Wrestling Legend Dusty Rhodes Passes Away At 69

This one is a bit of  a tough one to write. One of my favorite old school wrestlers from arguably the best era in pro wrestling, has passed away. Dusty Rhodes, one of the NWA’s most iconic, central figures died today at the age of 69. Dusty was most famous for his hard-hitting, verbally classic feud with Ric Flair, and his “working man” wrestling gimmick. Dusty leaves behind his two sons Dustin and Cody, both of whom are still employed by WWE, to carry on his legacy. Dusty began his career in wrestling in the 70’s as part of the AWA (American Wrestling Association), as one half of the Texas Outlaws with Dick Murdock.

Dusty would find the most success as a crowd favorite, working his down to earth, “funky like a monkey,” jive talking gimmick to perfection. As part of the NWA, and later Jim Crockett promotions, Dusty’s popularity would reach massive heights. He would go on to hold several titles across both promotions, eventually becoming the company’s top champion multiple times. In the 80’s Dusty had also began “booking” most of the wrestling shows in WCW, and is even credited with coming up with most of the new match types. One of my personal favorite Dusty-ventions, is what’s commonly referred to as the “Dusty Finish” in which a match will usually end in controversy because a ref was knocked out. There’s been several variations of this finish instilled in wrestling matches spanning several decades and was even most recently used during the Seth Rollins V Dean Ambrose title match at Elimination Chamber.

Dusty spent the last few years of his life working as a trainer and coach for WWE’s developmental division. He got to directly influence some of WWE’s top talent in a major way and several of them took to Twitter to express their gratitude after learning of his passing.

One of my all time heroes and one the all time greats has passed away. American Dream #DustyRhodes I will never forget you. #Legend

— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) June 11, 2015

OMG I just heard it, my prayers to his family, RIP #DustyRhodes It was great to learn and spend time with you — Alberto El Patron (@VivaDelRio) June 11, 2015

There will never be anyone like him. The whole world is weeping…Sending prayers and condolences #DustyRhodes

— Beth Kocianski (@TheBethPhoenix) June 11, 2015

I first met Dusty Rhodes at 5yrs old when me and my family were spending time with him and his family… https://t.co/f8wlQLcolf — Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) June 12, 2015

Saddened to hear the passing of Dusty Rhodes. Legend, teacher, mentor, friend…Love you Dream #BookinAintEasyKidpic.twitter.com/ZxlGSgKB8J

— Triple H (@TripleH) June 11, 2015

Dusty will be sorely missed. If you’ve never heard or seen one of Dusty’s matches, or even seen him cut a promo, I’ve embedded one of each of my favorites below. RIP Dusty.