Virgil Riley Runnels Jr., known as Dusty Rhodes, passed away June 11, 2015, from stomach cancer. Dusty was an American professional wrestler and trainer who worked for WWE. He made occasional on-air appearances on WWE television and pay-per-views. Rhodes was a three-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion and is one of six men inducted into each of the WWE, WCW, Professional Wrestling, and Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.
Many in the Delmarva community were saddened by the loss of this iconic man. Mark Pugh, one of the Briscoe Brothers from Laurel, Del. commented on the passing of Dusty:
The Briscoe Brothers are the professional wrestling tag team of Jay Briscoe (Jamin “Jay” Pugh) and Mark Briscoe (Mark Pugh). They are currently wrestling for ROH (Ring of Honor). They wrestle in the U.S. and all over the world. They have won tag team championships in nearly every promotion they have worked for. The Briscoe Brothers made their debut in 2000 and have won the ROH World Tag Team Championship a record of 8 times since then. Dem Boys, one of their many nicknames, are icons in their hometown, Laurel, Del. and are well-known all over the world.
WBOC’s Mike Lichniak has been a Dusty Rhodes fan for years and made this statement:
“The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes, was a pioneer to pro wrestling. A big man with a huge heart. He was beloved by many outside of the ring. Inside of the ring Rhodes took on the best of the best. Winning the NWA world title 3 times. He had countless rivalries around the world. He even paid a visit to Salisbury back in 2001. All he ever worked for is to better the business that he loved. He worked for big time promotions and the little guys all around the country. His interaction with fans was like no other. A truly great man was taken from the world. RIP Dusty. You will be missed.”
