Cody Rhodes shares how becoming a dad changed his career perspective: “Wrestling is selfish”
Cody Rhodes, one of WWE’s biggest stars, has undergone a profound transformation since becoming a father. Now 39, Rhodes shares a 3-year-old daughter, Liberty Iris, with his wife, retired wrestler Brandi Rhodes. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Rhodes opened up about how fatherhood has shifted his priorities and changed his approach to wrestling, a profession he calls inherently “selfish.”
Wrestling as a “Selfish” Career: A Shift in Focus
For years, Rhodes’ career in professional wrestling was all about personal achievement. “Wrestling is selfish,” he said. “You want to get to the top, and you want to be number one.” Much of his drive was rooted in honoring the legacy of his father, the legendary Dusty Rhodes.
However, the birth of his daughter completely transformed his perspective. “Having a daughter right out of the gate, all of that went away,” Rhodes admitted. “It was not about where I am. It was more about the life that I could give her.” His focus shifted from personal accolades to creating a better life for Liberty, a goal that has since become his guiding principle. Fatherhood, he said, made him reassess everything and prioritize his family over individual success.
Finding Balance Between Stardom and Fatherhood
Despite wrestling in front of tens of thousands of fans, Rhodes finds his most fulfilling moments at home with Liberty. “She doesn’t care if I just wrestled in front of 80,000 people,” Rhodes shared. “She cares if you make funny noises and there’s ice cream.” This humbling experience has reminded him what truly matters.
Rhodes also believes fatherhood has improved his career. “Being a father and being a husband is my number one priority, and it’s actually helped me in my career,” he said. This balance between his professional and personal life has given him a clearer sense of purpose, allowing him to excel in both arenas. For Rhodes, being grounded by his family helps him navigate the demanding world of WWE.
Life in the Public Eye: Challenges of Fame
Coming from a wrestling dynasty, Rhodes is no stranger to life in the spotlight. “My life’s never been private,” he explained. Growing up as Dusty Rhodes’ son and later making his own mark in WWE, public attention has always been part of his reality. Despite this, Rhodes considers himself more reserved than his older brother, fellow wrestler Dustin Rhodes.
“I feel like if you meet me at the airport at 3 o’clock in the morning, I will always sign [autographs],” Rhodes said, adding with a laugh, “But I’m just kind of a curmudgeon, grumpy little dude.” He described Dustin as the “friendly” sibling, while jokingly labeling himself the “mean one.” Still, Rhodes has embraced the public nature of his career while staying true to himself—a balance he’s learned to navigate over time.
Wrestling for a Greater Purpose
Fatherhood has brought new meaning to Cody Rhodes’ life and career. While his focus used to be on personal success and building his own legacy, his daughter Liberty has inspired him to strive for something greater. “She’s changed everything for me in the best of ways,” Rhodes said, emphasizing how his career now serves as a means to provide for his family.
As Rhodes continues to dominate in WWE, fans can catch him on Monday Night Raw, airing live every Monday at 8 p.m. ET on Netflix. His story serves as a testament to how love and family can redefine even the most intense and competitive careers.
