Dustin Rhodes’ AEW career has been a remarkable chapter in his long and storied wrestling journey, showcasing his versatility, passion, and ability to connect with audiences both old and new.
AEW Debut and “Double or Nothing” 2019
Dustin’s AEW career began with a bang at the company’s first-ever pay-per-view, Double or Nothing, on May 25, 2019. In a highly anticipated match, Dustin faced his younger half-brother, Cody Rhodes, in a bout that was not just about wrestling but also about family and legacy. The build-up was intense, with Cody framing it as a clash between the past and the future of wrestling. Representing the old guard, Dustin entered the match determined to prove he could still compete at the highest level. The match itself became an instant classic, filled with raw emotion, hard-hitting action, and masterful storytelling. Both men bled, and the encounter was a physical and emotional war, culminating in a tearful embrace after Cody delivered the final blow.
Dustin’s performance silenced any doubts about his ability to still deliver in the ring. Fans and critics alike praised the match as one of the year’s best, establishing Dustin as a respected veteran who could still go toe-to-toe with the best in the business.
Post-Double or Nothing and Feuds
After Double or Nothing, Dustin transitioned into a mentor role while still competing regularly. He teamed up with Cody in various tag team matches, briefly rekindling their partnership, which resonated strongly with fans. Together, they faced The Young Bucks at Fight for the Fallen in July 2019, though they fell short against the younger, more established team.
Dustin also began feuding with some of AEW’s rising stars. In late 2019, he entered a feud with Jake Hager, a dominant force in AEW’s heel faction, The Inner Circle. The feud culminated in a match at Revolution in February 2020, where Dustin once again showcased his enduring toughness, despite coming up short against the younger Hager.
Mentorship and Building New Stars
As AEW grew, Dustin’s role evolved further. He became more of a mentor, helping to elevate younger talent while still competing at a high level. His work with the Natural Nightmares, a tag team with QT Marshall, was a key part of this. Though the team didn’t reach the heights of AEW’s top-tier tag teams, it showcased Dustin’s ability to enhance the credibility of newer stars. Behind the scenes, Dustin also took on significant responsibilities as a coach and producer, helping to shape the next generation of wrestlers. His experience and knowledge have been invaluable to AEW’s development, particularly as the company blends old-school wrestling fundamentals with the fast-paced, high-flying style that modern fans enjoy.
Ongoing Rivalries and Contributions
In 2021 and 2022, Dustin continued to have meaningful matches and rivalries, proving that age had not slowed him down. He faced off against up-and-coming stars like Sammy Guevara, pushing Guevara to the limit in a hard-hitting match that further established him as a credible singles competitor. These matches were not just about giving the younger talent a rub but also about Dustin reminding everyone that he could still deliver memorable performances in the ring.
Dustin also had a series of matches against Malakai Black and his faction, the House of Black. These encounters showcased Dustin’s ability to adapt to the darker, more psychological aspects of wrestling, a nod to his earlier days as Goldust, while still bringing the hard-hitting, old-school style that has defined much of his career.
Current Role and Legacy in AEW
As of 2024, Dustin Rhodes remains an active competitor in AEW, though his in-ring appearances have become more selective. He continues to play a vital role in AEW’s backstage operations, where his influence is felt in the training and development of younger wrestlers. Dustin’s presence in AEW adds a layer of authenticity and history to the promotion, bridging the gap between wrestling’s past and its future.
Dustin’s ongoing commitment to wrestling is a testament to his love for the business and his desire to leave it better than he found it. Whether delivering a promo, wrestling a match, or coaching backstage, Dustin Rhodes is a living legend whose contributions to wrestling continue to resonate with fans and performers alike. Recently, Dustin has been working with Ring of Honor (owned by AEW), mentoring stars and teaming with the Von Erichs (Ross & Marshall) to win the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championships. He also captured the ROH World Tag Team Championships with Sammy Guevara—these are his first championships in nearly a decade.
Conclusion
Dustin Rhodes’ AEW career is not just the final chapter in his wrestling journey but a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and love for the business. From his emotional war with Cody at Double or Nothing to his mentorship of younger talent and continued in-ring presence, Dustin has solidified his legacy as one of wrestling’s true greats. His career, spanning over three decades, is a story of evolution, perseverance, and a deep connection with the fans who have watched him grow from “The Natural” to the legendary figure he is today.
