Dustin Rhodes outlines ambitions amid year-long AEW absence: ‘I don’t think it’s too late for me’
Dustin Rhodes has outlined his ambitions during his time away from AEW after being sidelined for nearly a year.
He took to Instagram expressing that becoming World Champion is still on his agenda. Rhodes detailed his contributions to wrestling and the impact of his legacy in the future.
“Want yall to know, I never want you to forget my body of work. I have given so much passion, love, blood(lots), sweat and tons of tears, all for the love of #prowrestling. And again, thank you all for standing by me as well as the new fans, ty. Very soon, i will be back for my “One Last Ride,” which has gone for 7 yrs lol.”
“I promise to continue my in ring work to be as hard as ever. Knowing that my legacy is in tact, I feel I still have plenty to prove.”
“My number 1 goal when, I started this journey, was to be a World Champion. I don’t think its too late for me, because I am damn good at what I do and will continue to strive for that. Do you think its in me to be world champ? I DO!”
“Love you all and stay tuned for the Dustin Rhodes you all love. #Soon #KeepSteppin,” posted Rhodes.
Rhodes’ last AEW match was against Kyle Fletcher in a Chicago Street Fight match on the July 31, 2025 edition of Collision. He had undergone double knee surgery. He has however returned to coaching at the Rhodes Wrestling Academy. Last month, he shared an update on his recovery citing that he is hopeful to get medical clearance for an in-ring return soon.
Rosanne Raphael is a wrestling writer with over three and a half years of experience covering all things related to the industry. From a kindergarten teacher to PR Associate to turning her lifelong passion for the industry into a career, Rosanne is currently writing for F4W Online where she focuses on wrestling news, analysis, and storytelling.
Rosanne previously contributed to Sportskeeda as an Assistant Content Manager.
When not consumed by wrestling, Rosanne is a musician and an aspiring artist.