The Nightmare Family Grows: 5 Surprising Facts About Cody Rhodes' New Baby, Leilani Ella Runnels

The "Nightmare Family" has officially welcomed its newest member, a second daughter for WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and his wife, Brandi Rhodes. This major life update, which occurred quietly in late 2025, has sent a wave of joy through the wrestling world, confirming that the family of the Undisputed WWE Champion is growing alongside his monumental professional success. The private nature of the announcement, revealed by Brandi on social media, has only added to the excitement, showcasing a beautiful chapter in the life of "The American Nightmare."

The newest addition, named Leilani Ella Runnels, was born on August 29, 2025, a mere few months before this writing, making this one of the freshest and most current stories surrounding the Rhodes family. She joins her older sister, Liberty Iris, making the Rhodes household a vibrant family of four. This article dives deep into the details of the new baby, the full biography of the power couple, and how this personal milestone intersects with Cody's historic run as the face of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

Cody & Brandi Rhodes: A Complete Family Profile

The Rhodes family is one of the most storied dynasties in professional wrestling, and Cody and Brandi have cemented their place as a modern wrestling power couple. Their journey has taken them from WWE to being integral founders of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), and back to WWE for a legendary comeback. The birth of their second child marks a beautiful new chapter in their personal lives.

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Cody Rhodes (The American Nightmare) Biography

• Full Name: Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes (né Runnels)
• Born: June 30, 1985, in Marietta, Georgia, U.S.
• Father: Dusty Rhodes ("The American Dream"), WWE Hall of Famer
• Mother: Michelle Runnels
• Brother: Dustin Runnels (Dustin Rhodes / Goldust)
• Spouse: Brandi Rhodes (m. 2013)
• Children: Liberty Iris Runnels (b. 2020) and Leilani Ella Runnels (b. 2025)
• Career Status: Undisputed WWE Champion (as of late 2025), two-time Royal Rumble winner, former AEW Executive Vice President, four-time World Champion across major promotions.
• Signature Phrase: "Finish the Story"

Brandi Rhodes (née Reed) Biography

• Full Name: Brandi Alexis Runnels (née Reed)
• Born: June 23, 1983, in Canton, Michigan, U.S.
• Spouse: Cody Rhodes (m. 2013)
• Career Status: Retired professional wrestler, former ring announcer (Eden Stiles) for WWE, former Chief Brand Officer (CBO) of All Elite Wrestling (AEW). She was the first Black woman to hold an executive position in a major North American wrestling corporation.
• Current Endeavors: Entrepreneur, founder of Naked Mind Yoga + Pilates.

The Surprise Arrival of Leilani Ella Runnels

The news of a second child was a delightful surprise for fans, given the couple’s decision to keep the pregnancy largely private. The announcement of Leilani Ella Runnels' birth was a quiet yet powerful moment, shared with the world via Brandi’s Instagram, confirming the expansion of the Rhodes dynasty.

Leilani, whose name carries a beautiful Hawaiian meaning often translated as "heavenly flower" or "royal child," was born on August 29, 2025. The middle name, Ella, is a classic choice, and the full name is a lovely complement to her older sister's name, Liberty Iris. The use of the family's real surname, Runnels, in the announcement underscores the personal and intimate nature of this joyous event, away from the glitz of their wrestling personas.

This birth occurred right in the middle of one of the most defining periods of Cody Rhodes' career. As the current WWE Champion, his schedule is demanding, yet he has consistently prioritized his family, demonstrating a profound commitment to his role as a father and husband, a trait that resonates deeply with his fanbase and adds a layer of authenticity to the "Finish the Story" narrative.

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The Rhodes family has always maintained a balance between their highly public professional lives and their private family moments. Brandi Rhodes has been a vocal advocate for prioritizing motherhood, especially after the birth of their first daughter, Liberty Iris, in 2020. This second baby further solidifies her focus on family life after stepping away from her executive and in-ring roles at AEW.

The Growing 'Nightmare Family' and Cody's WWE Championship Reign

The term "Nightmare Family," a nod to Cody's moniker "The American Nightmare" and his father "The American Dream," is more than just a marketing phrase; it’s a representation of their legacy. The birth of Leilani Ella adds another layer of depth to this legacy, ensuring that the Rhodes name continues to be synonymous with wrestling excellence for generations to come.

Liberty Iris: The Big Sister

Leilani Ella's older sister, Liberty Iris Runnels, was born on June 18, 2020. Liberty has already become a minor celebrity among wrestling fans, often referenced by Cody in interviews and occasionally appearing in heartwarming family photos. The dynamic between the two sisters will undoubtedly become a new focus for the family's social media updates, giving fans a glimpse into the home life of the WWE Champion. The age gap between Liberty and Leilani means Liberty is old enough to take on the role of a big sister, a detail that many parents and fans find endearing.

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Family Life and the WWE Schedule

Managing the life of a WWE Champion, especially one who is the company's top star, is a monumental task. The constant travel, media obligations, and high-stakes matches require a strong support system. Brandi Rhodes has been instrumental in providing that stability. The recent birth of Leilani Ella Runnels highlights the dedication of both Cody and Brandi to their family, proving that even at the pinnacle of a demanding industry, family remains the foundation.

Cody's current run as the Undisputed WWE Champion is seen by many as the culmination of his life’s work—the final step in his mission to "Finish the Story" that his father, Dusty Rhodes, could never complete. Now, with his second daughter born during this historic reign, the story is not just about a championship belt; it’s about building a complete, successful life for his "Nightmare Family." This personal triumph adds significant emotional weight to every one of his professional appearances, making his character even more relatable and compelling to a global audience.

The Future of the Rhodes Family Legacy

The expansion of the Rhodes family with the birth of Leilani Ella Runnels ensures that the legacy of "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes continues to thrive. While neither child is destined for the wrestling ring, their lives are intrinsically linked to the history of the sport. Fans are eager to see how the addition of a second child will influence the family's public presence and Cody's career trajectory. The emphasis on family values is a key component of Cody's current on-screen persona, and the arrival of his "new baby" only strengthens this narrative.

As Cody Rhodes continues to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship, he does so not just for himself, but for his wife, Brandi, and his two daughters, Liberty Iris and Leilani Ella. This powerful connection between his professional ambition and his personal life is a major reason why "The American Nightmare" remains one of the most popular and compelling figures in modern sports entertainment. The Rhodes family is more than a wrestling dynasty; it is a symbol of achieving the American Dream.