4.22.19: Global – (Sports/Culture): The Goldust character didn’t quite make it to its 25th year anniversary, but the professional wrestling gimmick is nonetheless worthy of celebration.
Mr. Dustin Runnels of Texas debuted Goldust in the-then World Wrestling Federation in October of 1995. Prior to the gold wig, the intricate face-paint and the overly flamboyant mannerisms that were germane to the character, Mr. Runnels performed relatively gimmick-free in the Southern-based, now-defunct World Championship Wrestling.
1995 was the year that changed Mr. Runnels’ career trajectory.
He transitioned from “The Natural” Dustin Rhodes, the unassuming real-life son of a wrestling superstar, to a leading man. And quite literally so, as the character was billed from Hollywood, California and was enamored with film.
Goldust was bizarre and intentionally androgynous. His existence was intriguing, yet incongruous to WWF’s hyper-masculine mid-90’s roster. And while Mr. Runnels’ played the anti-masculine character with such grace and panache, he wasn’t the first to do so.
Preceding Goldust were wrestlers such as Gorgeous George in the 1940s, Ricky Star in the 1950s and “Exotic” Adrian Street in the 1970s and 1980s.
But the latter part of the 90s was Goldust’s time to shine. And shine he did.
The flamboyant Goldust was the perfect character to duel with Razor Ramon, a Latino character who oozed machismo; Ahmed Johnson, a black brute; Rowdy Roddy Piper, a scrappy Scottish grappler; and The Undertaker, a hair-raising opponent who appeared impervious to pain.
It could be perceived that Goldust was to bitch as his opponents were to brawn. But that would be a misperception. Goldust was tough, even as he aimed to titillate other wrestlers.
The character has come and gone throughout the years, and it even evolved to more of a comic relief. But the day has come for Goldust’s final curtain call.
On Sunday, Mr. Runnels posted a nearly minute-long video on Twitter in which he slowly and solemnly put the Goldust costume in trunk and, looking into the camera, said “goodbye.”
Mr. Runnels yesterday also notified his fans that he requested and received his release from WWE.
“You’ve immensely enjoyed my antics and entertainment, and I would like to think that I’ve done a good job. That I’ve done my father proud. I was born straight into the thick of this business. It is and has always been my life and I have loved every moment of the ride,” the statement read in part.
Mr. Runnels isn’t immediately leaving the sport, however.
In fact, on Saturday, May 25th in Las Vegas, Nevada, the wrestler formerly known as Goldust will battle his brother, Mr. Cody Rhodes, at All Elite Wrestling’s ‘Double or Nothing’ event.
The face of Mr. Runnels will be partially painted in red and black, with streaks of white. It’s a much more sinister presentation for a man who has entertained millions as such a bright character.
As that bright character, Mr. Runnels created untold moments of hilarity and brutality. He’s definitely earned his star; he’s a future hall-of-famer. And more importantly, he’s ensured that wrestling fans will never forget the name of …. Goldust.
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