Virgil Runnels, better known as WWE legend Dusty Rhodes, died on Thursday at the age of 69. The cause of death was not immediately available.
Runnels began his pro wrestling career in the 1970s when he performed in various pro wrestling leagues around the country, but he reached peak fame after taking on the persona of Dusty Rhodes, aka the “American Dream.”
In an interview with The Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling Podcast (via WrestleZone.com) earlier this week, Rhodes reminisced about his early days wrestling under his most famous persona in Florida.
“When I became ‘The American Dream’ they needed a hero down here,” he said. “I had no money. I couldn’t buy a car without being tied under but I had to have a Cadillac with blue stars on the hood no matter what it cost because just driving in it will set how they look at me and perceive this guy, they’ll know.”
By 1989, Rhodes was practically a household name. That’s when he signed with WWE (then known as WWF) and began wearing his famous yellow and black polka-dot ensemble.
Runnels’s larger-than-life presence, zealous promotions and rampant blading, which often left him covered in blood in the ring before WWE decided to rebrand itself as PG, made him a fan favorite and on March 31, 2007, Runnels was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by his two wrestling sons.
On Thursday, the pro wrestling community took to social media to remember one of the best and express their condolences to Runnels’ friends and family.
My mentor @WWEDustyRhodes. Much love to your family and more respect than can ever be measured. Love you Dream. pic.twitter.com/bXgqs3qqca
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) June 11, 2015
Saddened to hear the passing of Dusty Rhodes. Legend, teacher, mentor, friend...Love you Dream #BookinAintEasyKid pic.twitter.com/ZxlGSgKB8J
— Triple H (@TripleH) June 11, 2015
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
My children just called with the news that @WWEDustyRhodes had passed away. I'm crushed. He was a one-of-a-kind talent with an amazing mind.
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) June 11, 2015
RIP Dusty Rhodes. One of the best ever in so many ways.
— Kane (@KaneWWE) June 11, 2015
See you at the next 'town' Dream! #RIPDustyRhodes pic.twitter.com/euGPGXbl6X
— Finn Bálor (@FinnBalor) June 11, 2015
#AmericanDream you will be missed . @WWEDustyRhodes . My condolences to my friend @Goldust and @StardustWWE entire RHODES fam for ur loss
— RIKISHI (@TheREALRIKISHI) June 11, 2015
Can't say enough about everything Dusty Rhodes did for me.There will never b another one like him.Absolute 1 of a kind legend #ThankYouDream
— The Man (@BeckyLynchWWE) June 11, 2015
I'll forever be in debt for everything you taught me. Thank you Dream. RIP Dusty Rhodes.
— BASTARD (@BASTARDPAC) June 11, 2015
Without you, I wouldn't have a voice. Simply... Thank you Dream!
— Mercedes Varnado (@SashaBanksWWE) June 11, 2015
I'm so sad to hear of the passing of The American Dream. RIP Dusty Rhodes. One of the all time greats...in and out of the ring.
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) June 11, 2015
I'm devastated. @WWEDustyRhodes was a great teacher, mentor, friend & so kind to me and my family. Our thoughts are with the Runnels family.
— David Otunga (@DavidOtunga) June 11, 2015
I'm in complete shock hearing about Dusty Rhodes. A hero of mine growing up & a bigger hero after we became friends. Thoughts & prayers RIP
— Jay 'Christian' Reso (@Christian4Peeps) June 11, 2015
Very saddened to hear of the passing of Dusty Rhodes. A big supporter of mine from day one and one of the main reasons I made it to WWE.
— Stu Bennett (@StuBennett) June 11, 2015
I'm speechless. Thank you @WWEDustyRhodes for everything.#RIP #AmericanDream
— KENTA aka Lil’K (@KENTAG2S) June 11, 2015
Condolences to Dusty Rhodes' family. His family was everything as @theterrirunnels has shared. Such a fan, just words alone gave energy #RIP
— Trish Stratus (@trishstratuscom) June 11, 2015
Good teachers know how to bring out the best in their students. #DustyRhodes brought out the best in so many ... http://t.co/gFznRaakDj
— Matt Bloom (@NXTMattBloom) June 11, 2015
I pray for the strength of @Goldust and @StardustWWE in this hard time. Cody and Dustin, I loved your old man and I love you both! #DREAM
— Brian G. James (@WWERoadDogg) June 11, 2015
Learned more than I can say from Dusty Rhodes...because of him, I am who I am. A true legend who taught me how to be myself. #ThankYouDream
— The Most Beautiful Woman in all of WWE (@CarmellaWWE) June 11, 2015
My heart truly goes out 2 @Goldust @StardustWWE family. Your father #Blessed Us All&I thank you personally for sharing your father with us.
— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) June 11, 2015