TPWW Forums - The Dream is Gone - RIP Dusty Rhodes Oct 12 1945

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- - The Dream is Gone - RIP Dusty Rhodes Oct 12 1945 - June 11 2015 (https://www.tpwwforums.com/showthread.php?t=129765)

The Dream is Gone - RIP Dusty Rhodes Oct 12 1945 - June 11 2015

:(

http://www.wwe.com/inside/dusty-rhodes-passes-away

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.

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Just read this... pretty surprised

I just heard Heyman tell a story about him on Stone Colds podcast yesterday too.

Noo! This is truly the hardest of times. :(

Shocked to hear this

RIP Dusty

Damn, what a huge loss. RIP

Now, what the fuck? Cristopher Lee AND The American Dweem too, dadday?

Today is not a great day for the world.

Him and Christopher Lee. Damn.

R.I.P. May he get funky like a monkey with Sapphire on the Mothaship that is the great beyond.

<font color=goldenrod>Holy fuck, did NOT expect this at all :(

RIP Dream</font>

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vastardikai (Post 4648011)

Him and Christopher Lee. Damn.

R.I.P. May he get funky like a monkey with Sapphire on the Mothaship that is the great beyond.

They come in threes.

I now regret going to the forums during lunch.

Son of a bitch.

The American Dream!!! RIP

A genius in the wrestling world gone. Sad to see the Dream ride off into the sunset. Godspeed Dusty :(

Horrible news. What a legend. He'll be missed greatly.

I am just in absolute shock at this news.

Dusty was one of those guys I loved to watch as a kid.

He was just larger than life in Florida and the Carolinas.

RIP American Dream. :(

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Wow, so sudden and I'm just in shock. :(

Terrible news.

R.I.P

RIP Dusty. The world is still captivated by 300 pounds of Blue-eyed soul.

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck

RIP Dream, thoughts go out to Goldust and Cody and their families

RIP. Shocked somehow big time.

Wow. Wasn't expecting this at all. Just was watching one of the Roundtables on the Network he was on yesterday... Man. RIP Dream. Such a creative mind.

Very sad. Hard Times remains one of my favourite promos, even though it really doesn't make a lot of sense.

Oh God, did not see this coming. :(

The American Dream was deff my favorite old school wrestler that I was too young to watch in his prime but always liked either way. He wasn't even that old...wow.

:(

Too bad he didn't get any new WWE run...like as a manager or whatever.

:(

RIP.

Huge loss for all of wrestling.

His theme is going to sound different to me now.

RIP Dusty. I'm sure he's up there on the big muthaship in the sky layin' a clubberin' on somebody if you wheel.

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...7e&oe=55FD9626

I'm offering up my INNOCENCE! And I'll pay you back in scorn if you mess with me!
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gonna ride his bicycle on his way to the mothership RIP

Was his death considered a ...Dusty Finish?

RIP Common Man. Take it to the pay window at them pearly gates.

The fact that his promos from 30 years ago still resonate today says a lot about just how great he was.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shisen Kopf (Post 4648076)

Was his death considered a ...Dusty Finish?

Not cool man. Dusty was a bicycle thief pointer-outer. He would have helped you.

http://wrestlechat.net/kevin-owens-w...-dusty-rhodes/

From Kevin Owens

Quote:

“These past few weeks, I kept telling myself that I had to find time to stop by the Performance Center and talk to Dusty. I wanted to thank him for all of his help in the last year and make sure he knew how grateful I was for the chance I got to work with him. But I’ve been very busy and just couldn’t find the time.

Well, today, I learned that Dusty Rhodes has passed away.

There are no words to express the sadness I feel, not only because I won’t get to see him or talk to him or laugh with him again, but because I didn’t get to tell him how special he was to me.

So today, I invite you all to make time to tell the people in your lives how much they mean to you…You never know what tomorrow will bring.

I can only hope that even though I didn’t get to tell him directly, Dusty knew how much I appreciated and valued his help, wisdom, support and friendship. He was unlike anybody I’ve ever met in this industry and to say that I will always remember him and be thankful for the honor of having known him is an understatement.

