Ricky Steamboat

Richard Henry Blood was born on February 28, 1953, to a Japanese American mother and a White father.{{cite web |title=Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat |url=http://rickythedragonsteamboat.com/rsb.html |access-date=January 18, 2010 |work=Ricky Steamboat's Official Bio |archive-date=May 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507160236/http://www.rickythedragonsteamboat.com/rsb.html |url-status=usurped }} Richard Henry Blood was born in West Point, New York{{Cite web |title=Ricky Steamboat: Profile & Match Listing - Internet Wrestling Database (IWD) |url=http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/ricky-steamboat-5.html?title=220 |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=www.profightdb.com}}He went to high school first in New York and later graduated in 1971 from Boca Ciega High School in Gulfport, Florida, where he was on the wrestling team. He was a two-time New York state qualifier and a Florida state champion.

Blood was trained to wrestle by Verne Gagne and The Iron Sheik. He debuted in March 1976 as a babyface in Gagne's Minneapolis, Minnesota–based American Wrestling Association (AWA), wrestling as "Rick Blood".{{cite video|title=Ricky Steamboat: The Life Story of the Dragon|publisher=WWE|year=2010}} His early opponents included Scott Irwin, Buck Zumhofe, Mad Dog Vachon, and Blackjack Lanza. In May 1976, he took part in a two ring, $50,000 battle royal that was won by Mad Dog Vachon and Larry Hennig. He left the AWA later that month to join Championship Wrestling from Florida.{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=743&page=4&year=1976 |title=Rick Steamboat - matches - 1976 |access-date=June 27, 2024 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}

Before Blood's debut in Championship Wrestling from Florida, Eddie Graham gave him the ring name "Ricky Steamboat" based on his resemblance to Hawaiian wrestler Sammy Steamboat.{{cite book|title=Wrestle Radio U. S. A.: Grapplers Speak|author=Symkus, Ed|author2=Vinne Carolan|publisher=ECW Press|year=2004|page=163|quote=Is it true you used to wrestle as 'Sammy Steamboat Jr.' when you first broke in? No, I was his 'nephew'.}}{{cite web|url=http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20140725/PC20/140729472|title=Ageless Ricky Steamboat good guy inside and outside the wrestling ring|publisher=The Post and Courier|author=Mike Mooneyham|work=Post and Courier |date=July 25, 2014|access-date=August 11, 2014|quote=I walked into Eddie Graham's office, he took one look at me and said, 'You look a lot like Sam Steamboat. We're going to make you his nephew - Ricky Steamboat,' the wrestler recalled.}} According to Steamboat, Graham thought "Rick Blood" was a good name for a heel, but not a face.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/88052/ricky-steamboat-discusses-his-favorite-ric-flair-match-the-wwe-talent-hes-most-proud-of-returning-to-the-ring-vs-chris-jericho-and-much-more.html?p=1|title=RICKY STEAMBOAT DISCUSSES HIS FAVORITE RIC FLAIR MATCH, THE WWE TALENT HE'S MOST PROUD OF, RETURNING TO THE RING VS. CHRIS JERICHO AND MUCH MORE - PWInsider.com|access-date=August 6, 2016}}

File:Ricky Steamboat 1979.jpg

In 1977, Steamboat entered the National Wrestling Alliance-sanctioned Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) (which ran under the concurrent brand names "Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling" and "Wide World Wrestling"—later "World Wide Wrestling"—as well as airing syndicated TV programs under those respective names), where he would remain for the next eight years of his career. Steamboat, who had been brought in by JCP booker George Scott on the recommendation of Wahoo McDaniel, was initially billed as a babyface protege of Wahoo and barely spoke above whispers in interviews. Matching him with his brash young counterpart, Ric Flair, was a natural fit. Steamboat was doing an interview on the syndicated Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling when Flair, then Mid-Atlantic television champion, began goading him. Steamboat knocked Flair out with a backhand chop to set up a match between the two. Steamboat's star-making performance came when he pinned Flair after a double thrust off the top rope to win the NWA Mid-Atlantic Television Championship at the WRAL-TV studios in Raleigh, North Carolina.

File:Ricky Steamboat NWA US Championship 1985.png, circa 1985]]

Over the next eight years in JCP, Steamboat captured the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship three times and the NWA World Tag Team Championship six times (once with Paul Jones and five times with Jay Youngblood). He also held the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship singles crown twice and the NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship four times (three times with Paul Jones, once with Jay Youngblood). He also won the Television title (which had been renamed NWA World Television Championship) a second time.

Notable moments involving Steamboat's time in the Mid-Atlantic territory include: the day Flair dragged his face around the television studio, causing facial scarring, and Steamboat retaliating the following week by ripping Flair's expensive suit to shreds (an angle that would be reworked several times involving other wrestlers in the years that followed); when longtime tag team partner Jones turned heel on Steamboat at the end of a two-ring battle royal; Steamboat and Youngblood painting yellow streaks down the backs of Paul Jones and Baron von Raschke to embarrass them into defending the World Tag Team titles against the two; Steamboat and Youngblood's top drawing feud with Sgt. Slaughter and Don Kernodle; Steamboat and Youngblood being turned on by their friends Jack and Jerry Brisco; Steamboat in a shocking (and emotional) feud against former mentor McDaniel; and his last great series in the territory, feuding with Tully Blanchard over the NWA TV title. After creative differences with JCP booker Dusty Rhodes, Steamboat left the NWA.{{cite web|url=http://prowrestling.net/article.php?WWE-legend-Ricky-Steamboat-on-creative-issues-with-Dusty-Rhodes-booking-being-concussed-by-a-Jake-Roberts-DDT-on-the-floor-his-favorite-match-with-Ric-Flair-adapting-to-different-in-ring-styles-43232|title=WWE legend Ricky Steamboat on creative issues with Dusty Rhodes' booking, being concussed by a Jake Roberts DDT on the floor, his favorite match with Ric Flair, adapting to different in-ring styles|access-date=August 6, 2016}}

Image:Ricky Steamboat, 1986.jpg

In 1985, Steamboat was offered a contract by Vince McMahon and joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Shortly after his debut (where he defeated Steve Lombardi on Championship Wrestling), Steamboat was given the gimmick of a babyface nicknamed "the Dragon"; Steamboat's jacket-and-trunks attire was replaced by a keikogi and long tights. Steamboat's mother is Japanese American, hence his Asian features crucial for his "Dragon" gimmick. Steamboat kept the nickname and gimmick for the remainder of his career.

