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AEW Original Shoots Down Retirement Claims

By Lyle Kilbane • Published 17th July 2024
AEW logo over blurred Dustin Rhodes Jack Perry

One AEW original has shot down rumours of their exit from the company and says they’re hoping negotiations go well to extend their stay.

The first AEW show took place in May 2019 as Double Or Nothing invaded Las Vegas with Jon Moxley making his shock debut for the company and kicking off a major feud with Kenny Omega. However, most fans will remember that show for one match – brother vs. brother, Dustin Rhodes vs. Cody Rhodes.

An instant classic that saw the elder Rhodes brother bleed heavily before Cody picked up the first AEW win of his career. While Cody Rhodes returned to WWE in 2022 with his wife Brandi also leaving AEW at the same time, the WWE Champion’s brother has remained All Elite.

Now as Dustin Rhodes’ current AEW deal nears its end, rumours have begun to swirl about his future but the 55-year-old veteran doesn’t want to go anywhere.

Dustin Rhodes Wants AEW Negotiations To Go Well

Taking to social media, Dustin Rhodes confirmed when his AEW deal ends but refuted the idea he is close to retirement and made clear he wants to stay exactly where he is:

Wrong! Jeeze guys, do better. Yes my contract is up in September, and No, I am absolutely NOT DONE. Having the best matches of my life and hopefully, God willing I will get to retire on my own terms, respected with a full heart Hopefully Negotiations go well because I am damn worth the world.

The only things that matter to me are: taking care of my family first and foremost, and finishing up when I am ready, and how I envision my retirement. So hold off guys, This biz is my life and I love doing it for you, while still having fun and able. #KeepSteppin and thank you all for your continued love and support!

Dustin Rhodes was last in action in AEW on the 12th of June edition of Dynamite where he lost to Jack Perry as Perry qualified for the TNT Title ladder match at Forbidden Door.