13-time WWE champion formally confirms he’ll retire in AEW

A former WWE star recently made a bold statement about retiring in AEW. 56-year-old star Dustin Rhodes has been one of the top veterans in the business. He has wrestled in WWE, WCW, NWA, and many other companies. He spent most of his prime years in the global sports entertainment juggernaut, sitting on the bench. However, All Elite Wrestling has given him the spotlight he deserves.

The Natural has been out since July 2025 due to an injury. He had to undergo double knee replacement surgery and is recovering. He claimed to return to the Jacksonville-based promotion by March 2026. Recently, the former TNT Champion stated that he will never set foot in WWE, as he is happily All Elite.

Recently, a user on X couldn’t believe Dustin Rhodes refused to return to WWE. The 56-year-old star responded by saying that he will retire in AEW and is looking forward to his return at the Jacksonville-based promotion.

“Like I have said in past, @AEW is where my whole heart is and where it will end. When I come back, gonna give my all. I hope that when I retire, all of you will either be there in person, or watching me from home. I will pour my heart out. Fans have kept me going this long, and I can do anything through Christ! #KeepSteppin. Ty for your love,” he wrote.

Rhodes has won the WWF/E Intercontinental Championship 3 times and the Hardcore Championship seven times. He also won the World Tag Team Championship and WWE Tag Team Championship twice.

AEW star Dustin Rhodes reveals his post-retirement plans

Nowadays, retired veterans criticise active wrestlers on their podcasts. The former TNT Champion recently discussed the issue.

While speaking on X, Dustin Rhodes said that he would start his podcast. He also clarified that he won’t ‘talk bad’ about his former coworkers.

“Yes! When I retire in a couple, I plan on it. What I won’t do is talk bad about people in the biz. Too many podcaster/wrestlers talk sh*t about our brothers and sisters,” he wrote.

It will be interesting to see when the Natural returns to All Elite Wrestling.