WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair has long been known for his sharp tongue and unwavering confidence in the ring. In a recent interview, Flair shared his candid opinion on some of the greatest babyfaces the wrestling world has ever seen, and the list includes one of his own WCW rivals: Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat.
A Legendary Rivalry
For those who may not be familiar, the rivalry between Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat in the World Championship Wrestling (WCW) era is the stuff of wrestling legend. Their epic matches, including the infamous 1992 Clash of the Champions showdown, are still widely regarded as some of the greatest of all time. The two men’s contrasting styles – Flair’s arrogant, limousine-riding limelight hog versus Steamboat’s humble, hard-hitting underdog – only added to the tension and excitement of their rivalry.
A Tribute to “The Dragon”
According to Flair, Steamboat’s incredible in-ring work, coupled with his genuine likability, has earned him a spot alongside the very best babyfaces in wrestling history. “Ricky Steamboat is, without a doubt, the greatest babyface of all time,” Flair said in a recent interview. “He had a way of connecting with the crowd that was unmatched. People loved him, and he always gave it his all in the ring.”
Flair’s praise is hardly surprising, considering Steamboat’s impressive résumé. With a career spanning over three decades, Steamboat has won numerous championships, including the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship, and the WWF Intercontinental Championship. He has also been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring impact on the sport.
Behind the Scenes with WWE Sources
Sources close to Cody Rhodes, who has often been compared to Steamboat for his own blend of athleticism and charisma, revealed that the young star is aware of the high praise coming his way. “Cody has always looked up to Ricky as a role model, and he’s deeply humbled by the comparison,” the insider revealed. “He knows that he has big shoes to fill, but he’s determined to make a name for himself in the WWE and leave his own lasting legacy.”
The Legacy of “The Dragon”
As for Steamboat’s own thoughts on Flair’s glowing endorsement, he remains characteristically humble. “I’m just grateful to have had the opportunity to compete against some of the greatest wrestlers of all time, including Ric Flair,” Steamboat said in a recent statement. “To be considered one of the greatest babyfaces is a tremendous honor, and I’m proud to be included in that conversation.”
Steamboat’s legacy continues to inspire a new generation of wrestlers, and his influence can be seen in many of the top stars in the WWE today. From Cody Rhodes to Roman Reigns, the likes of which owe a debt to Steamboat’s pioneering work in the ring.
Flair’s Take on the Current WWE Landscape
When asked about the current state of the WWE, Flair offered his candid opinion on the company’s direction. “The WWE is in a great place right now,” Flair said. “They’ve got some talented young stars who are really starting to make a name for themselves. I’m particularly high on guys like Damian Priest and Finn Bálor. They’ve got the talent and the charisma to be top stars in this company.”
Flair also praised the company’s willingness to experiment with new and innovative storylines. “The WWE is always looking for ways to push the envelope and create something new and exciting for the fans,” he said. “I think that’s what sets them apart from other promotions – their willingness to take risks and try new things.”
Conclusion
Ric Flair’s praise for Ricky Steamboat as the greatest babyface of all time is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of wrestling’s all-time greats. As the WWE continues to evolve and grow, it’s clear that Steamboat’s influence will be felt for years to come. Whether it’s Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, or the next big star, they’ll all be drawing from the same well of inspiration that made Steamboat a household name.
In the world of professional wrestling, few things are guaranteed. But one thing is certain: when it comes to the greatest babyfaces of all time, Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat is firmly in the conversation.