In the meantime, the entire NXT crew is on its way to Pittsburgh where we will do what we do best. And you can bet every single second of tonight and every other NXT show this week are dedicated to the memory of the legendary, one-and-only Dusty Rhodes.

My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time…especially his children. Your father was an incredible coach and an even better man. He will be greatly missed.

Dusty used to call us “his NXT kids”… Well, I think I speak for all of us at when I say that tonight and every other night from here on out, we will give it our all for you, Dusty.

We’ll make you proud, Dream.

Thank you for the memories…thank you for everything.

Much love,

Kevin”

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr +JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhL w7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nY FnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; ██████████relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://instagram.com/p/3zLZ03P8Mc/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">All I wanted to be in 1972 was Rambling Ricky Rhodes. The Dream told me "you can make it on your own." He mentored me and taught me how to be a star. Dusty used to say “If you are going to pass by... why not in a Cadillac??” He’s the man who invented A Flair for the Gold and was a genius way ahead of his time. Much love to your family and more respect than can ever be measured. Love you Dream.</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Ric Flair® Nature Boy® (@ricflairnatureboy) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2015-06-11T18:54:37+00:00">Jun 11, 2015 at 11:54am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote>
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Damn, little brother just showed me on his intagram. Sad day for wrestling.

Incredibly sad news especially with the announcement of (Sir) Christopher Lee's passing too. RIP Dusty.

Damn, Dusty was a true legend. He'll be missed for sure. :'(

This one really sucks.

Ridiculously big star and a bona-fide all time legend. Goddamn what a promo, one of the best ever. Odd we don't know more about how it happened yet.

R.I.P.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="http://t.co/82AB3XHgZK">pic.twitter.com/82AB3XHgZK</a></p>— Dean-Ambrose.Net (@DeanAmbroseNet) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeanAmbroseNet/status/609093668486717441">June 11, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Monday will be badass tribute night with goldust and stardust. and money in the bank will have a dusty finish wonder which match

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzy Foot (Post 4648096)

Incredibly sad news especially with the announcement of (Sir) Christopher Lee's passing too. RIP Dusty.

wonder who number 3 will be

RIP.

My main memories are from WCW Saturday Night on commentary.

Unreal! Who's next Dino Bravo???

Sad day.

May he wine and dine with kings and queens and sleep in alleys and dine on pork and beans in the afterlife.

... Wait, no...

Quote:

Originally Posted by RP (Post 4648154)

Unreal! Who's next Dino Bravo???

Ummmm Dinos been dead a while now

Always thought he was insanely overrated. Very saddening, RIP.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Guycott (Post 4648008)

Now, what the fuck? Cristopher Lee AND The American Dweem too, dadday?

Today is not a great day for the world.

Christ! today has been rough RIP Dusty

"Big Johnny is yo muffler still in?"-Dusty Rhodes

Quote:

TMZ.com and F4WOnline.com have revealed more details on the tragic death of 69 year old WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes.

TMZ is reporting Rhodes suffered a fall in his home in Orlando yesterday morning and was taken to a local hospital.

“Officials tell us … emergency personnel responded to Dusty’s home in Orlando, FL at 5:56 AM Wednesday morning after getting a call reporting a 69-year-old male had taken a fall,” reports TMZ.

The report goes on to note Rhodes suffered “numerous complications” throughout the day on Wednesday which ultimately lead to his death.

Just an awesome article here on Dusty.

http://www.fightingspiritmagazine.co...hodes-19452015

Before the phrase “living the dream” became a marketing slogan, a power-of-positive-thinking motto, and a phrase bandied about by up and coming young wrestlers barely making enough money to pay the bills, it would have best been applied to young Virgil Riley Runnels Jr. - better known as “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes. As this issue talks to his son, Cody, it seems only correct that we examine his controversial father as well.

