World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) confirmed Thursday that professional wrestling legend Dusty Rhodes has died at the age of 69.
The exact cause of Rhodes' death has yet to be revealed, according to SB Nation. Rhodes, real name Virgil Runnels, started wrestling in the early 1970s and has recently been helping talent in WWE's developmental system in Florida.
The three-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, nicknamed "The American Dream" and "son of a plumber," is best known for his old-time rivalries with fellow legends Ric Flair and Harley Race, as well as his famous "Hard Times" promo about blue-collar America, Inquisitr reported.
Dusty's energy and passion as a babyface was what made him a big favorite among fans.
Rhodes' other work in the wrestling business include being a booker, manager and commentator, as well as working backstage for WWE since 2005, SB Nation reported. His other accomplishments include being voted Pro Wrestling Illustrated's most popular wrestler of the year three times, winning the publication's match of the year twice and joining WWE's Hall of Fame in 2007.
Other major promotions that Dusty has worked in include WCW, ECW and TNA.
Rhodes is survived by his wife Michelle, his two sons Dustin and Cody Runnels, both of which wrestle for WWE as Goldust and Cody Rhodes/Stardust, respectively, and his two daughters Teil and Kristen.
