One Big Thing
WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes offers insight into his brother Dustin’s complex relationship with the controversial Goldust character, revealing that Dustin’s feelings about the role vary “depending on the day you ask him.”
Why It Matters
The Goldust character represents a pivotal moment in wrestling history, pushing boundaries during WWE’s Attitude Era and demonstrating how controversial characters could evolve and remain relevant over multiple decades.
Key Details
• Cody confirms Dustin feels “extremely proud” of the Goldust character despite its controversial nature
• A significant turning point came at WrestleMania 12 during Goldust’s match with Roddy Piper
• The match marked a moment of pride for their father, Dusty Rhodes, despite being estranged from Dustin at the time
Notable Quote
“I could see [my dad] just smiling. Ear-to-ear. And he was so happy he got that moment. And he went out and did it on his own,” Cody shared on the “Flagrant” podcast.
Character Evolution
• Started as an Oscar statue-inspired character
• Transformed into “The Artist Formerly Known as Goldust”
• Included a controversial Tourette’s Syndrome storyline
• Eventually returned to using his real name
Current Status
Dustin Rhodes now performs in AEW under his real name, having joined the company in 2019. His most memorable match there came against Cody at Double or Nothing 2019, showcasing his continued in-ring excellence.
What are your thoughts on the Goldust character’s impact on professional wrestling, and do you think such a controversial character could work in today’s wrestling landscape? Share your opinion in the comments below.
