Dustin Rhodes Determined to Become World Champion Upon In-Ring Return

AEW veteran Dustin Rhodes is determined to become World Champion once he returns to in-ring action.

Rhodes has been away from in-ring action since the July 31, 2025, episode of AEW Collision, where he lost the TNT Championship to Kyle Fletcher in a Chicago Street Fight.

Following that, The Natural took time off to undergo double-knee replacement surgery, which took place last August.

Rhodes recently took to Instagram to remind fans about his contributions to pro wrestling and his legacy. The veteran noted that his number-one goal has always been to become a world champion, and he’ll continue to strive hard to achieve that.

Here’s what Dustin Rhodes said:

“Want y’all 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 intact, 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 it’s too late for me, because I am damn good at what I do and will continue to strive for that. Do you think it’s in me to be a world champ? I DO! Love you all and stay tuned for the Dustin Rhodes you all love. #Soon #KeepSteppin.”

Check out his post below:

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A post shared by Dustin Rhodes (@dustinrhodestx)

Dustin recently returned to coaching at the Rhodes Wrestling Academy. Last month, he shared that he is hopeful of getting medical clearance for his in-ring return.