More Backstage Details on Why Dustin Rhodes Was Backstage at Last Week’s AEW Taping in Fresno

Dustin Rhodes was reportedly present at last week’s AEW taping. The Natural has been away from television since last July. He underwent double-knee replacement surgery last August.

Rhodes has since been providing regular updates on his recovery status via social media. Earlier this month, during a conversation with Fox News Digital, Dustin revealed that he’ll return to the ring in two to three weeks.

Earlier today, Mike Johnson of PWInsider reported that Dustin Rhodes was backstage at the AEW taping in Fresno, California, this past Wednesday. According to Johson, he worked as a producer for the taping and was also seen running the ropes in the ring before the show began, probably working toward being cleared by AEW medical professionals for an in-ring return.

The report added that everyone backstage was pleased to have Rhodes back on the road and that the veteran was believed to be in good spirits.

Dustin last competed on the July 31, 2025, episode of Collision, where he lost the AEW TNT Championship, which he had won earlier that month at All In: Texas, to Kyle Fletcher in a Chicago Street Fight.

The era of "The Protostar" @KyleFletcherPro as TNT Champion has begun!

Watch #AEWCollision LIVE on TNT & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/IeS1Do3Yhg

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 1, 2025