The WWE is reporting some very sad news: One of the most celebrated professional wrestling legends, Dusty Rhodes, has passed away at the age of 69:
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.
Dusty Rhodes' accomplishments in the squared circle are tremendous: The "son of a plumber" was a three-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, and also held the United States, Television, World Tag Team, and Six-Man Tag Team titles during his run with the Jim Crockett Promotions territory. Rhodes also holds the distinction of being one of six men who have been inducted to the WWE, WCW, Professional Wrestling, and Wrestling Observer Newsletter halls of fame.
Anyone who watched pro wrestling during his heyday remembers his charisma; the art of cutting promos was key, and Dusty was the king of it, helping him become one of the biggest drawing cards in the 1970s and '80s. Here's one of his more famous promos, "Hard Times":
While details surrounding his death are scarce, F4W reports that Rhodes apparently had "a fall at his house earlier today and his kidneys were shutting down."
Since retiring from in-ring competition, Rhodes was working as a booker and producer for the WWE's NXT developmental territory, as well as making appearances with his sons Dustin "Goldust" Rhodes and Cody "Stardust" Rhodes:
Rest in peace, Dusty.
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