Just two nights after losing the TNT Championship in a brutal Chicago Street Fight on AEW Collision, Dustin Rhodes has announced that he will be out of action for some time. In a post on social media, Rhodes revealed he needs to undergo a “very invasive major surgery.”
Dustin Rhodes To Undergo ‘Very Invasive Major Surgery’
In his statement on Twitter, Rhodes apologized to his fans and explained the severity of his situation, placing the blame squarely on the new champion, Kyle Fletcher.
“Sorry guys, feel like I failed my fans. Gonna be out for a while as Doc said I need a very invasive major surgery,” Rhodes wrote. “MRI’s and cat scans this week, due to Kyle Fletcher. I am in a terrible amount of pain and have a hole in my leg, but that won’t stop me from #KeepSteppin.” He also added in a follow-up that the injury is “not a work.”
A Short But Special Title Reign
The injury occurred during the main event of the July 31st episode of AEW Collision, which saw Fletcher defeat Rhodes to win the TNT Championship. The match, a Chicago Street Fight, included a spot where Fletcher drove a screwdriver into Rhodes’ leg. Rhodes’ title reign began at the AEW All In: Texas pay-per-view in July, where he won the vacant championship in a four-way match.
With the victory, Kyle Fletcher captures his first singles championship in All Elite Wrestling. As a key member of the Don Callis Family, Fletcher’s reign as TNT Champion adds another piece of gold to the influential faction, which also includes the reigning AEW Unified Champion, Kazuchika Okada. Fletcher’s first title defense is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Sorry guys, feel like I failed my fans. Gonna be out for a while as Doc said I need a very invasive major surgery. MRI's and cat scans this week, due to Kyle Fletcher.
In any case, for the time I was the face of TNT was special to me. I will never take what I have for granted.… pic.twitter.com/RUostUw0MM
— Dustin Rhodes (@dustinrhodes) August 2, 2025
