Dustin Rhodes Gives Painful Pre-Surgery Update After Double Knee Replacement Announcement

AEW veteran Dustin Rhodes has given fans a raw look at his journey toward double knee replacement surgery, sharing a new update that proves the road to the operating room hasn’t been easy. The 56-year-old confirmed earlier this month that both of his knees are “destroyed” and will be replaced in a major procedure on August 21.

Rhodes had previously told fans, “Knees are both destroyed. I have to go under the knife August 21st. They can’t actually fix the damage so we are getting 2 knee Replacements. Damn!” While the diagnosis was grim, he was quick to reassure the wrestling world that retirement isn’t on the table, saying, “By the way…….This is NOT THE END.”

The injury news followed his brutal Chicago Street Fight on AEW Collision against Kyle Fletcher, where he dropped the TNT Championship. Unlike many wrestling injuries, this wasn’t part of a storyline. The damage was real, and doctors determined full replacements were the only way forward.

On August 12, Rhodes posted a photo of his bandaged knees on Twitter, giving fans an inside look at the painful pre-op process. In the update, he explained how nerve shots had left him in agony before bringing temporary relief.

“Pre Op work being done on my knees today. Iovera shots in the nerves hurts like a bitch. But now my knees feel no pain at the moment. Can’t wait for August 21st to get here. Tired of this pain.”

He also shared some good news in the same post, noting that an unrelated injury had nearly healed: “Plus the hole in my leg is almost healed thank God.”

Back in July, Rhodes had told fans about dealing with “intense pain” and hinted at “a very invasive major surgery.” Now, with the operation locked in, rehab on deck, and a long recovery ahead, his timeline could sideline him until 2026. The situation also leaves questions about the ROH championships he currently holds.

Still, if there’s one thing fans have learned about Dustin Rhodes, it’s that counting him out is a mistake. His career has been built on proving people wrong — and this latest battle might be his most personal yet.

With surgery just days away, all eyes will be on how “The Natural” bounces back from what could be the defining fight of his career outside the ring.

What do you think about Dustin Rhodes’ fight to get back in the ring after double knee replacements? Could this be the start of another big comeback story, or is the road too tough this time? Share your thoughts below.