Featured Profile: “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes

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Virgil Riley Runnels, Jr., better known as “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, had a long, successful career as a professional wrestler. Rhodes is a three-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, and during his time in Jim Crockett Promotions, he was a United States Champion, Television Champion, World Tag Team Champion, and Six-Man Tag Team Champion. He has also won many regional championships throughout the country. Billed as “the son of a plumber”, Rhodes’ character was that of the American working man, particularly in promo videos such as his famous ‘Hard Times’. Rhodes is now currently a trainer for WWE, and he makes occasional on-air appearances. He also works as a backstage booker and producer in WWE’s NXT Wrestling developmental territory. Dusty Rhodes is one of six men inducted into each of the WWE, WCW, Professional Wrestling, and Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame. He is the father of professional wrestlers Dustin “Goldust” Rhodes and Cody “Stardust” Rhodes.

Relive Dusty Rhodes’s great career here!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT–sjBRIXA

Title History

NWA (Central States) North American Tag Team titles w/ Dick Murdoch defeating Terry and Tommy Martin (November 7, 1968);
NWA Central States Heavyweight title defeating Tommy Martin (December 13, 1968);
NWA (Texas) American Tag Team titles w/ Baron Von Raschke defeating Thunderbolt Patterson and Wahoo McDanial (1969);
NWA (Texas) American Tag Team titles w/ Dick Murdoch (1970);
NWA (Detroit) World Tag Team titles w/ Dick Murdoch defeating The Stomper and Ben Justice (March 21, 1970);
NWA Florida Tag Team titles w/ Dick Murdoch defeating Argentina Apollo and Jose Lothario (September 17, 1970);
NWA Florida Brass Knuckles title defeating Jose Lothario (December 1, 1970);
IWA (Australia) World Tag Team titles w/ Dick Murdoch defeating Mario Milano and Mark Lewin (January 21, 1971);
NWA (Tri State) North American Heavyweight title defeating Bill Watts (May 21, 1971);
NWA (Hawaii) North American Heavyweight title defeating Sam Steamboat (November 25, 1972);
NWA Florida Brass Knuckles title (December 1972);
NWA Florida Tag Team titles w/ Dick Slater defeating Kevin Sullivan and Mike Graham (1973);
NWA (Florida) Southern Heavyweight title defeating Bill Dromo (September 5, 1973);
NWA (Florida) Southern Heavyweight title defeating Jos LeDuc (March 1974);
NWA Florida Heavyweight title defeating Bill Watts (November 28, 1974);
NWA (Florida) Southern Heavyweight title defeating Killer Karl Krupp (1975);
NWA Florida Tag Team titles w/ Blackjack Mulligan (1975);
NWA Florida Heavyweight title defeating Bob Roop (October 6, 1975);
NWA Georgia Heavyweight title defeating The Spoiler (January 30, 1976);
NWA Florida Heavyweight title defeating Bob Orton Jr. (July 27, 1976);
NWA Florida Heavyweight title defeating Billy Graham (Febuary 15, 1977);
NWA Florida Heavyweight title defeating Buddy Wolfe (June 1977);
NWA Florida Heavyweight title defeating Ernie Ladd (August 1977);
