Dusty Rhodes, center, along with his sons Dustin, left, and Cody at the WWE Hall of Fame induction on March 31, 2007 at Fox Theatre in Detroit. (Provided by WWE)
Pro wrestling legend Virgil Runnels, better know to fans as “The American Dream” , according to the WWE. He was 69.
Runnels was a former NWA World Heavyweight Champion and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007. His sons Dustin and Cody perform in the WWE as Goldust and Stardust, respectively.
“Runnels became a hero to fans around the world thanks to his work ethic, his impassioned interviews and his indomitable spirit,” the WWE sent out in a news release.
He is survived by his four children and wife.
The wrestling community took to Twitter to share their condolences.
WWE is deeply saddened that Virgil Runnels, aka “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, passed away today at age 69.
— WWE (@WWE)
Saddened to hear the passing of Dusty Rhodes. Legend, teacher, mentor, friend…Love you Dream
— Triple H (@TripleH)
Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Dusty Rhodes today. There will never,ever be another one like The Dream!! RIP…
— Howard Finkel (@howardfinkel)
I was ever so fortunate to be a friend to this man, to learn from him as a performer and as a human being.
— Seth Rollins (@WWERollins)
Godspeed dream. You taught me so much these last few years. Prayers and love to the family
— Michael Cole (@MichaelCole)
There are no words that can express the sadness in our hearts. RIP Dusty Rhodes…You will be missed, Dream…We love you
— Kevin Owens (@FightOwensFight)
I am absolutely devastated to hear about the passing of my long time friend Dusty Rhodes. One of the best ever. GO
— Gene Okerlund (@TheGeneOkerlund)
Shocked. Honored to have performed this in from of him
— Rusev (@RusevBUL)
The Dream will live FOREVER in my heart. Thank you for the wisdom and for always making me smile. The stratosphere is reserved for you.
— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe)
We never got to shoot our angle together! Thank you for everything, I Love You.
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon)
“I’ve wined and dined with kings and queens… And I’ve slept in alleys and ate pork and beans!” â¤ï¸
— Charlotte (@MsCharlotteWWE)
The news of I’m still in shock. My love goes out to Him and his family. He truly is one of the GREATEST
— Tamina Snuka (@TaminaSnuka)
I’m in complete shock hearing about Dusty Rhodes. A hero of mine growing up & a bigger hero after we became friends. Thoughts & prayers RIP
— Christian (@Christian4Peeps)
Absolutely slayed by the passing of Dusty Rhodes… Mentor. Friend. Hero… Where to start? Thoughts with his boys & family.
— Sheamus (@WWESheamus)
Can’t say enough about everything Dusty Rhodes did for me.There will never b another one like him.Absolute 1 of a kind legend
— Becky Lynch (@BeckyLynchWWE)
My children just called with the news that had passed away. I’m crushed. He was a one-of-a-kind talent with an amazing mind.
— Mick Foley (@realmickfoley)
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 (@RealKingRegal)
One of my all time heroes and one the all time greats has passed away. American Dream I will never forget you.
— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR)
