Dustin Rhodes Reveals Timeline for In-Ring Retirement

Dustin Rhodes has built a legendary career, winning championships across multiple promotions. While he is approaching the end of his in-ring journey, he plans to continue wrestling for at least a few more years before officially retiring.

While speaking in an interview on Battleground with Tim & Eli, Dustin Rhodes confirmed that he has thought about his retirement match and has a specific opponent in mind. While keeping the details private, he revealed that he plans to retire in about three years and wants his final match to take place on a major pay-per-view. Unlike traditional wrestling retirements, Rhodes made it clear that he wants to win his last match rather than lose.

Rhodes acknowledged that stepping away from wrestling will be difficult, as it has been a huge part of his life. However, he plans to stay involved in the business by coaching and producing, roles he already enjoys. He expressed his passion for helping younger wrestlers grow and sees passing on his experience as the most rewarding part of his career.

“I have. I keep it close to the vest about my opponent. I have had this planned the last couple of years of who I want to finish up with. That’s going to take place in three years. It’s going to be tough to step away. By no means am I anywhere on Sting’s level, but I want that same kind of out. I think I’ve earned it. To finish it off on a pay-per-view and cut a heart-wrenching emotional promo after is what people like. It’s not like the old days. I want to win. I want to win that last match. I don’t want to lose. It means a lot to me, and I have been putting a lot of thought into it. I would say probably about three years. Things change. We’ll see where they take us. It’s hard enough to even say, ‘It’s almost time, Dustin.’ That’s tough.

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It’s been part of my life for so long. It’s going to be very emotional. Getting out of the business is a big step because you’re changing something you’ve done for long. What do you do? You have to find things to do in the interim to keep your mind right. I’ll be coaching and still producing, which I’m doing right now anyway. I love that. Passing all my knowledge to the young kids, that’s the payoff. When I teach them something and they go out and do it and it works. That’s the payoff, me passing on my knowledge and experience to the younger generation.”

Dustin Rhodes has signed a multi-year contract with AEW, guaranteeing his stay with the company as both a wrestler and a mentor for younger talent. His knowledge and leadership remain important to AEW. However, it remains to be seen who his final opponent will be.

With three years left in his career, who do you think should be Dustin Rhodes’ final opponent? Should he retire in AEW, or would you like to see him return to WWE for one last match? Share your thoughts in the comments below!