Dusty Rhodes 911 Audio With Strange Operator

TMZ has released the 911 audio from Dusty Rhodes' collapse at his Florida home. The call was made at 5.56 am on June 10th, with Dusty's wife informing the operator "I need help. My husband has fallen. He's very sick. I need help." What happens next is a little strange, as TMZ alleges that the operator sounded annoyed. "They're coming as fast as they can. Me talking to you is not stopping them," the person snapped back. Dusty's wife then thanked the operator and the call ended. However, just before the call cuts off, you can hear the operator breathing a big exasperated sigh. The help arrived and Dusty was transported to a local hospital. He died the next day, at the age of 69. The fact that TMZ released the call has caused some degree of controversy in the wrestling community. Sean 'X Pac' Waltman was particularly upset and posted a lengthy attack on TMZ's use of the recording.

"Is there really that much money made by airing these calls, so your followers can hear these people at arguably the worst moments of their lives? Maybe there is enough money in it for you to trade in your honor. I'm usually a fan, but completely disgusted by your lack of discretion."

TMZ are increasingly at the forefront with wrestling news stories, including some degree of a working relationship with WWE. That's been evident with things like the Darren Young coming out story. WWE will leak the occasional exclusive to the site, with the idea that it is a major mainstream outlet. However, despite being a giant in entertainment news, some of the stories that TMZ runs are in bad taste. WWE may want to review their relationship with them after the controversy caused by the Dusty 911 call being released.