Dustin Rhodes Says He Gets More Nervous Now, ‘I Can’t Afford To Mess Up’

Dustin Rhodes comments on his current place in wrestling. 

Dustin Rhodes might be closer to the end of his career than he is the beginning, but he’s still going strong and turning in well-received performances on AEW television. 

Speaking to Sports Guys Talk Wrestling, Rhodes commented on his current standing in wrestling. 

“I’m proud of myself for still hanging in there and doing what I can to elevate these youngins and to make the next set of superstars for AEW to actually get their chance to shine because we have some amazing young talent. If I can help in any way, I’m there, absolutely. I love that Tony gives me the opportunities that he does. I get a lot more nervous now, in the last five years I guess, since I turned 50. When I go out, it is nerve-racking because I cannot afford to go out there and mess up. I don’t want to mess up. If I do, people are going to see that and say, ‘Oh, he needs to retire.’ That’s something that really bothers me. I have to go stay on top and keep working hard. I’ve been training my ass off and making sure that I don’t stumble in that ring. Listen, everybody does, but right now, I’m just focusing on whatever my next time is and what I have to do to get through that and try to put on a good show and entertain the fans like I always have. It’s very humbling for me and I love it. Without the fans, it would just be empty arenas and that’s no fun. We need them there every single time,” he said. 

Dustin commented that he wants fans in Texas to show up for the February 14 episode of AEW Dynamite and he hopes to compete on the show. 

Rhodes last competed on the January 17 episode of AEW Dynamite, losing to Christian Cage. 

If you use any of the quotes above, please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to Fightful for the transcription.