He appeared at the inaugural WrestleMania, where he defeated Matt Borne in the card's third match.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm1/results/|title=WrestleMania I official results|publisher=WWE|access-date=June 6, 2008}} On the September 14, 1985, edition of Championship Wrestling, Steamboat defeated Mr. Fuji, but after his victory was attacked by Fuji's protege Don Muraco, pitting Steamboat in a feud against Muraco and Fuji.{{cite web|date=August 20, 1985|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/85.htm|title=WWF Show Results 1985|work=Angelfire|access-date=June 6, 2008|quote=Ricky Steamboat pinned Mr. Fuji at 4:06 with a roll up after avoiding a back suplex; after the bout, Don Muraco attacked Steamboat in the aisle from behind and broke a chair over his back before he and Fuji went backstage |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080504011937/http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/85.htm |archive-date=May 4, 2008}} During a televised episode of Championship Wrestling, Steamboat and Muraco were scheduled for a match that never officially started after Muraco jumped Steamboat before the bell. Following the beat down, Muraco and Fuji used Steamboat's karate black belt to hang him outside the ring from the top rope before Steamboat was finally saved by Tito Santana and the Junkyard Dog. On the November 2 Saturday Night's Main Event III, he defeated Fuji in a kung-fu challenge.{{cite web|date=November 2, 1985|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/nov021985|title=Saturday Night's Main Event results – November 2, 1985|publisher=WWE|access-date=June 6, 2008}} On the January 4, 1986, Saturday Night's Main Event IV, his intense feud with Muraco ended after he and the JYD beat Muraco and Fuji in a tag team match.{{cite web|date=January 4, 1986|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/jan041986|title=Saturday Night's Main Event results – January 4, 1986|publisher=WWE|access-date=June 6, 2008}}

In the opening round at WWF The Wrestling Classic, Steamboat faced Davey Boy Smith in a rare match pitting two fan favorites against each other. The match moved back and forth until Smith landed in the ropes trying to attack Steamboat, but Steamboat sidestepped and Smith injured his groin and was unable to continue, so Steamboat was awarded the match by forfeit. He then faced off against Randy Savage in the quarterfinals. The referee was distracted by Miss Elizabeth as Savage took advantage and pulled out brass knuckles from his tights and hit Steamboat before pinning him to win the match.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/miscppvs1980s.html#classic|title=The Wrestling Classic results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|access-date=May 25, 2008}}

After a victory over Hercules Hernandez at the Los Angeles portion of WrestleMania 2,{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm2/results/|title=WrestleMania II official results|publisher=WWE|access-date=June 7, 2008}} Steamboat began his next feud with Jake "The Snake" Roberts. Their feud began when Roberts attacked him before their match on the May 3 Saturday Night's Main Event VI, which did not occur due to Roberts assaulting Steamboat.{{cite web|date=May 3, 1986|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/may031986|title=Saturday Night's Main Event results – May 3, 1986|publisher=WWE|access-date=June 7, 2008}}{{cite web|date=May 1, 1986|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/86.htm|title=WWF Show Results 1986|work=Angelfire|access-date=June 7, 2008|quote=Jake Roberts fought Ricky Steamboat to a no contest when Roberts attacked Steamboat before the bell and executed the DDT on the concrete floor before rolling Steamboat back inside the ring and allowing his snake to crawl all over Steamboat until a number of officials swarmed the ring (televised footage of the event showed Roberts literally having to drag Steamboat's limp body into the ring as The Dragon was out cold and could not give the usual help); after the bout, Steamboat was taken from ringside on a stretcher while his wife Bonnie looked on from ringside.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503083150/http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/86.htm |archive-date=May 3, 2008}} Roberts was initially reluctant to deliver the DDT on the concrete floor due to his fear that Steamboat would not be able to stop his head from hitting the floor, which, on this particular occasion, was not covered with protective mats. Vince McMahon and booker George Scott were adamant that the spot take place outside the ring. Only after assurances by Steamboat that he would protect himself did Roberts agree to it. However, Roberts' fears came true and Steamboat was legitimately knocked out when his forehead hit the concrete. Roberts later described the sound as like a watermelon bursting.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVm4j2rNwl8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/bVm4j2rNwl8 |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=SNME Jake The Snake Roberts Reflects on Saturday Night's Main Event|website=YouTube|date=December 6, 2009 |access-date=August 6, 2016}}{{cbignore}} They later battled each other in a Snake Pit match (no DQ) in front of 74,000 fans at The Big Event in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, which Steamboat won with a small package despite Roberts dominating virtually the entire match to that point.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/stadium.html#bigevent|title=The Big Event results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|access-date=June 7, 2008}} Their feud finally ended on the October 4 Saturday Night's Main Event VII, when Steamboat defeated Roberts in their Snake Pit rematch.{{cite web|date=October 4, 1986|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/oct041986|title=Saturday Night's Main Event results – October 4, 1986|publisher=WWE|access-date=June 7, 2008}} Following the match, Roberts continued to attack Steamboat and was about to place his snake Damien on him, but Steamboat took his Komodo Dragon out of his bag and scared Roberts from the ring.{{cite web|date=September 13, 1986|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/86.htm|title=WWF Show Results 1986|work=Angelfire|access-date=June 7, 2008|quote=Ricky Steamboat pinned Jake Roberts at 6:17 in a Snake Pit match with a reverse cradle; after the bout, Roberts continued to attack Steamboat and was about to place Damien on him but Steamboat took his Komodo Dragon out of his bag and scared Roberts from the ring |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080503083150/http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/86.htm |archive-date=May 3, 2008}}