NWA (Mid Atlantic) World Tag Team titles w/ Dick Slater defeating Ole and Gene Anderson (September 23, 1977);
NWA Florida Heavyweight title defeating Lars Anderson (November 26, 1977);
NWA Florida Television title defeating Bobby Duncum Sr. (1978);
NWA (Florida) Southern Heavyweight title defeating Dick Slater (June 18, 1978);
NWA Florida Heavyweight title defeating The Spoiler (June 19, 1978);
NWA Florida Heavyweight title defeating Bob Roop [Tournament] (November 25, 1978);
NWA (Tri State) United States Tag Titles w/ Andre the Giant defeating Stan Hansen and Ernie Ladd [Tournament] (December 25, 1978);
NWA Texas Brass Knuckles title (January 1979);
NWA Florida Television title defeating Bugsy McGraw (January 1979);
NWA Florida Heavyweight title defeating Curtis Iaukea (July 4, 1979);
NWA World Heavyweight title defeating Harley Race (August 21, 1979);
NWA Texas Brass Knuckles title defeating Mark Lewin (December 21, 1979);
NWA (Florida) Southern Heavyweight title defeating Leroy Brown (Febuary 16, 1980);
NWA (Florida) United States Tag Team titles w/ Bugsy McGraw defeating Terry and Dory Funk Jr. [Tournament] (July 4, 1980);
NWA Florida Tag Team titles w/ Bobo Brazil defeating Nikolai Volkoff and Ivan Koloff (August 1980);
NWA Florida Heavyweight title defeating Bobby Jaggers (October 26, 1980);
NWA (San Francisco) United States Heavyweight title defeating Dick Slater for vacant title (November 8, 1980);
NWA Florida Tag Team titles w/ Andre the Giant defeating R.T Tyler and Bobby Jaggers (Febuary 15, 1981);
NWA World Heavyweight title defeating Harley Race (June 21, 1981);
NWA (Florida) Southern Heavyweight title defeating Jimmy Garvin (October 31, 1982);
NWA (Florida) Global Tag Team titles w/ Terry Allen defeating Johnny Heffernan and Don Kent (Febuary 15, 1983);
NWA (Florida) Bahamas Heavyweight title defeating Angelo Mosca (July 1983);
NWA (Florida) United States Tag Team titles w/ Blackjack Mulligan defeating Zambouie Express (November 5, 1983);
NWA (Mid Atlantic) World Tag Team titles w/ Manny Fernandez defeating Don Kernodle and Ivan Koloff (October 20, 1984);
NWA World Television title defeating Tully Blanchard (March 16, 1985);
NWA World Television title defeating Tully Blanchard (July 6, 1985);
NWA (Georgia) National Heavyweight title defeating Buddy Landell (December 19, 1985);
NWA (Mid Atlantic) World Six Man Tag Team titles w/ Road Warriors defeating Baron Von Raschke and The Koloffs (May 17, 1986);
NWA World Heavyweight title defeating Ric Flair (July 26, 1986);
NWA World Television title defeating Arn Anderson (September 9, 1986);
NWA (Mid Atlantic) United States Heavyweight title defeating Lex Luger (November 26, 1987);
NWA World Six Man Tag Team titles w/ Road Warriors defeating Tully Blanchard and Arn Anderson and Ric Flair (July 9, 1988);
PWF (Florida) Heavyweight title defeating Big Man Steele [Tournament] (March 11, 1989);
NWA Mid Atlantic Tag Team titles w/ Buff Bagwell defeating Terry Taylor and Rikki Nelson for vacant titles (January 22, 2005);
OnlineWorldofWrestling.com Hall of Fame Inductee (2006);
WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) Hall of Fame Inductee (2007);

