Ric Flair Pays Tribute to Dusty Rhodes

WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair is among the most revered names in the history of wrestling, and many can argue Dusty Rhodes belongs right up there with him. The two had history spanning decades through the NWA, WCW and WWE, and were well-documented as close colleagues.

Following Rhodes’ death Thursday at the age of 69, Flair took to his Facebook to pay tribute to his fallen friend:

“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.”

In addition, he tweeted the following:

httpss://twitter.com/RicFlairNatrBoy/status/609070498887139328

Flair then released this official statement on Rhodes’ passing:

“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.”

Much of their battles in the 1980s were focused around Rhodes’ “common man” mantra, as opposed to Flair’s over the top gimmick. This led to Rhodes’ “hard times” promo, one that proved to be perhaps the defining promo of his career. It is also known as one of the most famous promos in professional wrestling history.