Known for movies
WWE Raw (1997-2015)
as Writer
WrestleMania 22 (2006)
as Writer
WWE Cyber Sunday (2006)
as Writer
WWE Royal Rumble (2006)
as Writer
Short Info
| Net Worth | $3 million |
| Date Of Birth | October 12, 1945 |
| Died | June 11, 2015, Orlando, Florida, United States |
| Spouse | Michelle Rubio (m. 1978–2015), Sandra Runnels (m. 1965–1975) |
| Mark | Finishing move: The Bionic Elbow |
| Fact | Inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2010. |
Dusty Rhodes was an American professional wrestler who was born on October 12, 1945, in Austin, Texas. His real name was Virgil Riley Runnels Jr. His father was Virgil Riley Runnels Sr., who was also a professional wrestler. Dusty Rhodes has two sisters and a brother. Dusty Rhodes was educated at West Texas State University, where he played football.
Thanks to the the ones that keep us FREE ! You guys and Girls are the real AMERICAN DREAM ! #Freedom !
— Dusty Rhodes (@WWEDustyRhodes) May 25, 2015
Dusty Rhodes began his professional wrestling career in 1968. He wrestled for various promotions, including the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), the American Wrestling Association (AWA), and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). He won several championships, including the NWA World Heavyweight Championship three times and the WWF Intercontinental Championship once. Dusty Rhodes retired from wrestling in 1991.
Dusty Rhodes died on June 11, 2015, at the age of 69.
Dusty Rhodes was an American professional wrestler who was born on October 12, 1945, in Austin, Texas. His real name was Virgil Riley Runnels Jr. His father was Virgil Riley Runnels Sr., who was also a professional wrestler. Dusty Rhodes has two sisters and a brother. Dusty Rhodes was educated at West Texas State University, where he played football.
Dusty Rhodes began his professional wrestling career in 1968. He wrestled for various promotions, including the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), the American Wrestling Association (AWA), and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). He won several championships, including the NWA World Heavyweight Championship three times and the WWF Intercontinental Championship once. Dusty Rhodes retired from wrestling in 1991.
Dusty Rhodes died on June 11, 2015, at the age of 69.
General Info
| Full Name | Dusty Rhodes |
| Net Worth | $3 million |
| Date Of Birth | October 12, 1945 |
| Died | June 11, 2015, Orlando, Florida, United States |
| Height | 1.88 m |
| Weight | 137.4 kg |
| Profession | Screenwriter, Film producer, Actor, Professional Wrestler |
| Education | West Texas A&M University |
| Nationality | American |
Family
| Spouse | Michelle Rubio (m. 1978–2015), Sandra Runnels (m. 1965–1975) |
| Children | Cody Rhodes, Goldust, Teil Runnels, Kristin Runnels Ditto |
| Siblings | Connie Rhodes, Larry Rhodes |
Accomplishments
| Awards | NWA World Heavyweight Championship |
| Movies | The Wrestler, Scooby-Doo! and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon, Paradise Park, Outside the Ropes Presents: Life in the Fast Lane, WWE: SummerSlam 1989, ECW on TNN, New York Giants Vintage World Series Film, Giants, Midgets, Heroes & Villains |
| TV Shows | WCW WorldWide, WCW Monday Nitro, ECW Hardcore TV, Saturday Night's Main Event, Impact Wrestling, Major League Wrestling: Underground TV |
Social profile links
Marks
| # | Marks / Signs |
|---|---|
| 1 | Using a cowbell as a weapon |
| 2 | Finishing move: The Bionic Elbow |
| 3 | Always wears cowboy boots when wrestling |
Quotes
| # | Quote |
|---|---|
| 1 | I've wined and dined with kings and queens and I've slept in alleys and dined on pork and beans. |
Facts
| # | Fact |
|---|---|
| 1 | Was a fan of the New York Yankees. |
| 2 | Inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame by sons Dustin Runnels and Cody Runnels on March 31st, 2007. [March 2007] |
| 3 | Makes occasional appearances on "Total Nonstop Action" pay-per-view broadcasts (under the sanction of the National Wrestling Alliance). Also runs his own company, Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling, which promotes live shows throughout the southeastern United States. [January 2003] |
| 4 | Has signed a 'legends contract' with WWE. [August 2005] |
| 5 | Published author. |
| 6 | WWE Hall of Famer. |
| 7 | Ex-father-in-law of Terri Runnels. |
| 8 | Was good friends with John Belushi. |
| 9 | Inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2010. |
| 10 | His son Cody Runnels is a performer in WWE as well (2008). |
| 11 | Won the 1988 Bunkhouse Stampede. |
| 12 | Former NWA-TNA Director of Authority. |
| 13 | Brother-in-law of wrestlers Jerry Saganowich and Fred Ottman (aka "Tugboat"). |
| 14 | Many of the promotons he has worked for over the years include the NWA, PWF, WWF/WWE, WCW, ECW, NWA-TNA and the Ring of Honor. |
| 15 | Opened Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling, which primarily promotes matches in the Southeast. |
| 16 | Did a radio appearance on WWBA in Tampa with Shannon Rose. Rhodes blamed the state of the business on fans thinking they are smart, 9/28/02. |
| 17 | Played college football at the University of West Texas. |
| 18 | Notable title wins include: NWA North American tag team title w/Dick Murdoch; NWA Heart of America title; NWA Brass Knuckles title; NWA Florida tag team title w/Dick Murdock; NWA North American title; NWA Florida tag team titles w/Dick Slater; NWA Florida tag team titles w/Bobo Brazil; NWA Florida tag team titles w/André the Giant; NWA Southern title (7); NWA Florida title (10); NWA Georgia title; NWA United States tag team title w/Andre The Giant; NWA United States tag team title w/Mick Foley (aka "The Spoiler"); NWA World Title (4); NWA U.S. tag team title w/Bugsy McGraw; Global tag team title w/'Magnum TA'; NWA United States tag team title w/Bob Windham (aka "Blackjack Mulligan"); NWA World tag team title w/Manny Fernandez; NWA Television title (2); NWA National title (awarded); NWA World Six-man tag team trophy w/Roadwarriors (2); NWA United States Title; PWF title; Florida Championship Wrestling title. |
| 19 | Was the booker (head writer) for Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) from 1984 to 1988. Later held the same job for Ted Turner's World Championship Wrestling (WCW). |
| 20 | Three-time National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) World heavyweight champion. |
| 21 | In addition to holding the NWA World title, Rhodes has held many other wrestling titles, including the 'NWA' World tag title (several versions, including the most famous JCP version), the 'NWA' U.S. title (Roy Shire and JCP versions), National heavyweight championship, American tag championship, Southern heavyweight championship, Florida heavyweight championship, U.S. tag championship, North American tag championship, and World television championship (JCP version). |
| 22 | Has performed onstage with such singers as Willie Nelson and David Allan Coe. |
| 23 | Father of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) performer Dustin Runnels, (aka "Goldust"). |
| 24 | Broke in under the direction of Fritz Von Erich. |
