Why Dusty Rhodes Never Went Heel and Challenged Hulk Hogan for the World Title in 1989

The idea of turning Dusty Rhodes heel in 1989 to challenge Hulk Hogan for the world title might seem intriguing at first glance. However, there are several factors that make this scenario unlikely.

The Ethical and Fan-Friendly Standing of Dusty Rhodes

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The notion that Dusty wouldn’t have turned to a heel fails due to his enduring popularity and financial success as a good guy (babyface). A heel turn would have likely shifted his fandom from the fans to an unknown quantity, which would not align with WWE’s strategic interests.

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Some argue that Dusty’s status as a beloved heel would have made such a turn problematic. However, his popularity and the fact that he made significant money as a face (babyface) suggest that a heel turn would not have been a sensible move. Moreover, Dusty did face Hogan, but it likely occurred in Japan and not in the U.S., where such a controversial storyline would have been dishonorable.

The Vince McMahon Factor: Pressure and Humiliation

Another perspective is that Dusty himself did not want to go heel. This aligns with Vince McMahon’s alleged attempt to convince Dusty to take a break from booking and reduce the pressure he was under. A major heel turn and a challenge to Hogan would have caused significant disruption and might have been more of a strategic mistake than a calculated decision.

Additionally, Vince McMahon had a specific strategy not to push wrestlers who gained significant notoriety in other companies. He especially wanted to avoid humiliating Dusty with ridiculous gimmicks, such as the polka dots. This strategic move likely deterred the possibility of Dusty turning losing face.

The Decades-Long Face Program of Dusty Rhodes

Over the years, it became clear that Dusty Rhodes was a stalwart face throughout his career. Once he turned face in the mid-1970s, he maintained this persona with few exceptions. One notable deviation was his brief turn to a heel in the WCW (World Championship Wrestling) when he joined the NWO (Nexus Wrestling Organization). Despite this, even during this short heel period, fans cheered Dusty.

It is evident from these points that Dusty Rhodes was always a fan favorite and his heel turn would have been a strategic misstep for WWE. The reasons behind this decision are multifaceted, involving personal preferences, strategic business decisions, and the specific pressures and dynamics within the wrestling industry during that time.

The reasons stated here are based on the historical context and the known dynamics of the wrestling world during this era. While it's impossible to know the exact thoughts and decisions of Vince McMahon or Dusty Rhodes, these points offer a plausible and well-supported theory for why Dusty never went heel and challenged Hulk Hogan.