Dustin Rhodes is finally returning, but not in AEW

Dustin Rhodes has been away from AEW programming for close to a year now. The ex-WWE legend and former champion is set to make an appearance this week- not in the Tony Khan-led promotion, but at a wrestling convention.

The last time Dustin Rhodes was seen in action was on the July 31 edition of AEW Collision last year, where he lost his TNT Championship to Kyle Fletcher in a brutal Chicago Street Fight. Close to the end of the bout, and afterwards, The Protostar brutally attacked The Natural’s knees, a move that was seemingly meant to write the latter off of TV. The veteran underwent double knee replacement surgery the following month, and has been on the mend since then.

A report from a couple of months ago revealed that Dustin had been backstage for the March 18 edition of Wednesday Night Dynamite, supposedly working in the capacity of a producer. He was also reportedly seen running the ropes, and it was suggested that the Artist Formerly Known as Goldust was keen to return to in-ring action as soon as possible. Although Rhodes has yet to end his AEW hiatus, he recently took to X/Twitter to announce his upcoming appearance at the River City Wrestling Con in Florida this coming Saturday, June 6.

“Saturday!!! Bring cookies 🍪 🤣,” wrote Dustin in the caption.

Dustin Rhodes reflects on his AEW Double or Nothing bout against his brother

Days after the 2026 iteration of Double or Nothing, Dustin Rhodes took to X/Twitter to respond to a fan who had shared a throwback post alluding to The Bizarre One’s unforgettable singles match against his brother Cody Rhodes at the inaugural edition of the same pay-per-view back in 2019. The bout not only played a huge role in making the event the success that it was, it also set the tone for the kind of hard-hitting, intense and story-driven programming that AEW continues to produce to this day.

Reflecting on his match with The American Nightmare at Double or Nothing 2019, Dustin expressed his gratitude over having been able to put on a barnburner with his sibling, and towards Tony Khan for granting them the opportunity to do it.

“Time has flown by!!! I know Cody has different favorite matches, but I am so blessed that we got to put on a fantastic clinic. Love my bro so much. #DON has a very special place in my heart! Thank you @AEW and @TonyKhan for that opportunity and moment,” Dustin wrote on X

Cody, who left All Elite Wrestling to return to WWE in 2022, is currently the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, a title he successfully defended against “The Ring General” Gunther last month at Clash in Italy.