Cody Rhodes is now seen as "undeniable" in WWE, but there was a time when his dreams of becoming a world champion seemed distant. Between 2014 and 2016, he performed as Stardust in WWE—a character many viewed as a low point in his career—but later demonstrated he could shine even brighter outside the company.
On the podcast What Do You Want to Talk About?, Brandi Rhodes opened up about the difficult period when Cody was stuck in the Stardust role. Despite the challenges, she remained a fan of the character.
"I thought Stardust was one of the best wrestlers. Rene Puckett and I stood on that mountain, Stardust would be great, and I never felt embarrassed by Stardust," Brandi said.
However, Brandi’s steadfast support came with personal sacrifices. As a WWE announcer tasked with introducing legends like The Undertaker and John Cena, she had to maintain a professional demeanor while sympathizing with her husband’s frustration with his character. Cody deeply appreciated her loyalty during those tough times, believing it was the foundation of their strong relationship.
She explained, "The reason is because you were with me and you looked after me. When you were unveiling a superstar just as big as Undertaker and John Cena, you had to look at the ring and see Stardust and say it was my husband."
Brandi’s main concern was never about public opinion or career risks, but solely about Cody’s happiness and mental well-being. Though she wasn’t troubled by the quirky Stardust persona, she knew it took a toll on the man beneath the makeup.
"The only thing that bothered me about Stardust is that it bothered you," she confessed.
While Cody wrestled with creative frustrations and his sense of identity, Brandi always believed in his in-ring abilities, despite the limitations of the character.
"You bite that sucker and continued sinking," she said, praising his resilience.
Her unwavering encouragement during this challenging period laid the groundwork for their current achievements. Cody credits her loyalty for his willingness to share everything and stay committed when others might have walked away.
"And if you choose to leave, it’s all yours… because you were with me and you took care of me," he reflected.
Their journey through the Stardust era highlights that behind many wrestling comeback stories lie tales of family sacrifice and steadfast support. Today, as Cody aims to reclaim the WWE Championship, Brandi runs a thriving business, proving how strong partnerships can help overcome professional hardships.
Fan Take: This story matters to WWE fans because it reveals the human side of wrestling—how personal relationships and support systems are crucial behind the scenes. It also shows that resilience and loyalty can lead to redemption and success, inspiring future generations in the sport.
