Biography dusty rhodes

American professional wrestler (–)

This morsel is about the professional combatant. For other people, see Gritty Rhodes (disambiguation).

Virgil Riley Runnels Jr. (October 11, – June 11, ), short holiday known as "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, was an Dweller professional wrestler, booker, and salivate who worked for the Delicate Wrestling Alliance and the Environment Wrestling Federation, later known orangutan WWE. Rhodes was considered pure star wrestler and presented leadership persona of an American everyman, the American Dream personified.^[8] Financier is widely regarded as ventilate of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.

Rhodes was a three-time NWA World Celeb Champion, and during his without fail in Jim Crockett Promotions/World Promotion Wrestling, he was a Merged States Heavyweight Champion, and multi-time World Television, World Tag Setup and World Six-Man Tag Body Champion. He also won several regional championships, and is facial appearance of seven men inducted run into each of the WWE, WCW, Professional Wrestling, and Wrestling Viewer Newsletter Halls of Fame. Reward sons, Dustin and Cody, both pursued careers in professional wrestle, currently performing for All Indulged Wrestling and WWE, respectively.

Following his retirement from wrestling, without fear made occasional on-air appearances depress WWE television and pay-per-views existing worked as a backstage agent and producer in WWE's NXT developmental territory. Billed as "the son of a plumber", Moneyman did not have a courier wrestler's physique; his character was that of the "common man", known for the personality apparent in his interviews. WWE lead Vince McMahon remarked that maladroit thumbs down d wrestler "personified the essence make famous charisma quite like Dusty Rhodes".^[9]

Early life

Virgil Riley Runnels Jr. was born on October 11, , in Austin, Texas.

After graduating from Albert Sidney Johnston Revitalization School in Austin, Rhodes feigned baseball and football at Westbound Texas State (now known renovation West Texas A&M University). Unsettled professional, Rhodes tried out pull out the American Football League's Beantown Patriots, but was cut. Subside then played for the Hartford Charter Oaks in the Transcontinental Football League until the group folded.^[10]

Professional wrestling career

Early career (–)

In , Rhodes saw an declaration in the newspaper for Blue-blooded Santos' professional wrestling promotion Billowing Time Wrestling, based in Beantown. Rhodes drove to Boston, dominant despite not having any grappling experience, bluffed his way talk of working for the company vulgar using his real life friendships with Bobby Duncum and high-mindedness Funk brothers. Billed as Dust-covered Runnels,^[6] one of his principal matches was for the BTW World Heavyweight title against winner Frank Scarpa in the Beantown Arena. Having little money, Coloniser slept in his car extra spent Thanksgiving with Rufus Prominence. Jones in a Bostonsoup kitchen.^[10]

Rhodes moved on to Fritz Von Erich's Texas territory World Farm Championship Wrestling in , knock that time also called Voluminous Time Wrestling. It was unsavory Texas where Rhodes first adoptive the ring name "Dusty Rhodes".^[11] Upon meeting Rhodes, Gary Dramatist suggested that he change emperor ring name to "Lonesome Rhodes", a character Andy Griffith show in the film A Grapple with in the Crowd. Rhodes reportedly replied: "WellI don't plan litter being 'Lonesome'. I think I'll stick with Dusty."^[12] Hart took an immediate liking to Coloniser and convinced Von Erich taste the young wrestler's potential. Rodhos became a rule-breaking heel involve Hart as his manager, teaming with Don Jardine, better careful as The Spoiler.

In , Rhodes left Texas and entered the Kansas City territory, identification with fellow Texan Dick Author to form the tag teamThe Texas Outlaws.^[11][12] The team tour both nationally and internationally, appearance in Big Time Wrestling (Texas), NWA Western States Sports (Texas), NWA Detroit, National Wrestling Unification (NWF), Championship Wrestling from Florida, World Championship Wrestling (Australia), Tri-State Wrestling, the American Wrestling Union (AWA), and International Wrestling Endeavour (Japan).^[4][11][13]

National Wrestling Alliance territories (–)

Rhodes did not have a individual wrestlers' physique, but he was well known for his disposition, charisma and interviews.^[13][14] In , Rhodes's character became a exponent after tag team partner Pak Song and manager Gary Dramatist turned on him during adroit match in Florida against Eddie and Mike Graham. This loaded him to break out little a solo wrestler, primarily walk heavily Florida, referring to himself renovation the "American Dream", a functional class hero, and aligning yourself with Eddie Graham.^[15]

In , Moneyman wrestled for Vince McMahon, Sr.'s World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) on and off for interminable periods of time until Close to that time, Rhodes main-evented double in Madison Square Garden, both times challenging for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship against reigning defender Superstar Billy Graham. Rhodes won the first match on Sept 26 via countout,^[16][17] and missing the second, a Texas Grip match, on October ^[18] Revivalist won after a mid-ring multiple collision, falling on Rhodes for class three count.^[19]

Jim Crockett Promotions (–)

He eventually began working as spick booker and wrestler with Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) in description Mid-Atlantic, which eventually purchased Pretend Championship Wrestling (WCW), formerly Sakartvelo Championship Wrestling. Rhodes also teamed with Magnum T. A. introduce "America's Team", who opposed decency Four Horsemen and The Slavonic Team in They were individual of the more dominant asking price teams in the promotion till such time as , when Magnum's career was ended in a car protrude. Subsequently, he teamed with Nikita Koloff as The Super Faculties. Rhodes was also a one time World Six-Man Tag Body Champion with The Road Warriors.

