On this page you find the full wrestling profile of Dusty Rhodes, with his Career History, real name, age, height and weight, the Promotions he worked for, all the Face/Heel turns, the Championship Titles he won, his Finishers, Theme Songs, Tag Teams and Stables, his appearance changes through the years, and more.
Virgil Riley Runnels Jr. was born in Austin, Texas on October 11, 1945.
He died on June 11, 2015 at the age of 69.
Dusty Rhodes is a 3-time World Champion, and has won a total of 15 championships in major promotions during his career.
Dusty Rhodes was inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007 as an individual, in the WCW Hall of Fame in 1995, in the NJPW Hall of Fame in 1990 as part of the NJPW Greatest 18 Club wing, in the NWA Hall of Fame in 2011 and in the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (PWHF) in 2010 as part of the Modern Era wing.
He was a co-promoter of the Professional Wrestling Federation (PWF).
Dusty Rhodes Profile Index
Profile Info
- Real NameVirgil Riley Runnels Jr.
- GenderMale
- Born October 11, 1945
- Died June 11, 2015 (aged 69)
- Nationality
United States - Birth PlaceAustin, Texas
- Billed From
- Austin, Texas
- Height 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
- Weight
- 289 lbs (131 kg)
- NicknamesThe American Dream; The Son of a Plumber; The Common Man; Stardust; The White Soul King
- NotesHe was a co-promoter of the Professional Wrestling Federation (PWF).
Career History
-
Ring Names & Gimmicks
The Midnight Rider (September 1, 2004 - September 8, 2004)
Dusty Rhodes (February 18, 1983 - June 12, 2015)
The Midnight Rider (June 6, 1983 - September 24, 1984)
The Midnight Rider (January 2, 1983 - February 17, 1983)
Dusty Rhodes (May 28, 1968 - January 1, 1983)
Uvalde Slim (September 29, 1976 - March 10, 1981)
Dusty Runnels (October 16, 1967 - May 27, 1968)
-
Roles
- Coach (May 17, 2012 - June 12, 2015)
- Producer (January 2, 1985 - June 12, 2015)
- Commissioner (May 17, 2012 - September 12, 2013)
- Commentator (October 5, 2008 - July 11, 2010)
- Part Time Wrestler (January 30, 1991 - July 22, 2007)
- Director of Operation (November 7, 2004 - May 10, 2005)
- Commentator (November 11, 2000 - March 26, 2001)
- Commentator (April 5, 1994 - February 5, 1998)
- Wrestler (October 16, 1967 - January 29, 1991)
- Promoter (February 1, 1989 - May 20, 1989)
-
Promotions History
Promotion from to Promotion 
WWESeptember 1, 2005 June 12, 2015 Promotion WWEBrand
NXT
May 17, 2012 September 12, 2013 Promotion 
FCWOctober 5, 2008 July 11, 2010 Promotion 
NWA TNAJanuary 15, 2003 May 10, 2005 Promotion 
HUSTLEJanuary 4, 2004 May 8, 2004 Promotion 
WCWNovember 11, 2000 March 26, 2001 Promotion 
ECWJanuary 8, 2000 May 28, 2000 Promotion 
WCWJanuary 30, 1991 January 1, 2000 Promotion 
WWFMay 29, 1989 January 19, 1991 Promotion WCWNovember 21, 1988 January 17, 1989 Promotion 
NWAJanuary 28, 1968 January 17, 1989 Promotion 
JCPJanuary 12, 1984 November 20, 1988 Promotion 
UWFJune 20, 1987 December 26, 1987 Promotion 
CWFMarch 12, 1987 September 22, 1987 Promotion 
CSWNovember 29, 1985 December 7, 1986 Promotion UWFMarch 24, 1986 July 27, 1986 Promotion 
AWAJune 10, 1984 April 28, 1986 Promotion 
PNWJanuary 21, 1986 March 25, 1986 Promotion 
SLWCNovember 29, 1985 January 1, 1986 Promotion 
CWFAugust 6, 1973 November 27, 1985 Promotion 
MSWAOctober 9, 1977 July 28, 1985 Promotion 
GACDecember 26, 1982 November 25, 1983 Promotion 
NWA GCWMay 17, 1974 November 6, 1983 Promotion JCPApril 30, 1981 February 5, 1983 Promotion CSW, SLWCApril 30, 1982 October 8, 1982 Promotion 
NJPWBrand
Heavyweight
October 26, 1979 April 1, 1982 Promotion 
