Tag: Dustin Rhodes

Dustin Rhodes Facing Double Knee Replacement, ROH Championship Future in Question

Veteran wrestler Dustin Rhodes has revealed that he’s heading into double knee replacement surgery later this month. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the 56-year-old star shared that both of his knees are “destroyed” and that he’ll be undergoing the procedure on August 21st.

“They can’t actually fix the damage, so we are getting two knee replacements,” Rhodes wrote. “Damn! #KeepSteppin … By the way… this is NOT THE END.”

Rhodes had recently mentioned needing “major” surgery, and now the specifics are confirmed. According to Fightful, he is expected to be out of action for the remainder of 2025.

The announcement comes just days after Rhodes dropped the TNT Championship to Kyle Fletcher on AEW Collision, where Fletcher launched a post-match assault on Rhodes. That loss capped a brief but emotional title run for Rhodes, who captured the belt at AEW All In: Texas in July.

With his surgery now scheduled and recovery time looming, serious questions are being raised about the status of the titles Rhodes still holds in Ring of Honor. He’s currently one-half of the ROH World Tag Team Champions alongside Sammy Guevara and also holds the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Titles with Ross and Marshall Von Erich.

ROH has yet to comment on what will happen with either set of championships. Their next major event, Supercard of Honor, is set for August 23 at the legendary 2300 Arena in Philadelphia—just two days after Rhodes goes under the knife.

While the road to recovery won’t be short, Rhodes made it clear that this isn’t the end of his in-ring journey. Given his decades-long resilience and enduring fan support, it’s hard to count out The Natural.

AEW’s Dustin Rhodes Launches Wrestling Promotion, First Show Announced

After 36 years of experience within the industry, Dustin Rhodes will start his own wrestling company and step into a new role as a promoter beginning this fall. On Sunday night, the current ROH World Tag Team Champion took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to announce the launch of Rhodes Wrestling Association, as well as the date of the company’s first show, Texas Fall Fury. He also revealed that he will be present for a VIP meet and greet one hour ahead of the first show. 

“FINALLY!!! @RhodesWrestling is LAUNCHING!! Stay tuned in the coming weeks for all info. Soon November 21st Thursday at 6pm central #RWA’s Bullpen in Leander Texas. Lets make the first one special! I will be doing a VIP Meet and greet at 5pm central.”

The announcement of Rhodes’ new promotion also lines up with the rumors surrounding his AEW contract status, which has been reported to expire this fall. In addition to his announcement of RWA, Rhodes posted a heartfelt message to AEW and reflected on his last five years with the company, suggesting that he’s keen to stick around Tony Khan’s promotion.

Prior to winning the ROH World Tag Team Championships with Sammy Guevara, Rhodes also became a ROH World Six Man Tag Team Champion alongside The Von Erichs at Battle of the Belts XI. The latter marked his first title win since 2014, when he held the WWE Tag Team Championships with his brother, Cody Rhodes, who is now riding high as the Undisputed WWE Champion. 

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Backstage News On AEW Contract Status Of ROH Double Champ Dustin Rhodes

Dustin Rhodes may be a double champion in Ring of Honor, but there are no guarantees that he will be sticking around AEW after September. According to Fightful Select, Rhodes’ deal with the company is still up and the end of the month, as Fightful initially reported last year.

Rhodes is currently a ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Champion alongside the Von Erich brothers, as well as ROH World Tag Team Champion alongside Sammy Guevara. Fightful reports that “many” assumed Rhodes’ title victories meant he’d signed a new deal, but that is apparently not the case as of this writing. The report contains no indication of whether Rhodes is considering jumping back to WWE, the company where he spent the majority of his career for two decades, and where his brother Cody Rhodes is the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion. According to Fightful, in addition to his spots on the AEW and ROH rosters, Rhodes helps out and contributes to the women’s division behind-the-scenes.

Rhodes debuted in ROH at Death Before Dishonor in July 2024 and teamed with Marshall and Ross Von Erich, defeating The Dark Order to win a shot at the ROH Six-Man titles. They defeated the Undisputed Kingdom later that month at battle of the Belts to win the championships. Rhodes defeated the Undisputed Kingdom once again, alongside Guevara, to win the ROH tag belts on an episode of “AEW Collision.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Dustin & Cody Rhodes’ Nephews To Make Their Debuts This Weekend

Dustin and Cody Rhodes’ nephews will make their debut at his Rhodes Wrestling Academy this coming weekend.

