On this date in NWA history: The 'American Dream' is born ...

by Jesse Holland on Oct 12, 2011 10:00 AM EDT in History

On October 12, 1945, Virgil Riley Runnels, Jr., who would become one of the most influential pro wrestling personalities of all time, is born.

"Dusty Rhodes," who owned the NWA heavyweight title on multiple occasions, is a legendary booker, WWE Hall-of-Famer and seeder of pro wrestling offspring "Goldust" and Cody Rhodes.

Despite his prodigious girth, Rhodes could work as good as anyone and he was electric on the stick. Above, for your viewing pleasure, is his infamous "Hard Times" promo from his 1985 feud against Ric Flair.

Just try not to stare directly at his forehead.

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Comments

The Superpowers

were on of the best tag-teams ever!

Follow @fjbar75

by _Felix_ on Oct 12, 2011 10:08 AM EDT reply actions

He should have been a minister

I felt like I was in church

"I guess I can’t do anything if you’re just irrational, but to point it out and move on."

- fundamentallysound

by J Theory on Oct 12, 2011 10:24 AM EDT reply actions

Loved Dusty as a kid

and still do to this day. He’s the reason I bought a Warrior sip cup.

"Sarcastically I'm in charge" - Militant #2

by LRaunThaDamaja on Oct 12, 2011 10:37 AM EDT reply actions

Charisma like that, you either got it or you don't

And it don’t come out of any needle Vince.

Writer (and a handsome one at that),
And the Valley Shook

by Billy Gomila on Oct 12, 2011 11:00 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Truer words were never spoken

It is not enough to succeed. Others must fail.

by Jesse Holland on Oct 12, 2011 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions

Two-and-a-half piece suit

Jacket, vest, tie … blue jeans

It is not enough to succeed. Others must fail.

by Jesse Holland on Oct 12, 2011 11:39 AM EDT reply actions

Dusty is one of my all-time favorites. I just watched the WWE-produced documentary, it was generally very good. There are some unbelievable matches and promos included also. “Just ‘cause I drive a big car now, it don’t mean I’m bad, baby.”

by Finian1 on Oct 12, 2011 12:34 PM EDT reply actions