By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
AEW issued the following press release regarding the “Rhodes to the Top” reality show starring Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes.
LOS ANGELES (March 24, 2021) – Tonight’s action-packed episode of “AEW DYNAMITE” delivered another special announcement for soon-to-be parents Cody and Brandi Rhodes. TNT has ordered a new unscripted series, “Rhodes to the Top,” from Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Shed Media, that will go inside the lives of Cody and Brandi as they navigate their growing family while building AEW’s global wrestling empire.
Each 30-minute episode will take viewers behind-the-scenes as the powerhouse couple manage their ever-busier lives inside and outside the ring, all the while surrounded by a colorful and often hilarious motley crew of wrestlers, family and friends who both support and test them at every turn. Married in 2013, Cody and Brandi have been on an unprecedented path to wrestling greatness, but will now face their newest and possibly biggest challenge yet.
“I’ve witnessed firsthand the passion and dedication that Cody and Brandi put into every facet of their life and know how much that plays an instrumental role in the success and expansion of AEW,” said Sam Linsky, Co-Head of Scripted for TBS, TNT and truTV. “Now the world will get an inside look at how they balance their personal wrestling careers, their training center, and their executive roles at AEW as they venture into one of the most intimidating chapters of life, parenthood.”
Corie Henson, EVP, Head of Unscripted for TBS, TNT and truTV added: “AEW fans know Brandi and Cody inside the ring, and ‘Rhodes to the Top’ will peel back the curtain of their lives off the mat. Running a business together as the stars of ‘Dynamite,’ juggling friends and family, and introducing a new baby into the Rhodes dynasty is sure to be a wild ride.”
“Since the late 1960s, the Rhodes family has been in one spotlight or another,” said Cody and Brandi Rhodes. “People think they know us, but this show is the first true look behind the curtain and beyond the ring. They’ll see us fail and succeed, but most importantly, they’ll see us bet on ourselves as we travel the Rhodes to the top.”
“I’m thrilled to expand AEW’s relationship with WarnerMedia and TNT, and Rhodes To The Top will represent a new outlet in which our fans can further connect with characters they already love, and new viewers can discover these personalities for the first time,” said Tony Khan, Founder, CEO, GM & Head of Creative of AEW. “With our flagship show Dynamite and now Rhodes To The Top, in addition to our third hour of wrestling programming coming to TNT later this year, 2021 will be a historic year for AEW and our partnership with WarnerMedia.”
As the son of the legendary Dusty Rhodes, and brother to Dustin Rhodes, Cody has been at the epicenter of wrestling royalty since birth. In addition to serving as EVP at AEW, Cody is a two time TNT Champion, and has been involved in some of the most spectacular matches in AEW history. This includes Cody’s larger-than-life bout against Shaquille O’Neal and his jaw-dropping moonsault from the top of a steel cage against Wardlow. In addition to serving as EVP at AEW, Cody is also a judge on TBS’ most extreme reality competition series “Go-Big Show.”
AEW’s Chief Brand Officer and soon-to-be mom Brandi Rhodes is also a professional wrestler, actor, former competitive figure skater, and host of her own cooking show “A Shot of Brandi.” Brandi is also the first Black woman to hold an executive position in a professional wrestling company.
“Starting a family is one of the most rewarding challenges that a couple encounters, and we’re excited that ‘Rhodes to the Top’ will give us a glimpse at Cody and Brandi beyond their success in the AEW ring,” said Dan Peirson and Lisa Shannon, Senior Vice Presidents of Programming and Development, Shed Media. “We’re thrilled to be working alongside our amazing partners at AEW and TNT, who have built a top-notch, must-see destination for wrestling fans which has allowed us to help expand the league’s universe.”
“Rhodes to the Top” is a production of Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Shed Media. The series executive produced by Dan Peirson and Lisa Shannon of Shed Media, Bernie Cahill and Jon Kanak of Activist Artists Management, and Tony Khan, CEO, GM and Head of Creative of AEW. Cody and Brandi Rhodes are repped by Hyperion, Activist Artists Management, and Morris Yorn Barnes Levine Krintzman Rubenstein Kohner & Gellman.
Powell’s POV: There’s no start date listed, but obviously we will keep you updated. With the show being 30 minutes in length, this does not appear to be related to the additional hour of AEW programming that will eventually land on TNT. The reality show is another sign of the strong relationship between AEW and WarnerMedia.
AEW is just COPYING WWE at this point. Cody and Brandi will never be paul and stephanie so they are trying to shoot for becoming the miz and maryse..
The show will follow brandi’s pregnancy and delivery. It will be a Miz and Mrs. knock off.