Unfortunately, some younger fans have the image of Dusty Rhodes as the “fat guy in polka dots” from his WWF stint, beginning in 1989. Some just a little older, or who have dug a little deeper, think Dusty was the guy who was in the main events in the NWA because he was the matchmaker. To think of Dusty Rhodes in either way is to do a disservice to one of the biggest stars pro wrestling has ever created.

For those who think Dusty wasn’t an athlete, you couldn’t be more wrong. He was a hell of a football and baseball player at West Texas State University in the mid-’60s, and even did a short stint as a pro football player for an upstart organization trying to compete with the NFL. Going to West Texas State, the alma mater of pro wrestling greats like Terry and Dory Funk Jr, Stan Hansen, Dick Murdoch and many more, he was in the right place to break into the sport under Dory Funk Sr. in Amarillo. Lots of folks were in the right place, though; in those days, only those with the desire, the toughness and the mind for wrestling could take advantage of that opportunity.

Even as a man in his early 20s, Dusty wasn’t going to have a bodybuilder’s physique, because if the college football practices, running the bases like a madman on the baseball field, and working his ass off in the wrestling ring in the West Texas heat didn’t do it, nothing would. Still, those who recall his matches in the early days remember a burly 250-pound kid who moved like lightning, and was a ball of energy in the ring, regardless of the tautness of his physique.

After a few years of knocking around the territories, Dusty became a star in wrestling in the early-1970s, teaming with Murdoch as The Texas Outlaws, and more than living up to the name. Working in Verne Gagne’s AWA, they were a main event heel team, working against greats like Dick The Bruiser and The Crusher, tearing the houses down with their wild antics.

But it would be in Florida in 1974 that “The American Dream” would be born, and Dusty Rhodes would become one of the biggest box office attractions in the game.

LIVING THE DREAM
Managed by Gary Hart, Dusty was different than the rest of his clients, who were usually menacing masked men or vicious foreigners who spoke little English, with Gary doing their promos while their actions also spoke for them in the ring. Dusty had a gift of gab, and a striking personal charisma that made the fans start to take to him, regardless of who he associated with, and what his heel tactics would usually dictate.

This phenomenon didn’t escape the attention of promoter Eddie Graham, who was respected as one of the most powerful men in the NWA, and as a booking genius. Graham’s previous personal project had been the development of Jack Brisco, an All-American athlete and former NCAA wrestling champion; with Dusty Rhodes, Graham would break that mold and create a new kind of hero for the turbulent 1970s.

On the infamous night when Hart and his “Korean Assassin”, Pak Song, turned on the brash young Texan, it kicked off a box office run in Florida that has never been equalled, and made Dusty one of the top attractions in the sport. It couldn’t have been done with anyone else, regardless of Graham’s booking genius, because what made Dusty a star was himself, telling his story in his words, and in his voice. Dusty’s promo was written for him by his life - all he had to do was verbalize it with that distinct lisp and incredible delivery.

He told the fans that he was the son of a plumber from Austin, Texas, born dirt poor, and that he had worked hard all his life. He had remembered the words of an old black man that he had dug ditches with, named TC Lee, who had told him: “This is America. There’s a dream out there - get out of this ditch and live it!” He then told Gary Hart that his “Korean Assassin” was about to meet “The American Dream”.

In one promo, Dusty had made his career, and become a working class hero. As he later said, fans of any color and any situation loved him because “if this fat black man in a white man’s body, with a stupid-looking frizzy white afro could live the dream, well, so could they.”

In a short time, he was the most popular wrestler in Florida history, but he didn’t stop there; as WTBS in Atlanta became the U.S’ first “superstation”, seen all across the country in cable’s infancy, he dominated the Saturday night wrestling programme, which was their highest-rated show. Promoters from all over the country wanted his services, and he was seen as a guy who could “talk people into the building” because of his showmanship and charisma.

Vince McMahon Sr. got dates on Dusty from Eddie Graham, bringing him to Madison Square Garden to work a legendary series of matches against “Superstar” Billy Graham. The promos were incredible, and while the matches weren’t scientific wrestling classics, they electrified the sell-out crowds, and Graham was happy to get Dusty out of Florida for a little while. Why, you might ask? As it was told to me, Graham often said, “I’d have to get Dusty out of Florida for a little while every so often, just so I could get someone else over as a star. When he was here, he just overshadowed everyone else.”

