Dusty Rhodes Cause of Death
Dusty Rhodes
Dusty Rhodes, born Virgil Riley Runnels Jr. on October 12, 1945, was a professional wrestling legend and a larger-than-life figure in sports entertainment. Known as “The American Dream,” Rhodes was celebrated for his charismatic personality, relatable blue-collar persona, and legendary mic skills. He became one of the most iconic figures in wrestling history, notably with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where he was a three-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Dusty’s wrestling style and connection to fans symbolized hard work and perseverance, resonating deeply with the working class.
Dusty Rhodes Cause of Death
Dusty Rhodes passed away on June 11, 2015, at 69. The cause of his death was related to kidney failure. He was admitted to the hospital after a fall, and his health rapidly declined before he passed away. His death sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, with fans and fellow wrestlers mourning the loss of one of the industry’s greatest pioneers and personalities.
Dusty Rhodes’ Son
Dusty Rhodes had two sons who followed in his wrestling footsteps, most notably Cody Rhodes and Dustin Rhodes.
- Cody Rhodes had a successful career in WWE, wrestling under the names “Cody” and “Stardust.” After leaving WWE, Cody co-founded All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he became one of its top stars and executive vice presidents, helping to revolutionize the wrestling industry.
- Dustin Rhodes, better known by his ring name Goldust, is a veteran professional wrestler who gained fame for his eccentric and provocative character. He has worked in multiple promotions, including WWE and AEW, and has enjoyed a decades-long career.
Dusty Rhodes’ Wife
Dusty Rhodes was married to Michelle Rubio for over 30 years. The couple had a strong and enduring relationship, and Michelle supported Dusty throughout his storied wrestling career. They had four children together, and she remained by his side until his passing. Michelle was known to be private but played an integral role in maintaining the Rhodes family.
Dusty Rhodes’ Children
Dusty Rhodes had four children: two sons, Cody Rhodes and Dustin Rhodes, both of whom became professional wrestlers, and two daughters, Kristin Runnels Ditto and Teil Runnels.
- Kristin Runnels Ditto has remained mostly out of the wrestling spotlight but worked as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader in the 1990s.
- Teil Runnels has been more involved behind the scenes and advocates for preserving Dusty’s legacy.
The entire Rhodes family has been deeply involved in maintaining Dusty’s name and contributions to professional wrestling, with Cody and Dustin continuing the family tradition in the ring.
Dusty Rhodes’ Net Worth
Dusty Rhodes had an estimated net worth of around $3 million at his death. His wealth was accumulated through his long and storied career in professional wrestling, including his time as a wrestler, booker, and creative consultant for WWE’s developmental system. His influence extended beyond his wrestling days, and he remained an active part of the industry until his passing.
Dusty Rhodes and “Hard Times”
Dusty Rhodes is perhaps best remembered for his famous “Hard Times” promo, widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestling interviews ever. The promo, delivered in 1985 during his feud with Ric Flair, was heartfelt and resonated deeply with fans as Rhodes spoke about the struggles of everyday people who had lost their jobs and were suffering under “hard times.” In the promo, Rhodes passionately declared:
“They give you hard times, and Dusty Rhodes knows what hard times are, Daddy. Hard times are when the textile workers around this country are out of work, have four or five kids, can’t pay their wages, and can’t buy food. Hard times are when the auto workers are out of work, and they tell them to go home. And hard times are when a man has worked at a job for 30 years and they give him a watch, kick him in the butt, and say, ‘Hey, a computer took your place, daddy.’ That’s hard times! That’s hard times!”
This promo solidified Dusty as a man of the people and a beloved figure among fans who saw him as representing the working-class hero fighting against the system. The “Hard Times” promo remains iconic in wrestling history and inspires generations of fans.
