Interviews with her husband, Cody Rhodes, from his big weekend in Reseda, California for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG)’s Battle of Los Angeles (BOLA) started buzz that both the Grandson of a Plumber and his wife would soon be working with TNA. Last week, reports emerged that Brandi Rhodes wouldn’t just be joining Impact Wrestling for a one-off feud beside her husband, but as a full-time member of their Knockouts (women’s) division.
Today (Sept. 19), TNA made it official, and Brandi spoke to TNA lead announcer Josh Mathews (calling from his living room with the lights out, for some reason) about the move, and the transition from broadcaster to wrestler:
Breaking News: @thebrandirhodes has signed with Impact Wrestling. Hear her first exclusive interview now! pic.twitter.com/3HRWOArYyw
— TNA WRESTLING (@IMPACTWRESTLING) September 19, 2016
The former WWE ring announcer commented via her own social media account, as well:
Its official! The first lady to represent RHODES as an in-ring competitor. Thanks @IMPACTWRESTLING CANNOT WAIT! https://t.co/WW12zcmQmB
— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) September 19, 2016
Perhaps one of the more interesting things is TNA’s use of her kayfabe surname (Runnels is the legal name of the entire Rhodes’ clan), and Brandi’s emphasis of it in her Tweet.
Rumors pointed to the Rhodes names being a WWE trademark, and one that company wouldn’t allow Cody to use while working television or other recorded shows. This indicates that either never was or no longer is the case.
We’ll wait for more rumors about that, and wish Brandi the best in her new endeavor (and wait for signs of her hubby showing up in the Impact Zone).