Career History

In The Beginning:

Dusty Rhodes played college football at the University of West Texas.

American Wrestling Association:

Florida:

Jay Ambler wrote: Dusty Rhodes’ legendary turn from heel to babyface occurred in May 1974. He was wrestling at the Tampa Armory (officially known as Fort Homer Hesterly Armory) in a tag team match. Rhodes was paired with Pat Song and manager ‘Playboy’ Gary Hart. Their opponents were Eddie Graham and his son Mike. While Dusty held on to Mike Graham, Song set up to deliver a chop while Eddie Graham was distracted by Hart. Moments later Graham ducks and Song ‘accidentially’ strikes Rhodes. The crowd went wild and Dusty then went on the offensive against Song and Hart. This match forever changed Rhodes’ career and the ‘American Dream’ was born.

National Wrestling Alliance:

November 7, 1968: Dusty Rhodes and Dick Murdoch defeated Terry and Tommy Martin for the NWA North American tag team titles.
December 13, 1968: Dusty Rhodes pinned Tommy Martin for the NWA Heart of America title in St. Joseph, Missouri.
December 1, 1970: Dusty Rhodes defeated Jose Lothario for the NWA Brass Knuckles title in Tampa, Florida.
September 17, 1970: The Outlaws (Rhodes and Murdock) defeated Jose Lothario and Argentina Apollo for the NWA Florida tag team titles.
September 1, 1972 – American Wrestling Association: Dusty Rhodes defeated Wahoo McDaniel.
November 15, 1972: Dusty Rhodes defeated Sam Steamboat for the North American title.
1973 to 1981: Dusty Rhodes captured three more NWA Florida tag team titles with Dick Slater, the late Bobo Brazil and Andre the Giant.
1973 to 1982: Dusty Rhodes captured seven NWA Southern titles.
1974 to 1980: Dusty Rhodes won ten NWA Florida Heavyweight titles.
January 30, 1976: Dusty Rhodes defeated the Spoiler (Don Jardine) for the NWA Georgia title.
January 25, 1978 – Championship Wrestling from Florida: Dusty Rhodes defeated Ken Patera.
February 23, 1978 – Championship Wrestling from Florida: Eddie Graham and Dusty Rhodes defeated Karl Kox and Bobby Duncum.
October 29, 1978 – Championship Wrestling from Florida: Dusty Rhodes defeated Bobby Duncum in a “Bunkhouse” match.
December 25, 1978: Dusty Rhodes and Andre the Giant beat Ernie Ladd and Stan Hansen in the finals of a tournament for the US tag titles.
~~~The following month, Rhodes again won the title this time teaming with the Spoiler.
August 21, 1979: Dusty Rhodes beat wrestling legend Harley Race for the NWA World Heavyweight title.
July 14, 1980: Dusty Rhodes and Bugsy McGraw teamed to capture the vacant NWA U.S. tag team title.
August 3, 1980 – Championship Wrestling from Florida: Harley Race vs. Dusty Rhodes in two straight falls ended a no contest.
~~~A no contest ruling meant Harley Race retains the NWA World Heavyweight Title – Fritz von Erich was the guest referee.
June 21, 1981: Dusty Rhodes won his second NWA World title defeating Harley Race in Atlanta, Georgia.
July 4, 1982 – Georgia Championship Wrestling: Don Muraco defeated Dusty Rhodes.
1983: Terry Allen (Magnum T.A.) and Dusty Rhodes (as the “Midnight Rider”) captured the Global tag team title.
November 5, 1983: Dusty Rhodes and Blackjack Mulligan beat Kareem Muhammad and Elijah Akeem Ambulakia for the US tag team titles.
June 30, 1984 – Championship Wrestling from Florida: Dusty Rhodes defeated NWA Champion Ric Flair in a Best 2/3 Falls.
~~~Dusty Rhodes did not win the NWA World Heavyweight Title from the Nature Boy Ric Flair because of DQ finish.
October 24, 1984: Dusty Rhodes and Manny Fernandez defeated Ivan Koloff and Don Kernodle for the NWA World tag team titles.
