The Nightmare Family was a professional wrestling stable that performed on the independent circuit and in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). The group's name derives from "The American Nightmare", the nickname of the stable's leader Cody Rhodes. He described the group as "an ensemble of focused individuals, some who train at the Nightmare Factory (AEW's training facility) together, who just have a singular focus over the sport". In addition to Cody, his brother Dustin Rhodes was a member of the stable; both are the sons of the late Dusty Rhodes.
History Background
Prior to the launch of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Cody Rhodes and his brother Dustin Rhodes previously wrestled in WWE. On June 21, 2018, Cody launched a YouTube channel titled Nightmare Family, showcasing behind-the-scenes videos from his professional wrestling career.
All In and All Elite Wrestling Members of the Nightmare Family first appeared together on September 1, 2018 at the independently-produced All In event.
On January 1, 2019, Cody and Brandi Rhodes joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a new professional wrestling promotion founded by Shahid Khan and Tony Khan. Cody and Brandi signed contracts as on-screen talent and also as Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer respectively. On April 20, Cody's opponent for AEW's inaugural event Double or Nothing was revealed as his brother Dustin Rhodes. Cody defeated Dustin at Double or Nothing, and the match received a 5 star rating from Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter. After the match, Cody made a plea to Dustin to reunite as a tag team to face The Young Bucks at Fight for the Fallen. Dustin accepted, reuniting The Rhodes Brothers for the first time in over four years.
On December 30, 2019, Arn Anderson signed a contract with AEW, serving as Cody's on-screen personal advisor and head coach. On January 15, 2020 at Bash at the Beach, Diamond Dallas Page teamed with Q. T. Marshall and Dustin Rhodes for his first match since 2016.
On October 30, 2020, Gunn Club (Austin, and Billy) and Lee Johnson joined the group. On February 8, 2021, Aaron Solow and Nick Comoroto joined the group.
On the March 31, 2021 edition of AEW Dynamite, Cody Rhodes and Q. T. Marshall fought in an unsanctioned Exhibition match with Arn Anderson serving as the referee. After about 7 minutes of in-ring action, a frustrated Q.T. attacked Anderson and left the ring, allowing Aaron Solow and Nick Comoroto, as well as Nightmare Factory trainee Anthony Ogogo, to attack Cody from behind. Q.T. continued to lead the group in a brutal beatdown of Cody and the rest of the Nightmare Family, ending his (as well as Solow and Comoroto's) relationship with the group.
After months of inactivity, Cody Rhodes departed AEW on February 15, 2022, effectively disbanding the stable.
Members *Founding member(s)LLeader(s)
Former Full-time MemberJoinedLeftDustin RhodesAugust 3, 2019February 15, 2022 Arn AndersonDecember 30, 2019May 10, 2022 Lee JohnsonOctober 30, 2020May 10, 2022 Brock AndersonJune 11, 2021May 10, 2022 Aaron Solow
Part-time MemberJoinedLast appearance
Timeline
Sub-groups AffiliateMembersTenure TypeThe BrotherhoodCody RhodesDustin Rhodes2019–2022Tag teamGunn ClubAustin GunnBilly GunnColten Gunn2020–2021Trio
Other media
The Nightmare Family maintains a YouTube channel, which currently hosts videos of matches that take place at the Nightmare Factory training facility. Cody Rhodes, Q. T. Marshall, and Glacier are co-owners and coaches of the Nightmare Factory. Prior to adopting a Nightmare Family-inspired name, the training facility was known as the Power Factory.
Championships and accomplishments All Elite Wrestling AEW TNT Championship (3 times) – Cody Dynamite Award (1 time) Best Moment on the Mic (2021) – CBS Sports Promo of the Year (2019) – Pro Wrestling Illustrated Match of the Year (2019) – Ranked Cody No. 7 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2020 Ranked Dustin No. 137 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2020 Ranked Marshall No. 468 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2020 Ranked Brandi No. 50 of the top 100 female wrestlers in the PWI Female 100 in 2019
Notes
References
External links