I was completely shocked and saddened when I heard that "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes passed away last week at the age of 69. I don't know if any article, DVD set or tribute special could truly summarize the impact that Dusty had on the wrestling industry during a career that spanned nearly five decades and the entire wrestling world has echoed how influential he was to the business.
Similar to the story told in many of his colorful interviews, Dusty was the son of a plumber in Texas and his home state would provide a starting point for his legendary career. After overcoming poverty and childhood illness, Virgil Runnels spent time at West Texas State playing football before Joe Blanchard, the promoter of a smaller territory, introduced him to professional wrestling. Now known as Dusty Rhodes, Runnels made his debut in the late 60s and a series of figures in the business had a major influence on him. Gary Hart, Terry Funk, Fritz Von Erich, and others contributed to Runnels becoming established in the pro ranks. Dusty and fellow Texan, Dick Murdoch became the villainous Texas Outlaws, and the duo worked several territories during the early 1970s. However, it was in Florida during a tag match with Pak Song that Dusty turned baby face and the American Dream was born in 1974. The Dream wrestled all around the world, including tours of New Japan Pro Wrestling and a short run in the WWWF. Even though Dusty wrestled primarily in the southern territories, he was well known in the north east and worked main event matches against Superstar Billy Graham in the late 70s, which shows just how over Rhodes was anywhere he wrestled.
Embraced as a working class hero, Dusty used a combination of his unique interviews and charisma to become one of the biggest stars of his era, winning the NWA World Heavyweight title on three different occasions during his in ring career. During his run in the Florida territory, Dusty learned from the legendary promoter, Eddie Graham and he used much of the knowledge he learned from Graham when he was the booker for Jim Crockett Promotions in the 80s. Some of wrestling's most historic events were created by Rhodes, including War Games, The Great American Bash, and many other concepts that were used in the NWA. As mentioned, Dusty's interviews are what connected with many fans and in particular, the "Hard Times" promo is one of the most well known in pro wrestling history. While Dusty had many memorable promos, the hard times promo stands out because it really represented why the audience identified with him. There was an authenticity to Dusty Rhodes and the crowd knew that he was genuine when he said he knew that it's not easy for the working class. Dusty actually was a plumber's son and his blue collar background allowed fans to see him as one of them. Even Rhodes' rotund frame allowed him to further identify with the audience because he looked like he could work at the same job as them. Dusty's ability to connect with fans from all backgrounds was remarkable and again, the authenticity allowed fans to relate to him. Dusty told fans not to give up and his own career is a proof that hard work can accomplish many things.
Throughout most of the 1980s, Rhodes would feud with the Four Horseman and he was one of the top draws for the NWA. As much as Dusty was an entertainer, he could also wrestle and a road map of scar tissue on his forehead showed that he gave the fans their money's worth when they bought a ticket to see Dusty Rhodes. After Ted Turner bought the Crockett organization, Dusty would eventually sign with the WWE and debut the polka dot attire that is still mentioned today. After a nearly twenty year career when he joined the WWE, it was probably a wise decision for him to used a more entertainment based style because it didn't take as much of a toll him. After a memorable WWE run, Dusty returned to WCW, where he worked on the booking committee and as a commentator for the next several years. In 2000, Dusty had a brief run in ECW and feud with Steve Corino, which concluded with a classic bull rope match and Corino credited Dusty for helping to make his career.
After WCW folded, Rhodes worked for the TNA booking committee for a few years before he signed a WWE deal in 2005. Dusty worked on the WWE creative team and more recently, he worked with many of the NXT talent. Obviously, Dusty had a major impact on the history of the business, but his influence will be seen for years, as he helped many of the stars that are the future of the industry. As I said, you can't summarize the influence Rhodes had in one article or DVD, but if I could use a phrase to describe Dusty, it would be unique. Nothing about him was typical and he was a special talent. He didn't have a typical look, he didn't cut a typical interview, and he didn't have a typical career. He was a special talent that didn't hesitant to be an original in the wrestling business. He made the audience believe in him and believe that anything was possible, which is why many fans expressed a sadness about the news that he passed. The passing of the legendary Dusty Rhodes is certainly "hard times" for fans and the talents that worked with him. Dusty Rhodes has passed away, but the American Dream will live on forever.
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