Dustin Rhodes Issues Statement On WWE Departure

Dustin Rhodes' most recent run with WWE came to end over the weekend, with the announcement that he is set to meet brother Cody at All Elite Wrestling's Double or Nothing event this May.

Rhodes, 50, has spent the better part of the last quarter of a century with the company under the guise of alter-ego Goldust, and took to Instagram last night to thank his long-time employers:

Hello @wweuniverse! To begin, I want to say just how much I appreciate you allowing me to entertain you over these long and winding years. Being the son of the legendary Dream has been and will always be an immense honor and blessing to me, and I have always done my best to fill his shoes while transitioning into my own. I have had so many ups and downs in our great business and I've learned from every time that I have fallen down and every mistake I have made.

My life has been an open book for you fans and friends all over this wide world. You've been there to see my trials and tribulations and have stuck with me through it all. You've hated me, you've loved me, you've laughed with me and you've cried with me. You've immensely enjoyed my antics and entertainment, and I would like to think that I've done a good job. That I've done my father proud. I was born straight into the thick of this business. It is and has always been my life and I have loved every moment of the ride. I want to thank you all for the unwavering support you have given me. Thank you.

With that being said, I've been putting my body through quite a bit these last 30 years, and many opportunities that have been presented to me have taken a backseat to my love of wrestling. I have requested my release from WWE and it has been granted. I am taking this time to explore some of those many opportunities. Life is too short to not take ALL the chances you feel driven to take, and I will give this next chapter my full focus and effort. I would appreciate your continued support as I turn this page in my life and go wherever this journey may lead me next.

@WWE has given me and my family such incredible years and experiences and I have nothing but respect and warmth for everyone there. The roster is stacked with awe-inspiring talent who want the best and are breaking down all barriers to grab that coveted, elusive brass ring. To @WWE and to each and every one of my co workers, I love you, I appreciate you, and I thank you for loving and taking care of me for so long, Keep doing your thing and find *you* out there. Thank you so very much and God bless.

Remember and never forget the name of......#Goldust.

Til next time...

Rhodes followed this heartfelt farewell with a video of him in character, waving goodbye to the character which defined his wrestling career.

Double or Nothing takes play on 23 May, from Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena.