AEW’s Dustin Rhodes Faces Extended Absence Following “Very Invasive” Double Knee Surgery After Brutal TNT Title Loss

pranithkumarkanna@gmail.com|Modified on Aug 03, 2025, 19:22 GMT

AEW legend Dustin Rhodes has revealed he will be sidelined for an extended period after needing “very invasive major surgery” on both knees, following a violent match where he lost the AEW TNT Championship to Kyle Fletcher on AEW Collision. The 56-year-old veteran was forced to relinquish the TNT title after sustaining severe injuries in a Chicago Street Fight on July 31, a match that ended with Fletcher repeatedly attacking Rhodes’ knee with a screwdriver and finishing with a brainbuster for the win[1][3].

Rhodes took to social media shortly after the devastating loss to update fans on his physical condition. “Sorry guys, feel like I failed my fans. Gonna be out for a while as Doc said I need a very invasive major surgery… I am in a terrible amount of pain and have a hole in my leg, but that won’t stop me from #KeepSteppin,” Rhodes wrote, expressing both pain and determination[1][2][3].

The brutal contest received rare acclaim, earning a five-star rating from wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, highlighting Rhodes’ resilience even as he lost the championship after a 19-day reign he began at AEW All In: Texas on July 12. Rhodes had won the title in a four-way match against Kyle Fletcher, Daniel Garcia, and Sammy Guevara — a hometown triumph that made this run especially meaningful for him[1].

Fightful reported that Rhodes is facing double knee surgery, indicating the severity of the injuries sustained during the match. Sources revealed that this “very invasive” surgery means Rhodes will likely be out of action until sometime in 2026 at the earliest[3][4]. This timeline also casts uncertainty over the status of the ROH World Tag Team and Six-Man Tag Team Championships, both currently held by Rhodes in partnership with Sammy Guevara and other allies. Guevara himself has hinted at the end of their tag team run, suggesting possible title vacancies in the near future[4].

The post-match assault continued with Fletcher delivering further chair shots to Rhodes’ injured knee before officials intervened, forcing Rhodes to be stretchered out of the arena amid a chorus of concern from fans worldwide[1]. Backstage sources familiar with the situation confirmed the injury is legitimate and not part of a storyline, emphasizing the genuine nature of Rhodes’ physical state[3].

Rhodes’ announcement sparked a wave of reactions within the wrestling community. The veteran, known for his “Goldust” persona and decades of commitment to professional wrestling, remains optimistic despite the challenges ahead. “For the time I was the face of TNT was special to me. I will never take what I have for granted,” Rhodes reflected sincerely on his recent title reign and career[2][3].

According to insiders, AEW management is already exploring plans to handle Rhodes’ extended absence. While no official word has been released yet, the future booking of the TNT Championship and ROH tag titles is expected to shift as new champions are crowned. Rhodes’ experience and legacy, however, ensure that he will remain a vital part of AEW’s long-term storytelling once he recovers[4].

This development marks a significant moment in AEW’s current landscape. Rhodes, who has been a cornerstone of the promotion and a beloved figure among fans, faces a challenging road to recovery following one of the most physically demanding matches of his career. As Fightful Select sources have noted, the wrestling world awaits updates with great concern and support for the wrestling icon[3].

As this story develops, fans can follow Rhodes’ official social media channels for the latest updates on his surgery and rehabilitation. WWE.com and other wrestling news outlets will also provide coverage, underscoring the widespread impact of Rhodes’ injury within the pro wrestling community.

Sources:

Sescoops: “Dustin Rhodes Requires ‘Very Invasive’ Surgery Following Brutal TNT Title Loss”[1]
Sports Illustrated FanNation: “The Wrestling World Reacts To Dustin Rhodes’ Emotional Injury Note To Fans”[2]
TPWW: “Dustin Rhodes Says He Needs ‘Very Invasive Major’ Surgery, Backstage Update on Rhodes’ Injury Situation”[3]
SEScoops: “Dustin Rhodes Set To Miss Major Time After AEW Angle”[4]
Fightful Select: “Dustin Rhodes Speaks After Losing AEW TNT Title”[5]

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