July 6, 1985: Dusty Rhodes pinned Tully Blanchard for the NWA Television title in Charlotte, North Carolina.
August 3, 1985: Dusty Rhodes and Magnum T.A. defeated Nikita Koloff and Krusher Khrushchev.
Starrcade 1985: Dusty Rhodes pinned NWA Champion Ric Flair in to win the title!
December 14, 1985: Dusty Rhodes was awarded the NWA National title when champion Buddy Landel was fired.
1986: The Road Warriors and Dusty Rhodes won the NWA World Six-man tag team titles.
January 21, 1986 – Portland Wrestling: Ric Flair defeated Dusty Rhodes by DQ to retain the NWA World Heavyweight title.
February 2, 1986 – MoscaMania: Ric Flair defeated Dusty Rhodes in Hamilton, Ontario.
April 28, 1986 – AWA Rage in the Cage: Dusty Rhodes beat Arn Anderson in a steel cage match.
July 26, 1986: Dusty Rhodes pinned Ric Flair for the NWA World title.
September 9, 1986: Dusty Rhodes defeated Arn Anderson for the Television title in Columbia, South Carolina.
February 15, 1987 – MoscaMania 2: Tully Blanchard defeated Dusty Rhodes by DQ in Hamilton, Ontario.
May 9, 1987 – Championship Wrestling from Florida: Dusty Rhodes defeated NWA World Heavyweight champion Ric Flair by DQ.
Crockett Cup Tag Team tournament 1987: The Super Powers (Rhodes and Koloff) defeated Blanchard and Lex Luger in the finals.
Starrcade 1987: Dusty Rhodes defeated Lex Luger for the United States title in Chicago.
1988: The Road Warriors and Dusty Rhodes won the NWA World Six-man tag team titles.
March 27, 1988 – NWA Clash: The Road Warriors and Dusty Rhodes beat The Powers of Pain and Ivan Koloff in a barbed wire match.
June 8, 1988 – NWA Clash: Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard defeated Sting and Dusty Rhodes by DQ to retain the Tag Team titles.
September 7, 1988 – NWA Clash of Champions #3: Dusty Rhodes defeated Kevin Sullivan.
December 7, 1988 – NWA Clash of Champions #4: Road Warrior Animal defeated Dusty Rhodes by DQ.
Bunkhouse Stampede 1989: Dusty Rhodes won the Bunkhouse Stampede Match!

In The Meantime:

March 11, 1989: Dusty Rhodes defeated Big Steel Man in Tampa, Florida for the PWF title.
May 23, 1989: Dusty Rhoes defeated Al Perez for the Florida Championship Wrestling Heavyweight title.

World Wrestling Federation:

August 28, 1989 – Summerslam: Dusty Rhodes defeated The Honky Tonk Man.
November 23, 1989 – S-Series: Dream Team (Rhodes/Taylor/Beefcake/Santana) b Enforcers (Brown/Honky/Bossman/Martel).
November 25, 1989 – SNME: “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes defeated The Big Bossman.
January 21, 1990 – Royal Rumble: Dusty Rhodes entered the Rumble at #10 but was eliminated by Earthquake.
January 27, 1990 – SNME: “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes vs “Ravishing” Rick Rude ended in a DOUBLE COUNT OUT.
April 1, 1990 – Wrestlemania VI: Dusty Rhodes and Sapphire w/ Elizabeth defeated Randy Savage and Queen Sherri.
Spring/Summer 1990: Sapphire started receiving gifts at ringside during Dusty Rhodes’s matches.
August 27, 1990 – Summerslam: Ted DiBiase purchased the services of Sapphire, taking her away from Dusty Rhodes.
~~~Randy “Macho King” Savage easily defeated the very distracted Dusty Rhodes on the same night.
October 13, 1990 – SNME: Randy “Macho Man” Savage defeated “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes by Countout.
November 22, 1990 – Survivor Series: Ted DiBiase/Rhythem and Blues/Undertaker defeated Dusty/Koko B Ware/Hart Foundation.
December 1990: Dusty’s son Dustin Rhodes defeated Ted DiBiase in a 10-minute challenge match on Television.
January 19, 1991 – Royal Rumble: Ted DiBiase and Virgil defeated Dusty and Dustin Rhodes in a tag team match.

