Did Cody Rhodes Regret His Neck Tattoo? Fact-Checking Rumors, Placement Mistakes, and Regrets
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
Q1: What is the exact meaning of Cody Rhodes' neck tattoo?
The tattoo is the official "American Nightmare" logo. It features a skull with a crown and American flag wings. It represents Cody's reinvention after leaving WWE in 2016, establishing his own wrestling identity as an alternative to his father Dusty Rhodes' "American Dream" character.
Q2: Who was the tattoo artist that inked Cody Rhodes' neck?
The piece was completed by tattoo artist Craig Brock in late February 2020, just days before Cody competed at the AEW Revolution pay-per-view against MJF in Chicago.
Q3: Does Cody Rhodes really regret getting the tattoo?
Yes. In multiple interviews in August 2026, Cody stated that the neck tattoo is the greatest regret of his life. He admitted that while he loves the artistic design, the scale and neck placement were mistakes, adding that his father Dusty Rhodes would have hated the visual.
Q4: Why didn't Cody Rhodes get the tattoo on his chest instead?
Rhodes considered a chest placement, but he already had "Dream" tattooed over his chest in tribute to his father. He also wanted the American Nightmare brand visible when wearing suits and ring jackets, leading to the last-minute decision to choose his neck.
Q5: Has Cody Rhodes ever attempted to remove or cover the neck tattoo?
No. Cody has never undergone laser removal or cover-up sessions. Because the design became the central logo for his multi-million-dollar WWE merchandise catalog and global character, he lives with the placement despite his personal regrets.
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
