WWE legend Ric Flair has praised fellow Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, calling him one of the most innovative minds in professional wrestling, on par with Vince McMahon.
Speaking in a 2023 interview with comedian Theo Von on This Past Weekend, Flair didn’t hold back in his admiration for his longtime rival and friend. When asked about Rhodes, Flair responded:
“Great guy. He was so lovable, and one of the most innovative, right there tied with Vince McMahon.”
Rhodes, who passed away in 2015, left a lasting legacy not just as a performer but as a creative force behind the scenes. In addition to his celebrated career as a charismatic and beloved wrestler, Rhodes worked as a booker for Jim Crockett Promotions and held backstage roles in both WWE and WCW. He is credited with inventing the WarGames match format, which remains a key feature of WWE programming. Rhodes also helped develop numerous character gimmicks and came up with names for several major pay-per-view events.
Flair also highlighted Rhodes’ underrated athletic ability, noting that despite his larger frame, he could go the distance in gruelling matches.
“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,” Flair said.
The two men shared a legendary rivalry during the 1980s, often headlining cards for the NWA and WCW, including many one-hour time-limit draws that became iconic among wrestling fans.
Who Did Ric Flair Put On His Pro Wrestling Mount Rushmore?
Ric Flair named his pro wrestling Mount Rushmore and also named who he thinks is the “greatest worker in the history of the business.” Flair started his list by naming Shawn Michaels as the “greatest worker in the history of the business,” and then went on to name other legends of wrestling, The Undertaker, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, and Hulk Hogan, as his top four picks for his all-time wrestling greats.
H/t to TJRWrestling.net