Cody and Brandi Rhodes second child is finally here—and the wrestling world is buzzing for all the right reasons. The Undisputed WWE Champion and his wife announced the surprise arrival of their baby girl, Leilani Ella Runnels, with a simple, heartfelt photo of mom holding the newborn’s hand and the caption fans are already memorizing: “Welcome to the world Leilani Ella Runnels.
We are in love. Thank you God for answered prayers. Cody + Brandi + Libby + Lani = ❤️.” The couple’s quiet reveal, posted on social media on August 29, 2025, instantly drew congratulations from fellow wrestlers and fans alike.
A Low-Key Reveal, a Big Family Moment
In an era where celebrity pregnancies can become marketing rollouts, the Rhodes family chose privacy. Multiple outlets note Brandi and Cody “quietly” welcomed their daughter and kept the pregnancy largely under wraps—so much so that many fans learned of Leilani’s arrival and existence on the same day.
The post also nodded to big sister Liberty Iris, now four, whose pink “Big Sister” hat surfaced on Cody’s feed. The understated joy matched the couple’s tone: grateful, grounded, and family-first.
The Name: Leilani Ella Runnels
Within minutes of the announcement, the name lit up timelines. “Leilani,” often translated as “heavenly flower,” paired with “Ella,” gives the family a lyrical complement to Liberty Iris. Media coverage consistently cites the baby’s full name, Leilani Ella Runnels, honoring the Rhodes family’s public-stage surname while keeping the sweet family sign-off “Cody + Brandi + Libby + Lani” intact. It’s classic Rhodes—tradition with a touch of showmanship.
Why Fans Were Extra Surprised
This wasn’t just another celebrity birth announcement. The surprise element came from how well the Rhodes kept everything private until the moment they were ready to share. Lifestyle and entertainment write-ups highlighted that even close observers of wrestling news cycles didn’t see it coming. The announcement post itself—simple, elegant, and unmistakably personal—did the talking.
How Big Sister Liberty Fits In
For longtime fans of the Nightmare Family, Liberty has been part of Cody and Brandi’s story since her June 2021 arrival. With Leilani’s birth, Liberty graduates to big-sister status—complete with merch-ready hat—giving the couple two daughters under five. Early reports and fan posts framed Cody’s reaction through the lens of fatherhood, a theme he’s discussed often: becoming a parent shifted his perspective from ring-only achievements to building a life that feels bigger than main events.
Reactions From the Wrestling Community
WWE colleagues and alums quickly chimed in with congratulations. Entertainment coverage rounded up comments from familiar names—part of the extended Rhodes fan-verse that spans WWE, AEW, and beyond. The celebratory wave underscores how deeply the family is woven into wrestling culture: Dusty’s legacy, Goldust’s (Dustin Rhodes) artistry, and Cody and Brandi’s modern mainstream profile.
Where This Leaves Cody’s WWE Calendar
As of the announcement, Cody remains the Undisputed WWE Champion—a grueling title to hold while juggling family milestones. But if there’s one thing the Rhodes family has shown, it’s an ability to make the personal and the professional coexist. Recent reporting emphasized the champion’s renewed family focus and how fatherhood reframed his goals, even as he carries the company’s top prize into premium live events.
Don’t be surprised if the first on-camera nod to baby Lani arrives soon; Cody is a master of weaving life into storyline with just the right amount of heart.
The Rhodes Blueprint: Privacy, Purpose, and a Pop
From a brand perspective, the announcement hits a sweet spot: authentic emotion, minimal spectacle, maximum impact. Brandi’s single image led the story, and Cody’s repost gave it scale. Coverage across mainstream pop-culture and sports outlets rolled in quickly—People confirmed the name and timing; sports pages amplified the family angle; wrestling sites handled the inside-baseball context.
It’s the rare celebrity moment that felt personal first and promotional second.
For the original pop-culture confirmation and details, see People’s report.
Why the Timing Matters
Announcing days before the couple’s September anniversary gave the moment extra resonance. Several outlets pointed out the proximity to their 12th wedding anniversary, a reminder that the Rhodes story stretches across promotions, cities, and eras. The couple married in September 2013, and their family arc has unfolded in parallel with Cody’s ascent and Brandi’s multifaceted career in and around the ring.
From “Rhodes to the Top” to “Rhodes at Home”
Fans who discovered the family through reality TV or social media get exactly what they love here: a milestone that feels intimate, not engineered. Brandi’s message foregrounded faith, gratitude, and the girls. That tone echoed through coverage from mainstream, wrestling, and even regional outlets.
It’s notable that the initial image wasn’t a studio-style reveal or branded shoot—just a close-up of mom and baby. In a year crowded with celebrity headlines, that restraint stands out.
What We Can Confirm (And What We Can’t)
Here’s the verified core, pulled from the couple’s post and credible reporting:
- Name: Leilani Ella Runnels.
- Date of public announcement: August 29, 2025.
- Big sister: Liberty Iris, 4, born June 2021.
- How the news broke: Brandi’s social post with a newborn hand photo; Cody reshared and added a “Big Sister” nod.
Speculation about where Cody was at the exact moment of birth or behind-the-scenes logistics remains just that—speculation. The couple hasn’t offered those details, and responsible outlets have stayed anchored to what Brandi posted and what the family is comfortable sharing.
What This Means for the WWE Storyline Machine
Champions often bring family milestones to the microphone—subtly or directly. Expect tributes in promos, a shout-out during a premium live event, or a quiet camera cut to a ringside sign for “Libby & Lani.” More practically, WWE can lean into baby-buzz without making it an angle: merch nods, social features, and behind-the-scenes clips that keep the moment personal.
The company has done this dance before—letting real life breathe while protecting the family’s privacy. It’s a balance the Rhodes are uniquely good at striking. (And yes, the pop when Cody first says “for my girls” into a live mic will be deafening.)
A Note on Legacy
To talk about any Rhodes family milestone is to talk about legacy. Cody has never been shy about carrying Dusty’s lessons into his own career: work ethic, storytelling, and pride in the craft. Two daughters deepen that legacy in a different direction—one that has less to do with belts and more to do with balance. When People and other outlets recapped the announcement, they emphasized how fatherhood reframed Cody’s mindset. That’s not a storyline; it’s a through line.
Congrats, Champ. Congrats, Brandi. Welcome, Leilani.
In a week that could have been consumed by schedules, tapings, and title defenses, the Rhodes family gave the wrestling world a simpler headline: love and gratitude. From the name reveal to the modest photo, everything about the announcement invites fans to celebrate without intruding. The moment belongs to Cody, Brandi, Liberty, and now Leilani—and the wider WWE community is happy to cheer from a respectful distance.