World Championship Wrestling:

1991: Dusty Rhodes signed with WCW in a creative role in the company and also as a commentator.
August 28, 1994 – WCW Clash of Champions #28: Dusty Rhodes and Dustin Rhodes defeated Terry Funk and Bunkhouse Buck by DQ.

Extreme Championship Wrestling:

ECW Living Dangerously 2000: Dusty Rhodes defeated Steve Corino in Danbury, Conn.

World Championship Wrestling:

January 24, 1998 – Souled Out: “Living Legend” Larry Zbyszko w/ Dusty Rhodes defeated Scott Hall w/ Louie Spicolli by DQ.
~~~Dusty Rhodes turned against Larry Zbyszko and World Championship Wrestling, joining the heel new World order.
February 22, 1998 – Superbrawl VIII: Kevin Nash and Scott Hall w/ Dusty Rhodes defeated The Steiner Brothers w/ Ted DiBiase.
WCW Greed: Dusty Rhodes and his son Dustin teamed to defeat Ric Flair and Jeff Jarrett in a “Kiss My A$$” match.

Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling:

Janyary 26, 2002: Dusty Rhodes opened Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling, which primarily promoted matches in the southeast.
February 2, 2002 – TCW: Dusty Dustin Rhodes and Ron Studd beat Scotty Riggs and Fake Goldust and Jason Sugarman (TLC match).
July 2002: Dusty Rhodes met with Vince McMahon regarding a booking position with the WWE but nothing became of it.
September 14, 2002 – Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling: Dusty Rhodes and New Jack defeated Sonny Siaki and Iceberg.
September 28, 2002: Dusty Rhodes did a radio appearance on WWBA in Tampa with Shannon Rose.
~~~Rhodes blamed the state of the business on fans thinking they are smart.
March 1, 2003 – Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling: Dusty Rhodes defeated David Flair by DQ when Siaki and Desire ran in.
April 26, 2003 – Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling: Henry Hoss defeated Sonny Siaki in a Bullrope match.
~~~Dusty Rhodes made an appearance to handcuff Siaki’s valet, Desire, to the ropes before the match.
May 9, 2003 – Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling: Sonny Siaki and David Young defeated Dusty Rhodes and New Jack.
May 17, 2003 – Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling: Dusty Rhodes and Jim Duggan defeated Disco Inferno and Sonny Siaki.

NWA: Total Nonstop-Action:

January 8, 2003 – TNA: Jeff Jarrett and Roadwarriors are attacked by S.E.X. but are saved by the surprise Dusty Rhodes!
January 15, 2003 – TNA: Vince Russo/Low Ki/Chris Daniels/Elix Skipper defeat Dusty Rhodes/Road Warrios/Jeff Jarrett.
January 22, 2003 – TNA: Dusty calls out Nikita Koloff to reform the Superpowers, but Nikita turns on Dusty!
February 26, 2003 – TNA: Vader and Dusty Rhodes beat Ron and Don Harris via DQ when Siaki, Desire and Nikita Koloff run in.
March 19, 2003 – TNA: Jeff Jarrett/DLo Brown/Dusty Rhodes beat Erik Watts/Brian Lawler/David Flair.
March 26, 2003 – TNA: Dusty Rhodes pins David Flair in a Bunkhouse match.
April 9, 2003 – TNA: Dusty Rhodes beat Brian Lawler in a Ladder match with help from Nikita Koloff!!!!
~~~Later that night, Dusty tries to help Jeff Jarrett against Raven’s Flock, and Jarrett accidentally whacks Dusty with a steel chair!
April 12, 2003 – Ring of Honor: Dusty Rhodes participates in an “I Quit Bunkhouse Riot” joining the team captained by Homicide..
August 13, 2003 – TNA: Dusty Rhodes and America’s Most Wanted defeated Glen Gilbertti and Simon Diamond and Johnny Swinger.
August 27, 2003 – TNA: Glen Gilbertti defeated Dusty Rhodes in a bullrope match when Chris Daniels interfered.
October 1, 2003 – TNA: Jeff Jarrett and Dusty Rhodes defeated AJ Styles and Vince Russo.
October 8, 2003 – TNA: AJ Styles defeated Dusty Rhodes to retain the World title when Dusty passed out during the figure-4.
October 15, 2003 – TNA: America’s Most Wanted and Dusty Rhodes beat Legend, Sonny Siaki and Ekmo Fatu.
November 26, 2003 – TNA: Jeff Jarrett vs Dusty Rhodes went to a NO CONTEST in a Lumberjack Fan Strape match.
December 12, 2003 – International Wrestling Cartel: Dusty Rhodes defeated Jerry Lawler with Mick Foley as the special guest referee.
December 13, 2003 – NWA Bluegrass: Dusty Rhodes defeated Slash.
January 4, 2004 – Z1 Hustle-1: Mil Mascaras and Dos Caras and Sicodelico Jr. defeated Tom Howard and Steve Corino and Dusty Rhodes.
February 1, 2004: Dusty Rhodes is selling his NWA World Heavyweight title belt on ebay!
