DUSTY RHODES
Dusty Rhodes passed away yesterday at the age of 69. Rhodes came to prominence in the late 1960's as a member of the tag-team known as the Texas Outlaws with Dick Murdoch. They were a feared tag team and one of their big-time feuds was with the Crusher and the Bruiser in the AWA.
Dusty would move onto Florida where he became a good guy known as "The American Dream". Dusty was a common man who related to the people because he wasn't a muscular specimen buy any means but rather a heavy set man with great athleticism. People saw themselves in Dusty Rhodes. He was a man who fought against the odds to attain his dreams.
In wrestling the dream of any pro wrestler is to be a World Champion. Dusty was no different. He engaged in multiple rivalries with Terry Funk, Harley Race, and Ric Flair over the NWA World title. Dusty was a 3-time World Champion defeating the likes of Harley Race and Ric Flair to become a legend in the sport.
In WWE in the 1970's Dusty had a great feud with Superstar Billy Graham for the World title. Both men redefined the industry with their interviews that were exciting and entertaining.
In Florida Dusty would work under the tutelage of Eddie Graham and became one of the best creative minds in the business. He helped Jim Crockett Promotions become one of the most powerful promotions in the 80's.
Recently Dusty worked for WWE in their developmental programs and helped the young talent develop their characters.
There are no words that I can write in this post that can do justice to the career of Dusty Rhodes and his impact on Professional Wrestling.
All I can say is Thank you Dusty for everything you've done to entertain me as a fan. Your impact will never be forgotten.
THE PROFESSOR
