If you wheel—Dusty Rhodes’ “Hard Times” promo is one of the most iconic wrestling interviews of all time. Here’s a breakdown of what makes it legendary:
The “Hard Times” promo was delivered by “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes on October 29, 1985, during an episode of NWA World Championship Wrestling. It was a passionate, blue-collar speech aimed at connecting with the working-class audience while building up his feud with Ric Flair.
Dusty addressed the struggles of the everyday American:
“First of all, I would like to thank the many, many fans throughout this country that wrote cards and letters to Dusty Rhodes, The American Dream, while I was down. Secondly, I want to thank Jim Crockett Promotions for waitin’ and takin’ the time ‘cause I know how important it was—Hard Times…”
He goes on to describe “hard times”:
“Hard times are when the textile workers around this country are outta work. They got four or five kids and can’t pay their wages, can’t buy their food.
Hard times are when the auto workers are out of work and they tell ‘em, ‘Go home!’
Hard times are when a man has worked at a job thirty years—thirty years!—and they give him a watch, kick him in the butt, and say, ‘Hey, a computer took your place, daddy!’ That’s hard times!”
He ends by drawing a stark contrast with Ric Flair:
“Ric Flair, The American Dream has not asked for a handout—he’s just askin’ for a chance! And I am the man who represents the hard-working people of America…”
- Emotionally resonant: It wasn’t just about wrestling—it tapped into the economic despair of 1980s America.
- Unique style: Dusty’s Southern cadence, charisma, and passion made it feel real.
- Cultural significance: It turned wrestling from a cartoonish spectacle into a form of gritty storytelling that connected with viewers.
- Legacy: It’s still quoted by fans, wrestlers, and commentators decades later. Many promos today try (and usually fail) to recreate its authenticity.
