Born Cody Garrett Runnels on June 30, 1985, Cody Rhodes began wrestling in high school, where he competed and successfully won a couple of titles. The son of Dusty Rhodes, he is also the half-brother of fellow WWE superstar Dustin Rhodes or Goldust. To honor both wrestlers, Cody has worn wrestling gear that is half polka dots and half gold as a tribute. Also, his boots feature a Triforce symbol from the video game series known as The Legend of Zelda.
In 2006, Cody Rhodes became part of Ohio Valley Wrestling, where he formed a tag team with Shawn Spears. However, the two soon formed a feud after Spears became jealous of Rhodes' career as a singles wrestler. Cody later won the OVW Heavyweight Championship from Paul Burchill, and Spears soon pursued the title.
In 2007, Rhodes performed in WWE's Smackdown, where he defeated Shawn Daivari. He soon defeated Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin, the duo comprising The World's Greatest Tag Team. A week later, he helped Paul London and Brian Kendrick and The World's Greatest Tag Team in a six-man tag match. He also teamed up with Mickie James to put down Daivari and Jillian Hall.
Soon thereafter, Rhodes began a feud with Hardcore Holly, who lost to him three times. After he earned Holly's respect, the two teamed up and defeated Paul London and Brian Kendrick. They then unsuccessfully fought against Tag Champions Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch at the 2007 Survivor Series, which was Rhodes' first on-screen title shot and first pay-per-view appearance. Rhodes' first championship in WWE was in the World Tag Team Championship, where he battled Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch with the help of Harcore Holly.
In 2008, he turned on Holly, revealed himself as Ted DiBiase’s partner and became a villain. Later that year, he joined John Cena and Batista in the RAW brand.