SWCWNovember 13, 1981 February 26, 1982 Promotion CSWAugust 20, 1981 April 29, 1982 Promotion SLWCMay 15, 1981 April 29, 1982 Promotion 
WWFMay 2, 1981 November 25, 1981 Promotion GACJune 30, 1978 January 11, 1980 Promotion 
WWWFSeptember 26, 1977 December 17, 1979 Promotion JCPMay 20, 1979 September 1, 1979 Promotion JCPFebruary 20, 1975 November 27, 1977 Promotion 
CWAApril 24, 1977 June 19, 1977 Promotion GACNovember 26, 1976 April 29, 1977 Promotion 
AJPWBrand
Heavyweight
November 14, 1975 December 11, 1975 Promotion AWAJanuary 8, 1972 September 20, 1975 Promotion 
IWEJune 18, 1973 July 15, 1973 Promotion 
BTW HAWAIINovember 15, 1972 June 6, 1973 Promotion 
BTW DALLASDecember 15, 1970 April 14, 1971 Promotion CWFSeptember 10, 1970 April 14, 1971 Promotion 
WCW AUSTRALIAJanuary 8, 1971 February 19, 1971 Promotion 
NWFMarch 12, 1970 September 17, 1970 Promotion 
BTW DETROITMarch 7, 1970 August 28, 1970 Promotion 
WSSSeptember 16, 1969 February 22, 1970 Promotion BTW DALLAS, GACMay 28, 1968 December 27, 1969 Promotion CSW, SLWCOctober 3, 1968 February 28, 1969 Promotion BTW DETROITJanuary 28, 1968 May 23, 1968 -
Images History
Apr 2014
May 2012
Jul 2007
Sep 2005Sep 2004Sep 2004Jan 2003
Jan 2001
Jan 2000
Jan 1998
Jan 1997
Nov 1994
Jul 1994
Jan 1991
May 1989
Mar 1987Feb 1983Jan 1983Apr 1981Oct 1979
Aug 1978
May 1974
Mar 1972
Jan 1970Oct 1967 -
Face / Heel Turns
Alignment Details from to Face Supported Ric Flair in his battle against Eric Bischoff December 28, 1998 June 12, 2015 Heel Attacked Larry Zbyszko, betraying WCW and joining the NWO January 24, 1998 December 27, 1998 Face Turned on manager Gary Hart and partner Pak Song May 14, 1974 January 23, 1998 Heel October 16, 1967 May 13, 1974 -
Card Positions
Status Details from to WWE Mid Card July 2, 2007 July 22, 2007 WWE Inactive Indie matches only November 27, 2006 July 1, 2007 WWE Mid Card November 20, 2006 November 26, 2006 WWE Inactive Indie matches only September 1, 2005 November 19, 2006 TNA Mid Card September 1, 2004 May 10, 2005 TNA Inactive Kayfabe suspension August 25, 2004 August 30, 2004 TNA Mid Card May 19, 2004 August 24, 2004 TNA Inactive Indie matches November 27, 2003 May 18, 2004 TNA Mid Card January 15, 2003 November 26, 2003 WCW Mid Card January 29, 2001 March 26, 2001 WCW Inactive Commentary work November 11, 2000 January 28, 2001 ECW Upper Card January 8, 2000 May 28, 2000 ECW Inactive Minor cameos/booking work December 1, 1998 January 8, 2000 WCW Mid Card January 24, 1998 November 30, 1998 WCW Inactive Booking/commentary work November 25, 1994 January 23, 1998 WCW Mid Card July 25, 1994 November 24, 1994 WCW Inactive Booking/managing January 30, 1991 July 24, 1994 WWE Mid Card November 24, 1990 January 19, 1991 WWE Upper Card November 23, 1989 November 23, 1990 WWE Mid Card July 22, 1989 November 22, 1989 WWE Inactive House shows/vignettes May 29, 1989 July 21, 1989 WCW Mid Card December 27, 1988 January 17, 1989 WCW Upper Card November 21, 1988 December 26, 1988 NJPW Mid Card May 2, 1981 November 25, 1981 NJPW Upper Card October 22, 1979 December 17, 1979 WWE Inactive Southern territory run March 27, 1979 October 21, 1979 WWE Upper Card August 28, 1978 March 26, 1979 WWE Mid Card December 10, 1977 August 27, 1978 WWE Upper Card September 26, 1977 December 9, 1977
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Finishers
- Bionic Elbow - Elbow Drop to the head of a standing oppponent (January 8, 1972 - July 22, 2007)
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Theme Songs
- Theme Song"Common Man Boogie" by Jimmy Hart & J.J. Maguire - Single (September 1, 2005 - June 12, 2015)