Travelling all over the country as a main event star, working for multiple promoters, would be enough for some, but not “The Dream”. By the end of the decade, he was booking Florida as well, showing that he was serious about being a student of the business, and a protégé of Graham. By the time he had his first run as NWA World champion - breaking down another barrier, as he did not look like the traditional NWA title-holder - he was one of the top five money-drawing talents in the industry. He would go to New Orleans regularly for Superdome events promoted by Bill Watts, another booking protégé of Graham. And, most importantly, he would frequently be brought to the Carolinas for major Jim Crockett Promotions shows.

It was there, seeing the rabid fan-base, incredible television coverage, and major arenas in the territory, that he pitched Crockett the idea for a mega-show, held in Greensboro and shown to other cities, even other territories, via closed circuit television. It could be called Starrcade. Thus, on Thanksgiving Night 1983, a full year-and-a half before the first WrestleMania, the NWA’s biggest event of the year was born.

Dusty soon was given the job of booker for Crockett, as the wrestling landscape was about to change dramatically.

VIDEO MARKETING
It’s at this point that many of today’s fans can start watching Dusty’s career on videotape. But when watching, you have to remember that by this time, he was almost 40 years old. For 15 years, he had been wrestling every night all over the world, and serving as matchmaker for several years simultaneously. He started to pick up weight, and even though he was still a hell of an athlete, he was slowing down physically. Verbally, he may have been doing his best ever work, and the charisma was still there, so the fans bought the tickets. From 1984 to 1988, he was the booker and the most popular star of the only legitimate challenger to Vince McMahon’s expanding WWF. This is where he became a polarizing figure.

The booker will always be loved by those who are successful under him, and reviled by those who aren’t, whether it has anything to do with the way he books them or not. Some thought he should step aside - give them the spot, or the belt, because he was too old, or too fat. To be honest, a steady diet of Dusty on top for Crockett for years did get old with the fans, and some started turning on him. Maybe he should have followed Eddie Graham’s example and sent himself away, so someone else could escape his shadow, but the fact remains that Dusty was not a guy who was in the main events because he was the matchmaker; he got to be the matchmaker because he was one of the biggest stars in the sport, and stayed in the role because he was one of the most successful bookers. Anyone questioning his place in main events should remember that he was a general on one side of the biggest promotional war in wrestling, and also, along with Ric Flair, one of the top two box office attractions in the NWA. With the schedule he kept during those years, it’s incredible that he was able to do either job well, much less both of them.

After Turner Broadcasting purchased Crockett Promotions, Dusty went to the WWF, and put on the polka dots. Watching today, and taken out of context, it’s obvious that Vince was screwing with him, but it’s not well remembered that even under those conditions, he was still over, even at almost 50 and with his weight out of control. The less said about most of his matches there, the better, and watching them in the years since led to a vast audience thinking that that was Dusty Rhodes. As I said earlier, that’s a disservice to the man.

It’s hard to explain the impact Dusty had to today’s fan - or even today’s wrestler. Can you imagine one of today’s writers in WWE sitting a young wrestler down and saying, “Here’s your character. You’re the son of a plumber from Texas. You used to dig ditches with a black man named TC Lee, and....” I’d love to see the faces on the people in the room if that idea was pitched.

Conversely, in today’s cookie-cutter wrestler training mentality, I’d love to see a 20-year-old Dusty Rhodes show up at WWE developmental. His massive ego, individualism, and insistence on doing things his way - all the things that were once necessary for a wrestler to become a star - would doom him politically. Some brilliant producer would report back that, “The kid has a lisp, so he can never do TV promos unless we make him a comedy character.” His physique would probably prevent him from getting a try-out; they’d say, “Kid, you must be dreaming to think you can be a wrestler.”

