The iconic Dusty Rhodes has a remarkable influence on the current generation of WWE Superstars.
His teaching in the early days of NXT was paramount in shaping performers such as Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair and many more.
Another one of the stars Rhodes helped mould into the star she is today was Bayley. Having spent four years impressing on the independent scene, Bayley entered NXT developmental system in 2012.
She arrived in NXT as a wrestler without a character or personality, something to which she credits the American Dream in helping her create.
Speaking in an interview with BT Sport, Bayley revealed Dusty Rhodes gave her the critical help she needed to develop a character that would resonate with the fans and make her into more than just someone that was good in the ring.
“I had nothing to offer except what I could do in the ring at the time, and he pushed me in promo class and brought out this character in me and brought out my personality.
At that time women weren’t really seen like that and I didn’t think it was okay to be a fan and then that became my character, being the superfan. So, he definitely saved me and then I started having fun.”
Dusty Rhodes is the impetus for Cody Rhodes’ WWE title quest
Ever since Cody Rhodes returned to WWE he has declared his need to win in an ode to his father.
After living his early wrestling career in the shadow of his father Rhodes left WWE in 2016, and recreated himself on the independent scene, working in promotions around the world to rebuild himself from the ground up.
This culminated in him being one of the driving forces behind the creation of All Elite Wrestling where he served as an Executive Vice President as well as one of the company’s top stars.
After announcing his shock departure from AEW in 2022, Rhodes made his triumphant return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 where he defeated Seth Rollins. The night after making his comeback the American Nightmare spoke candidly to the WWE Universe about the reason behind his return.
He referenced his father and how he never lifted the World Championship in WWE before vowing the title for him. Cody gets his chance to live up to his promise in the main event at WrestleMania 39 against Roman Reigns on April 2nd.
H/T WrestlingInc