AEW Superstar Dustin Rhodes has announced that 2023 will be his final year as an in-ring competitor after over thirty years in the business.
Dustin Rhodes Retiring From In-Ring Action In 2023.
AEW Superstar, and beloved former WWE Star, Dustin Rhodes has announced that 2023 will be his final year as an in-ring competitor during an appearance at GLCW Blizzard Brawl tapings in Waukesha County, Wisconsin.
Rhodes, who made his professional debut in 1988, has wrestled over 2700 matches in a career spanning over three decades for some of wrestling’s biggest companies including WWE, WCW, AEW & TNA.
The former Goldust is currently signed to AEW where he is both an in-ring performer and talent coach working closely with many of the companies incredible female performers including former AEW Women’s Champion Britt Baker.
The 53-year-old has previously revealed that his AEW contract is set to expire around September/October of 2023 which lines up with the former ten time Hardcore Champions timeframe for his in-ring retirement.
It is currently unknown if Rhodes plans to continue his work in AEW in a backstage capacity following his retirement/contract expiry or if he plans to re-join his brother, ‘The American Nightmare’ Cody Rhodes, in WWE in a coaching role at the coveted WWE Performance Centre.
EXCLUSIVE: Hear @dustinrhodes' full comments from last night’s @BlizzardBrawl addressing his in-ring future
The full event will air exclusively on @PremierSN in early 2023 pic.twitter.com/YeXeZeFTUY
— Premier Streaming Network (@WatchOnPremier) December 4, 2022
Speaking on his in-ring retirement Rhodes would thank the crowd for his three decades in the business and for staying with him during his ups and downs in the industry he loves so much.
“This is my last year, I’m gonna have some more matches but I believe this is going to be my last year in the business, in the ring, I’m not sure my knees can take it.”
The Texas native has last appeared on AEW TV on August 28 2022 when he took on Claudio Castagnoli for the Ring of Honor World Championship in Cleveland, Ohio. Prior to this ‘The Natural’ would have on and off AEW TV appearances in April and June of 2022.
Rhodes has wrestled at some of wrestling biggest events including WrestleMania, All Out, Royal Rumble and more.