March 7, 2004 – Z1 Hustle-2: Shinjiro Otani and Satoshi Kojima defeated Dusty Rhodes and Dusty Rhodes Jr.
March 13, 2004 – ROH: The Carnage Crew defeated Special K in the second ever Scramble Cage Match.
~~~The Carnage Crew (HC Loc//DeVito//Credible/Masada/Dusty Rhodes) ||| Special K (Dixie/Izzy/Slim J/Abyss/Hydro/Angel Dust)
May 8, 2004 – Z1 Hustle-3: Dusty Rhodes defeated Steve Corino.
May 19, 2004 – TNA: James Storm and Dusty Rhodes defeated Kid Kash and Dallas in a “Bunkhouse Brawl”.
June 2, 2004 – TNA: Kid Kash and Dallas defeated Dusty Rhodes and James Storm to retain the Tag Team titles.
June 4, 2004 – TNA Impact: Dusty Rhodes gave an interview with Mike Tenay but got punked out by NWA champ Jeff Jarrett.
July 14, 2004 – TNA: Ron Killings’ Team defeated Jeff Jarrett’s Team in a “10-Man Tag Team Guitar on a Poll” match.
~~~Ron Killings’ Team = Ron Killings and BG James and Konnan and Dusty Rhodes and Larry Zbyszko.
~~~Jeff Jarrett’s Team = Jeff Jarrett and Ken Shamrock and Onyx and Chad Collyer and Hotstuff Hernandez.
July 24, 2004 – FIP: Dusty Rhodes defeated Gangrel.
August 25, 2004 – TNA PPV: Vince Russo suspended Dusty Rhodes from TNA and banned him from the Asylum.
August 27, 2004 – TNA Impact: Dusty Rhodes shows up in the front row, and gets attacked by Scott D’Amore and ejected again.
September 1, 2004 – TNA PPV: BG James/Konnan/Midnight Rider (Dusty Rhodes) beat Eric Young/Johnny Devine/Bobby Rude.
September 8, 2004 – TNA PPV: Dusty Rhodes defeated Scott D’Amore with Vince Russo as the special guest referee.
October 2, 2004 – North East Wrestling: Dusty Rhodes defeated Kamala.
October 23, 2004 – IWA Mid South: Dusty Rhodes and Ian Rotten defeated Chris Candido and Steve Stone.
October 29, 2004 – TNA Impact: Dusty Rhodes starts his campaign to replace Vince Russo as the Director of Authority.
October 30, 2004 – U of Virginia Children’s Medical Center Benefit Show: Dusty Rhodes defeated Kamala.

NWA: Total Nonstop-Action – Director of Authority:

November 7, 2004 – TNA Victory Road: Vince Russo is voted out by fans as Directory of Authority and replaced by Dusty Rhodes.
November 21, 2004 – NWA TNA: The decision is made internally for Dusty Rhodes to replace Jeff Jarrett on the booking team.
December 4, 2004 – Carolina Championship Wrestling: RnR Express and Dusty Rhodes beat Midnight Express (Condrey/Eaton/Lane).
January 8, 2005 – Carolina Championship Wrestling: Dusty Rhodes defeated Tully Blanchard.
January 22, 2005 – Mid-Atlantic (In Korea): Dusty Rhodes and Buff Bagwel beat Terry Taylor and Rikki Nelson to win the Tag Team titles.
January 29, 2005 – WrestleReunion: DustyandDustin Rhodes and Mike Graham w/ Harley Race b Kevin Sullivan and Abdullah and CM Punk.
February 12, 2005 – Carolina Championship Wrestling: Dusty Rhodes b Tully Blanchard in a Bunkhouse match (Ron Garvin as referee).
March 12, 2005 – Carolina Championship Wrestling: Dusty Rhodes beat Abdullah the Butcher with Mick Foley as referee.
April 8, 2005 – TNA Impact: Dusty Rhodes made the on-air decision to make all matches at Lockdown PPV in Six Sides of Steel!
April 29, 2005 – TNA Impact: Dusty Rhodes announced that MMA fighter Tito Ortiz will referee the World title match at Hard Justice.
May 10, 2005: Dusty Rhodes officially resigned as head booker of TNA after a proposal to change to a booking “Committee”.

The American Dream on the Indy Circuit:

April 9, 2005 – Carolina Championship Wrestling: Jeff Jarrett beat Dusty Rhodes to retain the NWA title with Jimmy Valiant as referee.
~~~Terry Funk interfered and whacked Dusty Rhodes with his book leading to Jeff Jarrett scoring the victory!
May 7, 2005 – Carolina Championship Wrestling: Dusty Rhodes defeated Terry Funk in a falls count anywhere bunkhouse match.
May 21, 2005 – NWA Mid Atlantic: Dusty Rhodes defeated Rikki Nelson.
May 28, 2005 – GCW 1st Anniversary: Dusty Rhodes’ Team defeated Tully Blanchard’s Team in a War Games Cage match!
~~~Dusty’s Team: Jason Cross and Sonny Siaki and Damien Steele and A.J. Steele coached by Dusty Rhodes.
~~~Tully’s Team: David Young and The Wrestler and Chris Stevens and Greg Brown coached by Tully Blanchard.
~~~After the match, Dusty Rhodes defeated Tully Blanchard inside the Cage with Ronnie Garvin as the special referee!
