Why was Cody Rhodes absent from WWE?
Cody Rhodes was absent from WWE programming due to the birth of his second daughter, Leilani Ella Runnels.
Yanuki
ARTICLE DETAIL
Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes Announce Surprise Birth of Daughter | Timothée Chalamet's Ballet and Opera Comments Spark Controversy | Anne Twist's Instagram Like Signals Approval for Zoë Kravitz | Essence Festival 2026: Cardi B, Brandy, Monica, Kehlani, and Patti LaBelle to Headline | Sheryl Underwood Returns to Airwaves with Radio Show Revival | Spelling Bee Hints and Answers for March 7, 2026 | Celebrity Updates: Jenna Dewan's Birthday Tribute, Kris Jenner's Pride, and More | Dak Prescott and Sarah Jane Ramos Call Off Wedding | Kris Jenner Celebrates Daughters on Women's Day Amidst Other Celebrity News | Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes Announce Surprise Birth of Daughter | Timothée Chalamet's Ballet and Opera Comments Spark Controversy | Anne Twist's Instagram Like Signals Approval for Zoë Kravitz | Essence Festival 2026: Cardi B, Brandy, Monica, Kehlani, and Patti LaBelle to Headline | Sheryl Underwood Returns to Airwaves with Radio Show Revival | Spelling Bee Hints and Answers for March 7, 2026 | Celebrity Updates: Jenna Dewan's Birthday Tribute, Kris Jenner's Pride, and More | Dak Prescott and Sarah Jane Ramos Call Off Wedding | Kris Jenner Celebrates Daughters on Women's Day Amidst Other Celebrity News
Entertainment / WWE
Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes Announce Surprise Birth of Daughter
Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes have welcomed their second daughter, Leilani Ella Runnels, surprising the wrestling world. The announcement explains Cody's recent absence from WWE television, initially speculated to be due to filming the new...
Key Insights
- Cody and Brandi Rhodes announced the birth of their second daughter, Leilani Ella Runnels, on August 29, 2025.
- The couple managed to keep the pregnancy a secret, with no prior public announcement.
- Cody Rhodes' absence from WWE programming since August 8 was due to the birth of his daughter.
- Brandi Rhodes had previously revealed a high-risk pregnancy with their first daughter and surgery for endometritis, factors that likely influenced keeping the news private.
- Cody is expected to return to WWE soon, potentially at WrestlePalooza in September.
In-Depth Analysis
Cody Rhodes, the Undisputed WWE Champion, has been absent from WWE since the SmackDown after SummerSlam, where Drew McIntyre attacked him. This absence was initially speculated to be due to Cody's involvement in the new 'Street Fighter' film. However, the birth of his daughter Leilani explains his absence. Brandi Rhodes shared the news on social media, with a picture of their new baby girl.
Cody and Brandi met in WWE and married in 2013. They left WWE in 2016 and became instrumental figures in AEW, with Cody as an Executive Vice President and Brandi as Chief Branding Officer. They also starred in the reality TV show 'Rhodes to the Top.' Brandi has made only a few cameos in WWE since leaving AEW, while Cody has become one of WWE's top stars, headlining multiple WrestleManias and winning the world title in 2024. Cody is expected to return to WWE at WrestlePalooza. Their first daughter, Liberty, was born in June 2021.
FAQ
When did Cody and Brandi Rhodes announce the birth of their daughter?
They announced the birth on August 29, 2025.
What is the name of Cody and Brandi Rhodes' new daughter?
Their new daughter is named Leilani Ella Runnels.
Takeaways
- The news of Cody and Brandi Rhodes' new baby is a happy surprise for wrestling fans. Cody's absence from WWE is now explained, and fans eagerly anticipate his return. The couple's journey from WWE to AEW and back to WWE has been a significant part of their story, and this new chapter adds another layer to their personal and professional lives.
Discussion
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