Wrestling legend Dusty Rhodes passes away at age 69
The American Dream Dusty Rhodes passed away on Thursday at the age of 69.
The wide world of sports lost a legend on Thursday with the passing of The American Dream Dusty Rhodes at age 69. Born Virgil Runnels, the WWE hall-of-famer leaves behind four children, including current superstars Dustin and Cody (Rhodes) Runnels, and three grandchildren.
Following news of Rhodes’ passing, the WWE released the following statement:
"WWE is deeply saddened that Virgil Runnels, aka “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes — WWE Hall of Famer, three-time NWA Champion and one of the most captivating and charismatic figures in sports entertainment history — passed away today at the age of 69.Runnels became a hero to fans around the world thanks to his work ethic, his impassioned interviews and his indomitable spirit. Moreover, Runnels was a dedicated father to WWE Superstars Goldust (Dustin Runnels) and Stardust (Cody Runnels), a caring husband and a creative visionary who helped shape the landscape of WWE long after his in-ring career had ended.WWE extends its sincerest condolences to Runnels’ family, friends and colleagues."
A star from the territory days of wrestling, his feud with Ric Flair in the 1970s and 80s was one of the greatest in the sport’s history. Flair, the slick talking, platinum haired adonis, made a perfect foil for Rhodes, the rotund, hard-working everyman. Seemingly every match between the two was a specacle, including the legendary cage match at the 1986 Great American Bash in Greensboro North Carolina.
Rhodes was also part of one of the greatest worked shoots in wrestling history, when the Four Horsemen broke his arm prior to Starcade in 1986.
Aside from his legendary history as a performer, Rhodes also leaves behind a legacy as a booker. In wrestling colloquialisms, the phrase “Dusty Finish” refers to a match that ends in controversy, and is usually overturned due to some sort of nefarious circumstances. It’s an homage to the way Rhodes booked many of his matches in the late years of the NWA and into his time with World Championship Wrestling.
A master on the mic, and as hard a worker as any in the ring, Rhodes gave his life to professional wrestling and leaves behind a legacy as large as any of the sport’s fallen giants.