Introduction
Cody Rhodes, one of WWE’s most iconic figures, recently captured headlines not for his in-ring achievements, but for a joyous addition to his family. On August 29, 2025, Cody and his wife Brandi Rhodes quietly welcomed their second child—a baby girl named Leilani Ella Runnels. In this article, we’ll dive into the details surrounding this surprise announcement, explore Cody’s real name, and provide answers to your burning FAQs.
Who Is Cody Rhodes?
Cody Rhodes was born Cody Garrett Runnels on June 30, 1985, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He rose to fame as a prominent figure in professional wrestling, both in WWE and as a co-founder of All Elite Wrestling (AEW). After returning to WWE, he became the Undisputed WWE Champion and King of the Ring.
Real Name Explained
“Cody Rhodes” is the ring name adopted by Cody Garrett Runnels. His surname, Rhodes, honors his legendary father, Dusty Rhodes (real name: Virgil Riley Runnels Jr.).
Family Overview:
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Father: Dusty Rhodes
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Half-brother: Dustin Rhodes (aka Goldust)
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Sisters: Kristin Runnels Ditto and Teil Margaret Runnels Gergel
Second Child Surprise: Leilani Ella Runnels
The Announcement
On August 29, 2025, Brandi Rhodes shared the heartfelt announcement on Instagram: “Welcome to the world Leilani Ella Runnels. We are in love. Thank you, God, for answered prayers. Cody + Brandi + Libby + Lani = ❤️.” Shortly after, Cody reshared it and posted a sweet image of their older daughter Liberty wearing a “Big Sister” hat.
This comes just days before their 12th wedding anniversary—a milestone that adds even more sentiment to this joyous news.
Maintaining Privacy
Remarkably, the couple kept the pregnancy and birth largely private. Despite Cody’s travel—rumored filming commitments in Australia—and Brandi’s past high-risk pregnancy with Liberty, fans were pleasantly surprised by the news.
Family Dynamics: Meet the Kids
| Child | Name | Birthdate / Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liberty Iris Runnels | Born June 18, 2021 | Announced publicly via social media and People. About 4 years old. |
| 2 | Leilani Ella Runnels | Born August 29, 2025 | Announced privately; shared lovingly on Instagram. |
Impact on Cody’s Priorities
Cody has publicly expressed how fatherhood has reshaped his goals. Earlier this year, he described wrestling as a “selfish” profession but emphasized how his daughter changed his perspective—shifting his drive from personal glory to providing a stable life for his family. He also shared a touching anecdote about explaining his job to Liberty: “I’m pretending to be a superhero and playing with my friends”. Cody Rhodes second child real name.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Does Cody Rhodes have a second child?
A1: Yes, on August 29, 2025, Cody and Brandi announced the birth of their second child, Leilani Ella Runnels.
Q2: What are the names of their children?
A2: Their first child is Liberty Iris Runnels, born June 18, 2021. Their second child is Leilani Ella Runnels, born August 29, 2025.
Q3: What is Cody Rhodes’ real name?
A3: His birth name is Cody Garrett Runnels. He wrestles under the name “Cody Rhodes” as a tribute to his father, Dusty Rhodes.
Q4: Why was the pregnancy not announced earlier?
A4: Brandi had a prior high-risk pregnancy and underwent surgery for endometritis. Combined with her age (42), these health considerations likely contributed to keeping the pregnancy private until everything was safe.
Q5: When are Cody and Brandi’s wedding anniversary?
A5: The couple’s 12th anniversary is in early September 2025—just days after the birth of Leilani. Cody Rhodes second child real name.
Conclusion
Cody Rhodes—born Cody Garrett Runnels—has once again melted hearts by welcoming his second child, Leilani Ella Runnels, with wife Brandi Rhodes. This arrival, kept under wraps until the perfect moment, brings home the fact that, beyond the titles and championships, family is where Cody’s heart truly stands.
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