Eden Stiles, known to the world as Brandi Rhodes, was born in Canton, Michigan, attended the University of Michigan, worked as a broadcast journalist in Flint and Florida, became the first female African American Professional Wrestling executive, and her husband came up short in the main event of WWE's biggest event of 2023.

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Us Weekly via YouTube
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Brandi met Cody Runnels, professionally known by his legendary fathers last name, Rhodes, attempted to become the new Undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World last night at Wrestlemania 39 by defeating Roman Reigns. Family was a part of the feud and the build-up to the match, but Brandi Rhodes was mostly out of the fray.

Cody Rhodes father, The American Dream Dusty Rhodes, was known as one of the best performers, talkers and creative minds in the industry, took the brunt of the shots Reigns verbally shot at Cody. Brandi was briefly mentioned, not by name, but because, according to Reigns, Cody was no better than his father for "abandoning his beautiful wife and kids to pursue his wrestling dream".

WWE via YouTube
WWE via YouTube
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Brandi Rhodes is no stranger to professional wrestling. She originally attended the University of Michigan on a full-ride scholarship with the intention of getting into sports broadcasting. She spent time in Flint, MI and in Miami, FL.

Brandi R via YouTube
Brandi R via YouTube
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While in Florida she began working as a ring announcer for World Wrestling Entertainment's (WWE) farm system territory, then known as FCW. There she met Cody and they would both be later featured in the WWE mid card.

After working there for several years in and out of the ring, the pair would leave WWE in 2016 and eventually go on to form what some consider to be a direct competitor to the wrestling giant, AEW. Brandi Rhodes would serve as Chief Branding Officer for AEW, making first ever black female executive in the history of professional wrestling.


Last year, at Wrestlemania 38, the WWE's annual mega-event, Cody Rhodes made his surprise return to the company he, only years ago, had tried to compete with and steal talent from.

At Wrestlemania 39, on Sunday, April 2nd, Cody Rhodes lost to Roman Reigns and was unable to 'finish his story' by becoming The Undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion. If Cody is able to achieve his dream he will be the first Rhodes to do so. Though his father held the NWA and WCW heavyweight championships, he was never the top guy for WWE. Even Cody's brother, Dustin Runnels aka Goldust, has yet to hold 'the biggest prize in sports entertainment'.

Brandi Rhodes has yet to be seen on WWE television since Cody returned in 2022. Time will tell if the Canton native will make her in ring re-debut.

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