In a heartfelt endorsement that underscores a life-time of admiration and friendship, Jim Ross, mythical wrestling commentator and voice of the game for many years, has publicly championed Dustin Rhodes for induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. This endorsement comes amidst Rhodes’ persisted tenure and fulfillment in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), raising questions about whether his modern-day affiliations would possibly avert recognition from WWE.
Dustin Rhodes, a 2d-generation wrestling icon, has carved a storied career spanning several a long time across numerous wrestling promotions. From his early days in WCW to his compelling portrayals in WWE, maximum substantially as the enigmatic Goldust individual, Rhodes has always introduced memorable performances and captivated audiences global.
However, Rhodes’ journey has no longer been with out its private challenges. He has been candid approximately his battles with dependancy, revealing in his autobiography the struggles with substance abuse that plagued him all through his time in TNA Wrestling. Despite these hardships, Rhodes has demonstrated resilience and backbone, overcoming his demons to come to be a respected veteran in the wrestling enterprise.
Jim Ross, who has regarded Rhodes because the early stages of his career, lately spoke glowingly about Rhodes’ effect and importance in wrestling history on his popular Grilling JR podcast. “He’s a Hall of Famer, actually,” Ross asserted, acknowledging Rhodes’ undeniable contributions to the game. Yet, Ross also expressed situation that Rhodes’ cutting-edge association with AEW, owned via Tony Khan, should potentially complicate or postpone his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.
“I wonder if he’ll ever be enshrined in the WWE Hall of Fame. He deserves it but because of his relationship with Tony Khan and AEW, which is well deserved, it may never happen and that’s unfortunate,” Ross lamented, highlighting the complexities of professional allegiances in wrestling.
Ross further emphasized his personal admiration for Rhodes, noting their enduring bond and Rhodes’ personal growth beyond the ring. “I feel close to him, I feel a kinship to him still today and it’s growing because I’m so proud of the fact that he’s not dependent on drugs and alcohol, [he] saved his life,” Ross shared, reflecting on Rhodes’ positive transformation and resilience.
Meanwhile, Jim Ross continues to be a distinguished determine in wrestling no matter health demanding situations. Recently hospitalized for respiratory difficulties, Ross proven his willpower by promptly returning to his obligations, together with calling the motion on the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door occasion. His commitment to the game remains unwavering, evidenced by means of his selection to extend his agreement with AEW via a new one-year deal signed in March 2024.
Under this new settlement, Ross will consciousness by and large on calling pay-according to-view events, stepping lower back from normal appearances on AEW’s weekly programming like Dynamite, Collision, or Rampage. Ross hinted that this extension may want to mark his very last 12 months as a commentator, suggesting a bittersweet end to his illustrious career behind the mic.
As the controversy over Dustin Rhodes’ Hall of Fame eligibility continues, fanatics and wrestling pundits alike anticipate WWE’s choice on whether or not to recognize Rhodes’ contributions independently of his cutting-edge affiliations. Whether WWE chooses to acknowledge Rhodes’ legacy or now not, Jim Ross’ impassioned advocacy guarantees that Rhodes’ impact on wrestling records remains a subject of full-size discussion and mirrored image inside the wrestling community.
In the approaching months, as Rhodes maintains to depart his mark in AEW and beyond, the wrestling international will retain to take a position on whether or not his storied profession will finally culminate inside the prestigious WWE Hall of Fame induction that many consider he richly merits.
