An AEW star has confirmed that his old popular gimmick is retired amid his ongoing hiatus.
Former TNT Champion Dustin Rhodes took to X/Twitter to respond to a fan who asked him to bring back his popular Goldust gimmick to AEW. He stated that though he loves his fans, his old character is officially retired. He once again confirmed his decision after previously noting that the gimmick was 1000% retired.
“Love my fans but NOPE! G-Dust is retired,” he wrote.
Dustin Rhodes last competed on the July 31, 2025, episode of AEW Collision, where he lost the TNT Championship to Kyle Fletcher in a Chicago Street Fight. He then underwent double knee replacement surgery and recently hinted that a return might not be too far away.
Dustin Rhodes plans to ditch signature face paint for AEW retirement match
During his recent appearance on Tony Schiavone’s What Happened When podcast, Dustin Rhodes discussed his retirement plans. He noted that the details about his last match remain largely private and that AEW President Tony Khan is aware of them. He shared that he wants to compete without his signature face paint to pay tribute to his early-1990s persona.
“I have and I’m keeping it really close to the vest. I think Tony knows. I’ve said it to him a couple times and the other guy knows. I kind of want to go out with no paint on this one and just like a throwback to The Natural. Dustin Rhodes in the early ’90s. Not in that gear though, in my body suit because let’s face it, I’m 57,” the AEW star said.
“Even though I am high school weight right now, which is impressive because I’ve worked my butt off. Just a little change, maybe some different colors. And you know, for the one last hurrah, I would like it to be a big moment.”
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