WWE could punish former Intercontinental Champion for relationship with Tony Khan, Jim Ross feels

Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently claimed that a former Intercontinental Champion may not get his due in WWE because of his relationship with AEW President Tony Khan. The talent in question is Dustin Rhodes.

The Natural has had an illustrious career in the pro wrestling business, winning multiple titles across various promotions. In WWE alone, the 55-year-old has won 13 titles overall and been a part of some of the top storylines in the company. Rhodes jumped ship to AEW in 2019 and has played a major role in Tony Khan's promotion.

While speaking on a recent edition of the Grilling Jr, Jim Ross said that Dustin Rhodes deserves to be in the WWE Hall of Famer, "without a doubt." However, The Natural's relationship with Tony Khan could prove problematic in receiving accolades from the global juggernaut:

“He’s a Hall of Famer, without a doubt. I wonder if he’ll ever be enshrined in the WWE Hall of Fame. He deserves it but because of his relationship with Tony Khan and AEW, which is well deserved, it may never happen and that’s unfortunate. I feel close to him, I feel a kinship to him still today and it’s growing because I’m so proud of the fact that he’s not dependent on drugs and alcohol, [he] saved his life. There’s no way that Dustin would have been alive today if he had not made those changes.” [H/T: WrestlingInc]

---

WWE legend Dustin Rhodes has previously addressed his AEW future

While speaking with Chris Van Vliet earlier this year, Dustin Rhodes stated that he is happy in AEW. He claimed that the style in the Stamford-based promotion is very different.

The Natural then hyped up the roster in All Elite Wrestling and added it is "special" to watch them in action:

“No, I’m happy there. I’m very happy in AEW and it’s a good place for me. We’re growing, we’re doing some wonderful things, business is up, everything is great. It’s a different style over there as it is WWE. We have some of the greatest professional wrestlers on the planet in that company and it is special to watch them even to have a chance to step in the ring with him. [H/T ITR]

While Dustin Rhodes is content with his stint in AEW, rumors have stated that his contract is supposed to end sometime this year. It will be interesting to see if he returns to the global juggernaut then for one final run and a potential Hall of Fame induction.