In the NWA and Jim Crockett Promotions, Dusty Rhodes was one wrestler millions could identify with. Portraying the every man down to a tee, Rhodes was the perfect foil for the arrogant, conceded and mega-rich 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair - fans flocked in their droves to arenas, really hoping to see their representative, Rhodes shut up the bragging superstars of the era, it was a formula as perfect as they come. Making the jump to the WWF in 1989, Rhodes changed drastically, still playing the 'American Dream' character of before, only this was amplified tenfold to better suit the more cartoon-like vision Vince McMahon had for his own brand. Speaking later about his transformation into the polka dot outfit, Rhodes said he was experiencing an incredible burn out from years of wrestling and booking territories, so McMahon encouraged him simply to have some fun in the WWF. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V2WCh_T744 Shortly after working alongside his son, Dustin (more on him later) at the 1991 Royal Rumble, Rhodes departed the WWF, but many people point to his 2-year stint as a curious one. There's wide speculation that the more colourful character of the 'American Dream' was designed to poke fun at the respected ring man, but it was exactly what the man himself needed, taking a short but sweet break from the pressures of the pen.
