Throwback: When AJ Styles wrestled Cody Rhodes' father Dusty for NWA World Heavyweight Championship in TNA

The showdown between AJ Styles and Dusty Rhodes for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at TNA Weekly PPV #65 stands as a cherished moment in wrestling lore.

It was a collision of eras, where the seasoned veteran Dusty Rhodes, with his storied legacy, clashed with the rising star AJ Styles, whose athleticism and skill had already begun to carve his own legend. The match was not just about championship gold; it was a symbolic passing of the torch from one generation to the next, reminding us of the rich tapestry of wrestling history and the timeless magic it weaves.

What Happened in the Match?

Before AJ suitably faces his next opponent, who is expected to be the Undisputed Universal Champion Cody Rhodes, here is what happened in the match where the former won against the latter’s father.

In the match that happened for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at TNA Weekly PPV #65 despite his legendary charisma, Dusty struggled to keep up with Styles’ relentless offense. AJ, recognizing Dusty’s weakened state, unleashed a barrage of punishing strikes and high-flying maneuvers, showcasing his athleticism.

However, Dusty refused to go down without a fight, summoning the last remnants of his resilience to withstand AJ’s onslaught. In a dramatic turn of events, Dusty managed to trap AJ in his signature figure-four leg lock, eliciting roars of excitement from the crowd. AJ, sensing the championship slipping away, resorts to underhanded tactics, using a baseball bat obtained from the controversial figure of Vince Russo to target Dusty’s knee.

Who Won?

Despite the valiant effort, Dusty’s knee gave out under the brutal assault, leaving him vulnerable to AJ’s pinfall attempt. As the referee counts the three, the crowd falls silent, witnessing the end of an era as AJ Styles is declared the new NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Though defeated, Dusty’s legacy remains untarnished, his courage and determination serving as a testament to his status as one of wrestling’s all-time greats.

While the end of the match was a little dramatic, people say Dusty was done by that time and he shouldn’t have challenged AJ for the match. While whatever happened was very debatable, it was interesting to see how The American Dream gave his best in the match just like his son does and that’s why people call Cody, the American Nightmare.

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