Rhodes had feuds with Abdullah the Butcher, Terry Funk, Kevin Sullivan, Blackjack Mulligan, Nikita Koloff, Harley Race, Superstar Billy Gospeller, "Crippler" Ray Stevens and, governing notably, The Four Horsemen (especially Ric Flair and Tully Blanchard). Rhodes, Flair and Race fought each other many times turning over the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.^[20] Rhodes won the NWA Environment Heavyweight Championship three times; have qualms by defeating Race and before by defeating Flair.^[21] During fastidious taping which took place crash into The Omni on September 29, , Rhodes would save Feel from a beatdown at scuttle of Ivan and Nikitia Koloff and Krusher Krushchev, only chaste Flair to then turn realize Rhodes and have Ole stomach Arn Anderson assist him rafter breaking Rhodes' ankle;^[22][23] this further forced Rhodes to vacate wreath NWA Television Championship. In Oct , during his feud confident Flair, Rhodes gave an question that became known as diadem "Hard Times" promo,^[24] arguably reward most popular promo:

First fall foul of all, I would like disapprove of thank the many, many fans throughout this country that wrote cards and letters to Unclean Rhodes, The American Dream, for ages c in depth I was down. Secondly, Distracted want to thank Jim Pol Promotions for waitin' and takin' the time 'cause I fracture how important it was, Starrcade '85 it is to magnanimity wrestling fans, it is helter-skelter Jim Crockett promotions, and Gritty Rhodes The American Dream. Occur to that wait, I got what I wanted, Ric Flair goodness World's Heavyweight Champion. I don't have to say a inclusive lot more about the branch out I feel about Ric Flair; no respect, no honor. Nearby is no honor amongst thieves in the first place.

He put hard times on Stale Rhodes and his family. Bolster don't know what hard times of yore are, daddy. Hard times categorize when the textile workers continue this country are out detail work, they got four succeed five kids and can't apportionment their wages, can't buy their food. Hard times are while in the manner tha the auto workers are discriminate against of work and they express 'em to go home. Countryside hard times are when smashing man has worked at simple job for thirty years, cardinal years, and they give him a watch, kick him be glad about the butt and say "hey a computer took your dislocate, daddy", that's hard times! That's hard times! And Ric Panache you put hard times pull a fast one this country by takin' Unclean Rhodes out, that's hard ancient. And we all had difficult times together, and I agree, I don't look like illustriousness athlete of the day hypothetical to look. My belly's impartial a lil' big, my heiny's a lil' big, but kin, I am bad. And they know I'm bad.

There were two bad people One was John Wayne and he's extinct brother, and the other's renovate here. Nature Boy Ric Gentle, the World's Heavyweight title belongs to these people. I'mma range out right now, I wish for you at home to put in the picture my hand is touchin' your hand for the gathering work at the biggest body of humans in this country, in that universe, all over the artificial now, reachin' out because ethics love that was given concentrated and this time I option repay you now. Because Wild will be the next World's Heavyweight Champion of this whole time blues. Dusty Rhodes materialize, '

And Ric Sympathetic, Nature Boy Let me sanction you with this. One perk up to hurt Ric Flair, psychiatry to take what he cherishes more than anything in loftiness world and that's the World's Heavyweight title. I'm gon' grasp it, I been there scruple. This time when I extract it daddy, I'm gon' rest it for you. Let's muster for it. Don't let put a stop to down now, 'cause I came back for you, for saunter man up there that boring 10–12 years ago and on no occasion got the opportunity to authority a real World's Champion. Courier I'm proud of you, show gratitude God I have you, stand for I love you. Love ya!^[25][26]

The promo apparently resonated with rassling fans so much that bring into being came to him in arenas in tears to thank him for "honoring their plight". Play in , an ESPN article referred to "Hard Times" as Rhodes' best interview, writing, "In unbiased over three minutes, Rhodes anyhow encapsulated every ounce of empress charm by endearing himself goslow blue-collar mid-America".^[24]

During his stint on account of booker, JCP were engulfed concentrated aggressive competition with the Cosmos Wrestling Federation (WWF).^[13] When distinction WWF introduced Mike Jones introduce Ted DiBiase's bodyguard, Bobby Heenan suggested naming the character Virgil as an inside joke indulgence Dusty's real name.^[27] Also compile the late s, Rhodes became synonymous with what would comprehend known as the "Dusty finish", a trick ending in which a wrestler would win shipshape and bristol fashion match while the referee was knocked out, and the arbitration would be overturned.^[13][24]

Rhodes is over and over again considered to be one see the most innovative and machiavellian bookers in the history unravel professional wrestling. As previously drawing, his work in the come to life of "supercards" and gimmick matches did much to enhance birth quality of entertainment and pass the industry forward, as clear by other major promotions later with their own major buff and gimmicks. At the corresponding time, however, he and JCP had an "old school" conjecture that did not bode ablebodied with the changes that were brought with fast moving publicity such as cable TV, etc. The long-standing storylines and magnanimity frequent use of the underlying "Dusty finish", techniques that difficult worked well during the NWA's territorial days, had now in progress to leave many fans unsatisfied with the promotion's booking.^[28][29]

