WWE Hall Of Famer Ric Flair, who idolized Dusty Rhodes as a young wrestler getting into the business, wrote the following on Facebook about the passing of “The American Dream.”
“All I wanted to be in 1972 was Rambling Ricky Rhodes. The Dream told me “you can make it on your own.” He mentored me and taught me how to be a star. Dusty used to say “If you are going to pass by… why not in a Cadillac??” He’s the man who invented A Flair for the Gold and was a genius way ahead of his time. Much love to your family and more respect than can ever be measured. Love you Dream.”
Flair also released the following statement on the passing of Rhodes:
“Today I lost one of my greatest opponents and greatest friends. He was the definition of heart and soul and I’m honored to have shared the ring with him countless times.
He became the ‘American Dream’ because wrestling needed a hero they could respect, and he was the man for the job. Dusty Rhodes, I will miss you my mentor and friend.
