All Elite Wrestling’s introduction in 2019 was a major turning point in the history of professional wrestling. Fans were introduced to the idea of an alternative wrestling promotion in the North American wrestling scene.
While big names like Tony Khan, Kenny Omega, Young Bucks, and Cody Rhodes got the bulk of the credit for the formation of AEW, Brandi Rhodes’ contribution is not talked about much. Brandi, who was the Chief Brand Officer of AEW played a big part in the formation of the promotion’s women’s division.
Before being successful in her career Brandi had a bumpy ride during her early days. In an old interview with The Mirror, Brandi shared her experience growing up as a black kid. She revealed that due to her skin color, she was denied opportunities and her performances were not recognized.
“When I was first starting in figure skating, I was if not the only, then most of the time one of the only black people in the competition. It was not always easy. There were many times when I would compete and I would be the best and I would place absolutely dead last.”
“I remember my mum and dad always telling me: ‘Hey! You want to do this, you have to be the best at this. There has to be no room for error. You can’t make a single mistake. These other people can but you cannot.’ And I remember thinking ‘that’s the most unfair thing in the world’ but I loved it so much that I wanted to do it.” She said.
Maybe I’ve still got it… 😬⛸ pic.twitter.com/kSi2im8Ylk
— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) May 10, 2022
She revealed that she went on to work hard and was able to finally get the recognition that she deserved in her career.
Brandi Rhodes received heat from fans during her AEW run
Despite being AEW’s Chief Brand Officer, Brandi Rhodes’ AEW career wasn’t as smooth as expected. She became one of the most hated stars on the company’s roster for multiple reasons.
Many fans criticized the fact that she was given such a high-profile role in the promotion without much wrestling experience. She also received a lot of TV time compared to other members of the roster. Many argued that she got into such positions only because of his relationship with AEW co-founder Cody Rhodes. Her matches and segments were also not well received.
In 2020, Brandi deactivated her Twitter account after receiving abuse from certain wrestling fans.
I’m black (gasp) and also married to this man. Racism just doesn’t work here. 🤔 https://t.co/NAvYSMxldf
— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) February 24, 2016
“Leaving a social app because you open your phone to an absurd amount of n bombs is respectfully understandable. No place for that,” her husband Cody Rhodes said in a since-deleted tweet. Brandi left All Elite Wrestling alongside her husband Cody Rhodes on February 15, 2022, when their contract expired. Cody joined the WWE since then but Brandi is yet to officially sign with any promotions.
Brandi Rhodes’ early life and family
Brandi Rhodes was born on June 23, 1983, in Canton, Michigan. She has a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Miami. Apart from being a professional wrestler, Brandi has been a figure skater, ring announcer, TV presenter, and model in her career.
Brandi married WWE superstar Cody Rhodes in September 2013 while the two were working in the WWE. They have a daughter together. She also has a brother named Jason Reed. AEW star Scorpio Sky is her cousin. WWE legend Dusty Rhodes is her father-in-law and AEW star Dustin Rhodes is her brother-in-law.
Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 hope your lives all feel blessed! pic.twitter.com/vaCzkrFvTG
— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) November 24, 2022
Fans are now hoping to see Brandi make her return to the WWE. There are rumors that she will be accompanying her husband Cody Rhodes in the main event of WrestleMania 39 in April. It’ll be interesting to see what the future will hold for Brandi moving forward.