Dustin Rhodes is nearing a return to in-ring action in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) after undergoing double knee replacement surgery. The 56-year-old wrestler, who had the operations during the summer of 2025, remains on track to be back in AEW within the next two to three weeks. Rhodes shared this update on Thursday with Fox News Digital while attending the Crufts dog show in the United Kingdom, where his mastiff, Beast, won an award.
Rhodes Shares Progress and Timeline for Return
Rhodes described his current condition, stating,
“I just had double knee replacements. So, they’re brand-new knees. They’re feeling pretty good. It’s a little tired today from all the walking – this is such a huge venue [for the dog show],”
followed by,
“But probably two weeks, three weeks I’ll be back – TBS, TNT, HBO Max.”
These comments indicate that Rhodes expects to resume competing on AEW’s television platforms soon, fulfilling the timeline he aimed for before his surgery.
Long-Term Role in AEW Beyond Wrestling
Under a long-term contract with AEW, Rhodes is set to continue contributing to the company even as his in-ring career winds down. He has been involved in behind-the-scenes roles and plans to maintain this position after retiring within the next few years. Rhodes explained the distinct focus of AEW compared to other promotions, noting,
“I think it’s the fact that we’re just not all entertainment,”
and added,
“We are about wrestling, about putting on the best matches that we possibly can. It’s the alternative to WWE.”
Rhodes reflected on his career, saying,
“I was with WWE for 24 years, and I’ve been with AEW for seven now, going on eight. I’m gonna finish here and retire in the next couple of years. And then there’s still work behind the scenes as a producer.”
Reflections on AEW’s Growth and Future
He expressed enthusiasm about working with AEW leadership, remarking,
“I love it. It’s great. My boss, Tony Khan, and Shad Khan, the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars and [Fulham] Football Club over here, we’re doing amazing. We’re growing year by year. It’s where the best wrestle.”
Rhodes emphasized AEW’s wrestling-centered approach, distinguishing it by saying,
“We do have entertainment segments but the majority of it is just all wrestling. That’s what’s different than the WWE product.”
Declining Return to WWE and Recent Achievements
Rhodes also conveyed that he has no intention of returning to WWE, feeling his previous Goldust persona has run its course. Before his injury, he was actively competing in both AEW and Ring of Honor (ROH), holding prestigious titles including the AEW TNT Championship, ROH Tag Team Championship, and ROH Six-Man Tag Team Championship.
Context on Dustin Rhodes’s Contributions and Legacy
Known for his extensive wrestling career and appreciated by fans, Rhodes balances his comeback with a legacy that spans over two decades. With his scheduled return to AEW approaching, fans and colleagues alike watch closely as he recovers and promises to deliver compelling matches once again.
