Biography of the Professional Wrestler Goldust
Profile of Dustin Runnels’ WWE Character Nicknamed The Bizarre One
Dustin Runnels, known more commonly as Dustin Rhodes, made a stunning debut in the World Wrestling Federation on October 22, 1995 when he wrestled against Marty Jannetty at In Your House 4 in an all-gold outfit and long blond wig. He was obsessed with movies. His first high-profile feud was with Razor Ramon, where Goldust showed his bizarre behavior that set him apart from most other wrestlers: he showed physical affection toward his opponents.
Goldust’s Feud with Ahmed Johnson
The Bizarre One’s next feud was with Ahmed Johnson, whom he angered when he kissed Johnson while supposedly trying to bring him back to consciousness by giving him mouth to mouth, in one of the World Wrestling Federation’s most controversial moments. The two wrestlers feuded until Goldust was defeated by Johnson at King of the Ring in 1996.
Goldust and Mankind Feud with The Undertaker
While Mankind was feuding with The Undertaker, Goldust unexpectedly allied himself with Mankind and Paul Bearer, Undertaker’s former manager who had left the Phenom for his enemy. Mankind referred to Goldust as “Mommy” and helped Goldust defeat The Undertaker in their match at In Your House in July 1996. Goldust also helped bury the Phenom at In Your House: Buried Alive when Taker faced off against Mankind.
Going Back to Being Dustin Rhodes
In what was presumably part of a storyline, Goldust declared that he was tired of being The Bizarre One and wanted to go back to his real identity, Dustin Rhodes. This was the exact opposite of Goldust, who was flamboyant, bizarre and alarming. Dustin Rhodes was a normal cowboy who wore jeans and boots.
The Artist Formerly Known as Goldust
In the late 90s, Goldust gave himself a new moniker, which was no name at all: The Artist Formerly Known as Goldust. He became even more bizarre, in accordance with the new Attitude Era of the World Wrestling Federation. For The Bizarre One this included wearing a dog collar and leash, affiliating with Luna Vachon, and wearing a tight rubber costume.
Goldust Leaves and Returns to WWE Numerous Times
Goldust left WWF/E many times over the rest of his career. His first departure took place in 1999, where he left for World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He returned to WWE in 2002 as a more comic, friendly character. He teamed with Booker T to form a comic relief duo. They feuded with Christian and Chris Jericho for a time, and won the Tag Team Championship belts. Goldust also won the Hardcore Championship nine times.
Goldust returned to World Wrestling Entertainment yet again, from 2005-6, where he barely made a blip, before he made a more permanent return in 2008 onto Raw. He feuded with Santino Marella for a brief time and then formed a tag team with Hornswoggle. They often feuded with The Brian Kendrick.
Goldust was traded to ECW in June 2009. He has since feuded with Sheamus and occasionally fought against Christian in an attempt to win the ECW Championship. He is a face character and has a good rapport with the audience, but his next actions in ECW are at the moment unclear.
Although Goldust is not as controversial or bizarre as he was initially seen to be when he debuted in 1995, he remains a significant figure of the 1990s and one of the more unusual characters of World Wrestling Entertainment in its history. His comedic and weird antics and feuds have had fans discussing him for years.
Sources:
Goldust Biography, Online World of Wrestling Profiles
Goldust Hangs His Wig on the Camera in Cardiff
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