10 Most Unnatural Dustin Rhodes Moments

In AEW, ‘The Natural’ Dustin Rhodes is a veteran presence who is working physical and entertaining matches with former world champions and up-and-coming talent alike. It’s tempting to give him the ‘grizzled veteran’ title, though he is still surprising fans and appears to be having fun doing so. Dustin Rhodes is a crucial part in the development of the AEW brand. His brutal and bloody clash with his brother Cody is lauded, a classic in AEW’s brief history.

Dustin outside the ring is the average all-American man. His social media feeds are full of love for his family, his dogs, and outdoor pursuits, such as fishing. However, Goldust, the character that propelled him into the consciousness of wrestling fans, was the antithesis of this Dustin Rhodes. Dustin famously accepted Vince McMahon’s offer to portray a controversial "androgynous" character, before knowing what the word meant. He embraced the persona and at one point suggested getting breast implants to continue his push.

Though Dustin continues to use striking face paint in his current guise, he has left his provocative, exhibitionist characteristics and controversial moments outside AEW.

'The Natural' Dustin Rhodes, a character close to the man himself, was fired from WCW after he and The Blacktop Bully (Barry Darsow) bladed while competing in a King of the Road match. Ironically, the match took place at WCW’s 1995 Uncensored PPV.

When Dustin first explored his bizarre side in the WWF, it was evident that nobody would forget the name Goldust. His debut promos were accompanied by eerie music which could’ve been ripped from an episode of X-Files. He pouted and tossed his hair around while making cryptic references to movies such as Star Wars and Jurassic Park. This initial version of Goldust wore a tuxedo, bowtie, and occasionally a top hat, all emblazoned in harsh gold. His uncomfortable deep breaths, tooth sucking, and self-groping pushed forward his ‘Bizarre One’ persona.

Goldust’s ego was on full display as he bragged that he was more talented than the "celluloid gods and goddesses cloned into stardom". The character was always an eloquent wordsmith, even when nobody quite knew what he was saying.

Based on his vignettes alone Jim Ross stated, "the most controversial superstar to appear in the WWF may well be Goldust". Many would say he was proven correct.