“The American Dream”, indeed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlickyTrickyDamon (Post 4648083)

Not cool man. Dusty was a bicycle thief pointer-outer. He would have helped you.

https://whatistheexcel.com/wooobooru...-out%20wwf.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mercenary (Post 4648165)

Ummmm Dinos been dead a while now

Whutttt?

Quote:

Originally Posted by RP (Post 4648202)

Whutttt?

1993 you are a bit behind

<font color=goldenrod>Dusty's death has hit me in the same kind of way that Warrior and Savage did and probably will when Hogan, Flair, etc. pass on. It's just tough to imagine these guys with huge personalities who wrestled for years during the "golden age" in the 80s are no longer with us.</font>

R.I.P. The American Dream

Wonder if Cody drops the Stardust gimmick now. I bet he hates how the build up to Mania went down now.

What? Being filler in a multi-man ladder match? I'm guessing he hated that before.

And I don't see why this would force him to drop the Stardust gimmick. He might do something out of character on Raw to pay tribute to his dad but why drop the gimmick?

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah I don't see why the gimmick would need to be dropped. "the show must go on" and such.

Would be cool for if they suspended kayfabe on Raw and had the Rhodes Boys team up one last time with their dad's theme, though.</font>

News pinged on my phone today and I was rather shocked. So young for his age.

R.I.P. Common Man.

why drop the gimmick?

Dusty was the original Stardust actually. Although he didn't use the goofy costume.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vito Cruz (Post 4648279)

<font color=goldenrod>Would be cool for if they suspended kayfabe on Raw and had the Rhodes Boys team up one last time with their dad's theme, though.</font>

Pretty sure they'll end up doing this or something like it.

Forgot Goldust is injured.

So maybe have him just accompany Cody to the ring.

Quote:

Originally Posted by #1-wwf-fan (Post 4648276)

I was talking about what happened basically leading up to Fastlane with the Rhodes family and his resenting them. I think its about time to drop the gimmick anyway as he just gets put in filler matches any more. Going back to Cody Rhodes would be a tribute to his Dad. Stardust said that Cody is dead, Dusty might aswell be to. Im sure that kinda eats at him in some way that the last time he was on TV with his family he didnt want any thing to do with them.

I personally loved Dusty's NWA Theme.

Hank Williams Jr and Huey Lewis - You Can't Judge A Book

the fans would go nuts when this would hit.

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Dusty coming to the ring at Starrcade '84 to Prince's Purple Rain was amazing too.

If it weren't for Dusty we might not have Hulk Hogan
http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8txubmfm.png

Quote:

Originally Posted by #1-wwf-fan (Post 4648276)

I think people may be remembering how Kerwin White was instantly scrapped when Eddie died. Those were far different circumstances though. Stardust has far more potential then regular old Cody. It's been discussed to death how Cody can be great if he has something to run with. Being a Rhodes doesn't get Dusty's kids very far. Being a -dust seems to be their much better option.

Thank You Dusty chants from tonight's NXT show in Pittsburgh

<blockquote class="twitter-video" lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThankYouDusty?src=hash">#ThankYouDusty</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NXTPittsburgh?src=hash">#NXTPittsburgh</a> <a href="http://t.co/UtU2eQWRHq">pic.twitter.com/UtU2eQWRHq</a></p>— Triple H (@TripleH) <a href="https://twitter.com/TripleH/status/609153211216347136">June 12, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This one’s for you, Dream…<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NXTPittsburgh?src=hash">#NXTPittsburgh</a> <a href="http://t.co/HdcRfq0CEC">pic.twitter.com/HdcRfq0CEC</a></p>— Kip Stern (@FightOwensFight) <a href="https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/609167481471676417">June 12, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Quote:

Originally Posted by Theo Dious (Post 4648320)

Never thought about Kerwin White when I first suggested it. Was simply going on the fact that Cody as Stardust resented his family and kinda wished death upon his father.

Saw someone mention they heard Dusty taught Balor how to drive, would be an amazing story to hear about

I see he tweeted a pic of them in a car

http://dailywrestlingnews.com/wp-con...sty-Rhodes.jpg

If you haven't already watched the Ric Flair/Dusty Rhodes episode of Rivalries on the WWE Network, you should do it right now. It was amazing when I watched it ages ago, and it's probably even more impactful now.