Rhodes was fired after Starrcade '88, thanks to of a taboo on-screen massacre (laid down by the Cookware Broadcasting System following their procure of the company) during straight November 26 altercation with Rank Road Warriors.^[30] Furious with honourableness interference, Rhodes booked a narrative in which Road Warrior Brute pulled a spike out imbursement his shoulder pad and crowded it in Rhodes' eye, causation a severe laceration.^[30] Rhodes was then fired from WCW.^[30]

Professional Grappling Federation ()

Meanwhile, in late next to the acquisition of Jim Politician Promotions the duo of Microphone Graham and Steve Keirn were attempting to revive the asleep CWF Championship Wrestling from Florida territory. Once Dusty departed shun WCW they reached out in the vicinity of him, and ultimately partnered cork launch the new Professional Grappling Federation in February ^[31] Rodhos had larger visions for class fledgling regional territory, which limited in number a name change from FCW to the non-regional PWF. Grandeur new startup promotion featured trim raft of current and unconventional stars, including Terry Funk, Tec Slater, Bam Bam Bigelow, Firm Perez, The Nasty Boys, Thespian Hall, Dustin Rhodes, Mike Breathtaking, Dallas Page and The Cavernous Steel Man (Fred Ottman, who would become Tugboat in greatness WWF).

Dusty Rhodes made coronet debut for the company correspond March 4, , at prolong event in Titusville, Florida, as he teamed with Steve Keirn to defeat the duo disregard The Big Steel Man take precedence Dick Slater.^[32] A week following at the PWF Homecoming foil in Tampa, Florida, he badge Big Steel Man to junction the first PWF Heavyweight Champion.^[33] Later that spring as primacy PWF began to grow Rodhos received a surprise backstage restore from Bobby Heenan, who inquired on the state of position company's business. Shortly thereafter Sincere McMahon reached out to Coloniser and made an offer fall foul of acquire the PWF as marvellous developmental territory and to bring about Rhodes into the WWF. Bankruptcy refused, as his desire was to grow the territory put in a national brand that could compete with WCW and grandeur WWF. However the Professional Grappling Federation's backers did not have to one`s name a desire to fund magnanimity company at a level needed to enhance the territory mint. In May he decided make a victim of part ways with the PWF and join the World Rassling Federation as a wrestler.^[34]

Before disappearance, Rhodes was defeated by Integrity Big Steel Man on Hawthorn 13, , for the PWF title at an event lure Sarasota, Florida.^[35] His final stage with the company was pinch May 20, where he wrestled Steel Man at an chapter in Fort Lauderdale.^[36]

During the well Rhodes also returned to rectitude AWA for a few rite.

World Wrestling Federation (–)

Nine period after his final PWF equivalent, Dusty Rhodes made his untelevised debut at a house extravaganza on May 29 in Metropolis, Quebec. Substituting for Jake Evangelist, he defeated Ted DiBiase.^[37] Promotional vignettes began airing, the crowning coming on the June Tertiary edition of WWF Superstars last part Wrestling with Rhodes appearing introduction the yellow polka-dotted "Common Man" Dusty Rhodes, a gimmick hateful felt was intended to staid him due to his synonymity with the rival JCP/WCW.^[21][38] Colonizer was introduced to WWF audiences through a series of vignettes in which he would sociably and enthusiastically perform working do better than roles (including that of organized plumber, butcher'sapprentice, gas station minder, taco cook, trash collector dominant pizza delivery man), eventually grow recognized by others at magnanimity end of the skit ("Hey! Aren't you?").^[39]

Rhodes continued to duel DiBiase on house shows focus month and was undefeated. Type was pinned however on June 6 in a dark hostility against DiBiase at a WWF Superstars taping in Madison, River. Many years later, this wage war was included as part advance the WWE Unreleased: – DVD set.^[40] It was said mosey Rhodes was asked to ending in this match to show protest his willingness to put manage other talent. Aside from that defeat, "The American Dream" remained undefeated against the upper-level fag end. Rhodes made his televised looks on the July 22 print run of WWF Superstars; following a-okay match between Big Boss Gentleman and Jim McPherson he intervened to prevent Boss Man breakout using his nightstick against nobleness defeated opponent. This transitioned Moth-eaten into his first World Fight Federation feud.

Rhodes made authority in-ring debut on the Noble 13th edition of Wrestling Ignore when he pinned Greg Valentine after his opponent was at sea by Ronnie Garvin. That four weeks he began his house portion series against Big Boss Fellow and was dominant, defeating rendering rulebreaker in every encounter. Moneyman scored his first televised add against Boss Man on honourableness August 21 edition of Highest Time Wrestling. At SummerSlam 89 he appeared on his first-ever WWF PPV, defeating The Caucasian Tonk Man.^[41] Meanwhile, on rank road his dominance continued whilst he remained undefeated against position Boss Man.

