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Post by endo on Apr 28, 2013 0:45:49 GMT -5
This guy has been an icon and such an important part of the business for so long, he should at least have a thread dedicated to him. So, here it is. Virgil Riley Runnels, Jr. started wrestling in 1968 as a heel trained by Joe Blanchard in Texas. But, it wasn't until his face turn in Florida in 1974 that he really took off. Dubbing himself "The American Dream", and having a jive/soul persona on the mic, he took off with the fans. Not only in Florida but everywhere he went. He had a great run in the WWWF feuding with then champion Superstar Billy Graham that sold out Madison Square Garden on three separate nights. A lot of people rag on him for his physique or for when he was a booker...but there is no denying this guy was great in his day and that is emphasized by the fact that he still works for the WWE now. He was the man back in the day, and I've always felt that he deserved more worldwide respect than he got. Have some Dusty...
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Post by NDX on Apr 28, 2013 1:08:46 GMT -5
Dem polka dots are a huge part of my childhood. I loved the matches he had in the WWF, the only exposure to him I had until the Monday Night Wars.
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Post by endo on Apr 28, 2013 1:19:09 GMT -5
Check it out man.
Dusty as a semi heel in Japan against Backlund...Great freaking match BTW and Dusty could take a bump as good as anyone.
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Post by gorepolice on Apr 29, 2013 1:27:34 GMT -5
One of the most awesome theme songs from back in the day. I only ever saw him in the WWF as well, but I always enjoyed him. Truly a talented and charismatic man.
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Post by endo on Apr 29, 2013 1:53:32 GMT -5
He was a rather rotund dude, and I guess being the booker had it's perks. When he knew he'd be winning a title he'd try the belt on, and if it didn't fit, he'd order one for himself that did. That was true of almost every Crockett title he held, except for the Domed Globe. Apparently, that was made for individuals of all sizes. Race wasn't skinny, and he was in mind as the long term holder, so it was probably designed around him.
The numerous Florida titles Dusty held were either at a time when he weighed a little less or they were on large straps as well, given the numerous wrestlers that traveled in and out of the area.
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Post by gorepolice on Apr 29, 2013 2:52:40 GMT -5
At least he was insanely over with the crowd, so it could be somewhat justified.
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Post by NDX on Apr 29, 2013 3:09:06 GMT -5
He was a good wrestler, too, for what he was. He did what he had to do, and did it well. Enjoy me my Dusty Rhodes matches.
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Post by gorepolice on Apr 29, 2013 17:36:45 GMT -5
Plus it was nice to see a true "Common Man" as champion. He looked and spoke like those he represented. Made him a lot easier to relate to than just about any other champion that comes to mind.
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Post by endo on Apr 29, 2013 19:27:14 GMT -5
I think it's funny that he says he came up with the polka dots and all of the cheesy promos when he arrived for his last active run in the WWF. It's almost like he knew Vince was going to do something to get back at him for being with the opposition for so long, so he beat him to the punch, and then got it mega over.
Rhodes has a great mind for the business, I wish his promotion had caught on and stayed around. At least Vince is smart enough to keep him on.
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Post by gorepolice on Apr 29, 2013 19:35:41 GMT -5
He's booking in NXT I believe (I know he plays the role of General manager of the fed), and it's great stuff. Glad he's still around to help the next group of up and comers.
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Post by endo on Apr 29, 2013 19:40:40 GMT -5
Man, if I were just getting started in the business and was with NXT, I'd be stuck like glue to him. The stuff you could learn from him would be amazing.
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Post by gorepolice on Apr 29, 2013 19:47:24 GMT -5
Oh definitely. Dusty has probably forgotten more about wrestling than most will ever hope to know. He has one of the biggest passions for the business I've ever seen. I imagine Cody is so damn good at what he does by learning from dear old Dad.
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Post by NDX on Apr 29, 2013 21:19:42 GMT -5
Shame Cody is getting treated like he's wearing yellow polka dots. C'mon, give the man a chance!
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Post by gorepolice on Apr 30, 2013 16:05:20 GMT -5
Cody is great in the ring and has proven he can make any character work. His gimmick right now is a f---ing mustache, and it's over like gangbusters! It's obvious the guy is main event material.
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Post by NDX on Apr 30, 2013 20:21:52 GMT -5
It's a LOVEstache. Don't you dare mess that up.
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