Dustin Rhodes has revealed that he will undergo major surgery following a severe knee injury sustained during a violent match against Kyle Fletcher. The incident occurred in late July on the Collision show, where Rhodes defended his TNT Championship in a brutal Street Fight, leading to serious damage that requires urgent medical attention.
The Events Leading to Dustin Rhodes’ Injury
At the All In Texas event, Adam Cole was originally slated to defend the TNT Championship against Kyle Fletcher but withdrew due to a concussion sustained on Collision days earlier. Cole announced he was taking a hiatus and may never return to wrestling. This opened the door for Dustin Rhodes, who won the vacant title in a four-way match, fueling Fletcher’s determination for a one-on-one title bout.
The singles match took place during the July 31 edition of Collision in the form of a brutal Street Fight. Throughout the match, Fletcher relentlessly targeted Rhodes’ knee, repeatedly stabbing it after Rhodes had been slammed onto a bed of thumbtacks. Rhodes retaliated by throwing some of the tacks into Fletcher’s trunks before delivering his finishing move, the Shattered Dreams.
The contest concluded when Fletcher executed his Protoplex brainbuster onto the tacks. Following the finish, Fletcher continued his assault by smashing Rhodes’ knee with a steel chair against the ring post, causing catastrophic injury.
Dustin Rhodes Details Severity of Injury and Upcoming Surgery
Following the attack, Rhodes took to social media to share an emotional update on his condition, stating that he was experiencing extreme pain and confirming that he would need very invasive major surgery to repair the damage. He expressed regret to his fans, feeling as though he had let them down, but reassured them that he intended to keep moving forward despite the setback.
“Sorry guys, feel like I failed my fans. Gonna be out for a while as Doc said I need a very invasive major surgery. MRI’s and cat scans this week, due to Kyle Fletcher. In any case, for the time I was the face of TNT was special to me. I will never take what I have for granted. I am in a terrible amount of pain and have a hole in my leg, but that won’t stop me from #KeepSteppin“ —Dustin Rhodes, Wrestler
Rhodes made it clear that the injury was not part of a storyline, affirming the real and serious nature of his condition. Despite the prognosis, he remains a champion as one-half of the ROH World Tag Team Champions alongside Sammy Guevara and one-third of the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Champions with Marshall and Ross Von Erich.
Dustin Rhodes recently extended his professional commitments by signing a new six-year contract with AEW in December 2024. His role encompasses wrestling, coaching, consulting, and serving as an ambassador, underscoring his value to the promotion beyond in-ring competition.
Context Around Related Wrestling News and Industry Updates
While Dustin Rhodes deals with this severe injury and its aftermath, the wrestling world continues to see dynamic developments. WWE Hall of Famer recently named CM Punk as the best wrestler globally, praising his performances. Charlotte Flair has offered insights into why WWE audiences have sometimes felt disconnected from her, while Triple H confirmed the return of wrestler Jelly Roll to WWE after an initial loss in his debut.
As WWE SummerSlam 2025 approaches, the schedule reveals Roman Reigns and Jey Uso will open the event with a tag team match, highlighting ongoing storylines. Concerns have been raised about The Rock’s absence from SummerSlam, which could impact significant narratives involving John Cena. Meanwhile, rumors circulate about romantic links between Roxanne Perez and Dominik Mysterio, adding intrigue to WWE’s backstage dynamics.
Reports have also surfaced of Gunther preparing for surgery following a recent injury sustained after SummerSlam, paralleling the severity of Rhodes’ situation and reflecting a trend of significant physical challenges faced by top wrestlers.
Significance of Rhodes’ Injury and What Lies Ahead
Dustin Rhodes’ announcement of major surgery brings focus to the physical risks inherent in professional wrestling. His role as a veteran and multi-title holder adds weight to the impact of his injury on AEW’s landscape. His promise to #KeepSteppin reflects not only personal resolve but also the unwavering support from fans and fellow wrestlers.
This surgery will likely sideline Rhodes for an extended period, affecting his in-ring presence but not his broader contributions to AEW as a mentor and ambassador. His recovery progress will be closely followed, with fans and industry insiders hopeful for a strong comeback.
As AEW manages the implications of losing one of its key figures to injury, the spotlight intensifies on emerging talent and ongoing storylines in the division Rhodes has influenced for years. The community’s response underscores the respect he commands, and his resilience will be an inspiration during this challenging time.
