Cody Rhodes is grieving the loss of his faithful companion. The former Undisputed WWE Champion announced Tuesday that Pharaoh, his beloved Siberian Husky, had passed away — describing it as going to “forever sleep.”
In an emotional Instagram post, Rhodes remembered Pharaoh as more than just a pet. “Huskies need a job,” he wrote. “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. 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.”
Rhodes also called Pharaoh a “crisis dog,” explaining that the husky was always there during tough times. “Whenever there was a crisis, there he was,” he said. “He put his nose under my arm in the truck…everytime. 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.”
Pharaoh was a familiar face to wrestling fans. He appeared alongside Rhodes during his time in AEW, including memorable entrances at All Out 2019 and Double or Nothing 2019. After Rhodes returned to WWE in 2022, Pharaoh popped up in backstage segments, such as the June 26, 2023 episode of Monday Night Raw. He even got his own Mattel action figure and plush toy, along with T-shirt designs that made him a fan favorite.
The Rock referenced Pharaoh in a promo ahead of WrestleMania 40, and Randy Orton recently mentioned him on SmackDown. In 2024, Pharaoh retired from traveling due to his age, but he remained a cherished member of the Rhodes household. Cody recalled the 2018 Starrcast convention, where fans respectfully stepped aside and cheered as Pharaoh walked through.
Above all, Pharaoh’s true job was being present for Rhodes’ first daughter, Liberty. “We love you,” Rhodes added. He also noted that Pharaoh was his “best man” and said, before the dog went to forever sleep, “I told him he did his job.”
The news comes nine months after WWE champion CM Punk announced the death of his dog, Larry, another beloved pet immortalized in merchandise. Pharaoh, along with Larry, will be remembered as two of the most impactful animals in pro wrestling history.
