The world of professional wrestling, and the world in general, has lost a true legend.
Virgil Runnels, better know around the world as “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, has passed away at the age of 69 on Thursday.
Emergency services received a call from his home stating he fell, and eventually was transported to a local hospital, where tragically he passed away shortly thereafter.
His wrestling persona was that of a “blue collar working man”, that rose to the top through hard work and determination, which in real life, is exactly what Rhodes did. He began his career in 1968, and while in the American Wrestling Alliance, actually was a “bad guy” with Dick Murdoch. It wasn’t until the 70’s when Rhodes became the wrestler that people truly remember him as.
In the mid-to-late 70’s, Rhodes wrestled for many promotions within in the National Wrestling Alliance, and in 1977, wrestled for the WWWF (World Wide Wrestling Federation), which is now World Wrestling Entertainment.
Facing off multiple times against the champion “Superstar” Billy Graham while a part of the WWWF, Rhodes was a part of matches in front of sellout crowds at Madison Square Garden, as his popularity began to rise significantly.
One of “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes’ most notable feuds occurred during the 1980’s, against The Four Horseman, which consisted of Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard, Barry Windham, and Arn Anderson. Rhodes ended up becoming a three-time NWA World Champion, with two of those victories against the legendary Harley Race, and the other against Flair.
In 1989, Rhodes made his return to the World Wrestling Federation, where his “common man” gimmick now included him wearing wrestling attire equipped with yellow polka-dots and briefly being managed by a lady named Sapphire, who Rhodes dubbed “the common woman”.
Throughout his 40+ year career, it was his promos (which can be seen all over YouTube and across the web) that showcased not only his skills on the microphone, but more notably his connection with the fans, who embraced his attitude towards being a “blue collar working man”, and how he experienced hard times. Many were overcome with tears, loving how well Rhodes’ words truly connected with them deep inside.
Rhodes’ polka-dotted attire did not last throughout his WWF tenure, and ended during his intense feud with Ted DiBiase and Virgil. After 1991, Rhodes left WWF and headed to join their main competition for the decade…World Championship Wrestling.
During his tenure with WCW in the 90’s, he was not a full-time competitor, despite being a booking member backstage, and doing work on the commentary booth. He would, however, be involved with storylines from time to time, including a notable one which saw him join the “NWO” stable, alongside Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and Hulk Hogan, among others.
In the 2000’s, Rhodes would continue to make many appearances, not just with major promotions, but also on the independent wrestling circuit nationwide.
2005 saw the return of Dusty Rhodes to the WWE, and in 2007, his astonishing career was forever immortalized when he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. To make the moment even bigger, he was inducted by his sons Dustin Runnels, better known by audiences as “Goldust”, and Cody Runnels, better known by audiences as “Cody Rhodes” and “Stardust”.
He made his final WWE appearance a few months ago in February of 2015, where he confronted his sons in storyline regarding Cody’s phase towards becoming “Stardust”.
The news of his death on June 11th shocked the world, and social media quickly exploded with tributes to a man so many looked up to as a mentor, and more importantly, a friend.
One of his most famous quotes spoken was: “I have wined and dined with Kings and Queens, and I’ve slept in alleys and dined on pork ‘n’ beans.”
The quote can epitomize what it means to work hard and strive for goals in life, because that’s what Dusty Rhodes did.
“The American Dream” will never fade away, as he will always be remembered by those who knew him, watched him, and enjoyed the presence of him. He is survived by his wife and four sons.
Farewell Dusty Rhodes. You will be truly missed.
