Cody Rhodes, known as “The American Nightmare,” recently appeared on Bill Simmons’ podcast to discuss his father Dusty Rhodes’ near chance to become WWE’s leading star before Hulk Hogan dominated that role. Rhodes revealed that Vince McMahon confirmed the story his father had told him about being initially chosen for that top position.
Dusty Rhodes’ Missed Chance for WWE Stardom Explained
According to Cody Rhodes, Vince McMahon shared with him how Dusty was set for the main WWE spot but walked out of the hotel room during a critical moment, never returning. McMahon had planned to record an album with Dusty as part of building his star power, which made McMahon mad at the time. Cody initially doubted Dusty’s account, but McMahon’s confirmation made it clear that Dusty was seriously considered for that WWE spotlight before Hogan emerged.
“So, one of the things that that Vince actually told me, I didn’t believe the story when my dad told me the story. Again, you never know what to believe. My dad telling me he was slotted for the spot, walked out of the hotel room, never came back because Vince had booked recording studio time, they were going to make an album with Dusty. All right? I thought, ‘This is complete Dad nonsense.’ Years later, Vince tells me the exact story. Tells me how mad he was. ‘Dusty walked out of the hotel room on me.’ And I’m thinking, ‘What? This is a — he really was in line to do it.’ However, part of the story. He didn’t say it in a mean-spirited way. He said, ‘But it worked out better that I got Hulk and that your dad got to go do Jim Crockett Promotions, help build WCW up from the NWA. Him and Ric and everyone of course involved, and all the the great talented people they had. I think it worked out better.; I don’t know the answer to that, but I think Hogan was more of the now than maybe [Dusty].”
—Cody Rhodes, WWE Star
Why Vince McMahon Chose Hogan Over Dusty Rhodes
Cody Rhodes explained that one critical factor was Dusty’s unconventional look, which may not have fit WWE’s direction at the time. Hogan’s image was more aligned with the evolving wrestling scene and the expanding audience. The rise of Hulkamania, especially in places like St. Paul with the AWA, showed that Hogan’s appeal was becoming monumental.
“I think a lot of it you could literally chalk it up to, Dusty’s subverting your expectations with his look, was one thing. But the look at the time and where it was going, especially if you look at the AWA. Which most people don’t realize, Hulkamania and St. Paul at the AWA, was happening. So, I think it was probably the right call. Dusty had a different delivery, a different way of talking people in and Hogan was — Stallone, Arnold, Hogan.”
—Cody Rhodes, WWE Star
Dusty Rhodes’ Career Stage When WWE Opportunity Came
Cody Rhodes also noted that Dusty was no longer in his prime by the time WWE made this choice. Dusty had previously endured a rough period physically, and much of his best work occurred earlier in his career, particularly in Championship Wrestling from Florida. This promotion was very popular, especially in Tampa, and featured many great talents alongside Dusty.
“He was, he was. He had beat himself up. He was moving through. Dusty’s real prime is — there’s very, very little footage of his real, not prime but his hottest stuff is Florida. Championship wrestling from Florida with Gordon Solie and Pak Song and Harley coming in, and that was unbelievable. I mean, they were scalping tickets. This is — Tampa’s main sport was was really Championship Wrestling from Florida at this this brief onset with the Armory and the Grahams. It’s crazy.”
—Cody Rhodes, WWE Star
Legacy and Impact on Wrestling History
While Dusty Rhodes never became WWE’s primary star, his contributions to Jim Crockett Promotions and the growth of WCW are widely recognized. Vince McMahon’s decision helped shape the wrestling landscape, allowing Hogan to become a cultural icon and Dusty to influence wrestling through other avenues. This revelation sheds light on how pivotal moments and choices guided the careers of two legendary figures and the direction of professional wrestling in the 1980s.
