On January 1, 2020, on an episode of AEW Dynamite, Dustin Rhodes etched his name into the record books by competing in professional wrestling across five different decades—the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s. Already a rare feat, Rhodes has since gone on to add championship gold and more iconic moments, proving that his career is as remarkable in its longevity as it is in its impact.
From “The Natural” to Goldust
Rhodes first made his mark in WCW in the late 1980s, billed as “The Natural.” His fundamentals and ring presence quickly set him apart. By the mid-1990s, in WWE, he transformed into the flamboyant and controversial Goldust—a boundary-pushing character that became one of wrestling’s most enduring personas.
What could have been a short-lived gimmick instead became a decades-long legacy, thanks to Rhodes’ total commitment and his ability to reinvent the role through different eras of WWE.
Reinvention Across Generations
Few wrestlers have adapted as seamlessly as Dustin Rhodes. He thrived in the big-man era of the 1980s, embodied the colourful theatrics of the 1990s, survived the ruthless reality-based style of the 2000s, and in the 2010s proved he could still deliver in a modern, athletic landscape.
Every reinvention felt authentic, because Rhodes backed it with both in-ring ability and emotional storytelling. His willingness to evolve is why he remains beloved by multiple generations of fans.
AEW Success and Championship Glory
Far from winding down, Rhodes embraced a new chapter with All Elite Wrestling. His emotional 2019 clash with Cody Rhodes at Double or Nothing reminded the world of his passion, but it was only the beginning.
In July 2025, at the age of 56, Rhodes captured the AEW TNT Championship, becoming the oldest champion in company history. It was his first major singles title in decades, a crowning moment that symbolised not just longevity, but relevance. Though his reign was brief, it cemented his status as a competitor who can still deliver at the highest level.
Beyond AEW, Rhodes also found success in Ring of Honor, winning both the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championship and the ROH World Tag Team Championship in 2024 as part of the Sons of Texas stable. These victories showcased his ability to shine in both singles and team competition, proving his value across multiple promotions.
Resilience in the Face of Injury
Even at this late stage of his career, Rhodes continues to push himself to the limit. His brutal Street Fight loss to Kyle Fletcher, and a loss of the TNT Championship in mid-2025 left him with severe knee damage, requiring double knee replacement surgery. Yet true to form, Rhodes has vowed to recover and return, his determination inspiring fans who have followed his story for decades.
Not Alone in His Achievement
While Dustin Rhodes was rightly praised for his five-decade milestone, he shares this rare distinction with Jushin “Thunder” Liger, who wrestled his farewell match just four days later in Japan. Together, they represent a near-unmatched endurance in the wrestling world—legends who defined multiple eras while constantly adapting to change.
The Enduring Legacy of Dustin Rhodes
From “The Natural” in WCW, to the groundbreaking Goldust in WWE, to veteran champion in AEW, Dustin Rhodes has never stopped evolving. His five-decade milestone is more than a statistic—it’s proof of his resilience, creativity, and love for professional wrestling.
In 2025, with championships newly added to his resume and the promise of a comeback after injury, Rhodes remains a living testament to the idea that wrestling greatness isn’t tied to one era. It’s forged through reinvention, endurance, and passion—qualities that make Dustin Rhodes one of the most remarkable careers the industry has ever seen.
The only question left now: can he make it to 2030?
