Republished from WhatCulture
(Source: WWE. com)
The untimely death of Dusty Rhodes has resulted in an outpouring of grief from nearly every contracted WWE talent. The various tweets and facebook posts from the wrestlers are all indicative of a man who was vitally important in teaching the next generation of superstars.
His work at the Performance Center was particularly focused on the art of a promo. Sharing his memories of Dusty, Sami Zayn recounts a funny story about the ‘Dream’ and Kevin Owens (then called Kevin Steen). It was Owens’ first week and Dusty had a terrible habit of getting names wrong. When he called up ‘Kip Stern’ to come to the front of the class to cut a promo, Owens just stared blankly. William Regal then nudged him, “you better get up there.”
Owens has since changed his name to ‘Kip Stern’ on Twitter as a personal tribute to Rhodes.
Other superstars also took to Twitter and shared their memories –
“A sad day for WWE. One of the most innovative, charismatic Superstars of all time, Dusty Rhodes, passed away. We loved him. #ThankYouDream” – Vince McMahon, who at 69, is the same age as Dusty.
“My mentor @WWEDustyRhodes. Much love to your family and more respect than can ever be measured. Love you Dream.” – Ric Flair
“Dusty,thanks for signing for my first U.S. work visa,mentoring,teaching and laughing with me for 22 years.Really going to miss you.x” – William Regal
“Good teachers know how to bring out the best in their students. #DustyRhodes brought out the best in so many people. I PROMISE YOU YOUR LESSONS WILL LIVE ON!” – Jason Albert
“‘Dream’ helped me find my voice in wrestling and it’s been my biggest asset ever since. My thoughts go out to his family. #RIPDustyRhodes” – Wade Barrett
“I’m speechless hearing about the passing of @WWEDustyRhodes he has been an amazing mentor to me, and was an unbelievable person to be around” – Baron Corbin
“Thank you @WWEDustyRhodes for everything you taught me. Thank you for believing in me & inspiring me. You will be missed so much. #RIPDream” – Lana
As you can tell, Rhodes’ influence really was important to the WWE. Lana and Wade Barrett are two of the best promos in WWE today, with Rhodes being the mentor who taught them their craft. WWE lost a great human being and a major company asset in Dusty.
His career really was legendary, in an industry where ‘legend’ is used way too often, he really was one. As a major star in the 70’s and 80’s, he was one of the very earliest examples of how to be a star in the modern business. His “Hard Times” promo is widely considered one of the greatest promos ever.
He could go in the ring as well, at least in his earlier days. Towards the end of his career, his weight and injuries were always a challenge. He also wielded a world of backstage power, acting as booker for Jim Crockett Promotions in the mid 80’s. He helped to create a boom in business at first and his narratives were some of the best of that era. However, like many wrestler / bookers, he stayed active past his prime and ego played a part in his downfall. Ideas like a ‘Bunkhouse Stampede’ in urban New York were a sign of his ineptitude as booker in the later years with Crockett.
He then went to the WWF, were Vince McMahon made a joke out of him with the polka dots. It wasn’t long before he went back south, to WCW.
Rhodes final years in the business were as an exemplary role model, bringing through the next generation in WWE’s Performance Center. The final impressions that he left upon the company were significant, ensuring that he’ll always be remembered as a master of his industry.
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