An AEW star with a legendary career has admitted that his more recent matches are starting to take their toll.
Having been a part of the promotion since the beginning, Dustin Rhodes is one of the most tenured performers in the wrestling industry with more than 35 years of experience to his name. With memorable runs in WCW, WWE and AEW among many others, Rhodes prides himself on performing at a high standard every time he steps in the ring. However, at 54 years of age, The Natural has acknowledged that his final match is approaching, but not in 2024.
Speaking with Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, Rhodes discussed winding down his in-ring career and how long he expects to continue wrestling:
“It is [something that’s on my mind]. The older I get, the harder it gets. The thing about me is my work ethic. I work hard and every time that red light is on, I try to do my very best. So far, being here for the five years that I have, in my 50’s, I’m doing amazing. I’ve not had one bad match. It’s been pretty cool to think back of all the good matches I’ve had in AEW. I’ve wrestled everybody. It’s unbelievable. [Retirement] has been on my mind. Last year, I said I got one year left, and I’m going past that. I don’t want to say that again because you never say never, right?
I see myself, two to four more years, if my legs allow me to. If Tony Khan is gracious enough to keep me around and keep me on television, that’s great. Whatever I can do to help. I love producing, too, so that’s also what I can fall back on. There are a lot of good things going on there; I have a lot. I take it one day at a time and one show at a time. Whatever Tony gives me, I go out there, and I’m going to blow it out of the park and have some fun. I’ll be sore for a week and a half after,”
Rhodes last competed on the January 17th episode of Dynamite, unsuccessfully challenging Christian Cage for the TNT Championship.
AEW’s Dustin Rhodes Discusses WrestleMania Main Event Controversy
As fans are aware, Dustin is the older brother of Cody Rhodes, who is still looking to finish his story at WrestleMania. This was previously thrown into question when The Rock made his return and announced that he would be Roman Reigns’ challenger. With no one entirely sure at the time what would happen, Dustin Rhodes stated that if The Rock took Cody’s spot then he would be p*ssed.
H/t to Fightful.