Dustin's Golden Year

Goldust 2013
Photo courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & my123cents on Twitter

It would be hard to argue that anyone in wrestling had a better 2013 than Goldust.  I have always been a big fan of Dustin Rhodes' alter ego.  When The Bizarre One debuted in the WWF in 1995, he was ahead of his time.  Now, nearly 20 years later, he's evolved and is proving that he really is a "natural" when it comes to wrestling.

When Goldust came back to the WWE in 2013, I didn't have high expectations for the former Intercontinental Champion.  After all, he had returned several times before, usually for short periods and as someone to put over the younger talent.  But when he and brother Cody Rhodes fought for their father's honor and beat the Shield, I was impressed.  After all, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins were the WWE Tag Team Champions and had one of the most dominate "rookie" years of any Superstar in the history of the company.

New champs!
Photo courtesy: WWE

Not only did the Rhodes brothers help Dusty Rhodes get his job, they also saved their own futures with the WWE.  Then Cody and Goldust received a tag team title match.  Again, I didn't have high expectations and simply thought they'd be used to put over the Shield.  Instead though, the Rhodes brothers won the gold.  I couldn't believe it had happened, but honestly, I'm glad it did.  I was skeptical at first, but I think Cody and Goldust have gelled as a unit and have earned their spots with the company.

Goldust vs. Cody at Royal Rumble 2013

There's been a lot of online buzz about this all leading to a match between the two at Wrestlemania 30.  I think this would be a monumental matchup, as both of these men are exceptional in the ring.  Goldust has clearly been hitting the gym and living clean and it really shows.  Cody has a bright future, who has matured and developed and evolved from his early days in Legacy.  If the decision is made to do Rhodes vs. Rhodes at Wrestlemania, I hope it's not done with the two as enemies.  I don't like tag teams breaking up and feuding.  I have faith that a story can be told that puts these two in the ring without having them out to destroy one another.

Regardless of what the future holds for either man, I will continue to enjoy what they're doing right now.  It's been a great ride so far.