Cody and Brandi Rhodes Welcome Second Child Amidst Illustrious Careers

Cody and Brandi Rhodes had a second baby. They named her Leilani Ella Runnels. Brandi shared the news on social media. Fans were surprised, as her pregnancy was not public.

Growing Family

Brandi Rhodes announced their daughter's birth on social media Friday. She posted a photo of the baby's hand. The baby is named Leilani Ella Runnels.

Their first daughter, Liberty, was born in 2021. Liberty has attended her father's wrestling events. Cody has said being a father made them "an actual family."

Cody Rhodes left TV to be with his family for the birth. His break was not for a movie role. He has been off-screen since SummerSlam. His return date is unknown, but he may appear at the WrestlePalooza event on September 20.

Cody and Brandi's Journey

Cody and Brandi Rhodes met while working for WWE. Brandi was a ring announcer. She did not want to date a coworker at first. Cody kept asking her out. They started dating in 2011.

Cody and Brandi Rhodes married on September 12, 2013, in Atlanta. Their wedding was at the Swan House and Atlanta History Center. They got engaged in November 2012 after dating for a year. Guests included WWE stars like Triple H, Becky Lynch, and Matt Hardy.

Both left WWE in 2016. They worked in TNA, Ring of Honor, and other promotions. They helped start AEW. Cody was an Executive Vice President. Brandi was Chief Branding Officer. She was the first Black woman executive in major wrestling.

They both wrestled for AEW until leaving in 2022. Their lives were shown on the TV show "Rhodes to the Top." Brandi was also on "WAGS: Atlanta."

Brandi's Profound Influence and Contributions

Brandi Rhodes has strongly supported Cody's career. She encouraged his return to WWE in 2022. Cody said a "very selfless decision" by Brandi made his comeback possible. He believes she "deserves the WWE Championship almost more than I do."

She also approved his Hell in a Cell match against Seth Rollins. This was after he tore a chest muscle. She agreed only after talking with doctors.

Brandi Rhodes has a strong wrestling history. She started as a ring announcer in WWE's FCW in 2011. She later announced for NXT as Eden Stiles.

In 2015, she became the first Black woman to announce at WrestleMania. In 2018, she was the first Black woman to wrestle at New Japan's Wrestle Kingdom event.

She has said the Rhodes name brings pressure. She feels she must "work harder than everyone else" to earn her place.

Brandi was close with Cody's father, Dusty Rhodes. He worked in NXT and saw her potential. He wrote a promo for her that focused on her green eyes.

She also helped plan his last TV appearance. It was a backstage segment for the 2015 Hall of Fame. He passed away a few months later.

Brandi Rhodes shared her postpartum depression struggle after Liberty's birth. She used Instagram to help other parents.

She has left pro wrestling and does not plan to return. She now focuses on fitness. Brandi is opening her own yoga and pilates studio. She also plans to launch an online app for it.

The birth of Leilani Ella Runnels underscores the continued evolution of Cody and Brandi Rhodes not just as prominent figures in professional wrestling, but as a growing family unit.

Their journey, marked by mutual support, individual accomplishments, and significant contributions to the industry, solidifies their status as one of wrestling's most compelling power couples, whose influence extends far beyond the squared circle.

As Cody Rhodes continues his reign as Undisputed WWE Champion and Brandi pursues new ventures, the Rhodes family legacy continues to expand and inspire.