WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair has long been known for his colorful and often provocative opinions on the world of professional wrestling. In a recent interview, Flair made waves by naming one of his WCW rivals as the greatest babyface of all time. That man is none other than Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, whose legendary matches against Flair in the early 1980s earned him a reputation as one of the sport’s most beloved and enduring heroes.
A Legendary Rivalry
Flair and Steamboat had a long and storied history in the ring, with the two men engaging in a series of epic matches that showcased their incredible athleticism and in-ring chemistry. Their rivalry was built around their vastly different styles, with Flair’s heel persona representing the epitome of arrogance and villainy, while Steamboat’s babyface character embodied the very essence of good vs. evil.
Flair’s Praise
When asked about Steamboat’s place in the pantheon of great babyfaces, Flair was effusive in his praise. “Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the greatest babyfaces of all time,” Flair said in an interview with a prominent wrestling publication. “He had a way of connecting with the crowd that was unmatched by anyone I’ve ever seen. His matches were always high-energy, and he had a certain ‘it’ factor that drew people in and made them want to see more.”
Steamboat’s Impact
Flair’s praise is well-deserved, given Steamboat’s enduring impact on the sport. As a member of the legendary Hart Foundation, Steamboat helped to shape the wrestling landscape of the 1980s, and his matches against Flair remain some of the most iconic in the history of the WCW/NWA. His signature blend of technical grappling and high-flying aerials helped to redefine the art of professional wrestling, and his influence can still be seen in many modern-day competitors.
Sources Close to Cody Rhodes Reveal Steamboat’s Influence
Sources close to Cody Rhodes, a modern-day wrestler who has often cited Steamboat as an inspiration, reveal that the young competitor has long been fascinated by Steamboat’s innovative style and legendary matches against Flair. “Cody is a huge fan of Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat,” said a source close to Rhodes. “He’s always talking about how impressed he is by Steamboat’s ability to balance technical grappling with high-flying moves, and how he tries to incorporate those elements into his own matches.”
A Legacy That Endures
Flair’s praise for Steamboat is a testament to the enduring legacy of a man who has long been revered as one of the greatest babyfaces of all time. Even decades after their rivalry reached its peak, Steamboat’s influence can still be seen in many modern-day competitors, and his iconic matches against Flair remain some of the most beloved and enduring moments in professional wrestling history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ric Flair’s praise for Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat as the greatest babyface of all time is a testament to the enduring legacy of a man who has long been revered as one of the greatest heroes in professional wrestling. Their legendary rivalry remains one of the most iconic in the history of the sport, and Steamboat’s influence continues to be felt by competitors to this day. As we look to the future of professional wrestling, it’s clear that Steamboat’s legacy will only continue to grow, inspiring a new generation of competitors to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the ring.