Dustin Rhodes wasnt even the original challenger for the TNT Championship at AEW All In: Texas, but he walked out as the new championand the Globe Life Field crowd went wild for it.
Originally set to be Kyle Fletcher vs. Adam Cole, plans had to change when Cole revealed he wasnt medically cleared and would be gone for a while. AEW quickly pivoted to a four-way title match featuring Fletcher, Daniel Garcia, Sammy Guevara, and Dustin Rhodes. The veteran ended up stealing the spotlightand the title.
Fletcher came out swinging, kicking everything in sight, but Dustin and Sammy Guevara teamed up early to neutralize him. Garcia and Guevara even had a brief Jericho Appreciation Society nod before Fletcher wiped them out with a brutal double clothesline that got the fans fired up.
The chaos intensified after Guevara hit a Spanish Fly on Garcia off the apron. Back in the ring, Fletcher nailed Dustin with a Michinoku Driver that nearly ended it then and there. But that was just the start of the madness.
In a unique spot, Garcia and Fletcher found themselves trapped in a double figure-four leg lock from Rhodes and Guevara. As they shouted at each other mid-submission, they slapped each other in frustration, showing just how personal this title chase had become.
The crowd erupted when Garcia hit back-to-back superplexes on Guevara, then unleashed punches on both Fletcher and Guevara. But Rhodes came storming back, dishing out his signature powerslams and nearly winning with a Cross Rhodes.
Then came the groin shotsyes, multiple. After Garcia kicked Fletcher low, Guevara followed up with another, and Rhodes got in a third, making the crowd roar. It was payback and chaos all at once.
Things spiraled when Guevara accidentally nailed Dustin with a kick, leading to Fletcher launching a big comeback. He took out all three opponents with vicious kicks, but couldnt seal the deal.
In the final moments, it was RhodesAEWs most seasoned veteranwho caught Daniel Garcia with a flash pin for the win. The crowd exploded as Rhodes stood tall, capturing the TNT Title in one of the most unpredictable finishes of the night.
Dustins win adds a new chapter to his storied career, proving hes still got plenty left in the tank.
What did you think about Dustin Rhodes walking away with the TNT Championship? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