File:Ricky Steamboat 1987.png

On the November 22, 1986 edition of Superstars, Steamboat got a shot at the Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship against Macho Man Randy Savage. Steamboat lost the match by countout but after the match, Savage continued to assault him and injured Steamboat's larynx (kayfabe) with the ring bell, beginning an angle between the two.{{cite web|date=October 28, 1986|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/86.htm|title=WWF Show Results 1986|work=Angelfire|access-date=June 7, 2008|quote=WWF IC Champion Randy Savage (w/ Miss Elizabeth) defeated Ricky Steamboat via count-out after crushing Steamboat's throat against the guardrail, after hitting a double axe handle from the top at 7:03; after the match, Savage attacked Steamboat's larynx with the timekeeper's bell, jumping from the top rope, taking him out of action for several months; moments later, Steamboat was taken from ringside on a stretcher |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080503083150/http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/86.htm |archive-date=May 3, 2008}} On the January 3, 1987 Saturday Night's Main Event IX, Steamboat returned from his injury and prevented Savage from attacking George Steele like he had done to Steamboat six weeks prior.{{cite web|date=December 14, 1986|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/86.htm|title=WWF Show Results 1986|work=Angelfire|access-date=June 7, 2008|quote=WWF IC Champion Randy Savage (w/ Miss Elizabeth) pinned George Steele at around 8:30 after hitting him with the timekeeper's bell; during the bout, Ricky Steamboat came ringside as a surprise of Steele's; moments later, Steele carried Elizabeth backstage and Steamboat was then escorted from ringside by referees and security, with Steele returning to the ring shortly thereafter; after the bout, Steamboat returned to the ring to make the save as Savage prepared to come off the top with the ring bell onto Steele's throat|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503083150/http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/86.htm|archive-date=May 3, 2008}} At WrestleMania III, Steamboat defeated Savage for the Intercontinental Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm3/results/|title=WrestleMania III official results|publisher=WWE|access-date=June 7, 2008}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/top21|title=Top 22 Matches In WrestleMania History – "Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat for the Intercontinental Championship – WrestleMania III|publisher=WWE|access-date=June 7, 2008|archive-date=October 11, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011023332/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/top21|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/322408|title=Ricky Steamboat's first Intercontinental Championship reign|publisher=WWE|access-date=June 7, 2008|archive-date=January 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121095604/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/322408|url-status=dead}} The highly influential match was considered an instant classic by both fans and critics and was named 1987's Match of the Year by both Pro Wrestling Illustrated and the Wrestling Observer.

Several weeks after winning the Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship, Steamboat asked WWF owner Vince McMahon for some time off to be with his wife Bonnie, who was expecting the birth of their first son, Richard, Jr. This did not sit well with WWF management as he had been groomed to become a long-term champion. The decision was made by WWF management to punish Steamboat by having him initially drop the title to Butch Reed, but Reed did not show up that night, so he dropped to The Honky Tonk Man on the June 15 edition of Superstars;{{cite web|date=June 2, 1987|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/87.htm|title=WWF Show Results 1987|work=Angelfire|access-date=June 7, 2008|quote=The Honkytonk Man (w/ Jimmy Hart) pinned WWF IC Champion Ricky Steamboat to win the title at 3:53 by reversing an inside cradle and grabbing onto the bottom rope for leverage |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080222055844/http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/87.htm |archive-date=February 22, 2008}} his son was born a month later. Steamboat came back in time for the Survivor Series in November 1987.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1987/results/|title=Survivor Series 1987 official results|publisher=WWE|access-date=June 7, 2008}} WWF management was still bitter over his impromptu sabbatical from his first WWF run, however, and he was not pushed or given any meaningful feuds. Steamboat himself has implied in interviews that he was being punished for one-upping the Hogan-Andre main event at WrestleMania III. After defeating Ravishing Rick Rude by disqualification at 1988 Royal Rumble,{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/1988114/results/|title=Royal Rumble 1988 official results|publisher=WWE|access-date=June 7, 2008}} Steamboat was entered into the tournament for the vacant WWF World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania IV in March 1988. On WWF television prior to the match, Steamboat appeared in a vignette where he stated that he hoped Randy Savage would win his first round match, thus setting up a rematch of last year's WrestleMania match and "one more classic confrontation". However, Steamboat would lose to his first round opponent Greg "The Hammer" Valentine.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm4/results/ |title=WrestleMania IV official results |publisher=WWE |access-date=June 7, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525165317/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm4/results/ |archive-date=May 25, 2011 }} Although television segments were shot immediately after WrestleMania IV that made it appear that Steamboat would be facing Valentine in a series of matches, Steamboat left the WWF shortly thereafter.

Steamboat made his comeback to wrestling in January 1989 and returned to the NWA (specifically, NWA affiliate World Championship Wrestling) on the January 21, 1989 edition of World Championship Wrestling (it would later become the name of the promotion) as a surprise tag team partner of "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert against NWA World Champion, Ric Flair and Barry Windham in a tag team match that saw Steamboat pin Flair.{{cite web|date=January 1989|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/wcw89.htm|title=WCW Show Results 1989|work=Angelfire|access-date=June 7, 2008|quote=Ricky Steamboat (mystery partner) & Eddie Gilbert defeated NWA World Champion Ric Flair & NWA US Champion Barry Windham (w/ JJ Dillon) at 15:14 when Steamboat pinned Flair with a gorilla press slam and crossbody off the top|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203101527/http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/wcw89.htm|archive-date=December 3, 2008}} This earned him a shot at the title at Chi-Town Rumble where Steamboat defeated Flair in the main event for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/miscppv.html#chi|title=Chi-Town Rumble results|work=Angelfire|access-date=June 7, 2008}} He was also the last NWA World Champion to defend the belt in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) in a match against Tiger Mask II. After Steamboat retained the NWA title against Flair in a controversial ending on the April 2 Clash of the Champions VI: Ragin' Cajun,{{cite web|date=January 26, 2008|url=http://wcwrules4lyf.wordpress.com/wcw/2008/01/26/clash-of-the-champions-6-0489/|title=Clash of the Champions #6 (04.89)|publisher=The Powerdriver Review|access-date=June 7, 2008}} Flair and Steamboat would then face each other in their final rematch at WrestleWar in May, where Steamboat dropped the title to Flair.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/w-war.html#89|title=WrestleWar 1989: Music City Showdown|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|access-date=June 7, 2008}}

