AEW’s return to Detroit this week is expected to feature a familiar face with deep ties to the city. Veteran wrestler Rhino is reportedly set to appear during the promotion’s two-night stay, although exactly how he’ll be involved remains a mystery.
The former ECW World Champion has already been helping promote the events locally. This adds to the anticipation surrounding AEW’s latest visit to his hometown.
Rhino will appear during AEW’s Detroit events
According to PWInsider, Rhino is scheduled to appear during AEW’s Detroit television tapings at the Masonic Temple Theater. However, the report noted that neither his role nor an appearance on Dynamite or Collision has come to light.
AEW will present a live edition of Dynamite on Wednesday, July 29, followed by a live Collision on Thursday, July 30, from the same venue.
Rhino has also been making the rounds in local media ahead of the shows. On Tuesday, he shared a post from the Fox 2 Detroit studios while promoting both AEW events.
Meanwhile, on the recent ROAR Around The Ring podcast, Rhino confirmed his return by saying:
“Well, this year, um, Christian was a little bit of a, you know, we didn’t like him last year, but this year we love him. Christian is Christian. Uh, Adam Copeland. You’re going to see a lot of AEW stars, not only from the women’s, the women wrestling, but the men wrestling. And you’re going to see a great action. The action just goes and it starts at 7:30. But what you can expect from me is I’m going to show up there and I’m going to try to gore someone.”
This won’t be Rhino’s first appearance for AEW. When the promotion previously visited Detroit in May 2025, he challenged Nick Wayne for the ROH World Television Championship on Dynamite. He then also competed during the accompanying Ring of Honor tapings.
Outside AEW, Rhino has remained active in the ring. He recently joined the television launch of Scott D’Amore’s Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling Mayhem series. There, he defeated Gama Singh Jr. on the debut episode.
Wednesday’s post-Redemption edition of Dynamite is already set to feature AEW World Trios Champions Orange Cassidy, Kyle O’Reilly, and Roderick Strong defending against Ricochet, Bishop Kaun, and Toa Liona of The Demand. New AEW Women’s World Champion Willow Nightingale could also celebrate her title victory.
Rhino’s exact role remains under wraps, but bringing the hometown veteran back to Detroit could produce another memorable reaction. Sometimes the loudest pop doesn’t need a Gore — it just needs the right city.
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