On a warm June evening in 2025, the Rhodes family gathered in their Orlando home to honor the memory of the wrestling legend, Virgil Riley Runnels Jr., better known as “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes. The occasion marked the 10th anniversary of Dusty’s passing on June 11, 2015, a day that left an indelible void in the hearts of wrestling fans and, most profoundly, his family. The intimate gathering, filled with laughter, tears, and cherished memories, took an unexpected turn when Michelle Rubio Runnels, Dusty’s widow, revealed a long-guarded secret about her husband—a story so heartfelt and astonishing that it left the family, including WWE superstar Cody Rhodes, in stunned silence.

The night began with a sense of solemn celebration. Cody, his wife Brandi, their daughter Liberty, and siblings Teil Gergel and Dustin Rhodes (better known as Goldust) sat around a table adorned with mementos of Dusty’s storied career: a polka-dotted bandana, a replica of his iconic cowboy hat, and a framed photo of him cutting a promo in his signature flamboyant style. The air was thick with nostalgia as the family shared stories of Dusty’s larger-than-life persona, his groundbreaking contributions to professional wrestling, and his unwavering dedication to his family. But as the evening wore on, Michelle, now in her late 70s, grew quiet, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Sensing the moment, Cody gently took her hand and asked, “Mama, what’s on your mind?”

With a trembling voice, Michelle began to unravel a tale she had kept locked away for decades, one that painted an even richer portrait of Dusty Rhodes—not just as a wrestling icon, but as a man whose heart extended far beyond the squared circle. The story, she explained, was one Dusty had asked her to keep private during his lifetime, out of humility and a desire to let his actions speak louder than his words. But now, on this milestone anniversary, Michelle felt the time was right to share it with her family and, eventually, the world.

The Secret Charity of The American Dream

According to Michelle, in the late 1980s, during the height of Dusty’s fame in the NWA and later WCW, he quietly spearheaded a clandestine initiative to support struggling families in the wrestling community. At the time, the wrestling industry was a cutthroat world with little job security for many performers, especially those lower on the card. Dusty, having clawed his way up from humble beginnings in Austin, Texas, never forgot the hardships of those less fortunate. Behind the scenes, he created what he called the “Dream Fund,” a secret pool of money he personally funded with a portion of his earnings to help wrestlers and their families facing financial ruin.

Michelle recounted how Dusty would discreetly reach out to wrestlers who were out of work due to injuries, promoters who’d gone bankrupt, or crew members struggling to make ends meet. He’d slip them cash, pay their medical bills, or even cover rent for months at a time—all without ever taking credit. “He’d tell me, ‘Michelle, these folks are the backbone of this business. If I can help ‘em keep their heads up, that’s my championship belt,’” she said, her voice breaking. To maintain anonymity, Dusty often used intermediaries, like trusted road agents or even Michelle herself, to deliver the aid. He’d jokingly refer to it as “working a dark match for the soul.”

One particularly moving story involved a young wrestler—whose name Michelle withheld to honor Dusty’s wish for discretion—who had been paralyzed in a botched in-ring move. The wrestler, a single father, faced mounting hospital bills and the prospect of losing his home. Dusty, upon hearing of the man’s plight, not only paid off the medical debts but arranged for a local community college to offer the wrestler’s teenage daughter a scholarship. “That girl’s a doctor now,” Michelle revealed, tears streaming down her face. “Dusty never met her, but he changed her life.”

A Family in Awe

As Michelle spoke, the room fell silent. Cody, known for his stoic demeanor, wiped away tears, while Dustin, who had followed in his father’s wrestling footsteps, stared in disbelief. “I knew Dad was generous,” Dustin said later, “but this? This is next-level. He was out there changing lives while cutting promos and running shows.” Teil, Dusty’s daughter, recalled how her father would often come home late, claiming he’d been “sorting out business.” Now, she realized those late nights were likely spent organizing help for others.

The revelation added a new layer to Dusty’s legacy, already cemented by his contributions to wrestling. As a three-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Dusty was a trailblazer, known for his charisma, innovative storytelling, and advocacy for diversity in wrestling. His “Hard Times” promo remains one of the most iconic speeches in wrestling history, resonating with blue-collar fans who saw him as their champion. But Michelle’s story revealed that Dusty’s impact extended far beyond the ring, touching lives in ways that were never publicized.

Cody, who has carried his father’s legacy forward in WWE and beyond, was visibly moved. “I always thought I knew everything about Dad,” he said. “But this… this makes me want to be a better man, a better champion for the people he cared about.” Brandi, ever the supportive partner, suggested that the family consider reviving the Dream Fund in Dusty’s name, an idea that sparked immediate enthusiasm. By the end of the night, the Rhodes family had resolved to launch a public version of the fund, aimed at supporting wrestling families and preserving Dusty’s quiet heroism.

The Wrestling World Reacts

News of Michelle’s revelation spread quickly, thanks to a heartfelt social media post by Cody, who shared a photo of the family gathered around Dusty’s memorabilia with the caption: “Ten years without you, Dad, but your heart still beats in all of us. The world’s about to know the real American Dream.” The post went viral, with wrestling fans and industry veterans alike sharing their own stories of Dusty’s kindness. Ric Flair, Dusty’s longtime rival and friend, tweeted, “The Dream was always a class act. This doesn’t surprise me one bit. Love ya, big man.” Other wrestlers, from Sting to Tony Schiavone, echoed similar sentiments, painting a picture of a man whose generosity was an open secret in the locker room.

As the story gained traction, tabloids and wrestling news outlets clamored for more details. Michelle, however, remained steadfast in keeping certain aspects private, honoring Dusty’s wish to let the deeds stand on their own. “He didn’t do it for fame,” she told a reporter from Wrestling Observer. “He did it because it was right.” Still, the wrestling community buzzed with speculation about who else Dusty might have helped, with some fans theorizing that several prominent wrestlers from the ‘80s and ‘90s owed their careers to his unseen support.

A Legacy That Endures

As the evening drew to a close, the Rhodes family stood together in their backyard, lighting a small bonfire in Dusty’s honor. Each member tossed a memento into the flames—a symbolic gesture of letting go while holding onto his spirit. Michelle, clutching a photo of her and Dusty from their wedding day, whispered, “You’d be proud of them, Virgil.” The family vowed to carry forward Dusty’s legacy, not just in the ring but in the lives they touch outside it.

For fans, the revelation of Dusty’s secret charity has only deepened their love for The American Dream. His polka dots, cowboy boots, and electrifying promos made him a legend, but it was his heart that made him a hero. As Cody put it, “Dad always said he was the son of a plumber, but he built a cathedral of kindness. That’s the real championship he left behind.”