Earlier this morning, WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes died. He was 69.
The news of Rhodes' (born Virgil Riley Runnels Jr.) death came when WWE Superstar Triple H tweeted this picture:
Saddened to hear the passing of Dusty Rhodes. Legend, teacher, mentor, friend...Love you Dream #BookinAintEasyKid
Rhodes, who famously went by the moniker "The American Dream," had a successful wrestling career throughout the '70s and '80s, performing for the NWA (National Wrestling Alliance) territories, Jim Crockett Promotions, and WWWF (now known as WWE).
Throughout the '90s, after leaving in-ring competition, he worked behind the scenes and as a color commentator for WCW.
Most recently, he worked behind the scenes as a booker and producer for WWE's developmental territory NXT.
Rhodes was also the father of current WWE Superstars Cody Rhodes (a.k.a Stardust) and Dustin Runnels (a.k.a. Goldust).
Here's how the pro wrestling community has been reacting on Twitter:
My mentor @WWEDustyRhodes. Much love to your family and more respect than can ever be measured. Love you Dream.
#RIPDustyRhodes We never got to shoot our angle together! Thank you for everything, I Love You. #HallofFamer #Legend
There are no words that can express the sadness in our hearts. RIP Dusty Rhodes…You will be missed, Dream…We love you
I was ever so fortunate to be a friend to this man, to learn from him as a performer and as a human being. #RIPDusty
One of my all time heroes and one the all time greats has passed away. American Dream #DustyRhodes I will never forget you. #Legend
There was only one "American Dream" There will never be another like Dusty Rhodes. It was an honor to work with him.
Miss you Dream. You started me in this business and we're always there for me #RIPDusty
It was such a joy for me to rediscover Dusty's promos and matches through the eyes of my children. They loved the "Dream" - and so did I.
RIP Dusty Rhodes.....Will never forget what you would call me, Gonna miss you! #BabyRey https://t.co/CZFzx0CxAr
Can't say enough about everything Dusty Rhodes did for me.There will never b another one like him.Absolute 1 of a kind legend #ThankYouDream
I am absolutely devastated to hear about the passing of my long time friend Dusty Rhodes. One of the best ever. GO
I was so honored to write Dusty Rhodes' theme song "common man" - the American Dream and Dusty will live on forever - love ya Dream
Today the world lost an outlaw, but heaven gained one hell of a soldier. I love you Dusty
I just heard that Dusty Rhodes has passed away...I'm stunned & heartbroken! I'm so sorry...prayers to Dustin, Cody & the rest of the family.
RIP MY BROTHER DUSTY RHODES. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FOREVER #RIPDUSTY
Rhodes helped to shape the landscape of professional wrestling. Here is one of his famous segments, considered by many to be the best promo in all of wrestling history:
