XL}} *** Outstanding Achievement of Baby Oil Application (2010)<ref>{{Cite web |title=2010 Slammy Award Winners |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/slammyawards10/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120101004520/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/slammyawards10 |archive-date=January 1, 2012 |access-date=December 13, 2010 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> *** Rivalry of the Year (2024) – {{small|vs. Roman Reigns}} *** Tag Team of the Year (2013) – {{small|with Goldust}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2013 |title=2013 Slammy Award winners |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-12-09/full-slammy-award-winners-2013-26168790/page-6 |access-date=April 17, 2016 |publisher=WWE}}</ref>

==Notes== {{notelist}} {{reflist|group=note}} {{notelist-ua}}

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} *{{IMDb name|2568740}} *{{Professional wrestling profiles|cagematch=3686|wrestlingdata=2463|iwd=cody-2805}}

{{Navboxes| |list1=

{{AEW TNT Championship}} {{Bullet Club}} {{The Elite (professional wrestling)}} {{Rhodes family}} {{Global Force Wrestling Champions (2014–2017)}} {{Grand Slam-Triple Crown Champions}} {{NWA World Heavyweight Championship}} {{IWGP United States Championship}} {{OVW Heavyweight Championship}} {{OVW Television Championship}} {{OVW Tag Team Championship}} {{ROH World Championship}} {{ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championship}} {{Royal Rumble winners}} {{King of the Ring winners}} {{World Tag Team Championship (WWE)}} {{WWE Championship}} {{WWE Intercontinental Championship}} {{WWE personnel}} {{World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 2024–present)}} {{WWE Universal Championship}} {{WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship}} }} {{Authority control}} {{good article}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rhodes, Cody}} Category:1985 births Category:Living people Category:21st-century American male actors Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers Category:21st-century American professional wrestlers Category:All Elite Wrestling executives Category:All Elite Wrestling personnel Category:American color commentators Category:American male professional wrestlers Category:American male sport wrestlers Category:American male television actors Category:American male voice actors Category:American people of Cuban descent Category:Sportspeople of Cuban descent Category:Bullet Club members Category:American expatriate professional wrestlers in Japan Category:Male actors from Atlanta Category:Male actors from Charlotte, North Carolina Category:Masked wrestlers Category:Participants in American reality television series Category:Professional wrestlers from North Carolina Category:American professional wrestling trainers Category:Professional wrestlers from Marietta, Georgia Category:AEW TNT Champions Category:IWGP United States Champions Category:NWA World Heavyweight Champions Category:Professional wrestling authority figures Category:OVW Heavyweight Champions Category:OVW Tag Team Champions Category:OVW Television Champions Category:ROH World Champions Category:ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Champions Category:Royal Rumble match winners Category:World Tag Team Champions (WWE, 1971–2010) Category:World Tag Team Champions (WWE) Category:WWE Tag Team Champions Category:WWF/WWE Intercontinental Champions Category:WWE Champions Category:King of the Ring tournament winners Category:WWE personnel Category:American professional wrestling podcasters