Dustin Runnels Coming to Squared Circle Expo IV

Squared Circle Expo is less than two months away. It's not too late to make plans to be at SCX IV March 29-30 in Indianapolis.

Although I have met Dustin Runnels several times, I am excited about seeing him again. He is a great convention guest.

Dustin is the son of the legendary Dusty Rhodes, which came with many benefits and some challenges. Imagine trying to follow in the footsteps of your Hall of Famer father. The Natural did just that, making his pro debut at 19.

He wrestled in the same companies as his father for a while, but then reappeared in the WWF as Goldust, one of the most controversial characters ever. Not only did Dustin make it work, he kept it eveolving with the times, ultimately making it one of the beloved characters of the era.

Post-Goldust, Dustin found more success in other companies, before landing in All Elite Wrestling a few years ago. Part agent, part worker, Dustin si valuable to AEW on both ends. Although his in-ring career is nearing its end, Dustin is still capable of putting on awesome matches.

Dustin will be joined by about 70 other legends and current stars at SCX IV. There are far too many to list. There are almost too many to actually have time to meet, but with proper planning, I get them all!

For more info on SCX IV, go to SquaredCircleX.com. Also check here for my recurring coverage.

Dustin Runnels and me in Indianapolis, IN-July 2019.

Squared Circle Expo Update Featuring Dustin Runnels

When I last reported on the Squared Circle Expo 2020, I shared the news that it had been rescheduled for August 21-22.
The SCE organizers recently announced that all previously purchased tickets have been transferred to the new dates, unless otherwise requested. Also, all reservations made through SCE and the Wyndham Indianapolis West have been transferred. Anything secured through third party sources would need to be transferred through those places.
The SCE organizers also announced a new guest. Dustin Runnels has been added to the wrestling guest lineup.
Debuting in 1988, Runnels has gone on to have a legendary and underrated career. He has won 23 titles between the WWE and TNA. He also has the second most Royal Ru8mble appearances with 13. Runnels has continued to evolve his character or create new ones as his career progressed.
Originally “The Natural,” Runnels followed in the footsteps of his Hall of Fame father Dusty Rhodes. When he started his second stint in the WWE in 1995, he debuted Goldust, one of the most unique and controversial characters ever in wrestling. Since then, Runnels has continued making Goldust interesting by keeping the character fresh. Currently, Runnels is wrestling for All Elite Wrestling.
I have met Runnels many times. He is always great. The last time I met Runnels, I had the pleasure of talking to him for several minutes about his career. Of course, the conversation turned to his epic match with brother Cody in AEW. I totally felt his pride in the match. It was palpable. He even thanked me for my appreciation for the match.
I also mentioned other fun moments from his career, like his infamous match with Rowdy Roddy Piper. Runnels has a deep appreciation for his fans and our memories of him.
I am really looking forward to seeing Runnels again. People ask why fans want to meet wrestlers so many times. At least with Runnels, the answer is simple. Much like his characters, each encounter is enjoyable and unique.
The organizers of the SCE have been busier than usual because of the rescheduling caused by the pandemic. They have been frantically securing old wrestling guests as well as new ones. They have transferred tickets and reservations. They have also kept fans updated along the way and we all appreciate that. Especially during this time of great confusion,l it is great to have answers on this big event and to be able to look forward to it!
The Squared Circle Expo 2020 is now four months away. I will continue to provide updates and coverage all through the event.
Check SquaredCircleX.com for all of the info on this great event. Also follow Squared Circle Expo on Facebook for more frequent updates.

Dustin Runnels and me in Indianapolis, IN-July 2019.

Never Forget the Name...Goldust

It is always hard following in the footsteps of a legendary father. Dustin Runnels has had the challenge of wrestling in the shadow of his Hall of Fame father, Dusty Rhodes. The odd thing is that Dustin is actually a much better technical wrestler and has a better build.
Rhodes was already past his prime when Runnels started wrestling in 1988. They have often been in the same organization, although at times they have been separated. For the most part, their relationship was admitted.
In 1997, Runnels reappeared in the WWE as Goldust, a makeup-wearing, ambigious, Hollywood-themed character. His identity as Runnels wasn't revealed at first (although fans knew it was him soon after his debut).
Goldust was a great character. It was odd, but original (which is a rare thing in wrestling). Goldust was controversial and flamboyant and Runnels played it well.
Unfortunately, the WWE humanized (and neutralized) him with an ill-conceived interview in which he revealed many truths. The aura of the character was lost. Goldust was now Runnels in weird makeup.
Runnels flipped between WWE and TNA for a few years. In TNA, he became Black Reigh (a takeoff on Goldust). In the WWE, he turned Goldust into more of a comedic character.
This version of Goldust is very entertaining, although not nearly as appealing as an actual wrestler. Still, I have to hand it to Runnels for making the new Goldust very popular with fans.
It was interesting to meet Runnels. He was taller than I expected and he looked more put-together than on tv. He was polite, quiet and respectful to his fans. He also mugged a bit with his dad (who was also at the event).

Dustin Runnels and me in St. Petersburg, FL-January 2005.