Paul Heyman tweeted the following last night about the late Dusty Rhodes:

I’ve struggled all day to write something about @WWEDustyRhodes …
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) June 12, 2015

And yet, hours later, I cannot possibly express my feelings for @WWEDustyRhodes in 140 characters …
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) June 12, 2015

Not 140. Not 280. Not 420. @WWEDustyRhodes was not someone whose impact should be constrained by a limited number of words or characters.
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) June 12, 2015

. @WWEDustyRhodes embraced my passion to learn about the behind-the-scenes working of the business even before I started performing.
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) June 12, 2015

. @WWEDustyRhodes not only hired me for #SuperStationTBS when I was 23 … how many TWENTY THREE YEAR OLDS get to play in the big leagues?
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) June 12, 2015

. @WWEDustryRhodes: “f ’em all,kid. Don’t ACT like u belong in their locker room. KNOW they should be honored sharing the locker room w/YOU!”
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) June 12, 2015

I’ve started on this multi-tweet diatribe, and I know in my heart I’m failing in my task of presenting my own eulogy for @WWEDustyRhodes.
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) June 12, 2015

I told @SteveAustinBSR on the @WWENetwork the story of @WWEDustyRhodes trying to teach me to ask myself “where’s the money” in every promo.
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) June 12, 2015

, @WWEDustyRhodes tried to teach me that in 1988. And now, 27 years later, I’m just starting to truly understand what he was teaching me.
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) June 12, 2015

I find these “now that he’s passed, I have something to say about him” messages to be so self-serving, self-aggrandizing. @WWEDustyRhodes
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) June 12, 2015

And ultimately, this message is no different. @WWEDustyRhodes meant so much to so many, and I was/am just one the many.
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) June 12, 2015

As I am writing this, someone just sent me this clip from the #PaulHeymanDVD about @WWEDustyRhodes … https://t.co/sWk2S8LcRn
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) June 12, 2015

If you have any memories about @WWEDustyRhodes, please feel free to send them over.
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) June 12, 2015

We’ll RT some. We’ll post some on the Hustle website. And I promise to read every one of them personally. @WWEDustyRhodes
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) June 12, 2015

OK, I’ve been babbling for a while. I could on for days. And @WWEDustyRhodes DESERVED a several-days-long-eulogy, especially from me.
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) June 12, 2015

I guess, after all these years, I still need to keep reminding myself to think about the “money statements” and not just AMOUNT of verbiage.
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) June 12, 2015

Thank you, @WWEDustyRhodes. For all you did for this industry. For all you did for so many. And, selfishly, for all you did for me.
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) June 12, 2015

Sources: TMZ, F4WOnline

WWE announced this afternoon that Virgil Runnels, aka “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, passed away today at the age of 69. Details have begun to emerge regarding the cause of his death.

TMZ.com reports that emergency personnel responded to Rhodes’ home in Orlando, Florida at 5:56 a.m. Wednesday morning after he had taken a fall.

“Officials tell us … emergency personnel responded to Dusty’s home in Orlando, FL at 5:56 AM Wednesday morning after getting a call reporting a 69-year-old male had taken a fall,” TMZ states.

Rhodes was rushed to a nearby hospital where he passed away on Thursday morning. He suffered “numerous complications” due to the fall, which ultimately proved fatal.

Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer also reported on Rhodes having a fall, noting that his kidneys shut down and he became dehydrated.

WWE announced Thursday afternoon that Virgil Runnels, aka “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, passed away today at the age of 69.

WWE’s statement reads, “WWE is deeply saddened that Virgil Runnels, aka “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes — WWE Hall of Famer, three-time NWA Champion and one of the most captivating and charismatic figures in sports entertainment history — passed away today at the age of 69.

“Runnels became a hero to fans around the world thanks to his work ethic, his impassioned interviews and his indomitable spirit. Moreover, Runnels was a dedicated father to WWE Superstars Goldust (Dustin Runnels) and Stardust (Cody Runnels), a caring husband and a creative visionary who helped shape the landscape of WWE long after his in-ring career had ended.

“WWE extends its sincerest condolences to Runnels’ family, friends and colleagues.”

Triple H broke the sad news on Twitter. “Saddened to hear the passing of Dusty Rhodes. Legend, teacher, mentor, friend…Love you Dream #BookinAintEasyKid “