- Theme Song"Leather" by Dale Oliver - Single (January 15, 2003 - May 1, 2005)
- Theme Song"This is Why (I Sing the Blues)" by Reckless Fortune - Single (January 28, 2000 - May 28, 2000)
- Theme Song"Old Time Rock 'n' Roll" by Bob Seger - Single (January 30, 1991 - January 1, 2000)
- Theme Song"Rockhouse" by Jimmy Hart e H.Helm - with nWo - Team (January 24, 1998 - November 30, 1998)
- Theme Song"Common Man Boogie" by Jimmy Hart & J.J. Maguire - Single (May 29, 1989 - January 19, 1991)
- Theme Song"Old Time Rock 'n' Roll" by Bob Seger - Single (January 2, 1985 - January 17, 1989)
- Theme Song"Midnight Rider" by Willie Nelson - Single (September 10, 1970 - September 22, 1987)
Titles & Accomplishments
Career Awards
- WWE Hall of Fame - Individual (Year2007)
- WCW Hall of Fame - Individual (Year1995)
- NJPW Hall of Fame - NJPW Greatest 18 Club (Year1990)
- NWA Hall of Fame - Individual (Year2011)
- Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (PWHF) - Modern Era (Year2010)
-
National Wrestling Alliance
x3 NWA World Heavyweight Championship
x3 NWA/NWA World Television Championship
x1 NWA United States Heavyweight Championship
x2 NWA World Tag Team Championship (1 with Dick Slater, 1 with Manny Fernandez)
x1 NWA National Heavyweight Championship
x2 NWA American Tag Team Championship (1 with Baron von Raschke, 1 with Dick Murdoch)
x3 NWA Texas Brass Knuckles Championship
NWA Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup Tag Team Tournament (1987) (with Nikita Koloff)
50th State Big Time Wrestling
- NWA North American Heavyweight Championship (Hawaii version)
Big Time Wrestling (Detroit)
- 1 NWA World Tag Team Championship (Detroit Version) (with Dick Murdoch)
Central States Wrestling
- 1 NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship
- 1 NWA North American Tag Team Championship (Central States version) (with Dick Murdoch)
Championship Wrestling from Florida
- 10 NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship
- 2 NWA Brass Knuckles Championship (Florida version)
- 1 NWA Florida Bahamian Championship
- 1 NWA Florida Global Tag Team Championship (with Magnum T.A.)
- 4 NWA Florida Tag Team Championship (1 with Dick Murdoch, 1 with Dick Slater, 1 with Bobo Brazil, 1 with André the Giant)
- 7 NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Florida version)
- 2 NWA United States Tag Team Championship (Florida version) (1 with Bugsy McGraw, 1 with Blackjack Mulligan)
Georgia Championship Wrestling
- 1 NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship
International Wrestling Alliance (Australia)
- 1 IWA World Tag Team Championship (with Dick Murdoch)
Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling / Jim Crockett Promotions
- 1 NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship (with Buff Bagwell)
- 2 NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championship (with The Road Warriors)
NWA Detroit
- 1 NWA World Tag Team Championship (Detroit Version) (with Dick Murdoch)
NWA San Francisco
- 1 NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (San Francisco version)
NWA Tri-State
- 1 NWA North American Heavyweight Championship (Tri-State version)
- 1 NWA United States Tag Team Championship (Tri-State version) (with André the Giant)
National Wrestling Federation
- 1 NWF World Tag Team Championship (with Dick Murdoch)
Pro Wrestling Federation (Florida)
- 1 PWF Heavyweight Championship
World Championship Wrestling (Australia)
- 1 IWA World Tag Team Championship (with Dick Murdoch)
-
Other Accomplishments
- WWE Bronze Statue (2016)
- NWA Legends Hall of Heroes induction (class of 2016)