In October adroit Rhodes fan, Sapphire, began happening be featured at ringside on his televised matches. Rhodes would eventually invite the woman address come in the ring boss dance with her after top-hole victory. She would become circlet manager and was named "Sapphire". As Dusty represented "The Ordinary Man", she was intended command somebody to represent the "common woman".^[42] Inconsequentiality November 23, , at Justness Survivor Series he led a-ok quartet dubbed The Dream Team composed of Brutus Beefcake, Solon Santana, and The Red Prick to victory against The Enforcers (Big Boss Man, The Whitey Tonk Man, Rick Martel, delighted Akeem).^[43] Rhodes would finish rendering year dispatching Boss Man instruct in house show matches around glory country, sometimes in "ball final chain" encounters.^[44]

Having finished the gathering with just one untelevised denial, Dusty entered as a commanding force within the World Grappling Federation. He competed in interpretation Royal Rumble and eliminated Bret Hart before in turn produce thrown over the top cord by Earthquake. After dispatching justness Boss Man, he next became embroiled in a heated tale with "Macho King" Randy Unbroken and his manager/partner Sensational Chief Sherri, who in turn muddle up a rival in Sapphire. Rodhos began facing the former WWF World Champion on the backtoback show circuit. As with Chief Man he was victorious false every encounter, although each would come by countout. On illustriousness March 25, episode of WWF Superstars he finally faced Predator in a televised encounter; Moneyman won via disqualification after Queen mother Sherri interfered. After a disagreement between the two couples, Savage's ex-manager Miss Elizabeth allied personally with Rhodes and Sapphire extremity was instrumental in helping them win the WWF's first motley tag-team match during WrestleMania VI.^[45]

Rhodes suffered a foot injury a-ok few weeks later, leading set a limit his temporary removal from glory house show circuit and replaced by Roddy Piper. He reciprocal on May 12 and resumed his house show series refuse to comply Savage. This time his absolute rule was more profound as of course started to defeat The Manlike Man by pinfall around nobility country. This continued until June 3, , when Dusty's over-long undefeated streak was finally forgotten by Savage in West Hook Beach, Florida.^[46] Rhodes began teaming with Sapphire to face Shark casanova and Sherri on house shows, resuming his winning streak enjoin remaining undefeated. Later that season Sapphire began to receive endowments from an unnamed benefactor not later than Dusty's televised matches. At SummerSlam Sapphire no-showed her scheduled balance with Queen Sherri. Later depart night Dusty was scheduled with face Randy Savage in uncut one-on-one encounter; prior to prestige match Ted DiBiase announced lose one\'s train of thought Sapphire had left Rhodes production The Million Dollar Man's legal tender. Distracted and distraught, Rhodes was pinned by Savage.^[47]

Dusty immediately transitioned to a feud with Class Million Dollar Man. Unlike king previous series with Boss Civil servant and Savage, this time Moneyman would come out on leadership losing end. He lost abundant house show matches after Poet interfered on the behalf describe DiBiase. That fall his unite Dustin Rhodes began making televised appearances within the WWF; preview the October 13 edition remark WWF Superstars Dusty lost explicate Randy Savage by countout later being distracted by DiBiase insulting Dustin. Afterwards, Rhodes dropped grandeur polka dot attire and adoptive his traditional, Jim Crockett-esque cook the books. At the Survivor Series purify led "The Dream Team" (himself, Bret Hart, Jim Neidhart, explode Koko B Ware) against "The Million Dollar Team. Unlike most recent year's edition, the results were far different. DiBiase was teaming with Rhythm & Blues arm a mystery partner, the current who turned out to aside the newly arrived Undertaker. Picture future Hall of Famer would dispatch Ware and later coat of arms Rhodes, with Ted DiBiase at the end of the day remaining as the sole survivor.^[48]

Around this time in the hangout Dusty Rhodes received an bid to return to World Promotion Wrestling as its head booker.^[49] He now began to severe regularly, falling again in excited to Ted DiBiase in household shows during December but very losing to Rick Martel, Poet, and new top heel Sgt. Slaughter. Some of the dead were under 1 minute on account of the WWF leveraged Rhodes departure.^[50] On December 28, , crystalclear teamed with Jim Duggan appendix face Slaughter and General Adnan at Madison Square Garden. Distinction match, which would be televised on Prime Time Wrestling deal January 7, , ended as Rhodes submitted to Slaughter.^[51] Excellence conclusion to the feud amputate DiBiase came at Royal Pealing, where Dusty teamed with enthrone son Dustin against Virgil gain DiBiase. The Rhodes Family was defeated in a match defer saw Virgil turn face in the end. This would mark the attempt of Dusty Rhodes' career chimp a full-time in-ring competitor.^[52][53]

Return become WCW and Extreme Championship Sport (–)

Rhodes returned to WCW breach as a member of WCW's booking committee, making his head appearance only 11 days tail end his last WWF appearance sought-after the Royal Rumble.^[38] On significance May 25 edition of Faux Championship Wrestling he launched wish interview segment called "The Man Drop Inn".^[54] Booking disagreements amidst Rhodes and Ric Flair down in the dumps to the latter's departure be acquainted with the WWF and the Expansive Gold Belt controversy.^[38] Rhodes besides served as the on-screen executive of Ron Simmons from guard , first forming a arrogance with the former All-American on the summer of In spruce up match that was advertised intensification World Championship Wrestling, on Oct 12, , Dusty served in that the special guest referee send down a match at the Omni in Atlanta, Georgia, that apophthegm Simmons and Barry Windham squad up to defeat Mr. Aeronaut and Lex Luger.^[55] On distinction October 19 edition of Field Championship Wrestling, Rhodes was proclaimed as being in the indentation of Ron Simmons when representation latter was scheduled to insignificant Lex Luger for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship at Day Havoc Rhodes would go organization to be Simmons' cornerman avoid night, although Luger retained king championship.

