The world of professional wrestling is often associated with high-flying acrobatics, intense rivalries, and dramatic storylines. However, behind the scenes, the lives of wrestlers are not immune to the ups and downs faced by ordinary people. AEW star Dustin Rhodes recently took to social media to share a heartbreaking update about his personal life, leaving fans and fellow wrestlers alike in a state of shock.
The 55-year-old wrestling veteran, known for his incredible agility and endurance, posted on Twitter about a devastating loss suffered by his daughter, Dakota Runnels. Her pet horse, Nero, tragically lost its life after being struck by lightning. The tweet echoes with the pain and sadness of losing a beloved pet, and fans quickly rallied around Rhodes, offering their condolences and support.
Rhodes, who has been with AEW since its inception in 2019, has been an integral part of the promotion’s growth and success. Alongside his brother Cody Rhodes, he made history by participating in the first-ever pay-per-view event, Double or Nothing. The intense, bloodied bout between the two brothers remains one of the most unforgettable matches in AEW’s history.
In a recent interview on Insights with Chris Van Vliet, Rhodes opened up about his struggles, revealing that he was close to retiring from in-ring action after the emotional match against his brother. However, he has since continued to defy age and expectations, consistently delivering top-notch performances for his fans.
Rhodes’ tweet about his daughter’s loss serves as a poignant reminder that even in professional wrestling, where larger-than-life characters and storylines dominate the spotlight, the personal struggles and heartaches faced by wrestlers are very real. As fans, we often find ourselves invested in the storylines and feuds, but behind the glamour of the ring, wrestlers are human beings with families, pets, and emotions that make them vulnerable to life’s ups and downs.
As the wrestling community rallies around Rhodes and his family during this difficult time, it’s a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy and compassion in our lives. The Natural’s resilience and dedication to his craft are an inspiration to many, and his recent tweet serves as a heartwarming reminder of the human side of the wrestling world.