After losing the title, Steamboat remained the number one contender to the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, a fact that irked fellow babyface U.S. Champion Lex Luger. This dispute culminated in Luger attacking Steamboat on the June 14 Clash of the Champions VII: Guts and Glory, thus turning heel. Luger stood over the fallen Steamboat and arrogantly said, "There lays your number one contender!"{{cite web|date=June 14, 1989|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/89.htm|title=WCW Show Results 1989|work=Angelfire|access-date=June 7, 2008|quote=Ricky Steamboat defeated Terry Funk via disqualification at 12:52 when Funk took the ringside mic and repeatedly hit Steamboat with it; after the bout, NWA US Champion Lex Luger ran out with a steel chair, clearing Funk from the ring; moments later, Luger grabbed a mic and defended accusations he had recently been too arrogant; he then helped Steamboat to his feet, hit a clothesline, hit Steamboat with the chair, and then put Steamboat in the Torture Rack to a massive face pop; Luger then grabbed the mic again and said "There lays your number one contender," referring to Steamboat |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080304205649/http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/89.htm |archive-date=March 4, 2008}} Steamboat then demanded a no disqualification match against Luger at The Great American Bash for the title, but just before the bell Luger demanded the clause be dropped or there would not be a match.{{cite web|date=January 26, 2008|url=http://wcwrules4lyf.wordpress.com/2008/01/26/great-american-bash-1989/|title=Great American Bash 1989|publisher=The Powerdriver Review|access-date=June 7, 2008|quote=NWA U.S. Heavyweight Champion Lex Luger vs. Ricky Steamboat. It's been scheduled to be a no-DQ match, but Luger protests because he's the champ and doesn't want a no-DQ match with Steamboat, but he'll wrestle if the no-DQ clause is dropped. Now Steamboat has the chair! Tommy Young tries to stop him, but Steamboat shoves him aside as well and BEATS Luger with the chair to give Luger the DQ win! (10:27) |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080604034335/http://wcwrules4lyf.wordpress.com/2008/01/26/great-american-bash-1989/ |archive-date=June 4, 2008}} Steamboat lost the match by disqualification after hitting Luger with a chair. Due to a contract dispute this would be Steamboat's last match of note in WCW in 1989.

File:Rasslin'.jpg

After leaving the NWA, Steamboat underwent surgery on his injured foot. Fully recovered, he returned to the ring in February 1990 for the North Carolina–based North American Wrestling Association (later renamed South Atlantic Pro Wrestling in July 1990), where he feuded with Robert Fuller over the NAWA/SAPW Heavyweight Championship, until leaving the promotion in October 1990.

In September and October 1990, he toured with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he faced high-profile stars like Hiroshi Hase and The Great Muta and teamed up with the likes of Owen Hart, Pegasus Kid, Riki Choshu, Shinya Hashimoto, and Miguel Perez, Jr., and also having matches with aspiring stars Hiro Saito and Takayuki Iizuka.

In 1991, Steamboat would return to the World Wrestling Federation after signing a two-year contract.{{cite web|url=https://members.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-newsletter/january-21-1991-wrestling-observer-newsletter-ric-flair-defeats-sting|title=January 21, 1991 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Ric Flair defeats Sting for his 7th World title win, more|author=Observer Staff|publisher=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|website=F4WOnline.com|date=January 21, 1991|access-date=September 4, 2019}} {{subscription required}} Billed simply as The Dragon, a series of vignettes began airing in February 1991 that featured him breathing fire. Despite his previous success in the WWF as a one-time Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion, Steamboat was mainly treated as a brand-new wrestler, save for the announcers occasionally making reference to his WrestleMania III match and former title reign.{{cite web |url=https://historyofwrestling.com/ricky-steamboat/ |title=Personalities: Ricky Steamboat |last=Von Slagle |first=Stephan |date=July 10, 2020 |website=HistoryOfWrestling.com |publisher= |access-date=November 5, 2022 |quote=}} Steamboat's first match came on a Superstars taping on March 11 in Pensacola, FL when he defeated Jeff Sword. His first televised match was on the March 30 edition of Superstars when he defeated the Brooklyn Brawler with his signature diving crossbody. On subsequent episodes of Superstars and Wrestling Challenge, Steamboat would go on to win numerous squash matches. He would also be victorious on televised Madison Square Garden events, defeating the likes of Haku, Demolition Smash, Paul Roma, Col. Mustafa, Pat Tanaka, and The Warlord.

Steamboat's only pay per view appearance during his second WWF tenure was at SummerSlam. Teaming with Kerry Von Erich and Davey Boy Smith against the Warlord, Hercules, and Paul Roma, Steamboat got the victory for his team by pinning Roma.

The Dragon was undefeated on television during his 1991 run and lost only one match, a house show bout against Skinner. The day after his dark match loss, Steamboat gave his notice to WWF management and then quit the company shortly thereafter. He had been booked for the Survivor Series, teaming with Jim Neidhart (who would be replaced by Sgt. Slaughter due to injury), Jim Duggan, and Kerry Von Erich against Col. Mustafa, Skinner, The Berzerker, and Big Bully Busick (who would be replaced by Hercules after Busick left the WWF), but he left before the event and was replaced by Tito Santana. It is rumored that Steamboat was booked to be squashed by The Undertaker on Superstars to build Undertaker for his impending WWF Championship match against Hulk Hogan, and that Steamboat chose to quit the WWF rather than lose to Undertaker. Undertaker instead squashed Kerry Von Erich on Wrestling Challenge weeks prior to Survivor Series.

During his time in the WWF, Steamboat asked Pat Patterson to work as a heel. Steamboat proposed to fight as a masked heel until somebody would remove his mask, but Patterson said he was a consummate babyface.

