Today in Pro Wrestling History (July 26): Dusty Rhodes Wins Third World Title

Today in Pro Wrestling History: Dusty Rhodes defeats Ric Flair in a steel cage match to win the NWA World Heavyweight title. It would be The American Dream’s third- and final- time holding wrestling’s most illustrious championship.

Today in Pro Wrestling History (July 26): Dusty Rhodes Wins Third World Title

Our wrestling history is gold, and so are readers like you!

If the following story adds to your collection of wrestling knowledge, you can:

Join our newsletter! Leave a tip

The reign was short-lived, however, as Flair would regain the belt two weeks later. Rhodes had previously defeated Harley Race for both of his other title victories, in 1979 and 1981.

Dusty Rhodes never had the physique of a wrestling god, though his charisma and innate ability on the microphone more than made up for that, learn more about him here: Dusty Rhodes: Secret History on the American Dream

These stories may also interest you:

Can’t get enough pro wrestling history in your life? Sign up to unlock ten pro wrestling stories curated uniquely for YOU, plus subscriber-exclusive content. A special gift from us awaits after signing up!

Want More? Choose another story!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, TikTok, and Flipboard!

Our wrestling history is gold, and so are readers like you!

If this story added to your collection of wrestling knowledge, you can say thanks:

Tip jar (PayPal) Browse our merch at our brand-new shop (launched February 2026)!

Pro Wrestling Stories is committed to accurate, unbiased wrestling content rigorously fact-checked and verified by our team of researchers and editors. Any inaccuracies are quickly corrected, with updates timestamped in the article's byline header.

Got a correction, tip, or story idea for Pro Wrestling Stories? Contact us! Learn about our editorial standards here. Ever wanted to learn more about the people behind Pro Wrestling Stories? Meet our authors! Want to write for us? Learn how to join the team.

Quick Tip for Facebook Readers

Many of our readers find us through our Facebook page. Meta's built in browser (which opens by default on mobile) can occasionally freeze mid article, a known issue unrelated to our site. For uninterrupted reading: tap the three dots in the top right corner then select 'Open in external browser'. That usually resolves the glitch. Thanks for your support and we want your wrestling stories to stay as smooth as a top rope hurricanrana!

ProWrestlingStories.com participates in affiliate marketing programs. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we may earn commissions at no extra cost to our readers. This supports our mission to deliver free content for you to enjoy!