Dustin Rhodes Attempts to Shut Down AEW Negativity Amid Grand Slam: Australia Controversy

AEW’s Grand Slam: Australia may have been a disaster for many fans, but Dustin Rhodes isn’t letting the criticism get to him. Amid backlash over the event’s botched seating, borrowed ring, and questionable execution, Rhodes took to Twitter on February 17, 2025, to fire back at the negativity surrounding AEW.

“When you stop putting stock in people (IWC) and their hatred toward a company, your life becomes better. Block and move on,” Rhodes wrote. “For every great thing said about you, there will always be that one who hates and they are the loudest. Focus on the love and keep building your individual brand and block the shit out of every turd that enters your platform. #KeepSteppin.”

While Rhodes didn’t directly mention Grand Slam: Australia, the timing of his post makes it clear he’s responding to the avalanche of criticism AEW has faced following the event. Fans who paid top dollar for premium seats were furious when they found themselves in the wrong sections with no compensation. The decision to use a noticeably smaller, borrowed ring also raised eyebrows, making the production feel off compared to AEW’s usual standards.

Tony Khan defended the event by calling it “one of the biggest gates in AEW history,” but that hasn’t stopped fans from airing their frustrations online. Rhodes’ message suggests that he—and likely AEW as a whole—aren’t letting the negativity affect them, even if the company’s Australian debut didn’t go as planned.