WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair has been singing the praises of his long-time rival Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, calling him the greatest babyface of all time. This endorsement comes as no surprise to fans who remember the legendary feud between Flair and Steamboat in the 1980s and early 1990s.
A Match for the Ages
Flair and Steamboat’s rivalry was one of the most iconic in professional wrestling history. Their legendary match at WarGames in 1989 is widely regarded as one of the greatest matches of all time. Steamboat’s technical grappling skills and Flair’s showmanship created a perfect storm of excitement that captivated audiences worldwide.
In a recent interview, Flair spoke highly of Steamboat’s ability to connect with the crowd and his unwavering commitment to his character. “Ricky Steamboat was a phenomenal worker, but more importantly, he was a true babyface. He had a way of making the audience love him, and I mean really love him,” Flair said.
Steamboat’s Enduring Legacy
Steamboat’s impact on professional wrestling extends far beyond his rivalry with Flair. As a pioneer of the high-flying, hard-hitting style that would later be emulated by wrestlers like Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio, Steamboat helped pave the way for a new generation of wrestlers.
Despite his impressive in-ring career, Steamboat’s legacy has been somewhat overshadowed by his contemporaries. However, Flair’s endorsement is a testament to Steamboat’s enduring influence on the sport. “He was a game-changer, no question,” Flair said. “Ricky Steamboat was one of the first guys to really use the ring as an extension of his body. He was a true innovator.”
A New Era of Babyfaces
While Flair’s praise for Steamboat is well-deserved, it’s also worth noting that the concept of a “babyface” has evolved significantly since Steamboat’s heyday. Today’s wrestlers are expected to be more nuanced and complex characters, often embracing a darker, more edgy persona.
According to a WWE insider, this shift in the wrestling landscape has created a new breed of babyface that is more relatable to modern audiences. “Wrestlers like Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins are pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a babyface,” the source said. “They’re not just the good guys; they’re flawed, they’re vulnerable, and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top.”
A New Generation of Fans
While Flair’s praise for Steamboat is a throwback to a bygone era, it’s clear that the legendary wrestler’s influence can still be felt today. As a new generation of fans discovers the classic matches and feuds of Steamboat and Flair, it’s likely that Steamboat’s legacy will continue to grow.
In fact, sources close to Cody Rhodes revealed that the WWE Superstar has been studying Steamboat’s work in preparation for a potential showdown with Flair’s protégé, Andrade. “Cody is a huge fan of Ricky Steamboat’s work,” the source said. “He’s been watching old matches and trying to learn from Steamboat’s technique. He wants to be a part of the next generation of babyfaces, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen.”
Conclusion
Ric Flair’s endorsement of Ricky Steamboat as the greatest babyface of all time is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of professional wrestling’s all-time greats. As a new generation of fans discovers Steamboat’s classic matches and feuds, it’s clear that his influence will continue to be felt for years to come. Whether you’re a fan of the classic babyface or the modern, edgier take, one thing is certain: Ricky Steamboat’s impact on professional wrestling will never be forgotten.