| 25 | A former rodeo star. |
| 26 | Inducted into the WCW Hall of Fame of May 21st, 1995. |
| 27 | Competed in the first mixed tag team match (teaming with Juanita Wright [aka "Sapphire"]) at WrestleMania VI (1990). |
| 28 | Professional wrestler. |
| 29 | Three-time NWA/WCW Heavyweight Champion. |
Movies
Writer
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| WWE Smackdown! | 2008-2010 | TV Series writer - 32 episodes | |
| WWE Superstars | 2009-2010 | TV Series writer - 3 episodes | |
| WWE Raw | TV Series 1 episode, 2005 writer - 41 episodes, 2006 - 2009 creator - 1 episode, 2007 | ||
| E.C.W. | 2008-2009 | TV Series writer - 5 episodes | |
| WWE Saturday Night's Main Event | 2008 | TV Series writer - 1 episode | |
| WWE Backlash | 2008 | TV Special | |
| WWE Great American Bash | 2007 | TV Special | |
| WWE Vengeance | 2007 | TV Special | |
| WWE Draft Special | 2007 | TV Special | |
| WWE No Way Out | 2007 | TV Special | |
| Royal Rumble | 2007 | TV Special | |
| WWE New Year's Revolution | 2007 | TV Special | |
| WWE Armageddon | 2006 | TV Special | |
| Survivor Series | 2006 | TV Special | |
| WWE Cyber Sunday | 2006 | TV Special | |
| Summerslam | 2006 | TV Special | |
| WWE Backlash | 2006 | TV Special | |
| WrestleMania 22 | 2006 | TV Special | |
| WWE No Way Out | 2006 | TV Special | |
| WWE Royal Rumble | 2006 | TV Special | |
| WWE New Year's Revolution | 2006 | TV Special | |
| WWE Armageddon | 2005 | TV Special | |
| The Smackdown! Special | 2005 | TV Movie | |
| Survivor Series | 2005 | TV Special | |
| WWE Taboo Tuesday | 2005 | TV Special | |
| WWE No Mercy | 2005 | TV Special | |
| WCW Slamboree 1994 | 1994 | TV Movie written by | |
| Starrcade | 1983 | TV Special | |
| WCW Worldwide Wrestling | 1975 | TV Series |
Actor
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scooby-Doo! and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon | 2016 | Video | Dusty Rhodes (voice) |
| TNA Impact! Wrestling | 2004 | TV Series | Dusty Rhodes |
| NWA: Total Nonstop Action | 2003 | TV Series | Dusty Rhodes |
| WCW Classics | 2000 | TV Series | Dusty Rhodes-Host |
| Burke's Law | 1994 | TV Series | Archie 'Mad Dog' McCray |
| Paradise Park | 1991 | Deputy Johnny Morton | |
| Saturday Night's Main Event | 1989-1990 | TV Series | Dusty Rhodes |
| WWF Superstars | 1989-1990 | TV Series | Dusty Rhodes |
| Fan Favourites | 1989 | Video | Dusty Rhodes |
| Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup | 1988 | Video | The Midnight Rider |
| Pro Wrestling USA | 1984 | TV Series | Dusty Rhodes |
| Gold Raiders | 1982 | ||
| World Championship Wrestling | 1981 | TV Series | Dusty Rhodes |
| World Wrestling Federation | 1979 | TV Series | Dusty Rhodes |
Producer
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clash of the Champions XXII | 1993 | TV Movie senior producer | |
| Clash of the Champions XXI | 1992 | TV Movie senior producer - as Virgil Runnels | |
| WCW SuperBrawl II | 1992 | TV Movie senior producer | |
| WCW the Great American Bash | 1991 | TV Special senior producer | |
| WCW Wrestle War | 1991 | TV Special senior producer | |
| Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup | 1988 | Video senior producer - as Virgil Runnels | |
| WCW World Championship Wrestling | 1985 | TV Series producer - 1 episode | |
| Starrcade | 1983 | TV Special consulting producer - as Virgil Runnels | |
| WCW Worldwide Wrestling | 1975 | TV Series producer |
Miscellaneous
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| WWE NXT | 2011 | TV Series agent - 1 episode |
Thanks
