When “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007, his plan went beyond commemorating his legendary career — he intended the ceremony to serve as a significant moment for his son, Cody Rhodes. Dusty envisioned his Hall of Fame introduction as Cody’s “coming out party” to the WWE Universe, a pivotal step to formally introduce and establish his son within WWE’s spotlight.
A Legacy and a Launchpad
Cody Rhodes had joined WWE around 2006 after honing his skills in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), WWE’s then-developmental territory. Despite being a wrestler with immense potential and a famous lineage, Cody initially struggled to carve out his own identity on WWE’s “Monday Night RAW.” Alongside his brother Dustin (also known as Goldust), he eventually formed the faction “Legacy,” but his ascent was gradual rather than meteoric.
During Dusty’s Hall of Fame induction, it was his heartfelt wish that the spotlight would not only honor him but also formally introduce Cody to the wrestling audience in a way that marked the beginning of his major WWE journey. Bruce Prichard, a longtime WWE creative executive, revealed on Cody’s podcast “What Do You Wanna Talk About?” that Dusty expressed a desire for both his sons to induct him into the Hall of Fame, with a specific note that Cody’s presence would signify his “coming out party” in WWE.
“Dusty had told me before going in he wanted you guys [Dustin and Cody] to induct him [into the WWE Hall of Fame],” Prichard said. “But he also said to me (…) that, that would be your ‘coming out’ party. That would be where we would see – you’ll see – Cody there.”[1]
The Weight of a Hall of Fame Induction
Inducting a WWE Hall of Famer, especially a figure as revered as Dusty Rhodes, is a daunting task for any wrestler — doubly so when it involves your own father. Prichard acknowledged the enormous pressure Cody faced that night, standing beside his older, already established brother while honoring their legendary father.
“It was the poise in which you did it, the way in which you handled that audience, and that was a heavy burden,” Prichard reflected. “That’s a heavy, heavy hitter to put into the Hall of Fame; and oh, by the way, it’s your dad.”[1]
Cody’s ability to navigate this moment with grace helped him gain respect both backstage and with fans, laying the foundation for his eventual rise within WWE and later as a leader in the wrestling world beyond WWE.
A Family Affair: Dusty’s Sons Honoring the American Dream
Dusty Rhodes’ induction wasn’t just a personal milestone; it symbolized the continuation of his family’s legacy in professional wrestling. Both Dustin and Cody shared the honor of inducting their father, highlighting the deep wrestling roots and family bond shared amongst them.
The ceremony featured not only tributes to Dusty’s legendary career but also moments that showcased wrestling’s generational continuity. Dusty himself embraced this connection during his acceptance speech, which remains one of the most passionate and memorable in Hall of Fame history.
Behind the Scenes: Sources Close to Rhodes
Sources close to Cody Rhodes have revealed that Dusty’s intentions were always larger than a personal accolade. He wanted the ceremony to serve as a launchpad for Cody’s career, especially because Dusty recognized how difficult it could be for second-generation wrestlers to step out from their famous parents’ shadows.
According to a WWE insider, “Dusty was deeply proud of Cody and saw the Hall of Fame induction as the perfect opportunity to give him a spotlight without overshadowing him. It was as if Dusty was passing the torch in a very public and meaningful way.” This blend of personal sentiment and career savvy from Dusty demonstrated his understanding of wrestling’s business side and legacy.
Cody Rhodes’ Growth Post-Induction
While the 2007 induction was meant as a “coming out party,” Cody’s career path showed that becoming a standout WWE star took time and perseverance. From his early days forming Legacy alongside Ted DiBiase Jr., Cody gradually built his own fanbase and developed a distinct wrestling persona, eventually becoming “The American Nightmare.” His growth outside WWE, including influential runs in AEW and independent circuits, further cemented his status as a wrestling heavyweight in his own right.
The Hall of Fame moment, however, remains a significant chapter — the night Cody Rhodes stepped into the WWE spotlight under his father’s proud gaze, beginning a journey defined not only by the Rhodes legacy but by his own hard work and charisma.
Remembering Dusty Rhodes’ Enduring Impact
The late Dusty Rhodes was much more than just a wrestler; he was a symbol of blue-collar grit and charisma that resonated deeply with fans across generations. His work as a performer, booker, and mentor left an indelible mark on professional wrestling, shaping the industry far beyond his in-ring achievements.
Dusty stayed involved in WWE as a creative consultant before his Hall of Fame induction, influencing storylines and helping nurture new talent, including his sons. His passion for wrestling carried through until the end of his life, making the 2007 Hall of Fame ceremony a crucial moment celebrating both his career and the future he envisioned for the Rhodes family.
Dusty Rhodes’ desire to use his WWE Hall of Fame induction as a platform to spotlight his son Cody offers a heartfelt glimpse into the personal side of wrestling legacies and the challenges second-generation performers face. Cody Rhodes’ successful career trajectory honors that vision, fulfilling the promise Dusty saw during that unforgettable night in 2007.