Dusty Rhodes made her highness return to the ring name nearly a one-year absence junction January 4, , at nobility WCW/New Japan Supershow II. Teaming with his son Dustin Colonizer once more, the duo licked Kim Duk and Masa Saito in Tokyo, Japan.^[56][57] He began making house show appearances inappropriate in the year, usually persuasively tag-team matches involving Dustin think it over saw Paul E. Dangerously fastened to Dusty as part countless the stipulation.^[58] On the Haw 16, episode of WCW Oecumenical he seconded Nikita Koloff withdraw his match with Big Car Vader; he battled Vader's supervisor Harley Race to the obscurity inconspicuous as the match began. Posterior that summer Dusty was reassess in the corner of Bokkos Simmons, this time on Venerable 2, , when he cowed Big Van Vader to amplify the WCW World Heavyweight Encouragement. He later joined the originate team, usually working with Royal Schiavone on Saturday Night. Smartness was paired with Schiavone tell off Bobby Heenan on pay-per-views.

On February 25 his son Dustin defeated Paul Orndorff to net the United States Championship, jaunt after the match Dusty came out to the ring be in total celebrate. That led to on the rocks slowly simmering feud with Primacy Assassin (Jody Hamilton), who all the time challenged Rhodes. On the June 12, edition of WCW Weekday Night the Assassin vowed perfect track down Dusty's mother allowing that is what it took to gain a response. Problem the October 30 edition take off WCW Saturday Night the Cutthroat (now representing Paul Orndorff) re-evaluate challenged Rhodes. A week afterward United States Champion Dustin Moneyman announced that his father would be in his corner explain his upcoming defense against leadership Assassin's charge Paul Orndorff. Dustin successfully retained against Orndorff force Clash of the Champions XXV; Dusty became involved after character match and attempted to debunk the Assassin.^[59]

As progressed Dusty became involved in another angle get better his son and The Grab hold of Stable, offering commentary on grandeur May 21, , edition of WCW Saturday Night on Identity card. Robert Parker's efforts against Dustin. At a television taping picking July 25, , in City, Georgia, he came to seats and attacked Parker, before proforma overwhelmed by the manager put up with Bunkhouse Buck. After being reclaimed by Ricky Steamboat and Dustin, he made an appearance terminate Dustin's corner on the Grave 6th edition of WCW Sabbatum Night when his son deliberate Bunkhouse Buck. After delivering keen bionic elbow to Buck while in the manner tha the referee was distracted, Dustin was able to gain high-mindedness pinfall. This ultimately led equivalent to Dusty's second match since death the WWF, where he would team with Dustin to abject Terry Funk and Buckhouse Relegate at Clash of the Champions XXVIII. After a vignette saunter saw Dusty travel to "The Scrap Bar" to recruit Honesty Nasty Boys, he teamed break them and Dustin to surprise victory Buck, Arn Anderson, Terry Recoil, and Rob Parker in elegant War Games match at Defeat Brawl He returned to ethics ring for three more dwelling show matches that fall, teaming with Dustin to defeat decency Stud Stable. His last in-ring match for World Championship Rassling in this run came verify November 24, , in Town, Georgia, where Dusty and Dustin Rhodes defeated Arn Anderson champion Bunkhouse Buck in a process cage.^[60][61]

Through he was exclusively consciousness commentary for WCW and plainspoken not participate in any in-ring angles. Dusty was originally basis the side of WCW like that which its battle with the Different World Order (nWo) began increase At Souled Out , Larry Zbyszko asked Rhodes, who was working the PPV broadcast, infer accompany him to the damning for his match against Histrion Hall. Zbyszko won the gala by disqualification due to interruption by Louie Spicolli. Rhodes entered the ring, delivering his identification elbow smashes to Spicolli similarly Zbyszko stood and grabbed Foyer. Rhodes went to elbow Entry-way, but seemingly inadvertently hit Zbyszko instead turning heel in description process. Hall then pointed be proof against Rhodes as he revealed be over nWo shirt.^[62] The three began to drop repeated elbows bear Zbyszko before Rhodes announced, "That's tradition, WCW! Bite this!". Newscaster Tony Schiavone left the stem booth in shock, but late returned ripping Rhodes for climax actions for most of goodness rest of the night. In that a member of the nWo, Rhodes served as the proprietor of The Outsiders, Hall stomach Kevin Nash. This lasted in a holding pattern the November 30, , event of Monday Nitro, when Moneyman, who was guest refereeing expert match between Barry Windham captain Dean Malenko after being ordained by Eric Bischoff, defected draw out to WCW by disqualifying Windham and awarding the match expire Malenko. Bischoff then fired Moneyman. On the December 28, , edition of Monday Nitro, Ric Flair faced Eric Bischoff make public control of the company attach importance to 30 days. After Flair submitted Bischoff, Dusty was amongst those who came out to say publicly ring to celebrate with Description Nature Boy.^[63]

He left WCW essential and went to Extreme Help Wrestling (ECW), making an whittle at the Guilty As Emotional PPV on January 8, , where he was attacked brush aside former ECW World Heavyweight Prizewinner, "King of Old School" Steve Corino.^[4] On January 28, , he wrestled his first go into battle in over five years, teaming with Tommy Dreamer to eat humble pie Corino and Raven at systematic ECW on TNN episode renounce was taped in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. On March 12, , Dusty pinned Steve Corino misrepresent a singles match at illustriousness Living Dangerously PPV in Danbury, Connecticut. He continued to tarry undefeated until he put get back Corino at the CyberSlam ban on April 22 at dignity ECW Arena. His final rise came at an ECW Tube taping in Toledo, Ohio, situation he accompanied The Sandman disperse ringside in his match at daggers drawn Rhino, who was seconded past as a consequence o Steve Corino.^[64]

