Ricky Steamboat Then and Now

Ricky Steamboat Then

Ricky Steamboat, born on February 28, 1953, in West Point, New York, is a legendary figure in professional wrestling. 

His early life laid the foundation for his future career as a wrestling icon. 

Steamboat’s initial years in New York saw him excel in high school wrestling, where he became a two-time New York state qualifier. 

This early success showcased his natural talent and determination on the mat.

After relocating to Florida, Steamboat continued his athletic journey, attending Boca Ciega High School in Gulfport. 

There, he solidified his reputation as a standout wrestler, ultimately becoming a Florida state champion in 1971. 

His high school success not only demonstrated his competitive spirit but also provided the skills and discipline that would later contribute to his success in professional wrestling.

These early achievements in amateur wrestling were pivotal in shaping Steamboat’s career, where he would go on to become one of the most respected and technically proficient wrestlers in the history of the sport. 

Known for his remarkable in-ring abilities and sportsmanship, Ricky Steamboat’s early years in both New York and Florida paved the way for a legendary career that would inspire generations of wrestlers and fans alike.

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Ricky Steamboat Wrestling Career

Ricky Steamboat was trained by Verne Gagne and The Iron Sheik and debuted in March 1976 under the ring name “Dick Blood” in the American Wrestling Association (AWA). 

After a brief stint in the AWA, Steamboat joined Championship Wrestling from Florida, where promoter Eddie Graham renamed him “Ricky Steamboat,” inspired by his resemblance to Hawaiian wrestler Sammy Steamboat. 

Graham believed the name “Rick Blood” suited a heel character, but Steamboat was being positioned as a babyface.

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In 1977, Steamboat began his long and successful run with Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) in the Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling territory, where he was quickly paired with Ric Flair, igniting a legendary rivalry. 

Steamboat gained recognition when he defeated Flair to win the NWA Mid-Atlantic Television Championship. 

Over the next eight years in JCP, Steamboat became a top star, capturing multiple championships, including the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship three times, the NWA World Tag Team Championship six times, and the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship twice.

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Steamboat’s JCP tenure was marked by memorable feuds and angles, including his intense battles with Flair, his tag team partnership with Jay Youngblood, and his feuds with Sgt. 

Slaughter, Don Kernodle, and Tully Blanchard. Creative differences with Dusty Rhodes led to Steamboat’s departure from JCP in 1984.

In 1985, Steamboat joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where he adopted the “Dragon” persona, reflecting his Japanese heritage. 

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He participated in the first WrestleMania and soon engaged in high-profile feuds with Don Muraco and Jake “The Snake” Roberts. 

Steamboat’s rivalry with Randy Savage culminated in their classic match at WrestleMania III in 1987, where Steamboat won the Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship in what is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestling matches of all time.

After a brief absence due to personal reasons, Steamboat returned to the WWF but was not given a major push, leading to his departure in 1988. 

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He returned to the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in 1989 and quickly entered into another iconic feud with Ric Flair. 

Their trilogy of matches in 1989, including their WrestleWar clash, is considered one of the greatest series of matches in wrestling history. 

Steamboat won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at Chi-Town Rumble but eventually lost it back to Flair.

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Following his departure from the NWA in 1989, Steamboat wrestled in various promotions, including New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and South Atlantic Pro Wrestling. 

He returned to the WWF in 1991 as “The Dragon,” where he was primarily used as a mid-card talent despite his established legacy.

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Ricky Steamboat Wrestling Competition

• American Wrestling Association (AWA)
• Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF)
• Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP)
• World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
• World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)
• North American Wrestling Association (NAWA)
• South Atlantic Pro Wrestling (SAPW)

Ricky Steamboat Now

Ricky Steamboat, currently 71 years old, remains a prominent figure in the wrestling world, renowned for his illustrious career under the ring name Ricky “the Dragon” Steamboat. 

Steamboat’s legacy is cemented by his contributions to major wrestling promotions such as the American Wrestling Association (AWA), Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). 

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His matches are celebrated for their technical excellence and charismatic performances, making him a revered figure in professional wrestling history.

Today, Steamboat resides in Denver, North Carolina, where he has transitioned from his in-ring career to working as a road agent for the WWE. 

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In this role, he leverages his extensive experience to assist in the planning and execution of wrestling events, helping to shape the next generation of wrestlers with his insights and expertise.

Steamboat’s influence extends beyond his own career; his son, Ricky Steamboat Jr., continues the family tradition by pursuing a career in professional wrestling. 

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Under the mentorship of wrestling legend Harley Race, Steamboat Jr. is carving out his own path in the sport. 

This new generation of Steamboat wrestlers carries forward the family legacy, blending the technical prowess and showmanship that have defined their lineage.

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Ricky Steamboat’s Net Worth

Ricky Steamboat, the retired American wrestling icon known for his legendary matches and significant contributions to the sport, has accumulated a net worth of $1 million, reflecting both his successful wrestling career and continued influence in the industry.

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