Dusty Rhodes (center). FILE PHOTO FROM THE WWE WEBSITE.
WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, Virgil Runnels in real life, passed away Friday (Manila time), WWE.com said.
Rhodes was 69 years old, and was one of WWE’s “most captivating and charismatic figures in sports entertainment history.”
His sons, Dustin and Cody, are also wrestlers and take the name Goldus and Stardust respectively.
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“Runnels became a hero to fans around the world thanks to his work ethic, his impassioned interviews and his indomitable spirit…a caring husband and a creative visionary who helped shaped the landscape of WWE long after his in-ring career had ended,” WWE.com said in a statement.
“WWE extends its sincerest condolences’ to Runnels’ family, friends, and colleagues.”
WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon took to Twitter to send his message.
“A sad day for WWE. One of the most innovative, charismatic Superstars of all time, Dusty Rhodes, passed away. We loved him. #ThankYouDream,” McMahon said.
“Saddened to hear the passing of Dusty Rhodes. Legend, teacher, mentor, friend…Love you Dream #BookAintEasyKid,” WWE Executive VP Paul “Triple H” Levesque posted on Twitter.
Wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson also paid tribute to Rhodes, saying, “This man would become not only a great inspiration and mentor to me, but more importantly inspire and entertain wrestling fans around the world by becoming one of the greatest of all time.” IDL