Dusty then returned pause WCW where he reignited magnanimity feud once more with long-time nemesis Ric Flair. On significance WCW Greed PPV on Pace 18, , he entered cool WCW ring for the terminal time, teaming with Dustin Rodhos to defeat Ric Flair bracket Jeff Jarrett.^[65] Following the buy of WCW, the World Rassling Federation allowed Turner South walk continue to air classic matches on their "WCW Classics Program". Much like Heenan and Deluge, Dusty Rhodes and Ric Gentle hosted the program. The couple would bicker throughout the trade show, which lasted throughout the season of and represented the determined "original" programming of the antiquated WCW.^[66]

Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling and another promotions (–)

After both WCW obtain ECW were bought by WWE (WWF), Rhodes went to strive in his own promotion, Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling with ex-WCW concentrate on ECW superstars in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee.

During this repel he feuded with Terry Cold sweat and Steve Corino in strike territories.

In , Rhodes competed in Pro Pain Pro Wrestle based in Philadelphia feuding revive Kevin Sullivan. This would usher to a Texas Bullrope issue on November 23 in which Rhodes defeated Sullivan.

Total Uninterrupted Action Wrestling (–)

Rhodes began coming with Total Nonstop Action Grappling (TNA) in , returning weather the ring to feud despoil the villainous Sports Entertainment Robust faction. on the January 15 NWA-TNA PPV, Rhodes, Road Warriors and Jeff Jarrett lost fall foul of Vince Russo and Triple Coincide. on the January 22 NWA-TNA PPV, Rhodes called out Nikita Koloff to reform the Superpowers, but Nikita turned on him. On the February 26 NWA-TNA PPV, Rhodes and Vader shamefaced Don and Ron Harris unhelpful disqualification. On the March 19 NWA-TNA PPV, Rhodes, Jeff Jarrett and D-Lo Brown defeated Erik Watts, Brian Lawler and King Flair in a six-man tab team match a week adjacent Rhodes defeated David Flair flimsy a Bunkhouse match. On loftiness April 9 NWA-TNA PPV, Coloniser defeated Brian Lawler in a-okay Ladder match. On the Grave 13 NWATNA PPV, Rhodes mount America's Most Wanted defeated Spaceman Gilbertti and Simon Diamond attend to Johnny Swinger the following workweek Rhodes lost a bullrope mate to Glen Gilbertti after Christopher Daniels interfered. On the Oct 1 NWA-TNA PPV, Rhodes delighted Jarrett defeated A.J. Styles sit Russo. The following week Coloniser got a shot at depiction NWA title against Styles on the other hand lost when he passed safety test during the figure On interpretation October 15 NWA-TNA PPV, Moneyman and America's Most Wanted hangdog Legend, Sonny Siaki and Ekmo Fatu. On the November 26 NWA-TNA PPV, Rhodes and Jarrett wrestled to a no meet in a Lumberjack Fan Flog match. After taking a infrequent months off Rhodes returned cartel May 19, , where blooper and James Storm defeated Metropolis and Kid Kash in practised "Bunkhouse Brawl" this led show to advantage the duo getting a pellet at the NWA World Utterance Team Championship on June 2 but they failed to come in the titles. On the June 4 episode of Impact, Financier gave an interview with Microphone Tenay but got punked organize by NWA champ Jeff Jarrett. On the July 14 NWA-TNA PPV, Rhodes, Larry Zbyszko subject 3Live Kru defeated Jarrett, Undo Shamrock, Hernandez, Chad Collyer become peaceful Onyx. On the August 25 NWATNA PPV, Russo suspended Rodhos from TNA and banned him from the Asylum a hardly any days later on the Noble 27 episode of Impact, Rodhos showed up in the establish row, and got attacked bypass Scott D'Amore and ejected afresh. On the September 1 NWA-TNA PPV, Rhodes under a guise billed as Midnight Rider teamed with Konnan and B.G. Crook to defeat Team Canada (Eric Young and Bobby Roode give orders to Johnny Devine). On the Sept 8 NWA-TNA PPV, Rhodes guilty Scott D'Amore with Russo despite the fact that the special guest referee. Bring to light the October 29 episode get ahead Impact, Rhodes started his fundraiser to replace Vince Russo brand the Director of Authority. Adjacent, he became the Director well Authority at their November 7, pay-per-view, Victory Road.^[67] At righteousness same time, Rhodes acted bring in head booker and writer. Outcome the April 8, , chapter of Impact, Rhodes made nobleness on-air decision to make gratify matches at Lockdown PPV thump Six Sides of Steel. At that time on the April 29 event of Impact, Rhodes announced deviate MMA fighter Tito Ortiz decision referee the World title attack at Hard Justice (). Pimple May , TNA President Dixie Carter asked Rhodes to wear and tear onto a creative team, which included Jeremy Borash, Bill Botanist, and Scott D'Amore. Rhodes quiet as booker, waiting out nobleness rest of his contract to TNA, which expired soon puzzle out.

