Breaking Barriers in Wrestling History
Brandi Rhodes made history as the first Black woman to serve as a ring announcer at WrestleMania. She then continued to shatter ceilings by becoming the first Black female executive in a major North American wrestling promotion, All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Her journey from ice skating to wrestling is a story of resilience, reinvention, and breaking barriers.
In 2015, Rhodes took the microphone at WrestleMania, a milestone she hadn’t initially realized was groundbreaking. “When you’re in the moment, you don’t think about it,” she recalled. “Later, when someone pointed it out to me backstage, I realized how historic it was.”
Her impact didn’t stop there. By 2019, Rhodes joined AEW as its Chief Brand Officer, making her the first Black woman to hold an executive role in a top wrestling organization. She used her position to push for diversity and inclusion, helping others get opportunities in the industry.
From Ice Skating Dreams to the Wrestling Ring
Before stepping into the world of wrestling, Brandi Rhodes was on a completely different path. Born Brandi Alexis Reed in Canton, Michigan, she started ice skating at just four years old, inspired by Olympian Debi Thomas. She trained at the prestigious Detroit Skating Club, dreaming of one day competing in the Olympics.
However, by age 16, she faced a tough decision. She could either fully commit to skating or embrace high school and college life. She chose the latter, attending the University of Michigan on a full scholarship. During her sophomore year, she retired from skating to focus on academics and a potential career in journalism.
Finding a New Passion in Broadcasting
Rhodes pursued a degree in Communications, aiming to become a news reporter. She worked tirelessly, landing a job at a small TV station in Flint, Michigan. However, the experience was disheartening. “Some people want to see others do well, and some don’t,” she reflected.
Realizing that news reporting wasn’t her passion, she decided to take a leap of faith. She moved to Miami to pursue a master’s degree in broadcasting at the University of Miami while modeling on the side. This unexpected career pivot led her to an opportunity she never imagined—professional wrestling.
Stepping Into Wrestling and Making History
In 2011, Rhodes received a call from her agent about a WWE tryout. Initially hesitant due to the industry’s history of mistreating women, she eventually attended a WWE live event and saw potential. The athleticism and performance aspects reminded her of her figure skating days.
She signed with Florida Championship Wrestling, where she started as a ring announcer, blending her broadcasting skills with the wrestling world. It was during this time that she met Cody Rhodes, now a WWE superstar and one of wrestling’s biggest names. The two married in 2013.
As she gained experience, she transitioned into the ring, facing challenges but eventually making history in 2015 as the first Black woman to announce at WrestleMania.
Championing Diversity as an AEW Executive
After leaving WWE in 2016, Rhodes continued her journey in wrestling, competing in New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 2018. The following year, she took on an even bigger role at AEW as its Chief Brand Officer, the first Black woman in history to hold an executive position in a major North American wrestling promotion.
In her role, she focused on inclusion, ensuring that underrepresented voices were heard in the industry. She also spearheaded initiatives like AEW’s partnership with KultureCity, a nonprofit dedicated to making events more accessible for people with sensory sensitivities.
A New Chapter: Family and Fitness
In 2021, Rhodes became a mother, welcoming her daughter, Liberty Iris. By 2022, she decided to step away from wrestling to prioritize her family and a new passion—fitness.
Her love for yoga and Pilates led her to open Naked Mind Yoga + Pilates Studio in 2023, located outside Atlanta. Her goal was to create an inclusive wellness space, offering services like childcare to ensure everyone had access to self-care. “People deserve to have an hour,” she emphasized, highlighting the importance of balance in life.
Inspiring the Next Generation
At 41, Brandi Rhodes continues to redefine success. Whether in the wrestling ring, the boardroom, or the fitness industry, she has consistently broken barriers and paved the way for others.
Her biggest motivation now is setting an example for her daughter. “Nothing’s ever enough,” she said. “All I think about are ways for her to see me thriving so that she can thrive.”
Rhodes believes in endless possibilities. “You can do it all,” she said. “And when one chapter ends, you can create another path.”
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