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scooby-Doo! and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon | 2016 | Video in memory of | |
| WWE NXT | 2015 | TV Series in memory of - 2 episodes | |
| WWE Smackdown! | 2015 | TV Series in memory of - 1 episode | |
| WWE Main Event | 2015 | TV Series in memory of - 1 episode | |
| WWE Raw | 2015 | TV Series in memory of - 1 episode | |
| WWE Money in the Bank | 2015 | TV Special in memory of | |
| The Resurrection of Jake the Snake | 2015 | Documentary in memory of |
Self
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| WCW Slamboree: A Legends' Reunion | 1995 | TV Movie | Himself |
| WCW Fall Brawl | 1994 | TV Movie | Himself |
| Clash of the Champions XXVIII | 1994 | TV Special | Himself |
| WCW Slamboree 1994 | 1994 | TV Movie | Himself |
| Clash of the Champions XXIV | 1993 | TV Special | Himself |
| WCW Slamboree 1993 | 1993 | TV Movie | Himself |
| Eastern Championship Wrestling | 1993 | TV Series | Himself (2000) |
| Clash of the Champions XXI | 1992 | TV Movie | Himself |
| Clash of the Champions XX: 20th Anniversary | 1992 | TV Movie | Himself |
| Royal Rumble | 1991 | Video | Himself |
| Survivor Series | 1990 | TV Special | Himself |
| Summerslam | 1990 | Video | Himself |
| WrestleMania VI | 1990 | TV Special | Himself |
| Royal Rumble | 1990 | Video | Himself |
| No Holds Barred: The Match/The Movie | 1989 | TV Movie | Himself |
| Survivor Series | 1989 | TV Special | Himself |
| Summerslam | 1989 | Video | Himself |
| WWF Challenge | 1989 | TV Series | Himself |
| Starrcade | 1988 | TV Special | Himself |
| Clash of the Champions IV: Season's Beatings | 1988 | TV Movie | Himself |
| Clash of the Champions III: Fall Brawl | 1988 | TV Movie | Himself |
| The Great American Bash | 1988 | TV Special | Himself |
| Clash of the Champions II: Miami Mayhem | 1988 | TV Movie | Himself |
| WCW Main Event | 1988 | TV Series | Himself |
| Clash of the Champions | 1988 | TV Special | Himself |
| NWA Bunkhouse Stampede | 1988 | TV Movie | Himself |
| Starrcade | 1987 | TV Special | Himself |
| Farm Aid '87 | 1987 | TV Special | Himself |
| The Great American Bash | 1987 | TV Movie | Himself |
| Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup | 1987 | Video | Himself |
| Starrcade | 1986 | TV Special | Himself |
| Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup | 1986 | Video | Himself |
| I Like to Hurt People | 1985 | Documentary | Himself |
| Starrcade '85: The Gathering | 1985 | TV Special | Himself |
| Starrcade | 1984 | TV Special | Himself |
| World Pro Wrestling TV | 1984 | TV Series | Himself (1985) |
| Starrcade | 1983 | TV Special | Himself - Ringside Guest |
| WWF Championship Wrestling | 1977 | TV Series | Himself |
| WCW Worldwide Wrestling | 1975 | TV Series | Himself (1975-1988; 1990-1999; 2001) (as 'The American Dream' Dusty Rhodes) |
| The Wrestler | 1974 | Himself | |
| Ivan Koloff the Russian Bear | 2015 | Documentary | Himself |
| WWE Raw | 2005-2015 | TV Series | Himself |
| The Monday Night War: WWE vs. WCW | 2014 | TV Series documentary | Himself |
| Macho Man: The Randy Savage Story | 2014 | Video documentary | Himself |
| WWE Rivalries | 2014 | TV Series | Himself |
| WrestleMania XXX | 2014 | TV Movie | Himself |
| The History of WWE: 50 Years of Sports Entertainment | 2013 | Video documentary | Himself |
| WWE 2k14 | 2013 | Video Game | Himself (voice, as 'The American Dream' Dusty Rhodes) |
| WWE Battleground | 2013 | TV Special | Himself |
| Legends of the Mid-South Wrestling | 2013 | Video | Himself |
| WWE: The Top 25 Rivalries in Wrestling History | 2013 | Video | Himself |
