Cody Rhodes became one of WWE’s biggest superstars by leaving, rebuilding himself elsewhere and returning with a clear goal. His path from a struggling mid-card act to a three-time Undisputed WWE Champion is one of the company’s most striking comebacks. Here is how it happened.
Leaving to Start Over
After requesting his release from WWE in 2016, Rhodes worked the independent circuit, including New Japan Pro Wrestling, Impact Wrestling and Ring of Honor. His success there led to All In and then to All Elite Wrestling, where he was a co-founder and Executive Vice President.
The 2022 Return
Rhodes left AEW in February 2022 and returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38 on April 2, 2022, as Seth Rollins’ surprise opponent. He announced a clear goal: to win the WWE Championship, the one title his father never held.
Back-to-Back Rumbles and the Reigns Story
Rhodes won the Royal Rumble in 2023 and 2024, the first back-to-back winner since Steve Austin in 1997 and 1998. He lost to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39 when Solo Sikoa interfered, then beat him at WrestleMania XL in 2024 to become Undisputed WWE Champion and end Reigns’ 1,316-day reign. Our look at the Bloodline storyline explains the reign he ended.
The Champion Era
Rhodes won the 2024 inaugural Crown Jewel Championship and the 2025 King of the Ring tournament, and he is a three-time Undisputed WWE Champion. He lost the title to Sami Zayn at Night of Champions in June 2026. His star power now extends beyond wrestling, including a role in the film Street Fighter.
Where He Is Now
Rhodes faces Randy Orton in a Last Man Standing match at Crown Jewel on November 7. For that rivalry, see our piece on Reigns vs. Rhodes. Whatever happens next, his rise rests on the choice to leave, learn and return.
Sources: Wikipedia, WWE.com, Britannica, Fightful, Bleacher Report.