:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/1202357/this_date-in-history-timeline.0.png)
On Oct. 12, 1945, Virgil Riley Runnels, Jr., who would become one of the most influential pro wrestling personalities of all time, was 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.