CONGRATULATIONS: Wrestling superstar **CODY RHODES** has just been named one of **TIME** magazine’s 100 most influential athletes of all time — but the incredible journey and hidden story behind this historic recognition will have the world in awe…

From the son of a wrestling legend living in the shadow of “The American Dream,” to a man who walked away from WWE to help build a rival empire, only to return and finally “finish the story” by dethroning a seemingly unbeatable champion at WrestleMania — Cody Rhodes’ path is one of the most inspiring redemption arcs in modern sports entertainment. 

What makes this honor even more powerful is the deeply personal struggle that fueled it all: the relentless pressure of carrying a legendary last name, the pain of being typecast as “Stardust,” the bold decision to leave the company that raised him, the highs and lows of co-founding AEW, and the quiet determination to prove he could stand on his own as one of the greatest of all time. Behind the charismatic smile, the polished promos, and the Cross Rhodes lies a story of doubt, sacrifice, family legacy, and unbreakable resilience that has resonated with millions worldwide. 

Cody didn’t just win titles — he won back his name, his legacy, and the hearts of an entire generation of wrestling fans who saw themselves in his long, emotional road from “undesirable” to undeniable. This recognition from TIME isn’t just about in-ring excellence; it’s about the man who turned personal pain into purpose and showed the world what it truly means to finish your story on your own terms.

The wrestling world erupted in celebration as Cody Rhodes received one of the highest honors an athlete can achieve: a place among TIME magazine’s 100 most influential athletes of all time. For a man who has spent his entire career fighting not just opponents but also the weight of expectations, this recognition feels like the ultimate validation of a journey filled with heartbreak, reinvention, and triumph. While many athletes earn accolades for sheer dominance or record-breaking performances, Cody’s influence stretches far beyond the ring.

His story has inspired countless fans to believe that no matter how many times life knocks you down, you can always rewrite the ending.

Born Cody Garrett Runnels on June 30, 1985, in Marietta, Georgia, Cody grew up immersed in the world of professional wrestling. His father, the legendary “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, was a larger-than-life figure whose charisma and working-class hero persona made him a cultural icon. Dusty’s influence on the industry was profound, but for young Cody, it also created an enormous shadow to step out of. From an early age, Cody felt the pressure of the Rhodes name.

He watched his father captivate audiences with passionate promos and gritty matches, all while knowing that many would judge him not on his own merits but on how closely he measured up to the Dream.

Cody’s professional wrestling career began in WWE’s developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling, in 2006. He quickly showed promise, capturing multiple championships there before making his main roster debut. Teaming with Hardcore Holly, he won his first WWE gold as a tag team champion. Over the next several years, Cody became a solid midcard performer, winning the Intercontinental Championship twice and forming memorable alliances, including the Legacy stable with Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase Jr. Yet, despite his talent and good looks, something always felt missing.

Fans and critics often viewed him through the lens of his famous father, and creative decisions sometimes limited his potential.

The turning point came in 2013 when WWE repackaged Cody as Stardust, a flamboyant, cosmic-themed character inspired by his half-brother Dustin’s Goldust persona. What was intended as a fresh gimmick became a source of deep frustration for Cody. He poured himself into the role, delivering committed performances, but he knew deep down that Stardust was holding him back from becoming the serious main-event star he believed he could be. The character, while entertaining, felt like a creative cage.

After years of loyalty to WWE, Cody made the difficult decision to leave the company in 2016, betting on himself in a move that shocked many.

Walking away from the security of WWE was a risk that defined the next chapter of his life. Cody embarked on a journey through the independent wrestling scene, competing in promotions across the United States and internationally. He shed the Stardust persona and began wrestling under his real name, proving to the world that he was more than just Dusty Rhodes’ son. His matches showcased a refined in-ring style that blended technical precision, athleticism, and emotional storytelling. During this period, Cody also won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, further establishing his credibility outside the WWE bubble.

The most significant development came in 2019 when Cody, along with Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and Tony Khan, co-founded All Elite Wrestling. As an Executive Vice President and in-ring competitor, Cody played a pivotal role in launching a promotion that quickly became a legitimate rival to WWE. He helped shape AEW’s vision of presenting wrestling as a serious sport with high-quality matches and creative freedom. Cody captured the inaugural AEW TNT Championship and defended it with pride, becoming a cornerstone of the company’s early success.