June 18, 2005 – NWA Mid Atlantic: Dusty Rhodes beat Rikki Nelson with interference from Ricky Morton and George Hines.
July 15, 2005 – Ballpark Brawl IV: Dusty Rhodes defeated Kid Kash.
July 23, 2005 – FTW – Day Show: Dusty Rhodes defeated Lonestar.
July 23, 2005 – FTW – Night Show: Dusty Rhodes defeated Jerry Lawler.
August 3, 2005: Dusty Rhodes met with Stephanie McMahon about a creative position in the WWE and to work with WWE 24/7.
August 12, 2005 – Coastal Championship Wrestling: Phi Delta Slam defeated Dusty and Dustin Rhodes when Big Tilly pinned Dusty.
August 13, 2005 – CCW: Dusty and Dustin Rhodes w/ Cody Rhodes beat Phi Delta Slam (Brother Bruno and Big Tilly w/ Smoothy Cain).

World Wrestling Entertainment – WWE Legends Contract:

September 1, 2005: WWE.com announced the signing of Dusty Rhodes to a new deal and is expected to join the SD! writing team.
August 27, 2005 – WrestleReunion: There was a huge eight man tag team match futuring some of the past and present wrestlers.
~~~Dusty Rhodes/Blue Meanie/Tom Prichard/DLo Brown defeated Steve Corino/Andrew Martin/Evil Clown/Masked Superstar.
September 10, 2005 – Wrestle Reunion: Dusty Rhodes vs Terry Funk ended in a No Contest with Mick Foley as referee.
~~~Funk turned heel on Foley saying it was the first time he was wrestling where he was getting paid less than the referee!
September 24, 2005 – IZW: Dusty Rhodes, Vader and Brad Michaels defeated Aaron Neil and Impact Inc.
October 3, 2005 – WWE Homecoming: Dusty Rhodes hosted a Legends Ceremony with roughly two dozen legendary wrestlers!
October 29, 2005 – TNT: Dusty Rhodes defeated Bob Orton.
November 19, 2005 – Tribute to Starrcade: Tully Blanchard w/ JJ Dillon beat Dusty Rhodes w/ Magnum TA with Jimmy Valiant as ref.
December 3, 2005 – Carolina Championship Wrestling: Dusty Rhodes defeated Terry Funk in an I Quit match inside a Cage.
March 4, 2006 – Southern Championship Wrestling: Dusty Rhodes defeated Jerry “The King” Lawler by Disqualification.
March 25, 2006 – All Star Pro Wrestling: “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes defeated Lord Everette Devore.
April 15, 2006 – Big Time Wrestling: Dusty Rhodes defeated Steve Corino in a Texas Bullrope Match.
April 28, 2006 – EWE (Florida): Dusty Rhodes vs “Cowboy” Ron Bass ended in a No Contest with Bill Alfonso as referee.
May 2006: WWE released a special Dusty Rhodes DVD featuring footage from NWA, WCW, WWF, Florida and a whole lot more.
August 11, 2006 – OVW Six Flags: Cody Runnels and Dusty Rhodes defeated Kasey James and Idol Stevens.
October 23, 2006 – RAW: Kenny Doane (w/ All Four Members of the Spirit Squad) defeated Ric Flair w/ The Flair Squad.
~~~This week the “Flair Squad” consisted of pro-wrestling legends: “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Sgt. Slaughter and Dusty Rhodes!
October 30, 2006 – RAW: Roddy Piper, Sgt. Slaughter and Dusty Rhodes cut promo say why they should be Ric Flair’s tag partner.
November 5, 2006 – Cyber Sunday: Fans Chose Flair’s Partner: 1) Sgt. Slaughter – 2) Roddy Piper (45%) – 3) Dusty Rhodes (36%).
~~~”The Nature Boy” Ric Flair and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper defeated The Spirit Squad (Kenny and Mikey) to win the Tag Team titles!
November 20, 2006 – RAW: “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes defeated Nicky Nemeth.
November 26, 2006 – Survivor Series: The Flair Squad defeated The Spirit Squad in a Survivor Series Elimination match.
~~~Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes and Sgt. Slaughter and Ron Simmons defeated The Spirit Squad (Kenny and Mikey and Johnny and Nicky).
February 12, 2007 – RAW: “Rowdy” Roddy Piper announced “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes into the WWE Hall of Fame!
~~~Dusty Rhodes came out and cut a promo until both Rhodes and Roddy Piper were attacked by the Samoan Bulldozer, Umaga!
March 31, 2007 – Hall of Fame: Dusty Rhodes was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by his two sons Dustin and Cody Runnels.
April 1, 2007 – WrestleMania 23: HOFer Dusty Rhodes made a brief cameo during a backstage dance party started by Cryme Tyme.
June 11, 2007 – Vince McMahon Appreciation Night: Dusty Rhodes appeared LIVE make comments on Mr. Vince McMahon.
~~~Later that night: Mr. Vince McMahon exited the building and got into his private limousine just before it exploded into flames!