| WWE NXT | 2012 | TV Series | Himself |
| nWo: The Revolution | 2012 | Video documentary | Himself |
| The 50 Greatest Finishing Moves in WWE History | 2012 | Video | Himself |
| WWE: The Best of WCW Clash of the Champions | 2012 | Video | Himself |
| WWE Smackdown! | 2011-2012 | TV Series | Himself |
| WWE Hall of Fame 2012 | 2012 | TV Special | Himself |
| WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2010 | 2009 | Video Game | Himself (voice) |
| WWE: The Rise and Fall of WCW | 2009 | Video | Himself |
| X-Play | 2009 | TV Series | Himself |
| WWE Hall of Fame 2009 | 2009 | TV Special | Himself |
| Starrcade: The Essential Collection | 2009 | Himself | |
| Nature Boy Ric Flair: The Definitive Collection | 2008 | Video | Himself |
| WWE Legends of Wrestling | 2006-2008 | TV Series | Himself |
| WWE Great American Bash | 2007 | TV Special | Himself |
| WWE Draft Special | 2007 | TV Special | Himself |
| The Most Powerful Families in Wrestling | 2007 | Video | Himself |
| WWE Saturday Night's Main Event | 2007 | TV Series | Himself |
| Ric Flair & The Four Horsemen | 2007 | Video documentary | Himself |
| WrestleMania 23 | 2007 | TV Special | Himself |
| WWE Hall of Fame 2007 | 2007 | TV Special | Himself |
| Hulk Hogan: The Ultimate Anthology | 2006 | Video | Himself - Guest Commentator |
| Survivor Series | 2006 | TV Special | Himself |
| The Spectacular Legacy of the AWA | 2006 | Video documentary | Himself |
| WWE Cyber Sunday | 2006 | TV Special | Himself |
| WWE: McMahon | 2006 | Video | Himself |
| WWE Vengeance | 2006 | TV Special | Himself |
| The American Dream: The Dusty Rhodes Story | 2006 | Video | Himself |
| 20 Years Too Soon: Superstar Billy Graham | 2006 | Video | Himself |
| Brian Pillman: Loose Cannon | 2006 | Video documentary | Himself |
| WFP: Night of Superstars 4 | 2005 | Video | Himself |
| WWE Legends: Greatest Wrestling Stars of the '80s | 2005 | Video documentary | Himself |
| TNA Wrestling: Hard Justice | 2005 | TV Special | Himself |
| TNA Wrestling: Lockdown | 2005 | TV Special | Himself |
| TNA Wrestling: Destination X | 2005 | TV Special | Himself |
| TNA Wrestling: Against All Odds | 2005 | TV Special | Himself |
| TNA Wrestling: Final Resolution | 2005 | TV Special | Himself |
| TNA Wrestling: Turning Point | 2004 | TV Special | Himself |
| TNA Wrestling: Victory Road | 2004 | TV Special | Himself |
| IWC: Big Butler Fair | 2004 | Video | Himself |
| King of Carnage: Fatal Fourway | 2003 | Video | Himself |
| Major League Wrestling: The Underground | 2003 | TV Series | Himself (2003) |
| MLW: King of Kings | 2002 | Video | Himself |
| WCW Greed | 2001 | TV Movie | Himself |
| ECW: Anarchy Rulz | 2000 | Video Game | Himself (voice) |
| ECW Living Dangerously '00 | 2000 | TV Movie | Himself |
| ECW Guilty as Charged 2000 | 2000 | TV Movie | Himself |
| The Unreal Story of Professional Wrestling | 1999 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
| WCW/NWO Superstar Series: Diamond Dallas Page - Feel the Bang! | 1998 | Video | Himself |
| WCW Monday Nitro | 1998 | TV Series | Himself |
| WCW Thunder | 1998 | TV Series | Himself |
| WCW/NWO Uncensored | 1998 | TV Movie | Himself |
| WCW/NWO SuperBrawl VIII | 1998 | TV Movie | Himself |
| WCW/NWO Souled Out | 1998 | TV Movie | Himself |
| WCW Road Wild | 1997 | TV Movie | Himself |
| The Great American Bash | 1997 | TV Movie | Himself |
| WCW Slamboree | 1997 | TV Movie | Himself |
| WCW Spring Stampede | 1997 | TV Movie | Himself |
| WCW Uncensored | 1997 | TV Special | Himself |
| WCW SuperBrawl VII | 1997 | TV Movie | Himself |