Taking to Twitter, Rhodes announced that Wyatt and Wayne Rhodes (The Texas Outlaws), the sons of Cody and Dustin’s sister Kristin Rhodes Ditto, will debut at the academy’s showcase event on Sunday.

Dustin wrote, “The #Rhodes Legacy is strong and growing. Introducing my nephews Wyatt and Wayne Rhodes, #TheTexasOutlaws who will make their debut at #RWA’s showcase this Sunday March 24th at 7/6 central on #RWA’s @youtube channel in the main event 2out of 3 falls 30 minute time limit for the new #RWATagTeamChampionship

Please tune in Sunday. #prowrestling #YouTube

RT please!”

https://twitter.com/dustinrhodes/status/1769811345732481251

AEW Star Dustin Rhodes Reconsiders His Retirement Plans

Last year Dustin Rhodes claimed he only had one year left wrestling, but it appears the AEW star has re-thought that idea, instead opting to “keep stepping” like his catchphrase says.

“I see myself [wrestling] two to four more years if my legs allow me to, if Tony Khan is gracious enough to keep me around and keep me on television that’s great, whatever I can do to help,” he told “Sports Guys Talking Wrestling,” noting that his love of coaching will be something on which he can fall back when his body finally gives out. “There’s a lot of good things going here, I’ve got a lot. I take it one day at a time.”

Rhodes has been hands-on with talent during his time in AEW, training a lot of the women’s division before the shows, utilizing his experience. However, he isn’t slowing down inside the ring either, with Rhodes having been booked regularly on AEW television lately, which included him challenging for the TNT Championship against Christian Cage. While he admitted that it does get harder to compete as he gets older, he believes his work ethic keeps him going, which is why he’s now set to keep wrestling.

“I work hard, and every time that red lights on I try to do my very best, and so far being here for the five years I have in my 50s, I’m doing amazing and I’ve not had one bad match,” he said. “It’s been pretty cool to think back of all the great matches I’ve had here in AEW and I’ve wrestled everybody, it’s unbelievable.”

Source: Wrestling Inc. with credit to Sports Guys Talking Wrestling

Backstage Update On Dustin Rhodes’ AEW Contract

Back in December, Dustin Rhodes did an interview where he revealed that his contract with All Elite Wrestling would be expiring in July of this year. At the time, Rhodes said,

“I made the decision, the end of July, my contract is up and I’m going to be done in-ring, or at least tone way down. I don’t know if that’s going to be it because when we say we’re retiring, we always comeback and you never say never, but that’s what I’m looking for, an end date for my in-ring wrestling career.”

According to a report from Fightful Select, Rhodes’ contract actually expires in September of 2024.

As of this writing, there is no word on whether an extension was signed or if another issue extended the terms of the original contract.

Source: eWn

Dustin Rhodes Announces The Passing Of His Mother

AEW star Dustin Rhodes announced the passing of his mother, Sandra Runnels, in a post on social media yesterday. The former WWE Intercontinental Champion added an image holding his mother’s hand alongside the heartbreaking news. The announcement came after the 53-year-old tragically disclosed on December 27, 2022, that his mom didn’t have long to live following an undisclosed health battle. 

Rhodes wrote on Twitter: “I am very sad to say that I lost my Momma today. She was an incredibly strong mother who was loving and resilient to her dying day. She taught me everything, and I am the man I am today because of her. I am so saddened but so happy she is no longer in pain. Rest in Heaven.”

Rhodes revealed in an extended Instagram post that his mother had been in pain over the last month, which was tough on him and his sisters, Kristin and Mandy. He thanked everyone who had sent prayers and wanted everyone to continue praying for his family during this challenging period. 

Many personalities in the wrestling industry have since added their condolences to Rhodes’ social media post. Undefeated AEW TBS Champion Jade Cargill commented, “I’m so sorry Dustin. I’m praying for you and your family,” “WWE NXT” star Cora Jade wrote, “So sorry for your loss,” while WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry said, “Brother I’m so sorry! I grieve with you. I’m praying for you.” 

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Dustin Rhodes Asks Fans To Pray For Terry Funk

AEW star Dustin Rhodes took to Twitter to ask fans to pray for WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk.

Rhodes revealed that he talked to the 76-year-old today and that he is in a lot of pain.

