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Brandi Runnels 2025 Update: 5 Key Facts About Cody Rhodes' Wife, Career, And New Baby

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Brandi Runnels, the multi-talented former professional wrestler and groundbreaking wrestling executive, remains a central figure in the world of sports entertainment, even as she focuses on her family life. As of December 21, 2025, the biggest news surrounding Brandi is the recent, joyful expansion of her family with husband, WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.

The couple, known as one of wrestling’s most prominent power duos, welcomed their second daughter, Leilani Ella Runnels, on August 29, 2025, a stunning update that solidified her transition into full-time motherhood. While fans eagerly await any potential return to the ring, Brandi's current focus is on nurturing her growing family, all while maintaining her status as a trailblazer who has conquered roles from ring announcer to Chief Brand Officer of a major wrestling promotion.

Brandi Runnels: Complete Biography & Professional Profile

Brandi Alexis Runnels (née Reed), known professionally as Brandi Rhodes, has cultivated a career that spans modeling, broadcasting, professional wrestling, and corporate executive leadership. Her journey has seen her rise from a ring announcer in WWE to a co-founder and executive of All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

  • Full Name: Brandi Alexis Runnels (née Reed)
  • Date of Birth: June 23, 1983
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 42 years old
  • Place of Birth: Canton, Michigan, U.S.
  • Marital Status: Married (since September 2013)
  • Spouse: Cody Rhodes (Cody Garrett Runnels)
  • Children: Two daughters: Liberty Iris Runnels (born 2021) and Leilani Ella Runnels (born August 29, 2025)
  • Education: University of Michigan (B.A. in Broadcast Journalism), Global MBA from the University of Miami
  • Professional Roles: Retired Professional Wrestler, Ring Announcer (as Eden Stiles in WWE), Chief Brand Officer (CBO) & Executive Vice President (EVP) of All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
  • Debut: 2011 (as a ring announcer)
  • Net Worth (Est. 2025): Approximately $1 million (individual) or $15 million (combined with Cody Rhodes)

The Chief Brand Officer Who Broke The Mold: AEW Legacy

Brandi Runnels' professional career is defined by her groundbreaking executive role in the formation of All Elite Wrestling (AEW). In 2019, she was named the company’s Chief Brand Officer (CBO) and Executive Vice President (EVP), making her the first African American woman to hold a top executive position in a major North American wrestling promotion.

This role was more than just a title; Brandi was instrumental in shaping the public image and marketing strategies of the new company. She oversaw all brand-related activities, including community outreach, licensing, and public relations. Her work extended beyond the boardroom, as she also served as an in-ring talent and advisor for the Women's Division.

Prior to her executive tenure at AEW, Brandi first gained recognition in WWE as the ring announcer Eden Stiles. After her initial run with WWE’s developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), she returned to the main roster, becoming a familiar face and voice on shows like SmackDown and Main Event.

Her time outside of the major promotions saw her develop her skills as a professional wrestler, competing in various independent promotions and then prominently in AEW. Brandi and Cody Rhodes departed AEW in February 2022, marking a significant shift in their careers and paving the way for Cody's triumphant return to WWE.

A Growing Family: Leilani Ella Runnels and Life with 'The American Nightmare'

The most compelling chapter of Brandi Runnels' life in 2025 is her role as a mother and wife to WWE’s biggest star, Cody Rhodes, known as "The American Nightmare." The couple’s announcement of their second daughter, Leilani Ella Runnels, in August 2025, was a surprise and a source of immense joy for the wrestling community.

Leilani Ella joins her older sister, Liberty Iris Runnels, who was born in 2021. Since the birth of their first child, Brandi has largely stepped away from her active in-ring and executive duties, choosing to prioritize her family. This transition has allowed her to experience motherhood with the flexibility she desired, a sentiment she has shared publicly.

While Cody Rhodes continues his high-profile career as a WWE champion, often referencing his family and the legacy of the Rhodes family (including his late father, the legendary Dusty Rhodes), Brandi remains a steadfast and supportive presence behind the scenes. Her career transition exemplifies a powerful choice to focus on her personal life, a decision that has resonated with many fans who followed her journey on the reality series Rhodes to the Top, which offered a candid look into their lives, including the birth of Liberty Iris.

Brandi Runnels' Future: Will She Return to the Ring?

The question of Brandi Runnels' return to professional wrestling is one that consistently generates buzz among fans and media. Since her departure from AEW alongside her husband, Brandi has made only scarce appearances in the wrestling world. Her focus has clearly shifted to her growing family and supporting Cody's main event run in WWE.

However, given her history as a former ring announcer, professional wrestler, and a key executive, Brandi possesses a unique set of skills that could lead to various future roles. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism and a Global MBA, providing her with strong credentials for a return to either broadcasting, brand management, or even a different executive role within WWE or another media company.

For now, Brandi Runnels is embracing motherhood, celebrating the newest addition to the "American Nightmare" family, Leilani Ella. Whether she eventually steps back into the spotlight as Eden Stiles, a formidable in-ring competitor, or a corporate executive, her legacy as a pioneering woman in the wrestling industry is already secured. Fans will continue to follow her journey, knowing that whatever Brandi chooses to do next, it will undoubtedly be a newsworthy event.

brandi runnels
brandi runnels

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