Dustin Rhodes not interested in WWE return: ‘That ain’t me anymore’
Dustin Rhodes doesn’t have any interest in returning to WWE and reprising his old Goldust character.
Responding to a fan on social media today, Rhodes said he feels he’s done the best work of his career in AEW. As much as he loved playing Goldust, Rhodes believes the character ran its course and wasn’t going anywhere before he left WWE.
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
“Nope! I never got a raise there,” Rhodes responded to the fan who called for him to go back to WWE. “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.”
Rhodes is under a long-term contract with AEW that includes competing in the ring and contributing backstage. The 56 year old underwent double knee surgery last summer but could be getting close to getting back in the ring. March 2026 is when he’s been targeting for his return.
Before being forced out of action, Rhodes was competing in AEW and ROH and held titles in both, including a reign as TNT Champion.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.