- JCP Jim Crockett, Sr. Memorial Cup Tag Team Tournament Winner (1987 - with Nikita Koloff)
- JCP Bunkhouse Stampede Winner (1985, 1986, 1987, 1988)
- NWA Georgia Cadillac Cup Winner (1984)
- NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship Tournament Winner (1978)
- NWA United States Tag Team Championship Tournament Winner (1980 – with Bugsy McGraw)
- George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame induction (class of 2017)
- WWE Slammy Award - "Say What?!" Quote of the Year (2013 - "One stipulation: I'm in my boys' corner and I'll be your huckleberry all night long")
- PWI Wrestler of the Year (1977, 1978)
- PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (1978, 1979, 1987)
- PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (1987)
- PWI Feud of the Year (1987 - with Nikita Koloff & Road Warriors vs. Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, & Lex Luger)
- PWI Match of the Year (1979 - vs. Harley Race 21/08)
- PWI Match of the Year (1986 - vs. Ric Flair, Cage match at NWA The Great American Bash)
- PWI Stanley Weston Award Winner (2013)
- 11° in PWI Years Top 500 (2003)
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame induction (class of 1996)
- WON Best Babyface (1980)
- WON Most Charismatic (1982 - tied with Ric Flair)
- WON Best Booker (1986)
- WON Biggest Shock of the Year (1989 - for joining WWF)
Teams & Relations
-
Tag Teams & Stables
- nWo Hollywood - Big Show / Paul Wight, Bret Hart, Brutus Beefcake, Buff Bagwell, Crush / Brian Adams, Eric Bischoff, Horace Hogan, Hulk Hogan, Miss Elizabeth, Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig, Rick Rude, Scott Hall / Razor Ramon, Scott Norton, Scott Steiner, Stevie Ray, Virgil / Vincent, nWo Sting / Super J (May 17, 1998 - November 30, 1998)
- nWo Wolfpac - Disco Inferno / Glenn Gilbertti, Kevin Nash / Diesel, Konnan, Miss Elizabeth, Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig, Randy Savage (May 11, 1998 - May 17, 1998)
- nWo - Brutus Beefcake, Buff Bagwell, Crush / Brian Adams, Eric Bischoff, Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash / Diesel, Konnan, Miss Elizabeth, Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig, Randy Savage, Rick Rude, Scott Hall / Razor Ramon, Scott Norton, Scott Steiner, Virgil / Vincent, nWo Sting / Super J, Louie Spicolli (January 24, 1998 - April 27, 1998)
- The Super Powers - Nikita Koloff (October 19, 1986 - July 28, 1988)
- America's Team - Magnum T.A. (June 6, 1985 - September 28, 1986)
- Dusty Rhodes & Manny Fernandez - Manny Fernandez (September 27, 1984 - April 30, 1986)
- The Texas Outlaws - Dick Murdoch (January 10, 1980 - May 7, 1983)
- The Texas Outlaws - Dick Murdoch (November 1, 1968 - December 11, 1975)
- Dusty Rhodes & Bobo Brazil - Bobo Brazil (June 30, 1980 - November 29, 1980)
- Dick Slater & Dusty Rhodes - Dick Slater (September 16, 1977 - February 3, 1978)
- Dusty Rhodes & Superstar Billy Graham - Superstar Billy Graham (January 14, 1975 - May 13, 1975)
- Dick Slater & Dusty Rhodes - Dick Slater (August 23, 1973 - August 1, 1974)
- Dusty Rhodes & Larry Hennig - Larry Hennig (March 17, 1972 - February 20, 1973)
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Managers
-
Managed Wrestlers
- Cody Rhodes (September 23, 2013 - October 6, 2013)
- Goldust / Dustin Rhodes (September 23, 2013 - October 6, 2013)
- Kevin Nash / Diesel (January 29, 1998 - November 30, 1998)
- Ron Simmons / Faarooq (October 19, 1991 - August 16, 1992)
- Scott Hall / Razor Ramon (January 29, 1998 - November 30, 1998)
-
Family
- Cody Rhodes, Goldust / Dustin Rhodes - Sons
- Brandi Rhodes - Daughter-in-law
- Typhoon / Tugboat, Jerry Sags - Brothers-in-law
