Dustin Rhodes: ‘Worked Too Hard for My Legacy To Be Tarnished by 50% Less Pay’

Don’t expect 57-year-old Dustin Rhodes to return to WWE as Goldust anytime soon. During a recent fan interaction on social media, the former WWE Intercontinental and AEW TNT Champion said he wouldn’t go back to WWE for “50% less pay.”

A fan initially asked Rhodes, “Just so it’s clear, we are never getting Gold Dust back are we?” Dustin Rhodes later wrote in response, “Worked too hard for my legacy to be tarnished by 50% less pay. NOOOOO! Won’t say it again. Love ya and ty for asking though.” You can view that exchange below.

Rhodes was sidelined from the ring last year to undergo double-knee replacement surgery. He was reportedly backstage at the AEW TV tapings in March where he did producer work and also was seen running the ropes.

It’s unknown when Rhodes will be making his AEW in-ring return.

Have a great day today!!! Head up, straight forward! #KeepSteppin pic.twitter.com/k2Yb2qa4hS

— Dustin Rhodes (@dustinrhodes) May 6, 2026

Just so it's clear, we are never getting Gold Dust back are we?

— DaSportsChatter🏈⚾️🏀🗨 (@DaSportChatter) May 6, 2026

Worked to hard for my legacy to be tarnished by 50% less pay. NOOOOO! Won't say it again. Love ya and ty for asking though https://t.co/AuQthyBi51

— Dustin Rhodes (@dustinrhodes) May 6, 2026