When we talk about the greatest wrestlers of all time, the list generally has the same people. We usually think of Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold, and maybe even guys like Bruno Sammartino and The Undertaker. But when really getting down to the nitty gritty it’s two guys; Flair, and The American Dream Dusty Rhodes. Today we lost arguably the greatest wrestling personality of all time.

This isn’t a career retrospective, but I would be remiss to not highlight some of the greatest pieces of wrestling history when talking about Dusty Rhodes. Dusty winning his first NWA World Heavyweight Championship is an absolutely unforgettable moment. Watching that match today, where it seemed like insurmountable odds against the King Harley Race, the feeling of seeing a victorious Dusty embraced by his adoring fans as they rush the ring, is a bone chilling moment. That alone can bring a tear to the eye of any diehard wrestling fan. You don’t have that type of connection to the Superstars like that today. The crowd loved Dusty Rhodes.

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2c_vO4Zf2M

Dusty Rhodes also created the “Working Man” hero. When we look at the heroes of the day, we see guys like Bruno (I know a little earlier), who are these larger than life characters, an almost unattainable level to the everyday fan. When you see Dusty, you think, “hey, that can be me” and he took that idea to heart and become one of the most sympathetic wrestling personalities of all time. Even though Dusty rolled out in extravagant robes and fancy cars, it was all earned through hard work. The perfect foil for this was Ric Flair, the larger than life, rich guy heel, and the fans fell right into this rivalry, probably the best of all time. Just watch the hard times promo, you can’t get any better.

Before I get too much into rambling, I’m going to wrap this up. Dusty Rhodes gave us a Superstar to believe in. He changed the face of wrestling for the better, and continued to do so until the day he died. To me, he is the greatest of all time. His memory in the ring will live on through his sons Cody and Dustin (Goldust). Everytime they come down that ramp, I know Dusty will be there, right by their side; he will live forever in the wrestling ring.

Rest in Peace Dream, you were the baddest and you will be missed.

By: Brett Israel