In November 1991 at Clash of the Champions XVII, Steamboat returned to World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as the surprise tag team partner of Dustin Rhodes, substituting for an injured Barry Windham. Steamboat and Rhodes defeated the Enforcers (Arn Anderson and Larry Zbyszko) to win the World Tag Team Championship, Steamboat's first World Tag Team Title under the WCW banner.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/clash.html#XVII|title=Clash of the Champions XVII results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|access-date=June 7, 2008}} They lost the titles to Arn Anderson and his new partner Bobby Eaton at a live event in January 1992.{{cite web|date=January 16, 1992|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/wcw92.htm|title=WCW Show Results 1992|work=Angelfire|access-date=November 2, 2008|quote=Arn Anderson & Bobby Eaton defeated WCW Tag Team Champions Ricky Steamboat & Dustin Rhodes in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match to win the titles|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205124733/http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/wcw92.htm|archive-date=February 5, 2009}} Steamboat began feuding with the Dangerous Alliance at this point, facing them in a critically acclaimed WarGames match at WrestleWar, which received a 5-star rating from Dave Meltzer. He unsuccessfully challenged Dangerous Alliance member and United States Heavyweight Champion Rick Rude for the title at SuperBrawl II.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/s-brawl.html#II|title=SuperBrawl II results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|access-date=June 7, 2008}} Their rivalry culminated in a non-title Iron Man Challenge at Beach Blast, which Steamboat won.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/miscppv.html#blast92|title=Beach Blast 1992 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|access-date=June 7, 2008}}

On the September 2, 1992 Clash of the Champions XX: 20th Anniversary, Steamboat defeated "Stunning" Steve Austin to win his first Television Championship under the WCW banner.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/clash.html#XX|title=Clash of the Champions XX: 20th Anniversary results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|access-date=June 7, 2008}} He lost the title to Scott Steiner at a television taping{{Citation|title=Young Scott Steiner SLAYS Ricky The Dragon Steamboat, wins first singles title in WCW|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huowej0leAg |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/huowej0leAg |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=2021-07-16}}{{cbignore}} on September 29.{{cite web|date=September 29, 1992|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/wcw92.htm|title=WCW Show Results 1992|work=Angelfire|access-date=June 7, 2008|quote=Scott Steiner pinned WCW TV Champion Ricky Steamboat to win the title with an inside cradle |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071219183353/http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/wcw92.htm |archive-date=December 19, 2007}} He however, won both his first NWA World Tag Team Championship (unrecognized by NWA) and his second WCW World Tag Team Title with Shane Douglas (NWA and WCW titles were unified) on the November 18 Clash of the Champions XXI by defeating Barry Windham and Dustin Rhodes.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/clash2.html#XXI|title=Clash of the Champions XXI results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|access-date=June 7, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080624035919/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/clash2.html#XXI|archive-date=June 24, 2008}} On the March 27, 1993 edition of Power Hour, they lost the NWA and WCW titles to The Hollywood Blonds (Brian Pillman and Steve Austin).{{Citation|title=The Hollywood Blondes winning the World Tag Team Titles, WCW 1993|url=https://www.bitchute.com/video/nf8imv9QuXPl/|language=en|access-date=2021-05-07}}{{cite web|date=March 27, 1993|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/wcw93.htm|title=WCW Show Results 1993|work=Angelfire|access-date=June 7, 2008|quote=Steve Austin & Brian Pillman defeated WCW/NWA Tag Team Champions Ricky Steamboat & Shane Douglas to win the titles at around 19:20 when Pillman pinned Steamboat after Austin hit Steamboat in the back of the head with one of the title belts; the match was shown several weeks after the announcement of the title change, thus the commentary of Eric Bischoff & Larry Zbyzsko surrounded the fact the challengers would be winning the titles |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080216204534/http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/wcw93.htm |archive-date=February 16, 2008}} On the August 18 Clash of the Champions XXIV, he defeated Paul Orndorff to win his second and final WCW World Television Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/clash2.html#XXIV|title=Clash of the Champions XXIV results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|access-date=June 7, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080624035919/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/clash2.html#XXIV|archive-date=June 24, 2008}} In September 1993, at Fall Brawl, Steamboat's TV title reign was ended when he lost to Lord Steven Regal.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/fall.html#93|title=Fall Brawl 1993: WarGames results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|access-date=June 7, 2008}} At Starrcade, the two fought in a rematch for the title which resulted in a time-limit draw.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/starrcad.html#93|title=Starrcade 1993 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|access-date=June 7, 2008}}

Heading into 1994, Steamboat engaged in one last feud over the WCW World Heavyweight Championship with longtime rival Ric Flair, which culminated in a match in the main event of Spring Stampede where the title was briefly held up due to both men's shoulders being pinned at the same time.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/stampede.html#94|title=Spring Stampede 1994 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|access-date=June 7, 2008}} On the May 14 edition of Saturday Night, Flair defeated Steamboat to reclaim possession of the title.{{cite web|date=April 24, 1994|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/wcw94.htm|title=WCW Show Results 1994|work=Angelfire|access-date=June 7, 2008|quote=Ric Flair pinned Ricky Steamboat; due to pre-match stipulations, Flair won the held up WCW World Title |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080505064426/http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/wcw94.htm |archive-date=May 5, 2008}} Their final singles match was on Main Event in July which ended on a disqualification when Steve Austin interfered. Steamboat and Flair's last encounter was in a tag team match on the July 31 edition of Main Event where Steamboat teamed with Sting against Ric Flair and Steve Austin.{{cite web|date=July 19, 1994|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/94.htm|title=WCW Show Results 1994|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|access-date=June 7, 2008|quote=Ric Flair (w/ Sherri Martel) & WCW US Champion Steve Austin defeated Sting & Ricky Steamboat at around the 27-minute mark when Austin pinned Steamboat by grabbing the tights for leverage |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080501152837/http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/94.htm |archive-date=May 1, 2008}}

He then feuded with US Champion "Stunning" Steve Austin and earned a US title shot at Bash at the Beach, but lost.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/beach.html#94|title=Bash at the Beach 1994 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|access-date=June 7, 2008}} On the August 24 Clash of the Champions XXVIII, he got a rematch against Austin where Steamboat hurt his back, but managed to pin Austin for the United States Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/unitedstates/304454111221|title=Ricky Steamboat's fourth United States Championship reign|publisher=WWE|access-date=June 7, 2008|archive-date=January 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122053625/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/unitedstates/304454111221|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/clash2.html#XXVIII|title=Clash of the Champions XXVIII results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|access-date=June 7, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080624035919/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/clash2.html#XXVIII|archive-date=June 24, 2008}} However, he had to give up the belt due to the injury at Fall Brawl; he was replaced by "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, who made his WCW debut after Duggan left the WWF. The match was started, Duggan defeated Austin to become new United States Heavyweight Champion.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/fall.html#94|title=Fall Brawl 1994 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|access-date=June 7, 2008}} In September 1994, Steamboat was fired by WCW President Eric Bischoff via Federal Express package (while injured), thus ending a nearly two decade relationship with the Crockett/Turner wrestling organization.

