The American Nightmare’s family has officially grown! For months, fans of WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and his wife, Brandi Rhodes, have speculated about the possibility of a second child. The answer to "Did Cody Rhodes have another baby?" is a resounding yes, as the couple quietly welcomed their second daughter into the world in a surprise announcement that caught the entire wrestling world off guard.
The news, which became public knowledge in late August 2025, cemented the Rhodes family as a strong unit of four. The private nature of the pregnancy and birth was a stark contrast to the Rhodes' public lives, making the announcement of their newest daughter, Leilani Ella Runnels, a genuinely heartwarming shock for the "Nightmare Family" fanbase.
The American Nightmare's Family Tree: Cody and Brandi Rhodes Biography
Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes are one of professional wrestling's ultimate power couples, having been instrumental in the launch of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) before Cody's triumphant return to WWE. Their personal and professional lives are intrinsically linked to the legendary Rhodes wrestling dynasty.
- Cody Rhodes (Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes)
- Born: June 30, 1985, in Marietta, Georgia.
- Father: The legendary "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes (Virgil Runnels).
- Brother: Dustin Runnels (known in WWE as Goldust, currently Dustin Rhodes in AEW).
- Career Highlights: Two-time Royal Rumble Winner, WWE Champion, former AEW Executive Vice President, former two-time Intercontinental Champion, and a multi-time World Tag Team Champion.
- Moniker: "The American Nightmare."
- Brandi Rhodes (Brandi Alexis Runnels née Reed)
- Born: June 23, 1983, in Canton, Michigan.
- Career Highlights: Retired professional wrestler, ring announcer, model, and businesswoman. She served as the Chief Brand Officer of AEW and was a key figure alongside Cody during the company's formation.
- Education: Graduated from the University of Michigan.
- Marriage: Cody and Brandi married in September 2013.
- First Child: Liberty Iris Runnels, born on June 18, 2021.
- Second Child: Leilani Ella Runnels, born on August 29, 2025.
A Surprise Arrival: The Birth of Leilani Ella Runnels
The birth of Cody and Brandi’s second child, Leilani Ella Runnels, was a masterclass in privacy in the age of social media. Unlike many celebrity pregnancies that are tracked from announcement to due date, the Rhodes kept this journey almost entirely out of the public eye. This level of secrecy is rare for such a high-profile couple, especially with Cody Rhodes currently holding the coveted WWE Championship and being the face of the company.
The news broke on social media when Brandi Rhodes shared a heartfelt post announcing the arrival of their new daughter. The post was met with an outpouring of support and congratulatory messages from wrestling personalities, fans, and media outlets worldwide.
The couple's first daughter, Liberty Iris Runnels (affectionately nicknamed "Libby"), now takes on the role of big sister. Liberty, who was born in 2021, has already become a recognizable, albeit private, part of the "Nightmare Family" narrative, often featured in Brandi's social media updates.
The name choice itself is significant. "Runnels" is Cody’s legal last name, honoring the legacy of his father, the late "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes. The addition of "Leilani" and "Ella" adds a beautiful, unique touch to their growing family.
Why the Secrecy? The Value of Privacy for the Rhodes Family
The decision by Cody and Brandi to keep the second pregnancy and birth a secret was a deliberate move to protect their family life from the relentless spotlight of professional wrestling fame. This choice is understandable, given the intense scrutiny that follows a top-tier WWE Superstar like Cody Rhodes.
Cody's current run as the WWE Champion, following his historic "finishing the story" victory at WrestleMania, has put him on a global stage. Every aspect of his life, from his matches to his personal relationships, is scrutinized by millions. By keeping the pregnancy private, Brandi was able to enjoy a peaceful and stress-free period away from the public eye, prioritizing the health of both mother and child.
This commitment to privacy is a recurring theme for the Rhodes family. While Cody's career is public, Brandi has stepped back from her in-ring and backstage roles in wrestling to focus on their children. This shift allows the family to maintain a sense of normalcy, despite the extraordinary circumstances of their fame.
The move also adds to the mystique of "The American Nightmare," keeping his personal life a separate, protected entity from his on-screen persona. Fans respect this boundary, celebrating the news of Leilani Ella Runnels' arrival as a personal victory for the couple, rather than a storyline.
The Future of the Nightmare Family Legacy
With the arrival of Leilani Ella Runnels, the Rhodes family legacy, often referred to as the "Nightmare Family," is stronger than ever. Cody Rhodes has often spoken about the importance of his family and how his career is a tribute to his late father, Dusty Rhodes, and a path he is forging for his daughters.
The wrestling world is a business built on dynasties, and the Runnels family is one of the most storied. From Dusty Rhodes to Dustin Rhodes (Goldust) and now Cody Rhodes, the family’s influence is undeniable. The presence of two young daughters, Liberty and Leilani, ensures that the "Rhodes Bloodline" will continue for generations, even if they choose a path outside of the wrestling ring.
The immediate future for Cody Rhodes remains focused on his WWE Championship reign and his commitments as the face of the company. However, the new addition to his family serves as a powerful reminder of what he is truly fighting for: his family. His dedication to his wife, Brandi, and his two daughters, Liberty Iris Runnels and Leilani Ella Runnels, will undoubtedly continue to inspire his journey as "The American Nightmare." The family’s growth is a beautiful new chapter in the ongoing story of one of wrestling’s most beloved couples, cementing their status as a family of four who have truly "finished their story."
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