Dustin Rhodes Set for Double Knee Surgery, Out of AEW Action Until 2026

Dustin Rhodes Set for Double Knee Surgery, Out of AEW Action Until 2026 – Dustin Rhodes is officially sidelined from in-ring competition following his recent AEW TNT Championship defense, and according to new reports, he won’t be returning until at least 2026.

Rhodes, who won the TNT Title last month at AEW All In: Texas, dropped the championship to Kyle Fletcher during a brutal Street Fight on the July 27 episode of AEW Collision. Fletcher struck Rhodes in the head with a screwdriver before finishing him with a Brainbuster to capture the title. The post-match scene turned even more violent as Fletcher targeted Rhodes’ leg, leaving the veteran unable to stand. Rhodes was stretchered out while Fletcher celebrated with the Don Callis Family.

The next day, Rhodes took to social media to confirm that he had suffered significant damage and would need “a very invasive major surgery.” At the time, he also made it clear that the injury was not part of a storyline, directly responding to fans speculating otherwise.

A new report from Fightful Select has now confirmed that Rhodes will undergo double knee surgery, and his recovery timetable will keep him out of action for well over a year. Sources within AEW stated that Rhodes isn’t expected back before early 2026, marking what could be one of the longest absences of his entire career.

Rhodes had successfully defended the TNT Championship once, against Lee Moriarty, but the title reign was cut short in just his second defense. With Rhodes now recovering and the title back in the hands of Kyle Fletcher, AEW’s TNT Championship scene is once again wide open, and speculation is already growing about who might be next in line to challenge Fletcher.

At 55 years old, and with a storied legacy that spans decades, it remains to be seen what Rhodes’ role will be during his absence from the ring—whether he will appear in a non-wrestling capacity or remain completely off television until he’s physically ready to return.

Dustin Rhodes Set for Double Knee Surgery, Out of AEW Action Until 2026