File:RickySteamboat.JPG]]

After an eight-year retirement, Steamboat played an important role in the genesis of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he was the referee of the first Gauntlet for the Gold for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tna/020619a.html|title=NWA:TNA PPV results – June 19, 2002|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=June 16, 2008}} He was also the referee for the four-way double-elimination match to crown the first holder of the TNA X Division Championship. He has also made appearances for Ring of Honor where he refereed the first defense of the ROH Pure Wrestling Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/040313.html|title=Scramble Cage II results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=June 16, 2008}} In 2004, he engaged in a series of confrontations with CM Punk over Punk's arrogance in matches Steamboat refereed and then became CM Punk's inspiration to become the better person Steamboat knew he could be.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/040717.html|title=Do Or Die 3 results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=June 16, 2008}} The latter part of 2004 saw Steamboat feud with Mick Foley over which style of wrestling was superior, pure wrestling or hardcore wrestling.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/041015.html|title=ROH Gold results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=June 16, 2008}} The two of them had many confrontations and managed teams to face one another, but never had a match against each other.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/041016.html|title=Joe vs Punk II results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=June 16, 2008}} Steamboat's last ROH appearance was at Final Battle 2004 where he and Foley finally made peace.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/041226.html|title=Final Battle 2004 results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=June 16, 2008}}

In early 2005, Steamboat returned to WWE as a producer and was introduced as a WWE Legend on the "Homecoming" edition of Raw in October 2005.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/051003.html|title=RAW results – October 3, 2005|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=June 16, 2008}} In early 2006, Ricky Steamboat told WWE management that he would like to come out of retirement at WrestleMania 22 and work a match with Ric Flair, but the idea was nixed. Ricky Steamboat has been the special referee in main event matches between John Cena, Triple H, and/or Edge at WWE house shows. In 2006 at the Raw SummerSlam Tour in Sydney, Australia, he was a referee for a match between Cena and Edge for the WWE Championship. He also refereed another title match in July 2007 between John Cena and Randy Orton in Anaheim, California. On April 1, 2007, he made an appearance at WrestleMania 23 while various other legends were having a small dance party in the background.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/wrestlemania23.html|title=WrestleMania 23 results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=June 16, 2008}} He also briefly appeared at the Vengeance: Night of Champions pay-per-view, being recognized as a former Intercontinental Champion.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/vengeance07.html|title=Vengeance: Night of Champions results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=June 16, 2008}} He made another appearance on WWE television during Ric Flair's farewell on the March 31, 2008 edition of Raw.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/080331.html|title=RAW results – March 31, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=June 16, 2008}}

File:WWE Legends.jpgrs Roddy Piper and Jimmy Snuka before their match against Chris Jericho at WrestleMania 25]]

He appeared on the February 23 edition of Raw, after being named one of the members of the 2009 WWE Hall of Fame class. However, Steamboat was attacked by Chris Jericho, who began to feud with the Hall of Famers.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02232009/|title="Legacy" gets hammered|access-date=August 6, 2016}} In his first match in nearly 15 years, Steamboat returned to the ring alongside Piper and Snuka to take on Jericho at WrestleMania 25 on April 5, 2009. While both Snuka and Piper were swiftly eliminated during the match, Steamboat held his own against Jericho, performing his legendary diving crossbody and even a plancha, although Jericho would eventually go on to win the match. After receiving good reviews for his performance, Steamboat was scheduled to face Jericho in another match at Backlash. However, he lost the match after submitting to the Walls of Jericho. From June to August 2009, Steamboat worked in house shows against Chris Jericho, Drew McIntrye, and Sheamus.{{cite web |url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/1900/12/04/ricky-steamboat-career-record/ |title=Ricky Steamboat Career Record |last=Nevada |first=Vance |author-link=Vance Nevada |date=December 21, 2010 |website=SlamWrestling.net |publisher= |access-date= |quote=}} On August 15, 2009, he teamed up with his son Richie to defeat Hiram Tua and Orlando Colon for World Wrestling Council in Puerto Rico.{{cite web |title=Events Database - World Wrestling Council|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=743&page=4&year=2009&promotion=52|website=Cage Match |access-date=June 7, 2024|quote=15.8.2009}}

Steamboat's last WWE-related match was teaming with his son Richie, as they defeated Trent Barretta and Caylen Croft at Florida Championship Wrestling's Father's Day Salute on June 18, 2010.

On June 28, 2010, he returned to Raw to promote his new DVD only to be attacked and injured by The Nexus. On WWE's website the following day, it was announced that in storyline, Steamboat suffered injuries from the attack. However, on July 1, WWE's website announced that the prior night, Steamboat felt legitimate pain in his neck and shoulders and as a result, was now legitimately hospitalized. This caused WWE to take down any storyline information related to that attack.{{cite web |url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/news/steamboathospitalized |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704100452/http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/steamboathospitalized |archive-date=2010-07-04 |title=WWE: Inside WWE > News > Ricky Steamboat hospitalized}} In a 2024 interview for Biography: WWE Legends, Steamboat stated that he was in the hospital for three weeks following that injury, due to bleeding between the hemispheres of his brain.

