7 Reasons The 2016 Dusty Rhodes Classic Won't Be As Good As 2015
7. The Rhodes Family Are Gone
They weren't involved in the active wrestling during the tournament last year, but one of the great moments of the first Dusty Rhodes Classic (and maybe even NXT in 2015) was the unveiling of the trophy itself. The entire immediate Rhodes family was there for the unveiling, including his sons Cody and Dustin.
The two were still Goldust and Stardust at the time, but this wasn't about in-canon characters and stories. It was a true tribute to a legend of the industry, a tournament held in his honour that eschewed politics in favour of respect.
Fast forward to the 2016 edition. Cody and wife Brandi are now gone, involved in a tit-for-tat battle over Cody's use of the name Rhodes. The tournament feels a little wrong because of this. A true mark of respect for Dusty would be allowing Cody to continue the family legacy as he sees fit.