Brandi laughs off Cody’s version, but their love story started with ‘just breathing’

Summary

– Cody Rhodes says Brandi made the first move by blowing in his ear backstage

– Brandi insists she was simply breathing during a hug and not flirting

– The couple built trust early on and began dating soon after

Cody and Brandi Rhodes have become one of wrestling’s most beloved power couples, but their relationship had a surprising and amusing start. During an interview on Stephanie’s Places on ESPN, Cody revealed that Brandi made the first move—by blowing in his ear during a backstage interaction.

Cody explained that Brandi’s hair was styled in what he called “real Texas big hair,” he casually advised her that it was too much for TV. He thought he was offering peer-to-peer advice, but Brandi interpreted it as flirting. When Cody went in for a polite hug, he claimed Brandi blew in his ear, which made him feel like his old gimmick, Dashing Cody Rhodes, was coming to life.

Brandi, however, had a much different take. In the same interview, she laughed off Cody’s version, saying she did nothing. She said she was “just breathing” and that he exaggerated the entire moment. Despite the disagreement, both agree that the incident helped build a foundation of trust that quickly grew into something more.

The couple first met during their early WWE days—Cody as a rising star and Brandi working under the name Eden Stiles as a ring announcer. They married in 2013 and recently celebrated their 11-year anniversary, proving that “just breathing” can become a lifelong connection.