The word legend gets thrown around a lot in today’s world. When talking about Dusty Rhodes and his impact on professional wrestling that maybe too small of a term to describe his legacy. This week we lost one of biggest stars to ever grace the squared circle The American Dream. Whether in Florida, the AWA or NWA Rhodes left a mark on the business like nobody else.
The relationship between wrestling fans and their favorite performers can deep and personal. Dusty was the master of making that connection. Rhodes contributions to the business are not just limited to being a performer as he was one of the greatest creative minds that wrestling has ever known. He was the creator of Starrcade and provided the world with innovative matches such as Lethal Lottery and War Games.
As a three time world champion The Dream has seen and done it all and packed arenas all around the world. He held the world title when it meant going an hour every night with the top guy in every territory. Packing venues around the world Dusty always gave it his all. He shared his life with the wrestling business. Being the son a plumber from Austin, TX was who he really was. Rhodes even shared his kids with us as got to see the careers of Dustin and Cody blossom before our very eyes.
There is nothing that The Dream has not done in the world of wrestling. His time as the booker in Jim Crockett Promotions and later WCW helped revolutionize the business. Dusty was the man behind the scenes that had the guts to pull the trigger on Ron Simmons becoming the first black World Champion in the wrestling business.
Even into his later years Dusty worked in the business as a mentor to the up and coming talent in NXT. He advised them on their promos of course and gave them valuable feedback on their matches and how to connect with fans. If you get a chance to watch the E:60 special that ESPN did on the WWE and Performance Center you see right at the table of Triple H’s brain trust was Rhodes.
The Dream may not have been your favorite wrestler but you are being dishonest or ignorant to the business if you don’t think he is in the top 5 of all time performers. He is probably your favorite wrestler’s favorite wrestler. The guy knew how to draw them in and make that connection and tug at your heart. Dusty was not just a wrestling icon but a pop culture figure that inspired wrestlers, actors, comic and even rappers. Often imitated but never duplicated Dusty Rhodes will be missed by the world.
Written By
Keith B. Holt
Follow on Twitter @Kholtjr
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