After the street fight on the July 27 episode of AEW Collision, reports now say Dustin Rhodes’ knee issues are worse than first thought. His match against Kyle Fletcher was planned as a send-off before surgery, but doctors have determined he’ll need both knees replaced.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted that his mobility looked at its lowest point in years during the ROH Supercard of Honor on July 11. Knowing he would be out for a long stretch, Rhodes chose the street fight to close this chapter before the operation. The diagnosis afterward confirmed the need for a double knee replacement.
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The surgery is set for August 21, coinciding with AEW’s tour of the United Kingdom. Recovery is expected to sideline him for the rest of 2025, with an early 2026 return being the most optimistic projection. Having both knees replaced at once is a rare and demanding process for any wrestler.
His absence leaves questions about the championships he currently holds. With Sammy Guevara suggesting their tag team run is over, AEW and Ring of Honor will need to decide the fate of the ROH World Tag Team and World Six-Man Tag Team Titles.
While the layoff will be long, this won’t end Rhodes’ career. He signed a new multi-year deal with AEW in late 2024, keeping him on as a performer, coach, and consultant through at least 2030 under his “One Last Ride” run.
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