| WCW Fall Brawl | 1996 | TV Special | Himself |
| WCW The Great American Bash | 1996 | TV Special | Himself |
| WCW Uncensored | 1996 | TV Special | Himself |
| WCW World Championship Wrestling | 1996 | TV Series | Himself - Announcer |
| WCW SuperBrawl VI | 1996 | TV Movie | Himself |
| WCW Starrcade 1995 | 1995 | TV Special | Himself - Commentator |
Archive Footage
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eric Bischoff: Sports Entertainment's Most Controversial Figure | 2016 | Video | Himself |
| United States Championsip-A Legacy of Greatness | 2016 | Video | Himself |
| WWE NXT | 2012-2016 | TV Series | Himself |
| NXT Takeover: Respect | 2015 | TV Movie | Himself |
| The Legendary Stories of Dusty Rhodes! | 2015 | TV Movie | Himself |
| WWE Smackdown! | 2011-2015 | TV Series | Himself |
| Dusty Rhodes: Celebrating the Dream | 2015 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
| WWE Raw | 1997-2015 | TV Series | Himself / Dusty Rhodes |
| WWE Money in the Bank | 2015 | TV Special | Himself |
| The Road Is Jericho: Epic Stories & Rare Matches from Y2J | 2015 | Video | Himself |
| True Giants | 2014 | Himself | |
| Ladies and Gentlemen, My Name is Paul Heyman | 2014 | Video | Himself |
| WWE: United We Slam - Best of Great American Bash | 2014 | Video | Himself |
| WWE: The Best of WarGames | 2013 | Video | Himself |
| WWE: CM Punk - Best in the World | 2012 | Video | Himself |
| WWE: Falls Count Anywhere: The Greatest Street Fights and Other Out of Control Matches | 2012 | Video | Himself |
| Stone Cold Steve Austin: The Bottom Line on the Most Popular Superstar of All Time | 2011 | Video | Himself |
| Randy Orton: The Evolution of a Predator | 2011 | Video | Himself |
| WWE: Rey Mysterio - The Life of a Masked Man | 2011 | Video | Himself |
| WWE: DX: One Last Stand | 2011 | Video | Himself |
| The True Story of WrestleMania | 2011 | Video | Himself |
| WWE: Top 50 Superstars of All Time | 2010 | Video | Himself |
| Wrestling's Highest Flyers | 2010 | Video | Himself |
| Breaking the Code: Behind the Walls of Chris Jericho | 2010 | Video | Himself |
| WWE: Allied Powers - The World's Greatest Tag Teams | 2009 | Video | Himself |
| WWE: Macho Madness - The Randy Savage Ultimate Collection | 2009 | Video | Himself |
| TNA: Jeff Jarrett: King of the Mountain | 2009 | Himself | |
| WWE Legends of WrestleMania | 2009 | Video Game | Himself |
| The WWE: The Best of Saturday Night's Main Event | 2009 | Video | Himself |
| WWE Vintage Collection | 2008 | TV Series | Himself |
| WWE: Royal Rumble - The Complete Anthology, Vol. 1 | 2007 | Video | Himself |
| WWE: The New & Improved DX | 2007 | Video | Himself |
| WWE WrestleMania: The Complete Anthology, Vol. 2 | 2005 | Video | Himself |
| Road Warriors: The Life and Death of Wrestling's Most Dominant Tag Team | 2005 | Video documentary | Himself |
| The Rise & Fall of ECW | 2004 | Video documentary | Himself |
| Hard Knocks: The Chris Benoit Story | 2004 | Video documentary | Himself |
| WWE: The Stone Cold Truth | 2004 | Video | Himself |
| The Ultimate Ric Flair Collection | 2003 | Video | Himself |
| WWE Bloodbath: Wrestling's Most Incredible Steel Cage Matches | 2003 | Video | Himself |
| Mike Graham Presents: The Best of Classic Championship Wrestling Vol. 1 | 2003 | Video | Himself |
| WWF Divas: Tropical Pleasure | 2002 | Video documentary | Himself |
| WCW Thunder | 2001 | TV Series | Himself |
| Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents Lords of the Ring: Superstars & Superbouts | 1985 | Video | Himself |
Source: IMDb, Wikipedia
