Cody Runnels (born June 30, 1985)
is an
American professional wrestler, better known by his
ring name Cody Rhodes. Runnels is currently signed by
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) where he wrestles on its
Raw brand. He is a former
three-time World Tag Team Champion, having won the championship once with
Hardcore Holly and twice with
Ted DiBiase.
Runnels started his professional wrestling career in 2006, using his real name, wrestling for
Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). While situated at OVW, he won various championships, both in tag team and singles competition, including the
OVW Heavyweight Championship. He made his WWE television debut on July 16, 2007, under the ring name Cody Rhodes. In December 2007, Rhodes captured his first title with the company, the World Tag Team Championship with Hardcore Holly, and the two held it for six months.
Rhodes formed a secret alliance with Ted DiBiase during 2008. In the course of a match held on June 29 he turned on Holly by switching sides to join DiBiase, with whom he became World Tag Team champion. The new champions
dropped their titles in August, only to win them back a week later. Rhodes and DiBiase were joined by
Manu shortly afterwards, forming a faction of multi-generation wrestlers, although this alliance was to be short-lived. In January 2009, Rhodes and DiBiase formed a new alliance,
The Legacy, with
Randy Orton.
