Dustin Rhodes, the 55-year-old wrestling veteran and AEW star, recently took aim at a current AEW champion during his ongoing absence from in-ring action. Rhodes last competed on July 31, 2025, at the Collision tapings, where he defended the TNT Championship in a Chicago Street Fight against Kyle Fletcher. Despite a hard-fought battle, Rhodes lost the title and his character was written off television following a brutal attack. This physical toll led to Rhodes undergoing double knee replacement surgery after years of damage sustained in the ring. Meanwhile, Kyle Fletcher has since risen as a two-time TNT Champion, recently defeating Tommaso Ciampa to reclaim the title.
Social Media Taunts Target Kyle Fletcher’s Title Victory
This week, Rhodes posted a GIF on Twitter showing a baby giving the middle finger, mocking Kyle Fletcher’s celebratory PINKIE post after winning the AEW International Championship. Fletcher’s victory included a distinctive pink redesign of the championship belt, which has become a notable symbol. Although Rhodes has acknowledged Fletcher’s talent, he clearly expressed disdain for the Australian star having taken the TNT Championship from him.
Dustin Rhodes Turns Down Any WWE Comeback Plans
Adding to recent developments, Rhodes strongly denied the possibility of returning to WWE. When a fan asked if he would reappear as Goldust in WWE, Rhodes dismissed the idea, stating he was better off in AEW. He also revealed that during his previous WWE tenure, he never received a raise. Rhodes described his AEW run as some of the best work of his career and felt that his Goldust persona had run its course, leaving no reason to revisit the WWE stage again.
What Rhodes’ Comments Mean for His Career and AEW
Dustin Rhodes’ firm stance against a WWE return highlights his commitment to AEW amid physical challenges and career transitions. His public critique of Kyle Fletcher underscores a competitive tension that continues despite his absence. As Rhodes recovers, his remarks suggest a focus on the present and future of AEW rather than revisiting past chapters. Fletcher’s recent success and distinctive championship reign also indicate shifting dynamics within AEW’s title picture, making this a critical period for both performers and the promotion’s evolving landscape.
https://t.co/TbOz6ZCqYe pic.twitter.com/bpHfkLlN0u
— Dustin Rhodes (@dustinrhodes) February 27, 2026
