WWE Star Cody Rhodes Announces the Death of His Beloved Husky Pharaoh

Pharaoh’s appearance at AEW All Out 2019 was reportedly cut short as Cody Rhodes’ entrance pyro frightened him, leading Rhodes to stop bringing the dog out in front of large crowds.
Rhodes officially retired Pharaoh from traveling to wrestling events during a 2024 SmackDown appearance because the husky had become too old for the demands of travel.
Pharaoh was included with Cody Rhodes’ Mattel “Finish the Story” action figures, extending his presence in wrestling merchandise beyond his own Mattel figure.
WWE incorporated Pharaoh into a storyline involving Randy Orton, who made remarks suggesting the dog had died before later acknowledging that Pharaoh was still alive; Orton subsequently threatened to “bury” him.
WWE star Cody Rhodes announced that Pharaoh, his beloved white Siberian husky, has died after more than a decade as a fixture in the Rhodes family and professional wrestling. Wrestling Inc reported that Rhodes posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, sharing a lengthy message and photo montage honoring the dog who appeared at major wrestling events and became known to fans worldwide.
Pharaoh earned his place in wrestling history through appearances at AEW All Out 2019 and other major events, as well as WWE storylines and Mattel merchandise alongside Rhodes. The husky had been officially retired from traveling to events in 2024 because he was too old for the demands of the road, but his legacy remained central to Rhodes' public identity.
Pharaoh became a recognizable figure to pro wrestling fans through multiple high-profile appearances over the years. Wrestling Noticias noted that the dog had been with Rhodes for over a decade, making him one of the most famous pets in the wrestling industry.
The husky appeared alongside Rhodes in major WWE and AEW moments and was included in Rhodes' Mattel "Finish the Story" action figure line, extending his presence beyond live events into merchandise collectors' hands worldwide.
Pharaoh's appearance at AEW All Out 2019 marked a turning point in his public wrestling career. The entrance pyrotechnics frightened the husky during the event, prompting Rhodes to stop bringing him out in front of large crowds going forward.
This decision kept Pharaoh away from the noise and chaos of live arenas, though he remained a cherished part of Rhodes' life and occasionally surfaced in storylines and casual appearances.
In his tribute, Rhodes remembered Pharaoh as far more than a wrestling accessory—the husky was a emotional anchor during difficult periods. Rhodes called Pharaoh his "crisis dog," describing how the animal stayed loyally by his side when times were tough.
Pharaoh also held a special protective bond with Rhodes' daughter, Liberty. Fans celebrated the dog at wrestling conventions and events, recognizing him as an integral part of the Rhodes family story both inside and outside the wrestling world.
Rhodes made the decision to retire Pharaoh from traveling to wrestling events during a 2024 SmackDown appearance, recognizing that age had made the rigorous schedule too demanding for the husky. By this point, Pharaoh had earned his rest after years of supporting Rhodes' career.
Recent WWE storylines involving Randy Orton had joked about Pharaoh's fate, with Orton making dark remarks about the dog before later acknowledging he was still alive. Those storyline references now carry new weight following the announcement of Pharaoh's passing.
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