Injured AEW Star Worked Backstage Role During Dynamite & Collision Taping

Dustin Rhodes was spotted backstage at recent AEW shows as he nears return from knee surgery.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:19pm

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Former AEW TNT Champion Dustin Rhodes was backstage at recent episodes of "AEW Dynamite" and "AEW Collision" working in a producer role, as he continues to recover from double knee replacement surgery he underwent in August 2025. Rhodes was reportedly in high spirits and working hard to get cleared by the medical team so he can return to in-ring action as soon as possible, with AEW sources indicating he could be back on TV within the next two to three weeks.

Why it matters

Dustin Rhodes is a veteran wrestler and respected figure within AEW, so his return to the company will be welcomed by both the roster and the fans. His presence backstage in a producer role also highlights AEW's commitment to utilizing experienced talent in mentorship positions, which helps develop younger wrestlers.

The details

Rhodes last competed on the July 31 episode of "AEW Collision," where he lost the AEW TNT Championship to Kyle Fletcher in a Chicago Street Fight. That match ended with Fletcher stabbing Rhodes in the knee with a screwdriver, which was used to write Rhodes off of television so he could have the double knee replacement surgery. Rhodes has been working hard on his recovery and was spotted backstage at the March 18 episode of "Dynamite" and the tapings of the March 21 and 22 episodes of "Collision," running the ropes and working in a producer role.

  • Rhodes underwent double knee replacement surgery in August 2025.
  • Rhodes last competed on the July 31, 2025 episode of "AEW Collision."
  • Rhodes was spotted backstage at the March 18, 2026 episode of "Dynamite" and the March 21-22, 2026 tapings of "Collision."

The players

Dustin Rhodes

A veteran wrestler and former AEW TNT Champion who is nearing a return to in-ring action after undergoing double knee replacement surgery.

Kyle Fletcher

The wrestler who defeated Dustin Rhodes for the AEW TNT Championship in a Chicago Street Fight match that resulted in Rhodes' knee injury.

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What’s next

Rhodes stated he would be back on TV within two or three weeks, meaning "The Natural" will likely return to AEW programming in the lead-up to the Dynasty pay-per-view on April 12.

The takeaway

Dustin Rhodes' return to AEW in a backstage producer role is a positive sign for the company, as it showcases their commitment to utilizing veteran talent to help develop younger wrestlers. Rhodes' impending in-ring return will also be welcomed by fans, as the respected veteran looks to make one more run in AEW.