Net Worth Ranker
What Is Dustin Rhodes’ Net Worth?
Dustin Rhodes, known to wrestling fans as Goldust, has accumulated a net worth of $3 million. This valuation reflects his multifaceted career, primarily built upon his extensive work as a professional wrestler across various promotions, including WWF/WWE, WCW, TNA, and AEW. His career spans over three decades, contributing significantly to his financial standing.
Early Wrestling Career and Championship Wins
Dustin Rhodes began his professional wrestling journey in 1988 with Championship Wrestling from Florida. His early success includes winning the NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship in 1989. Rhodes’ early career moves provided the foundation for the income and recognition he would later garner. His appearances in WCW in the late 1980s also contributed to his initial earnings, setting the stage for his future financial success in the wrestling industry.
During his WCW tenure from 1991 to 1995, Rhodes showcased his talent and further increased his income through championship wins and high-profile feuds. His partnerships with Barry Windham and Ricky Steamboat led to WCW World Tag Team Championship victories. He won the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship twice, defending the title against various opponents like Maxx Payne and Rick Rude. These victories and feuds, including those with Larry Zbyszko and Terrence Taylor, helped increase his visibility and earning potential in the professional wrestling world.
Rhodes’ initial stint in WWF from 1990 to 1991, though brief, added to his experience and paved the way for his future returns. His appearances in All Japan Pro Wrestling and the United States Wrestling Association during this period also provided additional income and exposure.
The Goldust Era and WWE Success
In the summer of 1995, Dustin Rhodes returned to WWF as Goldust, a character known for his provocative and theatrical persona. Goldust’s initial run saw him capture the Intercontinental Championship by defeating Razor Ramon in early 1996. During his initial run as Goldust, his calculated ring antics and controversial character garnered much attention, furthering his marketability within the company. This period marked a substantial increase in his earnings through higher-profile matches and merchandise sales associated with the Goldust character.
His feuds with top-tier wrestlers such as Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Brian Pillman, Vader, and Val Venis contributed to his sustained presence and income. In 1999, Rhodes once again secured the Intercontinental Championship by defeating Road Dogg, further solidifying his financial gains through championship bonuses and increased appearances.
Rhodes’ later WWE stints between 2001 and 2003 were particularly lucrative, as he embraced the hardcore division and secured nine Hardcore Championships. This era also saw him team up with Booker T., leading to a World Tag Team Championship victory, which boosted his income through collaborative merchandise and appearances. The transition to the Raw brand further amplified his reach, contributing to higher revenue through increased TV exposure and fan engagement.
From 2005 to 2006 and 2008 to 2012, Rhodes continued his WWE career with further runs as Goldust, and his appearances, while interspersed with independent circuit and TNA stints, consistently added to his overall income. His partnership with Hornswoggle and subsequent move to the ECW brand alongside Yoshi Tatsu provided steady work and earnings.
His final return to WWE in 2013 saw him team with his half-brother Cody Rhodes, leading to a Tag Team Championship victory. This collaboration resulted in enhanced merchandise sales and higher appearance fees. The duo’s successful defenses against teams like The Usos, Rollins and Reigns, Curtis Axel and Ryback, The Real Americans, and Big Show and Rey Mysterio further solidified their marketability. Later, teaming with Cody as Stardust led to another WWE Tag Team Championship win, again boosting their combined income through various promotional activities.
AEW and Beyond
After leaving WWE, Rhodes joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he faced his half-brother Cody at Double or Nothing. His multi-year deal with AEW as both a wrestler and coach added a stable income source to his portfolio. Rhodes’ transition to AEW in 2019 marked a new chapter in his career, providing him with both a wrestling platform and a coaching role. While specific financial details of his AEW contract are not publicly available, the move likely secured a consistent annual income, aligning with his experience and contributions to the wrestling world.
Additional Ventures and Earnings
Beyond wrestling, Dustin Rhodes has explored various ventures that have contributed to his net worth. Although specific figures are not available, his autobiography, “Cross Rhodes: Goldust, Out of the Darkness,” likely generated revenue through book sales and associated promotional appearances. While details about any specific business investments or real estate holdings are not publicly accessible, such ventures typically play a role in diversifying income streams and accumulating wealth for professional athletes and entertainers.
Dustin Rhodes’ Professional Wrestling Titles and Accomplishments
The accumulation of over 20 championships throughout Dustin Rhodes’s professional wrestling career has greatly contributed to his financial success and net worth. Rhodes is a two-time WCW US Heavyweight Champion, winning the title by defeating Ricky Steamboat in early 1993, and later beating Rick Rude. This accomplishment increased his marketability and allowed for higher pay during that time. Additionally, Rhodes is a nine-time WWE Hardcore Champion, winning the title during his time in the Hardcore division after re-signing with WWF in 2001. His repeated success in title matches has enabled him to negotiate better contracts and receive larger bonuses over time. Moreover, Rhodes is a former two-time WCW World Tag Team Champion, once with Ricky Steamboat and once with Barry Windham. He also boasts three WWE Tag Team Championship reigns, one with Booker T., one with his half-brother Cody Rhodes, and another with Cody under the Stardust persona. Each of these title reigns has amplified his appeal to fans and wrestling promotions, translating into higher earnings and a stronger financial foundation.
