WWE legend Dustin Rhodes swapped the wrestling ring for the parade ring by entering his prized Mastiff at Crufts – but was left frustrated as he was denied a championship belt.
The 56-year-old, best known for his character Goldust, brought his 114kg dog, aptly named Beast, to the NEC and watched the colossal dog finish third in the working group’s open category.
Rhodes, the son of WWE icon Dusty Rhodes and brother of Wrestlemania star Cody Rhodes, has taken an unexpected turn in his career over the past two years.
While still an active wrestler on the AEW circuit, he takes Beast to dog shows across America and the four-legged giant has become the number one Mastiff in the country.
Rhodes says Beast likes to party and the 250-pound giant throws away $250 worth of food every month, with eight cups of dry food, chicken, rice and steak per day.
Dogs in the working group are supposed to help and protect their owners, but after a disappointing result it was the judges who had to use their wits as Rhodes was convinced he was the winner.
Rhodes’ finishing move was called shattered dreams, but at NEC it was only he who left disappointed.
“I thought our dog was the best,” he said.
“I’m biased, but I thought our dog was great, it’s a dog you only meet once every ten years.
“Beast is perfect in my eyes, he weighs more than me and he thinks he is a lap dog.
“He just jumps at you and he’s the best dog in the world. I would never want to have any other breed.”
“I can’t wait to see him again, I gave him a hug after he came third. He did well, I’m very pleased and happy to be here and honored to be at Crufts, the world’s largest dog show.”
Rhodes isn’t done wrestling yet and is scheduled to return to tour in three weeks after a six-month absence following double knee surgery.
At the NEC he had to stay lively on his feet and out of sight while Beast competed because the dog became over-excited when he saw him.
“The day has been long, I haven’t seen my dog in four months,” he added.
“Beast is very good at spotting someone with high or low blood pressure, and we go and check on him or her. He’s a very smart dog.”
“Mastiffs are amazing, amazing animals, man.
“I would never want to have any other breed besides a Mastiff, and I’ve had all kinds of dogs all my life and Mastiffs are just everything: pure, loyal, loving, they just curl up on your lap and make your bones ache.”
Crufts, run by The Kennel Club, is a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and the loving relationships they have with their owners. Crufts will be held from March 5-8, 2025 at the NEC Birmingham. Viewers can catch all the action and highlights on Channel 4 and More4, and for more information and tickets visit crufts.org.uk
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