Today, I want to talk about something that’s been heavy on my heart. It’s about Sandra Runnels, who was more than just a name in the wrestling world. She was Dustin Rhodes’ mom, and that’s how I first heard of her.
My First Encounter
I’ve been following Dustin’s career for a while, you know, from his days as Goldust in WWE to his current gig in AEW. I always admired his dedication, how he’s kept going for decades. It was through one of his posts, I think it was on Twitter or maybe Instagram, that I learned about his mother, Sandra. It was a sad day. He announced that she had passed away. I remember it was around December 19th. Man, that hit me hard.
Digging Deeper
After seeing Dustin’s post, I wanted to find out more about Sandra. I mean, she raised a legend, right? So, I started searching online. Found out she was also the ex-wife of Dusty Rhodes, another big name in wrestling. And get this, she’s not just Dustin’s mom, but Cody Rhodes’ too. That’s like wrestling royalty! They both have had great careers and are now in AEW and WWE, respectively. It’s a family affair, wrestling.
What I Learned
From what I gathered, Sandra was dealing with some serious health issues. Dustin’s post really brought it home. It’s tough seeing someone you admire go through something like that. It wasn’t just a post; it was a son sharing his grief. It made Sandra real, you know? Not just a name related to famous wrestlers, but a mother, a person with her own story.
Reflecting
This whole thing got me thinking about family and how important they are. Especially in a world like professional wrestling, where it’s all about the show and the characters. Behind all that, there are real people with families. It’s easy to forget that sometimes. Sandra’s passing was a big reminder for me. It shows how life outside the ring is just as real, if not more so, than what happens inside it. I can see how big of an impact she had on her sons.
Closing Thoughts
- Family Matters: This whole experience reminded me how important family is, especially in tough industries like wrestling.
- Real People: Behind every wrestler, there’s a real person with a family and a story. Sandra was a prime example of that.
- Respect: It’s crucial to respect these people not just as entertainers, but as individuals with their own lives and struggles.
In the end, learning about Sandra Runnels was more than just finding out about a wrestler’s mom. It was a lesson in empathy and a reminder of the human side of the wrestling business. Dustin sharing his loss gave us all a glimpse into his life and made us appreciate the people behind the personas even more. Rest in peace, Sandra.
