The American Nightmare's Growing Dynasty: Everything We Know About Cody Rhodes' Second Child, Leilani Ella Runnels

The Runnels family has officially grown by one! As of today, December 11, 2025, the biggest news surrounding WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and his wife Brandi Rhodes is the recent, joyful arrival of their second daughter, Leilani Ella Runnels. The announcement of their new baby girl has sent a wave of excitement through the wrestling world, confirming that 'The American Nightmare' is now a proud father of two.

The couple, who are one of professional wrestling’s most celebrated power duos, managed to keep the pregnancy largely private, making the birth announcement a delightful surprise for fans globally. This article delves into the details of their newest addition, provides a complete profile of the wrestling dynasty's parents, and explores how this major life event fits into Cody's current reign at the top of the WWE.

The Runnels Family Profile: Cody and Brandi Rhodes

Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes, both accomplished athletes and business figures, form one of the most recognizable and influential couples in professional wrestling. Their journey together spans over a decade, from their early days in WWE to their pivotal roles in founding All Elite Wrestling (AEW), and now back to Cody's historic run as the Undisputed WWE Champion. Their family life is rooted in a deep wrestling legacy, with Cody being the son of the late, great 'American Dream' Dusty Rhodes.

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Cody Rhodes (Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes)

• Full Name: Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes
• Ring Name: Cody Rhodes ('The American Nightmare')
• Date of Birth: June 30, 1985
• Age: 40 (as of December 2025)
• Hometown: Marietta, Georgia, U.S.
• Spouse: Brandi Rhodes (m. 2013)
• Career Highlights: Undisputed WWE Champion, Two-time Intercontinental Champion, Six-time Tag Team Champion, Executive Vice President of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) (former), Winner of the 2023 and 2024 Men's Royal Rumble.
• Parentage: Son of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes and half-brother of Dustin Rhodes (Goldust).

Brandi Rhodes (Brandi Alexis Runnels)

• Full Name: Brandi Alexis Runnels (née Reed)
• Ring Name: Brandi Rhodes (formerly Eden Stiles)
• Date of Birth: June 23, 1983
• Age: 42 (as of December 2025)
• Hometown: Canton, Michigan, U.S.
• Spouse: Cody Rhodes (m. 2013)
• Career Highlights: Former professional wrestler, wrestling manager, ring announcer, model, and Chief Brand Officer of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) (former).
• Education: Graduated from the University of Michigan.

The Arrival of Leilani Ella Runnels: Details on the Second Child

The news of a second child for Cody and Brandi Rhodes was confirmed with the birth of their daughter, Leilani Ella Runnels. The announcement came as a wonderful surprise to the wrestling community, as the couple had maintained a high level of privacy regarding the pregnancy. The birth marks a new, exciting chapter for the Runnels family, transitioning them from a family of three to a family of four.

Name and Birth Date Confirmation

The name chosen for their second daughter is Leilani Ella Runnels. The name Leilani, which has Hawaiian origins, means 'heavenly flower' or 'royal child,' a fitting name for the daughter of the "American Nightmare" and a nod to a sense of royalty within the wrestling world. Ella serves as her middle name.

While the couple kept many details close to the chest, reports indicate that Leilani Ella Runnels was welcomed into the world recently, with one source citing a birth date of August 29, 2025. This timing places the birth right in the middle of Cody Rhodes' historic run as the Undisputed WWE Champion, adding a layer of personal triumph to his professional success.

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The arrival of Leilani Ella Runnels means their first daughter, Liberty Iris Runnels, is now a big sister. Liberty, born on June 18, 2021, is now a toddler, and the dynamics of two young children in the household of two wrestling superstars will undoubtedly be an interesting aspect of their lives going forward.

Parenthood and The American Nightmare's Balancing Act

Cody Rhodes has often spoken openly about the profound impact of fatherhood on his life and career, a topic that resonates deeply with his fanbase. The birth of his first daughter, Liberty, was a major turning point, inspiring his famous 'finish the story' narrative that captivated millions of wrestling fans. Now, with the birth of Leilani, the stakes—both personal and professional—are even higher.

The Challenge of the Road

Being a top-tier WWE Superstar, especially the WWE Champion, requires an intense travel schedule. Cody's commitment to the wrestling business means he is often on the road, away from his family. This demanding lifestyle, which includes weekly appearances on SmackDown, Raw, and premium live events, makes the balancing act of family life particularly challenging. The arrival of a second baby, a newborn, will undoubtedly test the limits of this schedule, requiring even more dedication from both Cody and Brandi.

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Brandi Rhodes, a former professional wrestler and executive herself, is uniquely positioned to understand the demands of the industry. Her support is crucial for Cody's success, and she has taken on the primary role in managing the household and raising their two daughters while Cody is on the road. Her strength and dedication have been highlighted in various interviews and social media updates, showcasing her as the true backbone of the Runnels family.

Topical Authority: The Legacy of Liberty and Leilani

The Runnels family name carries immense weight in professional wrestling history, thanks to Dusty Rhodes. Cody has worked hard to establish his own legacy, separate from his father's, culminating in his status as a world champion. Now, his two daughters, Liberty Iris and Leilani Ella, represent the next generation of the Rhodes/Runnels dynasty. The names themselves—Liberty and Leilani—suggest a theme of freedom, royalty, and a bright future, which aligns perfectly with Cody's on-screen persona as the man who fought to earn his place at the top.

The narrative of the 'American Nightmare' finishing his story is now interwoven with the story of his growing family. Every time Cody steps into the ring, he is not just fighting for a championship; he is fighting for his legacy and for his two daughters. This personal motivation adds a layer of emotional depth to his character that few others in the industry can match, solidifying his connection with the audience.

The Future for the Rhodes Family

As Cody Rhodes continues his reign as WWE Champion, the focus will remain on his professional obligations while balancing the joys and demands of being a father of two. Brandi Rhodes' post-partum journey and the family's adjustments to life with a newborn will likely be shared in small glimpses through their social media, offering fans a peek behind the curtain of their private lives.

The birth of Leilani Ella Runnels is a beautiful, personal victory for the Rhodes family, one that transcends the wrestling ring. It’s a testament to their enduring partnership and their commitment to building a life together amidst the chaos of a global wrestling career. Fans are eagerly anticipating more updates on the newest member of the Runnels family, celebrating this major milestone for one of wrestling’s most beloved couples.