File:Dragon backlash.jpg at Backlash 2009|right]]

Steamboat worked as an NXT trainer and in the talent relations department with Triple H until the developmental release of his son, Richie Steamboat, in 2013. He later moved on to being an Ambassador.{{cite web|last=Cadwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_77782.shtml#.VCh27mddV8E|title=WWE NEWS: Raw script leak - several roster updates, including injuries, time off, heel or face?, Zayn call-up?, more|access-date=September 28, 2014|date=October 20, 2014|publisher=PWTorch}}

Steamboat was released by WWE on July 19, 2014.{{cite web |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/ricky-steamboat-released-from-wwe-due-to-budget-cuts/ |title=Ricky Steamboat Released From WWE Due To Budget Cuts |last=Lee |first=Joseph |date=July 19, 2014 |website=411mania.com |publisher= |access-date= |quote=}}

Image:Ricky Steamboat Greektown 2018 (cropped).jpg

On the February 25, 2019, episode of WWE Raw, Steamboat along with special guests Shawn Michaels, Kurt Angle and Sting appeared during the main event segment to celebrate the 70th birthday of Ric Flair. However, Flair would be attacked by Batista instead of appearing on screen.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2019-02-25/article/batista-returns-attacks-ric-flair|title=Batista returns to attack Ric Flair in Raw's closing moments|website=WWE|language=en|access-date=December 4, 2019}}

In his first televised appearance on TBS since 1994, Steamboat was the guest timekeeper in a match between Bryan Danielson and Daniel Garcia on the August 17, 2022 edition of AEW Dynamite.{{cite news|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/08/17/8-17-aew-dynamite-tv-results-kellers-report-on-danielson-vs-garcia-with-ricky-steamboat-as-guest-time-keeper-toni-storm-vs-kilynn-king-bucks-reveal-tag-partner/|title=8/17 AEW DYNAMITE TV RESULTS: Keller's report on Danielson vs. Garcia with Ricky Steamboat as guest time keeper, Toni Storm vs. KiLynn King, Bucks reveal tag partner|first=Wade|last=Keller|publisher=PW Torch|date=August 17, 2022|accessdate=November 30, 2022}}{{cite web | url=https://wrestlingnews.co/aew-news/ricky-the-dragon-steamboat-will-appear-live-on-aew-dynamite | title=Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat will appear live on AEW Dynamite| date=August 16, 2022}}

Steamboat returned to the ring on November 27, 2022, at age 69 for the first time since his last match in 2010. He teamed with FTR (Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood) as they defeated Nick Aldis, Jay Lethal and Brock Anderson (son of Arn Anderson) at Big Time Wrestling Return of the Dragon in Raleigh, North Carolina.{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/other-wrestling/ricky-the-dragon-steamboat-victorious-in-return-to-the-ring|title=Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat victorious in return to the ring|first=Josh|last=Nason|publisher=Figure Four Online|date=November 27, 2022}}

Steamboat returned to AEW on the August 5, 2023, episode of AEW Collision as a special outside enforcer for the "Real World Championship" match between CM Punk and Ricky Starks due to Starks beating Punk by cheating in their previous two matches. After the match, Starks assaulted Steamboat with Steamboat's own belt.{{Cite web |last=Haulotte |first=Kellie |date=2023-08-05 |title=AEW Collision Results 8/5 - CM Punk Vs. Ricky Starks, AEW Tag Team Titles Match |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1358337/aew-collision-results-cm-punk-vs-ricky-starks-aew-tag-team-titles-match/ |access-date=2023-08-06 |website=Wrestling Inc. |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Knight |first=Cain A. |date=2023-08-05 |title=CM Punk's real world championship doesn't change hands opposite SummerSlam |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2023/8/5/23821639/aew-collision-result-aug-5-2023-cm-punk-real-world-championship-starks-ricky-steamboat-vs-summerslam |access-date=2023-08-06 |website=Cageside Seats |language=en}} It was later reported that Steamboat requested that he be beaten down by Starks instead of the planned finish of him chasing Starks away after the match.{{Cite web |last=Tessier |first=Colin |date=2023-08-08 |title=Ricky Steamboat Requested Ricky Starks Beatdown On 8/5 AEW Collision {{!}} Fightful News |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/ricky-steamboat-requested-ricky-starks-beatdown-85-aew-collision |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=Fightful |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Tessier |first=Colin |date=2023-09-24 |title=Ricky Steamboat Confirms He Pitched Ricky Starks Beatdown On 8/5 AEW Collision {{!}} Fightful News |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/ricky-steamboat-confirms-he-pitched-ricky-starks-beatdown-85-aew-collision |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=Fightful |language=en}} On the September 2 episode of Collision, Steamboat presented a contract for a "Ricky Starks vs. The Dragon" strap match at AEW All Out to Starks. After Starks signed the contract, it was revealed that his opponent would not be Steamboat but "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson instead.{{cite web |last1=MacDonald |first1=Josiah |title=AEW Collision live results: Ricky Starks confronts Ricky Steamboat, Dax Harwood vs. Jay White |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/results/aew-collision-live-results-ricky-starks-confronts-ricky-steamboat-dax-harwood-vs-jay-white |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |access-date=3 September 2023 |language=en |date=2 September 2023}} Steamboat joined the broadcast team for the match at All Out to witness Danielson defeating Starks.{{Cite web |last=Pulido |first=Luis |date=2023-09-03 |title=AEW All Out (9/3/2023) Results: Jon Moxley vs Orange Cassidy, Omega vs Takeshita, Strap Match & More {{!}} Fightful News |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/aew-all-out-932023-results-jon-moxley-vs-orange-cassidy-omega-vs-takeshita-strap-match-more |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=www.fightful.com |language=en}}

Steamboat was guest timekeeper for AEW Revolution in 2024, which was billed as the final match for Steve "Sting" Borden and his tag team partner Darby Allin, who defended the AEW Tag Team Championship against Matthew and Nicholas Jackson, which was held at Greensboro Coliseum.{{cite web |last1=Mahjouri |first1=Shakiel |title=2024 AEW Revolution results, recap, grades: Sting wins retirement match in chaotic main event |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2024-aew-revolution-results-recap-grades-sting-wins-retirement-match-in-chaotic-main-event/live/ |website=CBS Sports |date=March 4, 2024 |publisher=Paramount Global |access-date=2024-03-04 |ref=AEWRev2024}}

