A Match Made in Charity Heaven
On February 28th, 1988, the stars of the NWA Jim Crockett Promotions faced off against the Charlotte, NC Police Department in a charity basketball game at the Charlotte Coliseum. The NWA team boasted an impressive lineup, including Sting, Lex Luger, Dusty Rhodes, the Road Warriors, Brad Armstrong, Barry Windham, and Tim Horner.
Fans in attendance were amazed by the athleticism displayed by the wrestlers, particularly Dusty Rhodes, who showcased surprising agility and skill for a man of his size.
Dusty Rhodes: The Game-Winning Hero
A video of the game first surfaced in 2020, confirming the details of the event and highlighting Dusty Rhodes’ game-winning layup. As “The American Dream,” it seemed only fitting that Rhodes would secure the victory for his team.
Additional Highlights
The video (see below) also revealed Lex Luger’s impressive rebounding abilities and Barry Windham’s point guard skills.
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Cody Rhodes Recalls His Father’s Unique Style and Love for Basketball
In a 2024 interview on Complex’s Sneaker Shopping, Cody Rhodes shared insights into his father’s distinctive fashion sense and love for basketball shoes. Dusty Rhodes was known for his eclectic style, often sporting mismatched clothing, undersized Ray-Bans, and his signature Rolex watch.
Cody Rhodes recounted a story about a celebrity softball game where his father insisted on wearing his wrestling trunks instead of pants or shorts. He also mentioned Dusty’s fondness for his Rolex, which was always loosely strapped to his wrist.
Dusty’s Passion for Basketball
Cody Rhodes emphasized his father’s deep respect for basketball shoes and his overall love for the game. He mentioned the viral Dusty video that showcases Dusty’s impressive skills on the court.
Cody Rhodes revealed that his father took the charity game very seriously, even threatening to fire his fellow wrestlers if they lost to the Charlotte Police Department. He also shared a personal story about playing horse with his father every day in high school, a game he never managed to win.
Even Snoop Dogg Was Impressed
Dusty’s basketball prowess even caught the attention of rapper Snoop Dogg, who reposted a video of Dusty on the court from WrestlingNewsCo’s Instagram account with the caption: “If u know u know!!” This further cemented Dusty’s legacy as a multi-talented individual who excelled both in the wrestling ring and on the basketball court.
Even Snoop Dogg knows about the legend of Dusty Rhodes on the basketball court. pic.twitter.com/3a1EX0WuIS
— Wrestling News (@WrestlingNewsCo) December 31, 2024
Conclusion
The 1988 charity basketball game between the NWA stars and the Charlotte Police Department was a memorable event that showcased the athleticism and competitive spirit of the wrestlers. Dusty Rhodes emerged as the hero of the game, securing the win for his team with his game-winning layup. The event also highlighted Dusty’s unique sense of style and his passion for basketball, as shared by his son, Cody Rhodes.
