Hey now.

Today is a day of mourning. “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, an undisputed icon in the world of Professional Wrestling, has unexpectedly passed away at the age of 69. TMZ is reporting that Rhodes had take a fall inside his Orlando home and would pass away from “numerous complications.”

Rhodes was beloved by wrestling fans throughout the world. He was truly a pioneer in the business and will always be remembered for his fun, energetic ability inside the Squared Circle. Rhodes, a former three time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, had taken part in some of the greatest matches in wrestling history.

I just wanted to share an encounter I witnessed between Dusty and a particular wrestler from the last Big Event convention in March:

I wanted to share a quick story about Dusty from this past March at The Big Event convention.

I was fortunate to spot Dusty walking towards his signing table and I found myself near the front of what would be a fairly long line to meet “The American Dream.” While Dusty was signing, wrestlers from several different eras would come by and say their hellos to him. Jose Luis Rivera had a particularly long conversation with him.

The line was moving fairly quickly before it came to a grinding halt. All of a sudden, this gigantic brute stormed past everyone online rather obnoxiously. This man was Bubba Ray Dudley who proceeded to scream on the top of his lungs, “DUSTY RHODES! YOU ARE THE ONLY REASON I TOOK THIS BOOKING! BECAUSE I’M GONNA SIT NEXT TO YOU ALL DAY ‘AND TALK LIKE DIS IF YA WHEEEELLL!'” The place erupted with laughter and Dusty had such a genuine smile plastered on his face. You could tell all the wrestlers had so much love, admiration, and respect for him.

RIP Dusty. You’ll be missed greatly.