Cody Rhodes has shared an emotional goodbye to his beloved dog Pharaoh, remembering the loyal companion who became a familiar face to wrestling fans and a cherished member of his family.
The WWE star announced Pharaoh’s death in a heartfelt Instagram tribute, reflecting on his white Siberian husky’s playful personality, comforting presence and special bond with his daughter, Liberty.
Rhodes began by explaining that huskies need a job, before sharing memories of Pharaoh finding his place in the family.
“P howled at the moon. When we thought he would be afraid of the older dogs we had, but instead ran into the living room and belly flopd’ on them. He patrolled the pool,” Rhodes wrote. “He always tore up a plant when a stranger came into the backyard to let them know, I’m crazy, and don’t come closer.”
Beyond those mischievous moments, Pharaoh was there when Rhodes needed comfort most.
“He got the best training and retained most of it. I’d call him a crisis dog. Whenever there was a crisis, there he was,” Rhodes wrote. “He put his nose under my arm in the truck, every time. He was always with us, and when my world got turned upside down, he sat outside with me looking at the Texas stars until the sky started to shift and he pressed his head against me firmly in a way that let me know he understood.”
For Rhodes, the bond was simple to put into words.
“It goes without saying, he was a good boy. My best man.”
Pharaoh also earned a place in the hearts of wrestling fans. Rhodes recalled the welcome his companion received during the weekend of the first All In and Starrcast in 2018.
“I’ll never forget him walking into the Hyatt in Schaumburg and us seeing the lobby overtaken by fans and wrestling shirts from front door to the back. We walked by the lobby bar and they had a special menu posted with Pharaoh’s fries,” Rhodes wrote. “But the thing I remember most is how the fans kinda parted the sea for him as he walked through. They snapped selfies and chanted his name like he was making an entrance on TV or something.”
Affectionately known as “The Siberian Nightmare,” Pharaoh accompanied Rhodes at pay-per-view events and appeared in backstage segments across WWE and AEW. His popularity led to a Mattel figure, a plush toy, merchandise and an appearance in WWE 2K24.
He also took part in charity meet-and-greets supporting animal shelters around the country, becoming part of the wider Rhodes wrestling family along the way.
However, Rhodes felt Pharaoh found his most meaningful role when Liberty was born.
“I said huskies need a job, and I don’t think Pharaoh ever truly knew his. That is until Liberty was born,” Rhodes wrote. “I scrolled back through my old pictures and there he is with her, almost every early photo. He’s just peeking into frame, or right beside her, or sternly looking through the lens. His job was to be with her. Maybe he wanted to protect her.”
Rhodes previously explained that watching Game of Thrones inspired him to get Pharaoh after deciding he wanted a wolf pup. His farewell touched on that connection, before ending with the final words he shared with his companion.
“It would be fitting to say your watch has ended, but I’d rather say the last thing I told you before you went to forever sleep,” he wrote. “You did your job. We love you.”
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