The Kevin Steen/Kip Stern story is hilarious too. Can easy picture him calling him that

This isn't bothering me as much as I thought it would when I initially heard about it. I'd say 85% of what I remember Dusty for from my childhood was his commentary work which was always awesome but I didn't see a lot of his classic wrestling and promo work til more recently.

Sami Zayn posted up an essay that's a good read, but it might heart punch you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sami Zayn

My Time With Dusty Rhodes.

Earlier today, I was devastated to hear about the passing of Dusty Rhodes. Words like ‘shock’ and ‘sadness’ come to mind, but don’t truly capture the whirlwind of emotions that take place when you are blindsided by news like this. It was particularly shocking to me because I had seen him almost every day this week at the WWE Performance Center when I went in to rehab my shoulder. He appeared to be in good health and so it was really hard for me to believe that the news was true. But as I read more and more about it, and tears filled my eyes, I didn’t know what to do with myself. So I came home and decided to just write a little bit about Dusty. Many mourners referred to Dusty as a great mentor and a great teacher, which he absolutely was. But I would like to share with you the little things about Dusty that I greatly appreciated in my time with him. He was a great guy.

I need to start by stating that Dusty was a particularly huge influence and a great help to me when I first arrived at WWE. I started with the WWE in February 2013, reporting to FCW in Tampa, FL, the developmental territory at the time and predecessor for the WWE Performance Center in Orlando. Despite coming to WWE with 11 years of experience already under my belt, the idea of “cutting a promo” terrified me when I first got here. Though I had done a lot before getting to WWE, my interviews or “promos” had consisted of only a few words. I had relied on a lot of my non-verbal skills to get to WWE, but the jig was up now that I had signed. It was time to learn, and school was in session every Thursday at the FCW arena: promo class with Dusty Rhodes.

I don’t know if you’ve ever had to do something that you weren’t good at, in front of someone who happened to be one of the best of all time at it, but needless to say it is intimidating. But Dusty washed away a lot of my fears very quickly, as he took a liking to me right away, and was very nurturing. He really encouraged me to speak in a conversational and natural manner. There is no greater confidence booster than getting a sign of approval from one of the greatest talkers in the history of our industry. As my confidence grew, so too did my interview skills. After every interview, we would tell me what he liked, what not to do, and would frequently remark how I “reminded him of a young Robin Williams”. It made me laugh every time, and it still does, because I still don’t see it.

Dusty is also responsible for my name and character upon my arrival to WWE. After dropping my previous persona from the independents upon signing, I had to choose a new name and a new identity; a new character. It was Dream’s belief in me as a more natural, conversational speaker that helped my decision to more or less just be myself. Picking a name proved to be difficult though, as I had submitted three separate lists of names, all of which had been rejected. Finally, I was asked to narrow it down to 3-5 names and I had a private meeting with Dream to make the big decision. Well, that meeting lasted about a minute.

“So, which name do you like?” Dusty said, in his unmistakable and frequently imitated lisp.
“Uh, I don’t know…I kind of like Sami Zayn”, I replied sheepishly. Bear in mind, I had kept this name on each of the lists, and so the name Sami Zayn had been rejected three times at this point.
“Hmm…Sami Zayn……Sami….Zayn….” he said, as he slowly waved his arm laterally, as if visualizing it on a marquee. He paused, and nodded dramatically. “Yeah, that’s the name. You tell them Dream said Sami Zayn is the name.” And so it was, just like that. Even now telling that story, I have a grin on my face from ear to ear.

I grew so much as a performer thanks to Dusty and my two and a half years spent with him learning to communicate. But for as much as he did for me professionally, the lessons I took from him as a person resonated with me even more.

