THE WWE SAYS Virgil Runnels, a former professional wrestler known by his fans as Dusty Rhodes, has died. He was 69.
The company said Runnels died Thursday, but a spokesman declined to say where or how, saying the family had not authorised the release of that information.
Runnels, who also went by the nickname “The American Dream,” was a member of the WWE Hall of Fame, and held the NWA championship three times. He became famous during the height of wrestling’s popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in signature yellow polka dot tights with his sidekick “valet” Sapphire.
In a statement, WWE offered condolences to Runnels family, calling him “a caring husband and a creative visionary who helped shape the landscape of WWE long after his in-ring career had ended.”
Runnels remained a fixture with WWE after retiring from the ring and was working at WWE’s Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.
Throughout his several decades in the ring, the Austin, Texas, native endeared himself to fans as an everyman with a less than stellar physique, but a gregarious gift of gab behind a microphone.
Runnels was also the father of two other famous WWE wrestlers: Dustin Runnels, better known as Goldust, and Cody Runnels, who wrestles under the name Stardust.
Jim Ross, a longtime WWE broadcaster, worked alongside Runnels for several years after his in-ring career had ended. He spoke slowly Thursday afternoon in a phone interview as he described being “heartbroken” about losing what he said was “a broadcast partner, colleague and mentor.”
“He was arguably the most charismatic performer of all time,” Ross said. “His amazing unique verbal styling will never be duplicated or exceeded. He was exactly what he portrayed on TV: A blue-collar, common man, who rose from being son of farmer to being a part of American pop culture, whose memory will live forever. Therefore, for many he was truly the American dream.”
Several other past and present WWE wrestlers and personalities took to social media to express their thoughts.
Ric Flair, one of Runnels’ rivals in the ring, also called Runnels a mentor. “Much love to your family and more respect than can ever be measured. Love you Dream,” read a post on Flair’s official Twitter account.
That was echoed by Paul Levesque, who wrestled under the name Triple H and currently serves at an executive vice president with WWE.
“Saddened to hear the passing of Dusty Rhodes,” he tweeted. “Legend, teacher, mentor, friend…Love you Dream.”
On his Twitter page, wrestling broadcaster Gene Okerlund called Runnels “One of the best ever.”
Ross said today’s generation of wrestlers owe a lot to Runnels.
“Hopefully today’s performers will understand how committed he was to his craft, how much he was in love with wrestling business and how much he as a natural extension of himself,” Ross said. “If they are paying attention that is what they’ll do… No matter what you do —wrestlers or anybody else — you have to commit yourself to always be yourself. Dusty was always himself.”
He should be rediscovering his form & fitness with Munster not with the national team. Shouldn’t be a separate rule for him no matter how good he is at his best. Just lowers squad standards….
@ℝ: Who should be in the squad ahead of him, do you think? Marmion is barely back from injury and McGrath is still out for a few more weeks.
@Conor Matthews: Cooney and Blade, the two form Irish scrumhalves by a country mile… and especially for the Italy game. The pace the pair play is perfect for an ireland game to run Italy ragged, and test their fringe defences as unlike Murray both delight at sniping runs at defences. Cooney may be light on Caps but he has loads of experience having played for three provinces and excelled at all…
Yep, no sympathy for Murray or Sexton, thats 2 games they havent performed. Get in the queue and earn your places again boys. And this is why Joe should be rotating the squad more often. Like it was mentioned above, get your game time at the provinces…..and then bring that game to the national team, if youre good enough. Class is permanent, Joe says, yeah but who puts BOD (no disrespect meant) in at 13 these days. Form…form…form
@Trev: sexton was poor v England but he was running the game v Scotland until he got injured. We’d have won by 30 if he’d have stayed on.
@Chris Mc: complete tosh. Apart from the assist to stockdale sexton was bang average. Kicking out of hand was poor and his kick from the tee was embarrassing. He wasn’t as poor as Murray but don’t kid yourself if you think he’s in any better form. Last decent shift sexton put in was against NZ for club and country.
@Chris Mc: yes he got injured, is that your or my fault? No. As the saying goes……youre only as good as your last game. He’s had 2 now, & so has Murray. There is plenty of class waiting in the wings (but thats another discussion)…
Just re-read the headline, that is just pish! Either he can play at the highest level or…he cant. Simple until he gets back up there. But do not waste international minutes on him on the off-chance that he is going to take another 10 or so games to rediscover his form. Same with Sexton….Joe its time to start cracking the whip!!!
@Trev: I think Joe Schmidt will start Sexton and Murray.I also think he should
I’d really like to see the other players get a chance to prove their worth under pressure. What is going to happen in the RWC if a key member gets injured? The tournament is beyond Ireland realistically, so give Carbery etc starting roles. We don’t want a repeat of player burnout before the finals stages
Murray’s been way off it the last number of games ever since Exeter visited Limerick. Hope he rediscovers but can’t be at the expense of Ireland.