Dustin Rhodes shares his thoughts about a number of topics.
Next week, All Elite Wrestling will present their first show under the company banner in Las Vegas called 'Double Or Nothing'. The match card will see the likes of Kenny Omega, Britt Baker, Nyla Rose, Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks, The Lucha Brothers and former 3-time WWF Intercontinental Champion Dustin Rhodes in action.
Dustin Rhodes is set to clash with his younger brother and AEW co-Executive Vice President Cody. Dustin was announced for Double Or Nothing after his contract with WWE expired and from the reactions that he has received, he is surprised that he is being referred to as "underrated" and thinks that derives from the way he was used in WWE throughout his run[s] there and expressed those thoughts during an interview with Sporting News.
"It doesn't surprise me at all. What does surprise me is that people are always saying how I am underrated. I don't agree with all that stuff. The fans started with the Dustin Rhodes in WCW and the babyface I was. They grew up with me through that when I transitioned into the Goldust heel role, and they hated me for the time being. The longer you go in the business, the more the fans accept who you are and what you're doing, going out there and giving 110 percent every single time you go out there to entertain them, and you're doing a great job at it. I tried to do that for the last 31 years. It's not surprising at all that I still have the support I do. I treat the fans right. I believe a significant component is that if you treat the fans right, then they are going to stick around forever." He said. "I believe it has a lot to with the fact that they (WWE) never pushed Goldust to win a WWE title or [get] a world title opportunity." Rhodes said when asked why does he think he is called underrated. "That is not for everybody. That is a hard thing to accomplish in the business. Yes, it's still a dream of mine. The dream has taken a back seat for now because what I've realized about the last 24 years of the Goldust character is that Goldust didn't need a world title. Goldust went out and entertained, had a good time with the fans and left a lasting impression. Every once in a while, a character comes along like Goldust and you don't need to put a world title around him. I'm OK with me not winning a world title. I get why people would say I'm underrated, but I disagree. Of course, I want to win a world title and put it on my top shelf. Anybody who wants to get into the business wants to do it. If you don't want to be in the industry to become a world champion, then you shouldn't be in the business. I'm a good worker. I'm a good storyteller. I'm a good salesman, and I love to entertain and perform for the fans. I've never prepared for anything as I have for my match with my brother at Double or Nothing. I will be ready. All those times people would call me the Benjamin Button of the WWE and wrestling, it's true. I stopped the clock, and it turns back. I go out there and perform at a high level, and they see something they've never seen from a 6-foot-5, 50-year-old man that can still hang with the Young Bucks, Cody and the younger kids and shine on a spectacular show."
Rhodes was asked to characterize his run in WWE and described it as followed:
"Perseverance, buddy, plain and simple. That's it. That's all I can say about that. It's been incredible." He said.
To check out the full interview with Dustin Rhodes, click here, and to stay up to date with the Double Or Nothing match card, head over to Fightful's "events" page.
