AEW wrestler Dustin Rhodes firmly dismissed suggestions of returning to WWE as Goldust, responding to a fan on Twitter in February 2026. Rhodes criticized WWE for the lack of career advancement, highlighting his frustration with adhering to company directions that ultimately did not benefit him, while emphasizing his career success with AEW.
Expressing Discontent Over WWE Experience
Rhodes openly conveyed his disillusionment with WWE, stating he never received a raise and was expected to remain sidelined without meaningful engagement. He acknowledged his fondness for the Goldust persona but declared that character’s arc had concluded. Instead, Rhodes asserted that following WWE’s instructions did not advance his professional standing, reflecting a change in his approach and priorities.
Current Status and Future Outlook
At the time of his statement, Rhodes was recovering from double knee replacement surgery, focusing on his health and career in AEW. His remarks suggest a firm decision against revisiting WWE, signaling a definitive departure from his previous tenure and highlighting the impact of creative and contractual disagreements on his career trajectory.
Nope! I never got a raise there. What, you want me sitting the bench doing nothing? That ain’t me anymore. I have done the best work of my career with @AEW. I love the character Goldust, but he ran its course. I did what I was told and it got me nowhere. No thanks.
– Dustin Rhodes, Professional Wrestler
Nope! I never got a raise there. What, you want me sitting the bench doing nothing? That ain't me anymore. I have done the best work of my career with @AEW . I love the character Goldust, but he ran its course. I did what I was told and it got me nowhere. No thanks. https://t.co/dh8p7ua4sW
— Dustin Rhodes (@dustinrhodes) February 24, 2026
