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Legendary pro wrestler Dusty Rhodes dies

Posted: Jun 11th 2015 By: Greg Rajan

Dusty Rhodes, one of pro wrestling's most charismatic personalities from its golden era, died Thursday. He was 69.

The WWE announced Rhodes' death on its website. The organization called him "a hero to fans around the world thanks to his work ethic, his impassioned interviews and his indomitable spirit."

Rhodes, a 2007 WWE Hall of Fame inductee and a three-time NWA champion known as "The American Dream," began his wrestling career in 1968 as a member of the Texas Outlaws with Dick Murdoch.

Rhodes, who was born in Austin who billed himself as the son of a plumber, was a fan favorite during pro wrestling's golden age of the 1980s. He was involved in memorable feuds against Ric Flair and the Four Horsemen during the NWA's heyday and was known for memorable interviews. In recent years, he had helped develop wrestlers for the WWE.

"Today I lost one of my greatest opponents and greatest friends," Flair said in a statement. "He was the definition of heart and soul and I'm honored to have shared the ring with him countless times.

"He became the 'American Dream' because wrestling needed a hero they could respect, and he was the man for the job. Dusty Rhodes, I will miss you my mentor and friend."

Rhodes, whose given name was Virgil Runnels, is survived by his wife Michelle, sons Dustin and Cody and daughters Teil and Kristen. Dustin and Cody wrestled under the names Goldust and Stardust, respectively.