Dustin Rhodes has stated he is not interested in returning to WWE as a wrestler but would welcome an induction into the WWE Hall of Fame if offered. Now 56 years old, Rhodes has been with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) since 2019, balancing his role as an active competitor and a backstage contributor while under a long-term deal.
Rhodes credits AEW with allowing him to rekindle his passion for wrestling and perform at a high level even in the later stages of his career, something he finds fulfilling and motivating.
Rhodes Reflects on WWE Hall of Fame Consideration
During an interview with Fox News Digital, Rhodes was asked if he would accept an invitation to join the WWE Hall of Fame. He expressed humility and a willingness to embrace the honor without actively pursuing it. Rhodes emphasized his desire for his late brother Cody and his daughter to be inducted as well, describing that as a meaningful goal.
“Absolutely,”
Rhodes said when asked about the Hall of Fame,
“I’m a very humble guy though, it’s like, if it comes, it comes, whatever. I would love Cody to do it and my daughter, specifically both of them. That would be just great, the most meaningful, heartfelt. But if it comes, it comes, if it doesn’t, no big deal. I’ve had an awesome, incredible career, doing some great things.”
– Dustin Rhodes, Wrestler and AEW Contributor
Experience in AEW Has Renewed His Passion
Rhodes expressed how his recent years in AEW have brought renewed enthusiasm and satisfaction with his wrestling career. He described AEW as a collaborative environment focused on growth and shared goals, contributing to the company’s rapid expansion and success.
I feel like these last seven years in AEW, I’ve been really on top of my game because I’ve had more freedom to enjoy it, and it’s happier and you’re more passionate, find your passion sometimes again, and you want to grow this company the best we can, and we’re all on the same page in AEW. We are doing the best that we can to get it to where it needs to be, and it’s growing. It’s getting huge.
– Dustin Rhodes, Wrestler and AEW Contributor
Focus Remains on AEW, No Plans for WWE Persona Revival
Rhodes has ruled out any plans to bring back his Goldust character or make a comeback in WWE. His concentration lies in AEW, where he continues both as an in-ring talent and a mentor for other wrestlers. Following double knee surgery in 2025, he is aiming to return to active competition within a few weeks and intends to keep wrestling for several more years before dedicating himself fully to backstage roles.
Upcoming WWE Hall of Fame Class and Impact
The WWE Hall of Fame class for this year is already taking shape, with Stephanie McMahon, AJ Styles, and the tag team Demolition confirmed as inductees. Rhodes’s openness to joining this prestigious group highlights the respect he holds for WWE’s legacy, even though his wrestling career remains firmly rooted in AEW.
His potential induction would recognize a distinguished career spanning decades and contribute to the ongoing celebration of wrestling history. Meanwhile, fans and industry insiders will watch closely to see how AEW continues to grow, fueled in part by veterans like Rhodes who are deeply invested in the company’s future.
