1. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x39s1r3_ric-flair-vs-ricky-steamboat-documentary_sport
We proudly present, Ric Flairs Greatest Opponent Ever: Ricky Steamboat
Some might feel that Sting was his greatest rival, but we went by what Ric Flair kept saying in interviews for the past 10+ years, where he always said “My greatest opponent of all time was Ricky Steamboat”.
Both faced each other countless times during their illustrious careers, starting during the late 70s in NWA Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling (Jim Crockett Promotions).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZ8Zz_X2W6Q
But their most famous battles were 3 matches for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in 1989.
The first one came on the ‘NWA Chi-Town Rumble 1989’ PPV, where The Dragon beat the Nature Boy for the Title.
The second match happened during the ‘Clash of the Champions VI: Ragin’ Cajun’ Special on Free TV (TBS), with Steamboat retaining in a legendary two out of three falls match.
The 3rd and final match of their 1989 feud, was booked for the ‘NWA WrestleWar 1989: Music City Showdown’ PPV, with Ric Flair being victorious to become the NWA World Heavyweight Champion again.
Terry Funk, Pat O’Connor & Lou Thesz were the guest judges outside the ring.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x39wruz_ric-flair-vs-ricky-steamboat-nwa-world-heavyweight-title-match-nwa-wrestlewar-1989-music-city-showdo_sport
All of the 3 matches are considered among the best matches in NWA/WCW History.
Both ended up wrestling a few more times over the years, most notable on the ‘WCW Spring Stampede 1994’ PPV and some Weekly TV matches on TBS in 1994, which also turned out to be really good matches, but nothing came close to their 3 match series they had in 1989.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx8am33-n20
Check the next page for the list of other great Ric Flair opponents.
