The Definitive Answer: Is Cody Rhodes' Wife, Brandi Rhodes, Black? Her Biography, Career Milestones, And Family Life

The curiosity surrounding Brandi Rhodes’ background is completely understandable, given her high-profile status as the wife of WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes and her own trailblazing career in professional wrestling. The direct answer to the question, "Is Cody Rhodes' wife black?" is yes: Brandi Rhodes is an African-American woman who has often spoken about her heritage and has made history as a Black woman in the wrestling industry. This article, updated in December 2025, provides a deep dive into her life, career, and the power couple's recent family milestones.

Brandi Rhodes, born Brandi Alexis Reed, has built a formidable career that extends far beyond simply being a wrestling spouse. She is a former professional wrestler, a ring announcer, a model, and notably, the first Black woman to hold a top executive position in a major North American wrestling corporation. Understanding her full story reveals why she is a respected figure in her own right, celebrated for her contributions both inside and outside the ring.

Brandi Rhodes: Full Biography and Profile

Brandi Rhodes, born Brandi Alexis Reed, is an American model, professional wrestler, and businesswoman who has made a significant impact across multiple facets of the entertainment and sports world. Her career is marked by a series of firsts and executive leadership roles that cemented her legacy.

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• Full Name: Brandi Alexis Runnels (née Reed)
• Birth Date: June 23, 1983
• Age (as of December 2025): 42
• Birthplace: Canton, Michigan, U.S.
• Ethnicity: African-American
• Height: 5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
• Spouse: Cody Rhodes (married September 2013)
• Children: Two (Daughter, Liberty Iris Runnels, born 2021; Second child, born 2024)
• Education: University of Michigan (B.A. in Broadcast Journalism)
• Ring Names: Brandi Rhodes, Brandi Reed, Eden Stiles
• Notable Roles: Ring Announcer (WWE), Professional Wrestler (AEW, NJPW, TNA), Chief Brand Officer (AEW)
• Major Milestone: First African-American woman to work as a ring announcer at WrestleMania.

Brandi's journey began long before professional wrestling. She was a competitive figure skater for 17 years, starting at the age of four, which instilled the discipline and drive that would later define her career.

The Answer to the Question: Brandi Rhodes’ Ethnicity and Heritage

The core question of Brandi Rhodes' ethnicity is straightforward, yet it opens the door to discussing her pioneering role and the representation she brings to the wrestling world. Brandi Rhodes is a proud African-American woman.

Breaking Barriers in Professional Wrestling

Brandi's identity has been a significant part of her professional narrative, leading to several historic milestones:

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• WrestleMania Announcer: She made history as the first African-American woman to serve as a ring announcer at WrestleMania.
• Executive Leadership: Brandi became the first Black woman to hold an executive position in a major North American wrestling corporation when she was named the Chief Brand Officer (CBO) and Executive Vice President of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019. This role was groundbreaking, giving her significant influence over the company's marketing, community outreach, and overall brand identity.
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW): In 2018, she was the first Black woman to compete in NJPW's Wrestle Kingdom event, further demonstrating her ability to break through racial and gender barriers in the sport.

Her openness about her background has made her a prominent voice for inclusion and diversity in a sport that has historically lacked representation in executive and high-profile on-screen roles.

A Timeline of the Wrestling Power Couple: Cody and Brandi Rhodes

The relationship between Cody and Brandi Rhodes is one of wrestling's most enduring and dynamic love stories. Their partnership has evolved from a workplace romance to a family and a powerful business collaboration, earning them the moniker "The Nightmare Couple."

The WWE Beginning (2011–2013)

Cody and Brandi first met in 2011 while both were working for WWE. Cody was an established main roster Superstar, and Brandi was working as a ring announcer under the name Eden Stiles. Their relationship moved quickly, with them starting to date in 2011, getting engaged in November 2012, and marrying in September 2013.

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The Independent and Executive Era (2016–2022)

After Cody Rhodes' departure from WWE in 2016, Brandi followed shortly after. This move allowed them to redefine their careers on the independent circuit and with other major promotions like TNA and NJPW. Their greatest joint venture began in 2019 when they became integral figures in the formation of All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Cody was an Executive Vice President, and Brandi took on the pioneering role of Chief Brand Officer, making them the most powerful executive couple in wrestling.

During their time at AEW, they were key figures in the company’s early success, both on-screen as wrestling talent and backstage as executives. Brandi’s work focused heavily on community outreach, including the creation of the AEW Heels program, a fan community for female wrestling fans, further showcasing her commitment to brand development and inclusion.

The Return to WWE and The Growing Family (2022–2025)

The couple made a highly publicized departure from AEW in early 2022, paving the way for Cody Rhodes' triumphant return to WWE at WrestleMania 38. Brandi has since focused on family and other ventures, including her Naked Mind Yoga + Pilates studio.

The couple's family life has been a major highlight in recent years. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Liberty Iris Runnels, in 2021. The family grew again in 2024 when they announced the surprise birth of their second baby. These recent updates keep the couple in the spotlight, not just for Cody’s Undisputed WWE Championship reign, but for their personal milestones as well. Their shared life, often showcased on social media, highlights a strong, supportive, and interracial family unit, which resonates deeply with fans globally.

Brandi's Impact Beyond the Ring: Entrepreneurship and Advocacy

Brandi Rhodes is a multi-hyphenate who has leveraged her platform to pursue various entrepreneurial and advocacy efforts. Her career is a testament to the power of diversification and using one's influence for positive change.

The Chief Brand Officer Legacy

Her tenure as AEW's Chief Brand Officer was a landmark achievement. She was responsible for shaping the public perception of the new company, focusing on innovative marketing and strong community ties. This high-level executive position in a male-dominated industry is arguably one of her most significant career accomplishments, demonstrating her business acumen and strategic vision.

Health and Wellness Ventures

Beyond wrestling, Brandi has channeled her passion for fitness and wellness into her own business. She is the founder of Naked Mind Yoga + Pilates, a venture that showcases her dedication to a healthy lifestyle and provides her with an independent entrepreneurial platform.

LSI Keywords and Entities for Topical Authority:

To fully cover the topic of Brandi Rhodes, it is essential to mention the following entities and concepts, which naturally appear in her career narrative: Brandi Alexis Runnels, Eden Stiles, The Nightmare Family, All Elite Wrestling (AEW), WWE, TNA, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Wrestle Kingdom, Chief Brand Officer (CBO), Executive Vice President (EVP), ring announcer, professional wrestler, figure skater, Liberty Iris Runnels, interracial couple, diversity in wrestling, community outreach, and Naked Mind Yoga + Pilates. These elements collectively paint the picture of a highly successful and influential figure whose identity as an African-American woman has been central to her groundbreaking career.