Ex-WWE and AEW star Brandi Rhodes left heartbroken after beloved dog Colby-Jack dies aged 16
AEW star Brandi Rhodes has revealed she will miss the company’s Fyter Fest after being left heartbroken that her beloved dog has died.
The former WWE announcer admitted she is flying home to Michigan because her pet of 16 years Colby-Jack Tanner Runnels has passed away.
The 37-year-old is AEW’s Chief Brand Officier and is married to the companies executive vice-president Cody Rhodes.
She wrote: “Today is shaping up to me my worst on record. I’m flying back home to say goodbye to my oldest friend. My first child. Colby-Jack Tanner Runnels.
“For 16 years we have been inseparable. When I first saw you and took you home on that long car ride through the snow in Michigan…you continued to trust me from that moment on.
“Everyone thought you were too small, I was too young. You’d just be some pocket dog that I’d one day tire of. That never happened. You were never a pocket dog.
“You were a family member with the best personality and you were my utmost priority throughout all stages of my life. You were with me from Michigan to Florida to Texas to California and finally, to Georgia.
You allowed me to grow into the woman I am today and you showed me the best human and dog bond possible
Brandi Rhodes
“You helped me become an adult. And I would never leave you behind. When I didn’t have enough for you I found it. You never doubted me for one second and that unconditional love is what always got me through.
“We did this all together. I’m so glad you stayed around as long as you did. You allowed me the pleasure and joy of being your mom.
“You allowed me to grow into the woman I am today and you showed me the best human and dog bond possible. I love you Colby. We will always be together because I’ll hold you in my heart. Rest well my sweet.”
Brandi uploaded a second snap of herself cuddling Colby and captioned it: “Gone but never forgotten.
“I love you Colby-Jack. Nothing will ever be the same. I’ll see you on the other side of that Rainbow Bridge.”
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Brandi, like Cody, began her wrestling career in WWE and began working as a ring announcer under the ring name Eden Stiles.
She left the company in 2011 but returned in November 2013 in her former role.
She went onto become a regular announcer on SmackDown but she was granted her release from WWE in May 2016, just days after Cody had requested his.