Dustin Rhodes Targets March 2026 Return After Major Double Knee Surgery: “I’m Pushing Hard, My Man”
The Natural Refuses to Quit
At 56 years old, Dustin Rhodes isn’t done writing his story. Just months after losing the TNT Championship to Kyle Fletcher on July 31, the veteran revealed that he underwent major double knee replacement surgery — a brutal, invasive procedure that would end most careers.
But if there’s one thing wrestling fans know about “The Natural,” it’s that he doesn’t quit easily. Rhodes made it clear that his injuries weren’t part of any storyline — his knees were, in his words, “destroyed” after years of wear and tear. Still, he’s not ready to hang up the boots.
“Pushing Hard” Toward a Comeback
While many expected the AEW star to remain sidelined well into 2026, Rhodes has already begun teasing his return. Responding to a fan on social media, he gave an update that perfectly captures his trademark grit and humor:
“They still hurt a bit, especially in the mornings. I do have a good ways to go. Remember I am 56 and pushing hard, just takes time. Not young anymore. Prob March I should be ready to kill everyone lol. Maybe, I am pushing hard my man.”
Even with the pain and recovery ahead, Rhodes’ optimism is contagious. His sights are set on March 2026 for a potential in-ring return — a remarkable timeline considering the scale of the surgery.
A Career That Keeps Giving
In December 2024, Rhodes signed a new six-year deal with AEW, extending his role beyond the ring as a wrestler, ambassador, coach, and consultant. It’s a fitting continuation for one of wrestling’s most respected figures, whose influence has shaped multiple generations — from the Attitude Era to AEW’s modern roster.
🗣️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
Dustin Rhodes is living proof that heart and legacy can outlast time. In an era when many veterans fade quietly into backstage roles, Rhodes continues to embody the soul of pro wrestling — grit, perseverance, and the refusal to be counted out.
His target of a March 2026 return might sound ambitious, but this is Dustin Rhodes — the same man who reinvented himself from Goldust to mentor, from outcast to inspiration. AEW doesn’t just need his experience; it needs his storytelling — the kind that can bridge the gap between generations and remind fans what emotional, human wrestling looks like.
If Rhodes does make that comeback, it won’t just be another return — it’ll be a celebration of resilience.
