Dustin Rhodes, the 56-year-old wrestling veteran, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in his career as he prepares to defend the AEW TNT Championship for the first time tonight on AEW Collision. Rhodes praised his challenger, Lee Moriarty, highlighting the promising future the young wrestler represents for the sport.
Rhodes captured the TNT Championship at AEW All In Texas on July 12, adding the title to his existing ROH World Tag Team and World Trios Championships. This achievement holds special significance for Rhodes, whose younger brother, WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes, was the very first holder of the TNT Championship. Determined to make his title reign memorable, Dustin is set to put on a thrilling performance in Chicago, a city he regards as the premier wrestling hub in the country.
On social media, Rhodes called Moriarty “the future of our sport” and invited fans to witness his inaugural TNT title defense live:
“Saturday night feels like a fight. Lee is very talented young man in that ring. He def is the future of our sport. Nothing but respect. Everyone tune in for my 1st @aew TNT TITLE defense. Should be a good one. They don’t call me ‘The Natural’ for nothing! @tntdrama @AEW @ringofhonor I WILL SHOW YOU THE DEFINITION OF #KeepSteppin CHICAGO! Greatest wrestling city in the Nation. 🤘🏼 #AEWCollision.”
—Dustin Rhodes, AEW TNT Champion
Tensions Rise After AEW All In Texas Over TNT Title Victory
Despite the widespread excitement over Rhodes’ first singles title win in AEW, his victory at All In Texas stirred animosity from Kyle Fletcher. Fletcher had his sights set on the vacant TNT Championship but was thwarted when Rhodes pinned Daniel Garcia to claim the title. Fletcher viewed Rhodes’ win as a disruption to his own moment and has made no secret of his frustration.
Last week on AEW Collision, Fletcher confronted Rhodes with hostility, only to be stopped by Don Callis. Callis, known for his strategic management, tried to sway Rhodes by proposing an alliance with the Don Callis Family if Rhodes were to lose the title to Fletcher. Rhodes rejected the offer defiantly, signaling his unwillingness to back down by making a rude gesture as Fletcher and Callis exited.
This incident has intensified the rivalry, suggesting that Rhodes could face an even tougher challenge ahead. With Fletcher eager to reclaim the TNT Championship and unrestrained by Callis, the upcoming matches could prove to be some of the most intense battles AEW fans have seen.
The Significance of Rhodes’ TNT Title Defense and What’s Next
Dustin Rhodes’ TNT Championship reign marks a significant milestone in his enduring wrestling career, especially considering the legacy connected to the title through his brother, Cody Rhodes. His recognition of Lee Moriarty as a future star and his commitment to delivering an exciting match in Chicago underscore his dedication to the sport and its ongoing evolution.
The growing tension with Kyle Fletcher adds an element of unpredictability to Rhodes’ tenure as TNT Champion, promising a fiercely competitive landscape in AEW. Fans can expect high-stakes encounters as Rhodes aims to solidify his place while defending against rising stars eager to seize the championship for themselves.
