Wrestling brothers Dustin and Cody Rhodes recently shared heartfelt tributes to their late father, The American Dream Dusty Rhodes, celebrating his lasting influence on their lives and careers.
Dustin, a 37-year veteran of the industry, took to social media on February 26, expressing how much he wished their father could be there to witness their success. “I know he’s there with us, but I mean here,” he wrote, emphasizing how proud Dusty would be of his family.
Cody, WWE’s reigning main event star, responded with a vivid recollection of Dusty’s daily habits—his love for a Wheatley Vodka hoodie, an RWA baseball cap, and his passion for film and classic wrestling storytelling. He humorously described how Dusty would quote Anthony Hopkins to young talent and recommend must-watch movies before they could consider themselves true wrestlers.
Dusty Rhodes’ Role as Coach and Mentor
Dusty Rhodes, a WWE Hall of Famer, was not only a legendary performer but also an influential booker, trainer, and broadcaster. His legacy continues to shape professional wrestling, with his sons carrying on his impact in their own ways.
Dusty Rhodes’ contributions to WWE extended far beyond his legendary in-ring career, with his work as a trainer and mentor at WWE’s developmental system, NXT, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Known as “Dusty’s Kids,” the roster of talent he helped shape includes some of the biggest names in wrestling today, such as Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Kevin Owens, and Sasha Banks.
Dusty was instrumental in helping these young performers find their voices, hone their characters, and develop their promo skills—a craft he himself had mastered. His unique ability to inspire confidence and creativity in his students has been widely celebrated, with many crediting him for their success. The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament, introduced in NXT after his passing, serves as a lasting tribute to his mentorship and influence.
This legacy has even been woven into WWE’s storytelling. During the feud between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes leading up to WrestleMania 39 and 40, Paul Heyman emphasized Dusty’s role in mentoring Reigns, referring to him as “the son Dusty always wanted.”
This narrative added emotional depth to the rivalry, highlighting Dusty’s dual impact on both his biological sons and the broader wrestling world. Cody’s journey to fulfill “The American Dream” by capturing the WWE Championship—a title Dusty never held—has been deeply tied to his father’s legacy.
WWE’s incorporation of Dusty’s influence into this storyline not only honors his memory but also underscores the profound way he shaped the careers of those around him.