He tweeted, “Just got off the phone with Terry Funk. He is in a lot of pain and could use some prayers. One of the greatest #TrueLegends to ever be in the ting. Appreciate y’all”

https://twitter.com/dustinrhodes/status/1358502857851473930

Last Thursday, Funk sent out a video on Twitter asking fans to please stop sending fan mail to his home.

https://twitter.com/TheDirtyFunker/status/1357089707214188548

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Dustin Rhodes Signs Multi-Year Agreement With AEW

All Elite Wrestling has announced Dustin Rhodes signed a multi-year agreement as a performer and behind the scenes employee.

According to AEW … Rhodes and Tony Khan came to an agreement after Fight for the Fallen that will see the 50-year-old wrestler continue his in-ring career, as well as work as a promo coach and match producer to help mentor younger wrestlers.

“Dustin Rhodes has had an incredible wrestling career that has spanned decades. His amazing journey brought him to AEW, and he’s rejuvenated his career here,” Khan stated in the press release.

“In addition to all of the wisdom he’s shared with us as we’ve launched All Elite Wrestling, he’s come here and worked so hard for us. His comeback match against his brother Cody at Double or Nothing was one of the most acclaimed bouts in recent years, and it marked a new chapter for all of us.”

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

 

Dustin had also posted a video on social media making the announcement of his signing and he thanked all the fans who he said without this wouldn’t be possible.

https://twitter.com/dustinrhodes/status/1167454430826041344

AEW presents All Out this Saturday evening on the B/R Live platform and at 8pm ET. It will also be available on traditional pay-per-view.

Dustin Rhodes Talks About His Match With Cody At AEW Double Or Nothing – His Look, Bleeding So Much

From Goldust to Seven to The American Nightmare, Dustin Rhodes has had many different gimmicks and looks over the years. He debuted a new look against his brother Cody at Double or Nothing, and Dustin credits Cody with help inspiring his new costume.

Dustin talked more about his look at Double or Nothing when he joined Talk is Jericho.

“Me and Cody were talking about it and we were like, what do we do? He didn’t want just Dustin. He had his vision of what he wanted and he kind of left it in the ballpark of me and my faith to create something for my face,” said Dustin. “I had asked him what he was looking for? Did he want me in trunks? Did he want me in jeans? Did he want me in my old Dustin Rhodes gear? He said no, he didn’t want the cowboy carney ass bullsh*t he would say. He said that he really wanted me to look the very best that I can.”

Dustin said his look was a combination of previous costumes and new designs. He also said he worked his tail off to get in the best shape he could in order to go sleeveless, but he also said “Cody is the only Rhodes with abs.”

“He said that I was the artist on the paint and all that stuff to come up with something. I did it; I showed him some pictures. He loved it and Tony Khan loved it and that was it.

“I looked at the Darth Maul character [from Star Wars] as well. One of the paint jobs that I did for Goldust was kind of Darth Maul-ish but if I did the Darth Maul like Darth Maul, I just reversed the colors. I reversed the color so that it wouldn’t be a complete rip-off of Darth Maul. I added just a little bit here and there and I think it came off looking really good.”

Dustin donned a crimson mask during the match and left himself, Cody and the ring covered in blood. He was a bit nervous about there being so much blood at first, but in the end all of the blood helped tell the story between he and his brother.

“I know a lot of people were worried. I was worried. You do it and you saw it streaming out and it’s like, oh no, I went a little bit too deep and then 10 minutes go by and you’re like now I’m starting to worry a little bit,” admitted Dustin. “The ring is all red. I can’t see; it’s all in my eyes. I am trying to wipe it out but it just keeps shooting out to my heartbeat. It gets scary, but then after 15 minutes I’m like, I’m going to be okay. It’s going to be fine. You saw the fans’ faces in the front row and in the arena they are just horrified but into it. They can’t take their eyes off of it and it was an incredible man. I was so happy. I was so glad to be a part of that and I hope I did Cody proud.

“To me, I have always been told that red on the head is green in the pocket. I believe that to be true to an extent when it is used sparingly here and there. It was just right in every way that night. It might have been a little bit excessive but it added to the story. It added to the emotions and it just felt incredible and I am still on a huge high from this match. Twitter has never blown up for me like that and all of the social media is going crazy and to tell me that I stole the show from the great Chris Jericho that means a lot to me.”

Source: Talk Is Jericho via Wrestling Inc.