10 Most Powerful People in the Pro Wrestling Business

#4 Cody Runnels

Cody Garret Runnels, who wrestled in the WWE as Cody Rhodes.

Who is he?

Cody Runnels is the Executive Vice President of All Elite Wrestling. He is allso a highly decorated pro wrestler who has held the WWE Intercontinental championship, the tag team championships with several partners, and the Ring of Honor World championship.

Cody Rhodes was a talented amateur wrestler in high school, but turned down a college scholarship to pursue a career in pro wrestling.

He was trained by a list of WWE and pro wrestling luminaries, including his famous father Dusty Rhodes, as well as Randy Orton, Al Snow, and Ricky Morton of the Rock and Roll Express.

Cody zipped through the developmental territories and made his debut on the WWE main roster while still a teenager.

He changed from heel to babyface over several different gimmicks, including the villainous face painted Star Dust, but never broke into the main event.

Cody requested his WWE release and hit the international circuit with the goal of turning himself into a major star. He succeeded beyond his wildest expectations, and wound up forming an alliance with fellow independent powerhouses the Young Bucks.

By now, everyone knows the story of how All In became the basis for All Elite Wrestling. With the wealthy Khan family backing him up financially, Cody and the Bucks are now officially wrestling promoters.

Influence that he has in the wrestling industry: Cody is effectively in command of the biggest threat to WWE's dominance the industry has seen since the days of the Monday Night Wars.