WWE developmental is a place where you need to learn to navigate the waters of a very unique business, and there are times it can feel like a political minefield. Perhaps what I found most refreshing about Dusty Rhodes is that he was a true life cowboy and sincerely did not give a damn. He spoke his mind. He was defiant. He rocked the boat. He was unapologetic where people were often worried about voicing opinions that differed too much from the norm. In short, he was himself. I can’t tell you how much that resonated with me. And while I don’t aspire to be the cowboy that Dusty was (I could never pull it off any way) he solidified my own faith in myself. He taught me about standing by your convictions and having an opinion of your own, whether it was the popular one or not. For a man who was such a great speaker, it was his actions rather than his words that made the biggest impact of all on me.

In my entire time with Dusty, I honestly don’t remember seeing him in a really bad mood. He was always very lighthearted around the Performance Center, and cracked jokes every single time he would see me. I laughed a lot around Dusty Rhodes. He was very funny, sometimes when he wanted to be, and sometimes just because he was.

One of my favorite things that Dusty would do that would make me laugh, was brag. I absolutely loved it when he would brag. He was just completely unapologetic; he knew exactly how good he was, and he would tell you about it. He would just tell these great stories about himself in his prime; about this amazing promo he cut, and how it sold out the building the next time they came to town. It was done in such honesty, that it was almost humble in a very twisted way; the opposite of someone you can tell thinks they are great but are obviously trying to downplay it. It’s hard to explain, but trust me, it was amazing.

Another thing he did that would make me laugh a lot is he would call people by the wrong name. I still don’t know if he did it on purpose or not, but it was just hilarious. For example, Enzo Amore, one of his star students in promo class and arguably the best talker on a week to week basis in promo class for the last three years…and Dream would still call him “Enzio”. This would make me laugh, every single time, without exception. I’m laughing right now just thinking about it.

My favorite of his wrong names though is undoubtedly when Kevin Owens first showed up at the Performance Center. Kevin came into WWE as Kevin Steen. Usually when a new talent arrives to the PC, his/her first week is only observation, and sometimes just a quick getting to know you. However, on one particular night when many important guests were in attendance (“Luminaries”, as Dream would call them), Dusty decided to surprise everyone and put Kevin on the spot by calling up “Kip Stern” to cut a promo. Kevin just stared blankly because his name was Kevin Steen, not Kip Stern. This awkward silence filled the room for a good 10 seconds until William Regal, who was sitting next to Kevin, nudged him with his elbow and said, “You should probably go up there.” Good God, I still laugh about that one all the time. There’s a road here in Orlando called Stern Street and every single time I drive by it, I do my best Dream impression and say, “Let’s see Kip Stern”. Then I laugh.

As I recount these little anecdotes, I can’t help but feel so lucky to have gotten the past two and a half years to work with Dusty. This man had seen it all, done it all, watched generations come and go, and had a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the business that literally no one else on earth possessed. I got to share in that and that’s just amazing to me.

A few days ago in the trainer’s room at the PC, he was sitting around talking to someone and I said, “Hey Dream, you got put over again by Paul Heyman on Steve Austin’s podcast the other night. Heyman was talking about how you helped him learn how to cut money promos.” And he smiled and in true Dusty form he replied, “There is no one in this business that the Dream hasn’t influenced”. The best part is that he was right. Thank you, Dream. They don’t make people like you anymore. I’m so glad I got to know you.

You will never be forgotten.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark One (Post 4648398)

Sami Zayn posted up an essay that's a good read, but it's might heart punch you.

I read that and just took a minute.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shisen Kopf (Post 4648196)

https://whatistheexcel.com/wooobooru...-out%20wwf.jpg

http://youtu.be/t6S--nfx5Ao

damn, that Zayn essay

Goddammit I was hanging in there till the Zayn essay :'(

RIP big guy

Great tribute to Dusty today from Marty and McGee on ESPN Radio

http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=13071507&s=espn

WWE planning on a lot of tributes for Rhodes this upcoming week.

Quote:

PWInsider reports that WWE will also pay tribute to the American Dream with videos during the Money in the Bank PPV. Finally, Monday’s RAW will also have video highlights and other tributes to Rhodes.

I expect the whole raw to be about dusty

All Dusty Finishes on Raw.