His leadership extended beyond the ring as he worked to build a culture that valued wrestlers’ input and prioritized fan engagement.

However, even at the height of AEW’s rise, Cody felt an unfinished pull toward his roots. The dream of winning the WWE Championship — the one title his father never captured — continued to burn inside him. In 2022, after a high-profile exit from AEW, Cody made a stunning return to WWE at WrestleMania 38, appearing in a surprise match against Seth Rollins. The pop from the crowd was deafening, signaling that fans had missed “The American Nightmare” and were ready for his next chapter.

Cody’s return to WWE marked the beginning of one of the most emotional storylines in recent wrestling history. He entered the 2023 Royal Rumble and won the match, earning a title shot against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39. The buildup was intense, with Cody openly talking about wanting to “finish the story” — a phrase that became a rallying cry for fans who identified with his struggles. Although he came up short against Reigns in a hard-fought battle, the loss only strengthened his resolve. He won the 2024 Royal Rumble as well, setting up another monumental clash at WrestleMania 40.

The two-night WrestleMania 40 event in Philadelphia became the culmination of Cody’s long journey. On Night Two, in the main event, Cody faced Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. The match was a masterclass in storytelling, with interference from The Bloodline, surprise appearances by The Rock and John Cena, and a dramatic final sequence where Cody overcame the odds. When he hit the Cross Rhodes for the pinfall, the arena exploded. Cody Rhodes had finally finished the story.

He stood tall as the new Undisputed WWE Champion, tears in his eyes, as confetti rained down and his family celebrated with him in the ring.

This victory was about so much more than a title. It represented Cody reclaiming his narrative after years of being defined by others. He had transformed from a second-generation wrestler burdened by legacy into a self-made star who built his own path, helped create a new wrestling promotion, and returned to conquer the company that once limited him. His resilience in the face of setbacks — from the Stardust era to the heartbreak at WrestleMania 39 — resonated deeply with audiences who saw parallels in their own lives.

Beyond his in-ring accomplishments, Cody’s influence extends to how he carries himself as a public figure. He has been open about mental health, the pressures of fame, and the importance of family. Married to Brandi Rhodes, with whom he shares a daughter, Cody often speaks about balancing the demands of wrestling with being a present husband and father. His authenticity has helped humanize professional wrestlers in the eyes of mainstream audiences. Whether hosting reality shows like “Rhodes to the Top” or engaging with fans on social media, Cody presents himself as relatable and driven rather than untouchable.

His impact on the industry is undeniable. By co-founding AEW, Cody helped spark a talent exodus and creative renaissance that forced WWE to evolve. Many wrestlers credit the competition between the two companies for better contracts, more creative input, and higher production values across the board. Cody’s willingness to take risks — leaving a major company, starting from scratch, and returning when the timing felt right — set an example for others to bet on themselves.

As he continues his reign as Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody has headlined multiple WrestleManias and defended his title against top challengers while mentoring younger talent backstage. His promos remain among the most compelling in the business, blending personal vulnerability with fiery determination. Fans have embraced him not just as a champion but as a symbol of perseverance.

The TIME magazine recognition caps off a remarkable decade for Cody Rhodes. Being named among the 100 most influential athletes of all time places him alongside icons from various sports who have transcended their fields. For Cody, this honor acknowledges that his influence goes beyond wins and losses. He has changed the wrestling landscape, inspired a generation to chase their dreams despite obstacles, and shown that legacy is not something you inherit but something you build through hard work and heart.

Looking ahead, Cody has expressed a desire to elevate the entire WWE roster and continue telling meaningful stories. He knows the road is never truly finished, but for now, he stands at the mountaintop — a champion who turned doubt into destiny. From the shadow of Dusty Rhodes to the spotlight of WrestleMania, Cody’s journey reminds us that the greatest stories are the ones we write ourselves.

In an era where athletes are often celebrated for physical dominance alone, Cody Rhodes proves that true influence comes from resilience, vision, and the courage to keep fighting when the odds seem impossible. His place in TIME’s prestigious list is well-earned, and the wrestling world — along with millions of fans — continues to cheer for the man who finally finished the story and began a new legacy of his own.

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