At one point, the term “underrated” was often used to describe Dustin Rhodes, but that perception has certainly changed. Today, he is regarded as one of the most important and compelling figures from WWE’s Attitude Era.
Although Rhodes has been away from the Goldust character for over a decade — mainly due to legal restrictions — the legacy of the persona still sparks discussion about how Rhodes truly felt about playing Goldust.
During an appearance on “Flagrant,” his half-brother, WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes, offered insight into Dustin’s feelings about the iconic character. Cody explained, “It really depends on the day you ask him. I know he’s extremely proud of it. I remember one of the moments that really stuck with me was watching him in the Roddy Piper match.
Despite how bombastic and ridiculous Goldust was, it was a major part of WrestleMania 12. And my dad, who hadn’t spoken to Dustin in years, was smiling ear-to-ear. He was so happy that Dustin had that moment, and that he did it on his own.”
Throughout his career, Dustin Rhodes transformed the Goldust character from an anthropomorphic Oscar statue into The Artist Formerly Known as Goldust, and later into a man affected by electrocution-induced Tourette’s Syndrome.
On several occasions during his WWE tenure, Rhodes reverted to using his real name, a choice he continues in AEW, the promotion he joined in 2019. In AEW, Dustin and Cody Rhodes delivered a memorable, blood-soaked match at Double or Nothing 2019, before Cody returned to WWE.
Currently, despite holding dual championships in AEW’s sister promotion, ROH, reports indicate that Dustin is working without a contract in AEW.