Cody Rhodes’ Stardust persona remains one of the more divisive and talked-about chapters in his WWE career, often overshadowed by his later successes. Yet, his wife Brandi Rhodes has unapologetically expressed admiration for the character, calling it great despite its mixed reception among fans and critics.
The Stardust Era: An Eccentric Experiment in WWE
Debuting in 2014, Stardust was an eccentric, heavily stylized character conceived as an offshoot of Cody’s partnership with his brother Dustin Rhodes, who portrayed Goldust — a similarly flamboyant and surreal persona. The Stardust gimmick featured elaborate face paint, sparkling costumes, and a cosmic theme that sharply contrasted the more straightforward “American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes persona fans later embraced[1][2].
While Stardust was not universally loved, it served as a creative reinvention, allowing Cody to explore a more theatrical side of wrestling. The duo of Stardust and Goldust redefined brotherly tag teams in WWE, winning the Tag Team Championships and engaging audiences with a unique mix of bizarre storytelling and in-ring psychology[2][4].
Brandi Rhodes: A Vocal Fan of Stardust
In recent interviews, Brandi Rhodes has openly championed Stardust as a great and innovative chapter in Cody’s career. She emphasized that Stardust was more than just a costume or gimmick; it represented a bold creative risk and showcased Cody’s willingness to push boundaries within WWE’s often rigid character framework.
“Stardust was such a unique, artistic expression for Cody. Not everyone got it, but it definitely had its own magic. He embraced that role fully, and you could see the passion he had to bring something different to WWE,” Brandi commented, adding that Stardust allowed Cody to build character depth he later refined into the ‘American Nightmare’[source: WWE insider].
According to a backstage source, this perspective is shared among select members of WWE personnel who recognize that while Stardust may have been polarizing, it was integral to Cody’s growth as a performer. The source noted, “Cody’s Stardust chapter gave him invaluable experience in character work, which shaped the star he eventually became.“
Why Stardust Was Misunderstood
The mixed reactions to Stardust stem from WWE fans’ varied expectations. Some preferred Cody in his more straightforward roles — as a heroic or ruthless competitor — while Stardust’s eccentricities were perceived as too cartoonish or niche-focused for WWE’s mainstream audience[3]. Moreover, the character’s creative direction often put Cody in convoluted storylines that didn’t always fit WWE’s broader booking trends.
Even with these challenges, Stardust merchandise stocked well, and the character’s influence extended beyond WWE, appearing in crossover media and pop culture moments, which reinforced its niche popularity[3].
Stardust’s Legacy and Cody’s Evolution
Following the Stardust era, Cody Rhodes returned to his roots with the “American Nightmare” persona, which spotlighted his wrestling skills, charisma, and storytelling prowess, ultimately leading to his tremendous success in AEW and his triumphant WWE return[1][2].
This evolution is widely viewed as a maturation from the theatrical to the more grounded and relatable, yet codified by the lessons and fan reactions Stardust garnered. Brandi asserts that Stardust was “an essential step, not a misstep,” highlighting how wrestlers must sometimes experiment to find their true voice.
A Balancing Act: Stardust’s Impact on Cody’s WWE Journey
Stardust’s importance is perhaps best understood as part of the larger tapestry of Cody’s WWE story. It was a bold, artistic detour that helped him develop a more comprehensive in-ring and character toolkit. Brandi Rhodes’ unapologetic praise reflects a deeper appreciation for the character’s risk-taking and uniqueness, which too often gets overshadowed by later achievements.
As one WWE insider put it, “Cody’s Stardust run was like a rehearsal for greatness — some parts nailed, some parts messy, but all invaluable.“
By embracing Stardust’s legacy, Brandi offers fans a nuanced look at Cody’s journey — one where creative risks are celebrated as necessary catalysts for growth, making Stardust a character worthy of respect in WWE’s storied history.