- 06/17/2015 (4:09:14 pm)
- Bob Mulrenin
…
Most people want to live the American Dream.
Virgil Runnels was “The American Dream.”
Runnels, known in professional wrestling as “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, built a fan base spanning over several decades, most notably in the NWA and WWE organizations, as a hardworking common man who grinded his way to the top. On his way up, Rhodes waged war against a variety of villains at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium.
Runnels, 69, died last week as a result of an unspecified illness. His funeral will be held Wednesday in Tampa, Fla.
Runnels, who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007, was a fan favorite in Spartanburg and surrounding areas. He was most remembered for his bouts with longtime rivals “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard, Arn Anderson, Terry Funk and “Superstar” Billy Graham.
His final match against Blanchard came as a part of Carolina Championship Wrestling's Tribute to Starrcade in 2005, presented by promoter Tony Hunter, at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. Runnels won the match.
Blanchard, whose primary focus is now on prison ministry, said the final match was held in a perfect venue.
“I'm glad I was asked to be a part of it,” he said. “I had done some individual wrestling deals, but rarely do you see 2,000 people. The nostalgia was there. (My manager) J.J. Dillon walked me to the ring, and the fans treated it just like they did in the '80s. It was as fun for me as it was for them.”
Blanchard added that his relationship with Runnels was mostly professional, but they admired one another.
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