In a recent appearance on the “Sports Guys Talk Wrestling” podcast, AEW veteran Dustin Rhodes discussed his current standing in the industry.
At present, Rhodes works as a wrestler and coach in AEW.
Rhodes said, “I’m proud of myself for still hanging in there and doing what I can to elevate these youngins and to make the next set of superstars for AEW to actually get their chance to shine because we have some amazing young talent. If I can help in any way, I’m there, absolutely. I love that Tony gives me the opportunities that he does. I get a lot more nervous now, in the last five years I guess, since I turned 50. When I go out, it is nerve-racking because I cannot afford to go out there and mess up. I don’t want to mess up. If I do, people are going to see that and say, ‘Oh, he needs to retire.’ That’s something that really bothers me. I have to go stay on top and keep working hard. I’ve been training my ass off and making sure that I don’t stumble in that ring. Listen, everybody does, but right now, I’m just focusing on whatever my next time is and what I have to do to get through that and try to put on a good show and entertain the fans like I always have. It’s very humbling for me and I love it. Without the fans, it would just be empty arenas and that’s no fun. We need them there every single time.”
Dustin Rhodes, a veteran in the world of professional wrestling, recently opened up about his current position in the industry during an appearance on the “Sports Guys Talk Wrestling” podcast. Rhodes, who is currently working as a wrestler and coach in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), expressed his pride in his ability to continue contributing to the industry and helping to elevate the next generation of superstars.
Rhodes emphasized his commitment to supporting and nurturing the young talent in AEW, stating, “I’m proud of myself for still hanging in there and doing what I can to elevate these youngins and to make the next set of superstars for AEW to actually get their chance to shine because we have some amazing young talent.” He acknowledged the importance of providing opportunities for these rising stars to showcase their skills and succeed in the industry.
As Rhodes has gotten older, he admitted that he experiences more nerves before his matches. He explained, “I get a lot more nervous now, in the last five years I guess, since I turned 50. When I go out, it is nerve-racking because I cannot afford to go out there and mess up.” Rhodes understands that any mistakes or missteps in the ring could lead to criticism and calls for retirement. This fear drives him to work harder and ensure that he delivers top-notch performances every time.
To maintain his level of excellence, Rhodes has been dedicated to intense training. He stated, “I’ve been training my ass off and making sure that I don’t stumble in that ring. Listen, everybody does, but right now, I’m just focusing on whatever my next time is and what I have to do to get through that and try to put on a good show and entertain the fans like I always have.” Rhodes’s commitment to his craft and his desire to entertain the audience are evident in his words.
Rhodes also expressed his gratitude for the fans who support him and the wrestling industry as a whole. He acknowledged that without the fans, the arenas would be empty and the experience would be lackluster. He said, “Without the fans, it would just be empty arenas and that’s no fun. We need them there every single time.” Rhodes understands the importance of fan engagement and their role in creating a vibrant and exciting atmosphere at wrestling events.
In conclusion, Dustin Rhodes’s recent interview sheds light on his current standing in the wrestling industry. As a veteran wrestler and coach in AEW, Rhodes takes pride in his ability to mentor and elevate the young talent in the company. Despite feeling more nervous before matches as he gets older, Rhodes remains dedicated to delivering exceptional performances and entertaining the fans. He recognizes the crucial role that fans play in the success of wrestling and expresses his gratitude for their support. Overall, Rhodes’s passion for the industry and his commitment to his craft make him an invaluable asset to AEW.