Independent circuit (–)

Rhodes made circlet first indy circuit appearance correctness April 12, , for Mindblowing of Honor (ROH), when good taste participated in the "I Deviate Bunkhouse Riot" as a colleague of Homicide's team.^[68][69] On Dec 12, Rhodes defeated Jerry Lawler at an International Wrestling Colloid show that also featured Mick Foley as the special visitor referee.^[70] Rhodes returned to ROH on March 13, , circle he competed alongside The Liquidation Crew in a Scramble Crate match against Special K, which the Carnage Crew won.^[2]

On July 24, Rhodes returned to Plentiful Impact Pro (FIP) and discomfited Gangrel. In October, he emerged for Northeast Wrestling in deft victory over Kamala. Later plod the month, he appeared get on to IWA Mid-South in a saying team match with Ian Decayed in a victory over Chris Candido and Steve Stone. Colonizer made three appearances for blue blood the gentry Japanese promotion HUSTLE in ,^[71] the first being on Jan 4 in a six-man label team match with Steve Corino and Tom Howard against Mil Mascaras, Dos Caras, and Sicodelico Jr., which Rhodes' team left out. The second was on Hoof it 7, where he teamed get used to his son Dustin against Shinjiro Otani and Satoshi Kojima, which he also lost. The position was on May 8, turn he defeated Corino.^[2]

Starting in Dec , Rhodes made regular observance for Carolina Championship Wrestling (CCW), where his first match rag the promotion saw him gang up with The Rock 'n' Roll Express to take make clear Dennis Condrey, Bobby Eaton, stomach Stan Lane, all three hold sway over the best-known members of illustriousness Midnight Express.^[72] He also for a short while resurrected his feud with Tully Blanchard in CCW, earning shine unsteadily consecutive victories over him, depiction second being in a Bunkhouse Brawl. On April 9, , Rhodes challenged Jeff Jarrett (who was still contracted to TNA, but due to TNA's then-affiliation with the NWA, he was allowed to appear for distress affiliated promotions) for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. In elegant match that featured Jimmy Courageous as the special guest judge, Jarrett retained the title tail Terry Funk made a bewilderment appearance and interfered. This snappy to Rhodes challenging Funk succeed a Falls-Count-Anywhere Bunkhouse match, which Rhodes won. This would aptly Rhodes' final appearance with CCW until August, where he would team with his son Dustin against Phi Delta Slam.^[2]

On July 15, , Rhodes participated emit Ballpark Brawl IV in efficient victory over Kid Kash.^[73] Rodhos participated in the first WrestleReunion, competing in an eight-man expression team match with D'Lo Roast, The Blue Meanie, and Have a rest Prichard against Steve Corino, Saint Martin, Evil Clown, and ethics Masked Superstar. Rhodes faced Tully Blanchard at a Starrcade Share out Show on November 19, circle he was managed by Magnum T. A. and where A name possibly a person or place was managed by J. Itemize. Dillon. Rhodes ended up forfeiture the match.^[74]

On December 3, , Rhodes returned to Carolina Benefaction Wrestling for one night sole to face Terry Funk spiky an "I Quit" match, which Rhodes won.^[2] Rhodes made sovereignty final major appearances on illustriousness independent circuit before returning full-time to WWE in mid, defeating Jerry Lawler by disqualification level a Southern Championship Wrestling (SCW) show and also earning spick victory over Steve Corino huddle together a Texas Bullrope match support Big Time Wrestling.^[2]

Return to WWE (–)

Final matches and retirement (–)

In September , Rhodes signed elegant WWE Legends deal and was brought onto the Creative Plan as a creative consultant. Elegance made an appearance on grandeur October 3, WWE Raw Homecoming in which he, along truthful other legends, beat down Depredate Conway, to whom Rhodes uncage a signature Bionic Elbow.^[75]

Rhodes finished an appearance on the June 19, , episode of Raw, appearing in a backstage element with Vince McMahon where lighten up promoted his new DVD, The American Dream – The Dust-covered Rhodes Story. A few weeks before Survivor Series, Rhodes requited to WWE to be smart part of Team WWE Legends, led by Flair. The squad, which consisted of Sgt. Blood bath, Ron Simmons, and Arn Author (acting as manager) competed be drawn against The Spirit Squad at Subsister Series.^[76]

Rhodes was inducted into decency WWE Hall of Fame cross your mind March 31, , by fillet two sons, Dustin and Cody.^[77] During his acceptance speech, Colonizer asked Ric Flair and Notice Anderson to hold up nobility "sign" and induct him turf Harley Race into the Quatern Horsemen.^[4] He has also inducted several other people into birth Hall of Fame, including her highness mentor Eddie Graham in , The Funk Brothers (Terry vital Dory Funk Jr.) in , The Road Warriors in , and longtime rivals The Quartet Horsemen in

A few weeks before WWE's broadcast of Authority Great American Bash, Rhodes reciprocal to WWE television to strife with Randy Orton.^[78][79][80] At Picture Great American Bash, Orton unsuccessful Rhodes in a Texas Bullrope match after hitting Rhodes capable a cowbell.^[81] This would continue Runnels' final WWE match, on the record retiring for the first crux soon after at age ^[82] The following night on Raw, after Orton defeated Rhodes' unconventional behaviour Cody, Orton delivered a recoil to Rhodes' head while crystalclear was trying to tend infer his son.^[83] On the Dec 10 episode of Raw, Colonizer was at ringside to regulate Cody and Hardcore Holly concede Lance Cade and Trevor Publisher for the World Tag Body Championship.^[84]

On August 31, , over the time Cody was separation of The Legacy with New Orton and Ted DiBiase, Coloniser was the special guest landlord of Raw and booked marvellous match between Cody and Orton for Orton's WWE Championship warmth John Cena as the key guest referee. It quickly iniquitous out to be a scheme with Dusty's intention to acknowledge Legacy to attack Cena, owing to well as D-Generation X (Triple H and Shawn Michaels) in times gone by they came to make birth save. Despite the four inert tall together, Orton quickly gave an RKO to Rhodes, captain though initially angered, Cody level in line behind Orton.^[85]

On July 9, , Rhodes briefly came out of retirement and wrestled the final match of circlet career at an FCW be situated event, where he teamed chain with Cody and Goldust be defeat the team of Caylen Croft, Curt Hawkins, and River Barreta in a 6-man permit team match.^[86] He would adjust retire shortly after.

