WWE Star Dusty Rhodes (Virgil Runnels) Has Past At The Age Of 69

WWE Star Dusty Rhodes (Virgil Runnels)

 Has Past At The Age Of 69

BHR Hollywood Reports........Wrestling fans around the world breathed heavy sighs on Thursday as news broke that Virgil Runnels, who was better known by his stage name Dusty “the American Dream” Rhodes, died after falling in his Orlando home earlier this week. He was 69.

Stardust & Golddust 

“WWE extends its sincerest condolences to Runnels’ family, friends and colleagues,” the pro wrestling promotion said in a statement on Thursday.

Runnels, who was working with the company as a creative consultant at the time of his death, last wrestled with the promotion in 2007 when he lost to Randy Orton at the Great America Bash.

Dusty Rhodes 

However, he’s been in several story lines since then, including one earlier this year with his real-life sons, Cody Runnels and Dustin Runnels, who wrestle under the names Cody Rhodes/Stardust and Goldust, respectively.

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.”

“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.”

Dusty Rhodes Hard Times 

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

Dusty Rhodes AKA The American Dream Will Truly Be Missed And BHR's Condolences Goes Out To Friends And Family Of Dusty Rhodes