AEW star and pro wrestling legend Dustin Rhodes has been out of in-ring action since July of last year, when Kyle Fletcher of the Don Callis Family defeated him for the TNT Title. As of March 6th, Rhodes has been feeling positive about his recovery following double-knee surgery in August and is anticipating a return to the ring within a couple of weeks, which seems increasingly likely.
According to PWInsider.com, Rhodes was seen backstage at the most recent episodes of AEW Dynamite and Collision. The report also mentioned that his presence backstage is a significant indicator of his recovery, as he was even spotted running the ropes to test his progress. The other talent was reportedly happy to see him. The upcoming Dynasty Pay-Per-View on April 12th is looking like a possible target date for his return, if not sooner in order to set up an angle leading to it.
Additionally, being backstage in a non-wrestling capacity might also serve as practice for a future producer role once Rhodes eventually retires from full-time action, as he is now 56 and cannot continue wrestling indefinitely.
Rhodes has expressed his intention to finish his in-ring career in AEW but has also indicated that he is open to the idea of Goldust being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame after his retirement.