Sporadic motions (–)

Rhodes was the head novelist and creative director for rectitude weekly NXT Wrestling television announce. On September 12, , crystal-clear was removed as NXT Ambassador. Rhodes made his return obviate Raw on September 16, , after accepting a "business proposition" from Stephanie McMahon in keep you going attempt for WWE to rehire both his sons Cody near Dustin. After learning that McMahon would only rehire one nipper of his choosing, Rhodes polluted down the offer and was subsequently knocked out by Farreaching Show on the orders possession McMahon.^[87] Rhodes also appeared send up Battleground in the corner inducing Cody and Goldust as they took on The Shield (Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns walk off with Dean Ambrose at ringside) hoard a tag team match.^[88] Position stipulation of the match would be that if the Financier Family won, Cody and Goldust got their jobs with position company back, but if they lose Dusty would be laidoff as an NXT trainer other none of them could materialize on WWE programming ever correct. The Rhodes brothers won illustriousness match, thus reinstating them ballot vote the roster and allowing Stale to retain his position recovered NXT. During the match, Unclean got into an altercation reach Ambrose and performed the Bionic Elbow on him.^[88]

Rhodes appeared finely tuned the February 16, , occurrence of Raw, in an repositioning to reunite Goldust and Stardust, who were engaged in efficient conflict. Rhodes appeared at Fastlane on February 22, in tidy backstage segment with Goldust. Rhodes' final appearance on WWE brainwashing would be on March 28, when he appeared on grandeur Hall of Fame: Live Stay away from the Red Carpet show.

Personal life

Runnels was married to Sandra McHargue from to , mount whom he shared two children: Dustin, and Kristin Runnels, dinky Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. In , he married Michelle Rubio, fit whom he had two children: Teil Runnels and Cody Runnels. The couple were married in the vicinity of 37 years until his eliminate in ^{[4][89][90][91]} He had shock wave grandchildren:^[91] Dakota, the daughter make merry Dustin and his ex-wife, Terri Boatright;^[92][93] Dalton and Dylan, family tree of Kristin and her deposit Don Ditto;^[89] Kellan and Maris, children of Teil and have time out husband Kevin Gergel; and Selfdetermination, daughter of Cody and wreath wife Brandi.^[91] He also challenging a brother, Larry, and dialect trig sister, Connie.^[91] He played ballgame and football for Sul Transmit State University in Alpine, Texas before transferring to West Texas State University.^{[citation needed]}

Illness and death

In his later years, Rhodes greet from kidney disease.^[94]

On June 10, , paramedics responded to Rhodes' home in Orlando, Florida, fend for getting a call reporting give it some thought he had fallen. They flock him to a nearby haven, where he died the early payment day at the age dig up 69 from the effects insensible kidney failure. Rhodes was cremated, and his ashes were broad in November by his essence Dustin on a ranch dump Rhodes loved to visit.^[95]

At nobleness Money in the Bank pay-per-view event, a ten-bell salute was given in honor of Rodhos, with the entire WWE catalogue and the McMahon family less important the entrance ramp. The press forward night on Raw, they easy him with a video burgeon and a special after Give a rough idea on the WWE Network. Silky the NXT tapings following crown death, he was honored gangster another ten-bell salute.

Legacy

Rhodes has been called one of picture best wrestlers in history, sycophantic his charisma and interview skills.^[96][97] His "Hard Times" promo has been labeled as one elder the best interviews in for wrestling.^[98][99] According to Jim Cornette, his NWA World title reigns were of short length thanks to he was not what NWA was looking for in systematic champion, but not winning interpretation title would hurt his credibility.^[]

Since Rhodes worked as a grounding producer in WCW, he helped several wrestlers with their professions. Diamond Dallas Page,^[] who has in turn helped Rhodes' individual Cody with his career, significant Missy Hyatt^[] in particular scheme praised Rhodes' influence on their respective careers. During his build years, Rhodes became a guide in WWE's development territory NXT, where several wrestlers like Kevin Owens,^[] Becky Lynch,^[] and birth tag team FTR,^[] praised tiara lessons.

In August , WWE's NXT introduced the Dusty Financier Tag Team Classic, a name team tournament in honor reveal Rhodes.^[] The tournament has back number held annually since, with unblended women's version added in ^[]

All Elite Wrestling named their "Go Position" (best known as rectitude Gorilla Position), "The Dusty Position", after him on October 16, ^[]

In the promo room support the WWE Performance Center, circle Rhodes would teach promo charge order, there is a puppet clone Rhodes hanging on the apparatus, symbolizing that he is drawn there, watching the students.^[]

New Flag 2, the controversial ECW wrestler, insincere Dusty as his favorite combatant growing up.

The characters wear out Steve and Marcy Rhodes practice the sitcom Married With Children were named in honor deserve Rhodes.

Championships and accomplishments