10 Awesome Wrestling Matches That Saved Careers
2. Dustin Rhodes Vs. Cody (AEW Double Or Nothing 2019)
This is not a perfect match. The pre-match mockery of Triple H from Cody gained him cheers from the crowd, which was a mistake since he went full vindictive heel against his brother in the match itself. That could have been dissonant to the point of self sabotage but it wasn’t. Despite any flaws, it was the match that Dustin Rhodes needed, the match that he deserved after years of barely any screen time as Goldust.
The story between Dustin and his brother Cody is an emotional one, exploring the difference in relationship to their deceased father Dusty and the hatred within Cody’s heart towards Dustin. Cody resents and disrespects his brother before and during the match, beating him bloody and degrading him verbally.
But instead of giving up or taking a quick loss, Dustin brought out the inner babyface that’s always been there. He fought through the blood and tears, powering through every move given to him with the love of his father and the refusal to let his brother succumb completely to darkness.
It was the emotional performance of a lifetime from the veteran, generated deserved critical acclaim and has led to his welcomed sporadic appearances on AEW to this day.