Highlights
- Flair & Rhodes: NWA rivals who wrestled for the ages.
- Dusty's hilarious prank on fanboy Flair revealed.
- Dusty Rhodes influenced wrestlers far beyond the ring, including Ric Flair.
Ric Flair, the flamboyant wrestling icon, and Dusty Rhodes, the beloved American Dream, shared a bond that went beyond the squared circle. Their epic battles inside the ring are the stuff of legends, captivating audiences for decades. But what if fans got to know there was more to their story than meets the eye? Picture this: Ric Flair, the star-struck fan turned wrestling legend, unwittingly becomes the pawn in Dusty Rhodes' hilarious scheme. As Flair's admiration for Rhodes reaches dizzying heights, Rhodes seizes an opportunity to play a prank on his devoted disciple. But what exactly did Dusty do to take advantage of Ric Flair's unwavering admiration?
- Highlights
- Ric Flair And Dusty Rhodes' Wrestling Legacies
- Ric Flair And Dusty Rhodes Were NWA Rivals
- Ric Flair Acknowledges Dusty Rhodes' Influence
- Ric Flair And Dusty Rhodes Could Wrestle For An Hour
- Dusty Rhodes Told Ric Flair He Was Going To Be Interviewed By Johnny Carson
- Ric Flair Was Such A Mark For Dusty Rhodes That He Believed Everything He Said
Ric Flair And Dusty Rhodes' Wrestling Legacies
Ric Flair And Dusty Rhodes Were NWA Rivals
Dusty Rhodes vs Ric Flair Matches | Years | Promotion |
|---|---|---|
136 | 1975-1988 | NWA |
Dusty Rhodes and Ric Flair are synonymous with the golden age of professional wrestling, their influence reverberating through the annals of the sport. Both men carved out illustrious careers characterized by athleticism, charisma, and an innate understanding of the art of storytelling. Dusty Rhodes, affectionately known as "The American Dream," captured the hearts of fans worldwide with his larger-than-life persona and underdog spirit. From his iconic battles with the Four Horsemen to his memorable feuds with the likes of Harley Race and Terry Funk, Rhodes personified the blue-collar hero, fighting against the odds for glory and redemption.
Ric Flair, on the other hand, epitomized the essence of a wrestling superstar. With his flamboyant style, unparalleled athleticism, and razor-sharp wit, Flair captivated audiences wherever he went. From his classic encounters with Ricky Steamboat to his legendary battles with Dusty Rhodes himself, Flair's career reads like a who's who of wrestling history. As the leader of the legendary faction, The Four Horsemen, Flair ruled the NWA and later WCW with an iron fist, cementing his status as one of the greatest of all time.
Ric Flair vs. Dusty Rhodes: 10 Things Fans Forget About Their Feud
Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes had an epic rivalry in the 1980s, but there are still a bunch of things fans forget about their feud.Ric Flair Acknowledges Dusty Rhodes' Influence
Ric Flair And Dusty Rhodes Could Wrestle For An Hour
Dusty Rhodes wasn't just a wrestler; he was a visionary whose influence reverberated throughout the wrestling world. Beyond his in-ring achievements, Dusty's impact can be felt in the very essence of professional wrestling. One of Dusty's greatest contributions to the wrestling industry was his role as a mentor and trainer. Countless aspiring wrestlers found themselves under his tutelage, learning not only the intricacies of in-ring technique but also the art of connecting with the audience on a deeper level. Many current top WWE and AEW stars, like Roman Reigns and Bayley, are Dusty's students.
Ric Flair acknowledged Dusty's profound impact on the sport. In an interview on Theo Von's podcast, Flair paid homage to Dusty as one of the most innovative minds in the business. Flair said:
“Great guy. He was so lovable. … [Dusty was] one of the most innovative, right there tied with Vince [McMahon]. You know, I wrestled him probably a thousand hours, broadway. He could wrestle for an hour. … He was in good condition. It’s hard to wrestle for an hour.”
Beyond their on-screen rivalry, Dusty and Flair shared a deep mutual respect and camaraderie behind the scenes.
Ric Flair & Dusty Rhodes' Real Life Friendship, Explained
Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes were legendary rivals in wrestling and real life friends until The American Dream passed in 2015.Dusty Rhodes Told Ric Flair He Was Going To Be Interviewed By Johnny Carson
Ric Flair Was Such A Mark For Dusty Rhodes That He Believed Everything He Said
In a revealing interview with Busted Open Radio, Ric Flair shared an anecdote that sheds light on Dusty Rhodes' mischievous sense of humor and his profound influence on the young Flair. Flair candidly admitted that Dusty was not only his mentor but also his idol. He said:
“The guy that influenced me the most when I was breaking in? Dusty Rhodes. I can answer without even thinking. I fell in love with The Dream. I wanted to be his brother, I wanted to be ‘Ramblin’ Ricky Rhodes.’ I was such a mark for Rhodes and Murdoch, right, so they told me one time ‘Listen, we’re gonna be on Johnny Carson tonight, take us to the airport. But don’t tell anybody!’ So, I took ’em to the airport and I went home and told my wife. I loved them both. I watched that damn Johnny Carson for an hour and a half, that’s what kind of a mark I was for them.”
In retrospect, Flair's unwitting participation in Dusty's lying scheme (he wasn't on Johnny Carson) for a free ride to the airport not only provided comic relief but also served as a poignant reminder of the profound impact Dusty Rhodes had on the wrestling world and the individuals within it. Through his humor, charisma, and unmatched talent, Dusty left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who crossed his path, including the legendary Ric Flair.