Steamboat appears in 14 wrestling video games, he made his video game debut in WCW: World Championship Wrestling in 1989. He later appeared in WCW SuperBrawl Wrestling in 1994 and later Legends of Wrestling in 2001, Legends of Wrestling II in 2002 and Showdown: Legends of Wrestling in 2004. He made his WWE video game debut in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 in 2010, and has since appeared in WWE All Stars, WWE '12, WWE 2K14, WWE 2K16 (two versions; one DLC), WWE 2K17 and WWE 2K18 as an unlockable character, WWE 2K19 as DLC in the game's Ric Flair-themed "Wooooo!" Collector's edition, in WWE 2K20 as an unlockable character, and in WWE 2K24 as part of the "40 Years of WrestleMania" Showcase.{{cite web|url=http://m.ign.com/articles/2018/07/25/wwe-2k19-wooooo-edition-announced|title=WWE 2K19 WOOOOO! EDITION ANNOUNCED|last=Bankhurst|first=Adam|date=July 25, 2018|access-date=July 27, 2018}}

On June 2, 2024, Steamboat was the subject of the Biography: WWE Legends.

Blood is the older brother of professional wrestler Vic Steamboat. His son, Richard Jr. (born 1987), was a wrestler under the ring name Richie Steamboat.

File:The Dragon Ricky Steamboat.jpg

• All Japan Pro Wrestling
• World's Strongest Tag Determination League Outstanding Performance Award (1980) – with Dick Slater{{cite web |url=http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/history/rwtl80.php |title = PUROLOVE.com}}
• World's Strongest Tag Determination League Fair Play Award (1980) – with Dick Slater
• World's Strongest Tag Determination League New Wave Award (1982) – with Jay Youngblood{{cite web |url=http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/history/rwtl82.php |title = PUROLOVE.com}}
• Cauliflower Alley Club
• Lou Thesz Award (2012){{cite web|last=Johnson|first=Steve|title=Austin, Steamboat delight at Cauliflower Alley Club reunion|url=http://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2012/04/18/austin-steamboat-delight-at-cauliflower-alley-club-reunion/|work=Slam Wrestling|date=April 18, 2012|access-date=September 27, 2020}}
• George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
• Class of 2009{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=39743&p=1|title=Ricky Steamboat, Nick Bockinkel Among 2009 Class Honored By Wrestling Museum & Institute|last=Johnson|first=Mike|publisher=PWInsider|date=June 30, 2009|access-date=November 30, 2018}}
• Maple Leaf Wrestling
• NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (Mid-Atlantic version) (1 time){{Efn|During this time, the title was almost exclusively defended in Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling. However, on occasion, the title was defended in other promotions through arrangements made with Mid-Atlantic.}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/304454114|title=Ricky Steamboat's second NWA United States Heavyweight Championship reign|access-date=October 9, 2013|archive-date=November 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151109133942/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/304454114|url-status=dead}}
• Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling / World Championship Wrestling
• NWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{Efn|Steamboat won the title after Ted Turner purchased Mid-Atlantic Championship wrestling from Jim Crockett and renamed it World Championship Wrestling.}}
• NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
• NWA/WCW United States Heavyweight Championship (4 times){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/|title=WWE United States Championship|access-date=May 25, 2020}}
• NWA Mid-Atlantic/NWA/WCW World Television Championship (4 times)
• NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship (5 times) – with Paul Jones (3), Dino Bravo (1) and Jay Youngblood (1)
• NWA/WCW World Tag Team Championship (8 times) – with Paul Jones (1), Jay Youngblood (5), Dustin Rhodes (1) and Shane Douglas (1)
• National Wrestling Alliance
• NWA Hall of Fame (Class of 2012){{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/28434-sat-update-great-tv-show-wwe-multiple-releases-austin-talks-wwe-hall-of-fame-best-night-for-bellator-ppv-predictions-nwa-hall-of-fame-james-storm-headlines-benefit-show-devitt-takes-another-title|title=Sat. update: Great TV show, WWE multiple releases, Austin talks WWE Hall of Fame, Best night for Bellator, PPV predictions, NWA Hall of Fame, James Storm headlines benefit show, Devitt takes another title|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=November 17, 2012|access-date=November 17, 2012|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
• Match of the Year (1987) vs. "Macho Man" Randy Savage at WrestleMania III
• Match of the Year (1989) vs. Ric Flair at WrestleWar
• Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (2009)
• Rookie of the Year (1977)
• Stanley Weston Award (1995)
• Tag Team of the Year (1978) with Paul Jones
• Ranked No. 6 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the year in the PWI 500 in 1992{{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/pwi-500/1992.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 1992|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database|access-date=August 25, 2015}}
• Ranked No. 13 of the Top 500 Singles Wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi500yr.htm |access-date=September 6, 2010 |title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 – PWI Years |publisher=Wrestling Information Archive |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616064424/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi500yr.htm |archive-date=June 16, 2008 }}
• Ranked No. 19 of the Top 100 Tag Teams of the "PWI Years" with Jay Youngblood in 2003.{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi100tg.htm |access-date=March 24, 2009 |title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Top 100 Tag Teams of the PWI Years |publisher=Wrestling Information Archive |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110921180439/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi100tg.htm |archive-date=September 21, 2011 }}
• Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum
• Class of 2002{{cite web|url=http://www.pwhf.org/halloffamers/bios/steamboat.asp|title=Ricky Steamboat|last=Malnoske|first=Andrew|publisher=Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum|access-date=May 24, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604233206/http://www.pwhf.org/halloffamers/bios/steamboat.asp|archive-date=June 4, 2011}}
• World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
• WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/322408|title=Ricky Steamboat's first Intercontinental Championship reign|access-date=October 9, 2013|archive-date=September 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905201619/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/322408|url-status=dead}}
• WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2009)
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
• Tag Team of the Year (1983) with Jay Youngblood
• Match of the Year (1987) vs. Macho Man Randy Savage at WrestleMania III
• Match of the Year (1989) vs. Ric Flair at Clash of the Champions VI
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{official website|http://rickythedragonsteamboat.com}}
• {{wwe superstar}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110604233206/http://www.pwhf.org/halloffamers/bios/steamboat.asp Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame Profile of Ricky Steamboat]
• {{IMDb name|name = Richard Blood}}
• {{Professional wrestling profiles}}

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