The WWE, and wrestling fans in general, have lost a giant in the sport with the death of Dusty Rhodes. The wrestling icon died at the age of 69. Rhodes, aka "The American Dream," was a force in the ring during the 70s and 80s and a skilled wordsmith when a microphone was placed in front of him. Rhodes was also known for his physique, or better yet, the lack there of, which gave him another angle in being the wrestler for the everyman. The former wrestler had been behind the camera in recent years becoming a creative consultant for the WWE.
With Rhodes coming to fame during a time without outlets like the internet, the Bleacher Report explains the importance of Rhodes' ability on the mic to connect with the fans during his promos:
"The late Hall of Famer was known for his gift with words. Throughout his career, he worked up the audience with a blend of charisma, wit and self-deprecation. Compile the list of wrestling's all-time best talkers and Rhodes' name is among the top names."
The performance by Dusty Rhodes inside the confines of wrestling was exactly who he was outside of the ring. Longtime WWE announcer Jim Ross told The New York Times that Rhodes' everyman act was anything but:
"He was arguably the most charismatic performer of all time. He was exactly what he portrayed on TV: a blue-collar common man who rose from being the son of a farmer to being a part of American pop culture."
Not only did he blaze the path for other big men in the sport, he also brought his family into the ring as well. He leaves behind wrestlers Goldust and Stardust.
What do you think was the defining moment of Rhodes' career? Do you think the younger generation understands the influence Rhodes had shaping the art of the promo? We want to hear from you. Tell us your thoughts below.
