Why Ricky Steamboat Retired From The Wrestling Business, Explained

Highlights

• Ricky Steamboat is one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, having wrestled for various promotions and against legendary opponents.
• He had memorable runs in WWE and WCW, with his feud against Ric Flair being a highlight of his career.
• Although his full-time wrestling career ended in 1994, Steamboat made a comeback in 2009 and 2022, teaming with FTR and achieving victories. His legacy is undeniably influential in the world of professional wrestling.

When listing some of the very best to ever step into a professional wrestling ring, Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat is a top contender in that conversation. Debuting in 1976, Steamboat has wrestled against many of the best legends to ever get into the squared circle. His presence was felt in various promotions such as WWE, NWA, AJPW, WCW, and more. He is a multi-time world champion in the business and was exceptional in the ring. However, Steamboat’s career was cut short in 1994 when injury forced him to retire from full-time in-ring competition. Despite this, however, there have been a few times over the years when fans have been lucky enough to see “The Dragon” step back into a ring and entertain them.

Ricky Steamboat's Legendary Wrestling Career

Runs In WWE And WCW

Following his time wrestling for AWA and Jim Crockett Promotions, Steamboat made his debut for the WWE in 1985. There, he was a part of numerous historical matches and events for the promotion. Most notably, he faced off against “Macho Man” Randy Savage at WrestleMania 3 for the Intercontinental Championship in a renowned match. It is still brought up among the greatest matches to ever happen at WWE’s biggest show of the year. Steamboat wrestled for WWE until 1988 and made a return in 1991, but the most famous part of his career was his time spent in WCW.

WCW saw Steamboat partake in some of the company’s most famous rivalries and matches. It was here that he had the most important rivalry of his career with “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair and The Four Horsemen. They faced each other numerous times for the WCW World Heavyweight Title. It was a pivotal feud in the early era of WCW. In addition to his rivalry with Flair, Steamboat also faced off against the likes of “Stunning” Steve Austin, Rick Rude, Lord Steven Regal, and more when he wrestled in WCW. In addition, he also accumulated a number of different championships in the promotion.

What Really Is The Best Match In The Ricky Steamboat Vs. Ric Flair Trilogy?

Unfortunately, Steamboat’s career as a full-time professional wrestler ended in 1994. His final match was against Steve Austin in a US Heavyweight Title match at a WCW House Show. He had initially won the title from Austin at Clash of the Champions 28. Steamboat ended up having to relinquish the title due to injury. He never ended up wrestling for WCW again. While he made some appearances in non-wrestling roles for promotions, he did not step back into a professional wrestling ring until 2009.

Ricky Steamboat Steps Back Into The Ring With WWE And AEW

Feud With Chris Jericho And Teaming With FTR

2009 saw Steamboat make his first return to the ring in over 10 years at WrestleMania 25. He partook in a 3-on-1 handicap match against Chris Jericho. This was the start of a brief run in WWE again for Steamboat. He took part in a few matches, including against Jericho at BackLash 2009. In addition, he even teamed with his son, Richie Steamboat, at FCW Father’s Day Salute. After that, he once again took another long break away from professional wrestling. That was up until very recently.

10 Things Wrestling Fans Forget About Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat's WWE Career

In the last few years, professional wrestling has seen numerous legends stepping back into the ring. Recently, this saw Edge and Saraya make their returns. Steamboat was also among these names. At BTW Return Of The Dragon in 2022, Steamboat teamed with AEW’s FTR to take on Brock Anderson, Jay Lethal, and Nick Aldis. The trio of Steamboat and FTR were successful. It marked Steamboat’s first victory as well since teaming with his son back in 2010.

Ricky Steamboat's Legacy In Professional Wrestling

Multi-Time Champion

Before making his return to the ring after 12 years, Steamboat spoke with Sports Illustrated about what he wanted from the match. He said, “I’m wrestling with some great workers and I’m teaming with FTR, who are phenomenal. I keep telling myself, ‘Don’t be stupid, Steamboat.’ I’m going to be smart about this. My goal is to sprinkle in some ‘Ricky Steamboat dust’ throughout the match. If I can do that, I’ll be happy.” He further added, “I hope they remember how they felt, I hope they remember where they were. We’ve spent a lot of special memories together, and this is a chance to recognize that.”

That was the last match to date of Steamboat’s legendary career. While he made an appearance for AEW, do not expect him to return to a wrestling ring anytime soon. In an interview with Bill Apter, he said that he is taking time away from the ring. Steamboat is undoubtedly one of the greatest to ever step into the squared circle and his resume in professional wrestling speaks for itself.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTErKeoqqSowaa%2BjZympmenrLJuvsicorJlo6myornBqJitZaKawaq%2BxJ1kn6qfonq4vsSsq6Whnpx6o8HSoqWeq6Nk