World Wrestling Entertainment – Dusty Rhodes:

July 2, 2007 – RAW: Dusty Rhodes introduced his son Cody Runnels but disrected by Randy Orton (Dusty challenged Orton).
July 9, 2007 – RAW: Dusty Rhodes confronted Randy Orton in the ring and set up a Bullrope match at Great American Bash.
July 16, 2007 – RAW: “The Legend Killer” Randy Orton defeated Cody Rhodes w/ Dusty Rhodes with an RKO.
~~~After the match: Randy Orton tried to cheap-shot Cody Rhodes but Dusty Rhodes caught him and Orton retreated.
July 22, 2007 – Great American Bash: “The Legend Killer” Randy Orton defeated “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes.
~~~Randy Orton tried to “kill” the legend of Dusty Rhodes after the match but Cody Rhodes made the save.
July 23, 2007 – RAW: “The Legend Killer” Randy Orton defeated Cody Rhodes with an RKO in Grudge match.
~~~After the match: Randy Orton was going to punt Cody Rhodes in the head but Dusty Rhodes made the big save!
~~~Randy Orton slipped back into the ring while Dusty was checking on Cody and kicked Dusty right on the head!
December 10, 2007 – RAW: Dusty Rhodes was there to watch his son Cody win his first World Tag Team championship!
February 15, 2008 – FCW: Jake Hagar defeated Ted DiBiase Jr. to become the first ever FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion.
~~~Jake Hager was awarded the Florida championship by FCW and WWE Legend “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes.
October 8, 2008 – Florida Championship Wrestling: Tiffany (ECW) welcomed everyone to FCW and introduced Dusty Rhodes.
November 3, 2008 – RAW: Dusty Rhodes participated in some goofy in ring dancing started by Kung Funaki and Hornswoggle.
April 4, 2009 – WWE Hall of Fame: The Funk Brothers were officially inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by Dusty Rhodes.
August 31, 2009 – RAW: Dusty Rhodes was the guest host of RAW and booked his son (Cody Rhodes) in a WWE title match.
~~~WWE champion Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes w/ Dusty Rhodes was a No Contest with special guest referee John Cena.
~~~It turned out to be a trick, as Dusty Rhodes apologized to John Cena saying “there’s nothing a father wouldn’t do for his son”
~~~Suddenly, Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes attacked John Cena and they were joined by Ted DiBiase for a triple team assault!
~~~Eventually DX hit the ring, but Rhodes took off his boot and whacked HHH in the head while Legacy destroyed Michaels.
~~~Orton finished Cena with a punt to the head! Dusty celebrated with Legacy, but Orton callously hit him with an RKO!
December 21, 2009 – RAW: Dusty Rhodes played Santa Clause in a backstage sketch with guest host Johnny Damon.
June 7, 2010 – RAW: Roddy Piper did a silly skit abducting BA Baracus from the A-Team stemming from his feud with Mr. T.
~~~Dusty Rhodes, Mean Gene Okerlund and Murdoch (from the A-Team) ran down to make the save and take care of the heels.
November 2, 2010 – NXT: Dashing Cody Rhodes, Dusty Rhodes, and others were on hand for the wedding of Goldust and Aksana.
November 15, 2010 – Old School RAW: Dusty Rhodes had a cameo, helping his son (Goldust) get the $1,000,000 belt back from Aksana.
February 25, 2011 – SmackDown!: Rey Mysterio defeated Kane – [Rey was approached by the legendary Dusty Rhodes after the match].
~~~Dusty forced Cody Rhodes to apologize to Rey, but it was all a set-up which resulted in Cody viciously attacking Rey Mysterio.
~~~Cody beat the hell out of Rey and dragged him up to the ramp and ripped off Rey’s mask before referees covered him with a towel.

Jay Ambler wrote: During the late 1970s Rhodes was able to garner tremendous heat or propularity with Florida fans. This often led to the moniker ‘star dust’ as he truly had become a regional celebrity. Years later Sports Illustrated would poll their readers and Rhodes would be distinguished because readers immediately recognized him. While in Florida Rhodes spent a considerable time out of the ring lending his name to charities, youth groups and causes that served to curb at risk youth.

Because Eddie Graham was also NWA president during this timeframe and because of the close relationship between wrestler and promoter, Rhodes’ career was able to expand beyond just the Florida territory. Despite having broken away from the NWA confederation WWWF (WWE) president Vince McMahon Sr. maintained a corgial relaltionship with other promotions. In 1977 during a series of matches Dusty Rhodes as the ‘American Dream’ challenged then WWWF champion ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham and sold out Madison Square Gardens. This series climaxed to the first bullrope match to ever take place in a WWWF promotion. The match was more about survival and the blood would shed as Graham and Rhodes tested their abilities and fans were stunned. These matches forever changed the WWWF as later northeastern fans would see cage and lumberjack matches. Rhodes set Manhattan on fire and returned back to Florida with even greater heat.

Rhodes returned to Florida and soon experienced his first NWA championship victory over Harley Race in 1979, which was held in Tampa (referred to in the press as the Tango In Tampa). It was also in Florida that Rhodes would experiment with such characters as the masked outlaw from Diablo Canyon the Midnight Rider and school Barry Windham, undoubtedly one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Rhodes owes much of his success to his relationship with Eddie Graham and the Florida fans.