WWE wrestler Cody Rhodes has announced the death of Pharoah, his much loved white Siberian husky and a familiar face to wrestling fans. Rhodes shared the news on Instagram on 8 September 2026, paying tribute to a dog who had accompanied him through more than a decade of changes in his career and family life.
Affectionately known as “The Siberian Nightmare”, Pharoah belonged to the extended Rhodes wrestling family. Cody’s farewell remembered his character, his popularity with fans and his closeness to the people at home. He wrote: “It goes without saying, he was a good boy. My best man.”
Pharoah’s public life stretched across wrestling promotions. He appeared alongside Cody during his time in All Elite Wrestling and featured on merchandise, giving supporters another connection to the wrestler they followed. By the time he reached WWE television, he already had a following of his own.
His WWE debut came on the 26 June 2023 episode of Monday Night Raw. During a backstage interview, Cody stroked Pharoah while setting up a match against Damian Priest. The husky’s appearance brought a small moment of affection into an evening otherwise occupied by Cody’s rivalry with The Judgment Day. Cody went on to win the match, but Pharoah had enjoyed his own moment in front of the cameras.
WWE marked the appearance on its official social media accounts, sharing footage and announcing Pharoah’s Raw debut. The posts, reproduced in contemporary coverage by POST Wrestling, show how readily the company included him in the occasion. He was a recognisable part of Cody’s world, with an introduction that fans could enjoy in its own right.
As Pharoah grew older, Cody changed their travelling routine. Ahead of SummerSlam in Cleveland in August 2024, he announced a final trip and walk with his husky. Speaking at the event’s press conference, he explained that Pharoah was 13 and doing well, but increasingly belonged at home with the family. He had become particularly close to Cody and Brandi’s daughter, Liberty.
Cody said he did not want to keep taking Pharoah on the road if the dog would prefer to stay home. He thanked WWE for accommodating the visit and spoke fondly about the treats Pharoah had enjoyed during the trip. The farewell to travelling was an opportunity to recognise their years together while allowing his older companion a quieter routine.
That SummerSlam, held on 3 August 2024, ended with Cody retaining the Undisputed WWE Championship against Solo Sikoa following Roman Reigns’ return. Pharoah’s farewell to travelling therefore coincided with a major night in his owner’s career, with Cody continuing his reign as champion.
At the same press conference, Cody recalled an evening in Dallas when he felt unable to go back inside his home. Pharoah stayed beside him for hours, from late evening into the early morning. It was a memory that explained the depth of their bond far more clearly than any television appearance could.
In his latest tribute, Cody also remembered a mischievous dog who howled, patrolled the pool and made his presence felt around visitors. He recalled fans chanting Pharoah’s name at the first Starrcast convention, and the charity meet and greets that helped animal shelters. Pharoah even became a Mattel figure.
The most personal part of the farewell concerned Liberty. Looking through old photographs, Cody noticed how often Pharoah appeared beside her or just inside the frame. He felt that being with her, perhaps watching over her, had given the husky his purpose.
For anyone who has shared their home with a husky, there is something familiar in those memories. The everyday habits, the unexpected interruptions and the simple comfort of a dog choosing to sit nearby become part of family life. Those are often the things that leave the greatest absence when it is time to say goodbye.
Cody ended his tribute by recalling his final reassurance to Pharoah: “you did your job”.
Our thoughts at Northernwolf are with Cody, Brandi and their family as they remember Pharoah. His appearances gave wrestling fans a chance to know him, while the memories shared by his owner tell the story of a cherished companion whose place in the family went far beyond the television screen.
