12/13/2024
We at Carolina Wrestling Channel would like to acknowledge “The Highflying Hillbilly” Dusty Money as the Superstar of the Week. For many years, Dusty Money (Dustin Bragg) had been one of the homegrown stars of the longest running SC based professional wrestling promotion – American Pro Wrestling. Dusty’s journey in professional wrestling, and in his personal life, has gone through several changes: both high and low with him ultimately finding balance and a new lease on both his personal and professional life. We took some time with Dusty to get a look at this roller coaster ride of his life.
Dustin Bragg is a second generation professional wrestler. Most people in the Carolinas know of his father Jerry Bragg better known by most as “The Indian Outlaw” Chief Jay Eagle. Jay Eagle was trained by wrestling legend Wahoo McDaniel and for over 25 years owned and operated American Pro Wrestling based in Spartanburg County in SC. However, Eagle wasn’t the only professional wrestler in the family as Dusty’s mother, Lisa Darnell, was a wrestler that trained under The Fabulous Moolah. “They got married in 1985 and they even held tag team titles together”, recalled Dusty. Dusty informed that the pairing between his mother and father didn’t last, “They later got divorced and then moved on.” As most know, Jay Eagle would continue being a fixture in the Carolinas while Lisa would retire from wrestling. “My mother never looked back at wrestling and moved on with family.”
As a child of a wrestler, Dusty would travel with his father for years until the inception of APW. Dusty admitted that wrestling, although he found entertaining, was not his first choice for a career path. “My father always seemed to push me towards wresting,” Dusty said, “At first, I didn’t like it. I did it because he wanted me to, but eventually it grew on me and I learned to love it.” At the age of 15, Dusty would begin his wrestling training with his father along with Nick Fury and Timmy Anton while also receiving further mentorship from Chris Hamrick and George South. After close to two years, at 17 years of age, Dusty would have his first professional wrestling match against AJ Frost. Over time, Dusty would take his talents to several promotions in the southeast but American Pro Wrestling was his home and would be a champion on multiple occasions.
Over time, Dusty admitted that his life would hit a low spot for a time. “I struggled with addiction for a very long,” Dusty confessed, “I wasted a lot of valuable time.” These struggles would land Dusty in situations which tested his relationships in both his personal and professional life, however, after going through this dark period in his life Dusty managed to find light to guide him through. “My choice to become sober came when I realized that the only people suffering were my children” Dusty said. “I accepted the Lord in my life and things get easier day by day.” Dusty has been in sobriety for three years and pays it forward as best as he can, “I continue to support people that are trying to get their life together” he said, “And God has showed me that there is still time to do something with my life.”
With a second chance, Dusty Money made his return to wrestling but with a whole new look and attitude with his new persona, “The Highflying Hillbilly”. With the help and support of promoter/wrestler Michael Elliott, Dusty discovered that wrestling in a pair of overalls may not have been what he envisioned but it brought out his more goofball and fun-loving side that has allowed him to have a whole new lease in the ring and is having the most fun while performing at a high level. Dusty wanted to give a message to his friend and tag team partner when Michael dons the mask of Big Nasty: “Thank you for helping me find a purpose again and to be so kind enough to take a chance with me and teach me what you could about the hills with the stills.” He further stated, “(Big Nasty) gave me something that brought my heart back into wrestling!”
Dusty Money has made a tremendous comeback inside and outside of the ropes. He has been seen more often in various promotions in both the Carolinas and has developed a great relationship with his fans while also finding joy in his everyday life. We at CWC look forward to Dusty keep climbing that mountain to new heights.
