What's up friends! Wish I was in a better mood as a wrestling fan folks, but I'm not. Earlier today, WWE sent out a heartbreaking press release, stating that the only and only, the legendary "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes had passed away at the age of 69. There are stories emerging that he suffered a fall in his house just before 6:00 AM, and that he suffered complications while unconscious and ultimately expired. While none of the stories or reports have been confirmed officially, regardless, the world, as Edge so sadly put it on Twitter, is a lot less brighter. Dusty wasn't a man with a Greek god-esque physique or even for that matter mat abilities like say Dean Malenko or Kurt Angle, but what he did have, and have in abundance, was charisma. It can disputed and argued that Rhodes, real name Virgil Runnels, was the most charismatic guy to ever step foot in a ring, not to mention one of the best talkers of all-time. His promos were often times emotional, fiery, and definitely passionate. However, they were also relate-able. He presented himself as your next door neighbor who was a blue collar, everyday worker who just so happened to be tough, major league tough. Take this promo for example, which is considered the best promo of his career and one of the best ever seen, when he talk about "hard times"
As you can see, promos greatly helped his on camera persona, as nowadays young wrestlers, give or take a Bray Wyatt or John Cena, sound like things are written for them for them to memorize. Every promo he gave was genuine, from the heart, and soulful. Yeah, many criticized him for having, what was considered, a Black style about him for a White Texan. As well, he was criticized for his lack of physique and a rather plus-sized heavyweight. Once one saw him wrestle, however, opinions changed and their outlook of him was rearranged as well. He was a hell of a worker, and his rivalry with Flair and the Horsemen is one of legend and one of the single most revered feuds ever in wrestling history. He was a three-time World Heavyweight Champion, with the majority of success coming under the Grahams in Florida. Here's a look at him winning one of his World titles, when he defeated Harley Race in 1979.
Dusty had a stint in WWE in the early 80s as well, with his biggest rivalry being with another legend and Hall Of Famer, Superstar Billy Graham. Those two lost lots of blood but provided many a memory to those who would be fortunate to attend Madison Square Garden. He ended up going back eventually to Georgia and WCW, where we proved to also be a big behind the scenes person, being behind such innovative concepts such as War Games, and he was also responsible for breaking down barriers and, as head booker, was responsible for making Ron Simmons the first Black WCW World Heavyweight Champion. As creator of War Games, he was involved in most of the first few, and they were all involving The Horsemen and J.J. Dillon.
Perhaps his most questionable period was when he went back to WWE, this time he was booked as "The Common Man", but was wrestling in polka dots and dancing. It was a polarizing time for Rhodes, but nonetheless he weathered the storm, and even introduced a sweet grandmother to the world who just so happened to be a huge Rhodes fan, in Sweet Sapphire. His feuds with Ted Dibiase and the late Randy Savage were intense, and ast times personal. During this time, he also introduced the world to his eldest son Dustin to WWE at the age of 21. Years later, Dustin would return to the WWE after having success in WCW. He would return as the ever controversial Goldust, in which time Dusty had issues with the character, but problems between them concerning Dustin's then wife, Terri Runnels, made them estranged for a number of years. They eventually reunited, and then we got introduced to his youngest son, Cody, in WWE. Cody, now known as the bizarre StarDust, would achieve great success, notably his tag championships and Inter-Continental Title run.
His role as NXT head producer was a big deal, but he was very much looked upon as a father figure to many of the developmental talents including Paige, Emma, Fandango, and Bray Wyatt, whom was like family due to his dad being Mike Rotunda, his uncle being Barry Windham, and his grandfather being Blackjack Mulligan. He taught them the art of the promo and the microphone. Perhaps his biggest moment came when he was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2007 by both of his sons. Indeed, this moment was way overdue for The Dream.
This is a very sad and melancholy moment for fans all over the world, and has broken the hearts of many longtime fans of his such as myself. He was the definition of blue-eyed soul in the sport, and was truly what one would call, a "sports entertainer". Wise, witty, hilarious, and always humble, Virgil Runnels Jr was, and is, one in a million, and there will never in the lifetime be another Dusty Rhodes. He was the original "People's Champion" before The Rock, and would always get "funky like a monkey" during every match he had. To his wife, as well as Cody, Dustin, and the rest of his family, friends, and loved ones, I extend my deepest condolences and know that by myself, and every other fan, we will always love and miss Dusty, and we thank him vehemently for his powerful and dedicated impact upon the sport. Here's a touching tribute to the late, great, American Dream. We love you Dust!!!
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