6.07.2011

#58: Goldust

Real Name: Dustin Patrick Runnels
Other Aliases: Dustin Rhodes
Biggest Fan: Barry M. Reardon

It must be difficult to grow up and follow in the footsteps of a famous father. Dustin Runnels' father, the incomparable Dusty Rhodes, certainly casts a wide shadow. Dustin, though, made sure to emerge from that shadow in a flash of falling gold confetti and donning a long robe and wig.

Goldust arrived in the World Wrestling Federation in 1995 (after previously having competed as Dustin Rhodes in the WWF and WCW). His arrival was preceded with a series of vignettes portraying Goldust as a flamboyant, movie-referencing Hollywoodite, but these brief glimpses did little to prepare us for "the bizarre one." From the get-go, Goldust made wrestling fans everywhere incredibly uncomfortable with his blatant flirting, aimed at Razor Ramon, and his overall provocativeness.

There are few, perhaps zero, examples of a wrestling gimmick being so perfectly executed as Dustin Runnels' portrayal of Goldust. His entrance music was amazing, his costumes were extravagant, his sexuality was confusing (Who wasn't baffled when Goldust showed up at the 1996 Royal Rumble with Marlena as his valet?), his interviews were unsettling and his success in the ring is unquestionable. Goldust is a three-time Intercontinental Champion and seven-time WWF Hardcore Champion.

Dustin Runnels is a legitimate superstar of wrestling. With the pedigree and talent to achieve unbelievable success in the industry, what's probably most surprising is that he doesn't rank in the Top 20. Then again, perhaps the wrestling world wasn't quite ready for the bizarre entertainer known as Goldust.

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