Ricky Steamboat

American professional wrestler

This article is about Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat. For his son, see Richie Steamboat.

"Richard Blood" redirects here. This is also a onetime ring name of Tito Santana.

Ricky Steamboat

Steamboat in 2022

Birth name| Richard Henry Blood
Born|  (1953-02-28) February 28, 1953 (age 72)[1][2]
West Point, New York, U.S.
Spouses|

* Maureen Powers

(m. 1977; div. 1980)​

* Debra Blood

(m. 1981; div. 1985)​

* Bonny Hastings

(m. 1985; div. 2003)​

* Claudia Sobieski

(m. 2004; div. 2012)​

* Sandi McAlister

(m. 2017)​

Children| Richie Steamboat
Family| Vic Steamboat (brother)
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)| Rick Blood[1]
The Dragon[2]
Richard Blood[1]
Ricky Steamboat[1][2]
Sam Steamboat Jr.[1][2]
Billed height| 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)[3]
Billed weight| 235 lb (107 kg)[3]
Billed from| Honolulu, Hawaii[1]
Charlotte, North Carolina
Trained by| Verne Gagne[1]
The Iron Sheik[1]
Debut| March 1976[1][4]
Retired| November 27, 2022

Richard Henry Blood Sr. (born February 28, 1953),[1][2] better known by his ring name Ricky "the Dragon" Steamboat, is an American retired professional wrestler best known for his work with the American Wrestling Association (AWA), Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE). Steamboat is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential professional wrestlers of all time.[5]

In JCP and WCW, he was a one-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion,[6] a four-time United States Heavyweight Champion,[7] a four-time World Television Champion,[8][9] a 12-time World Tag Team Champion (eight under the WCW banner,[10][11] one (though unofficial) under the NWA banner,[12] and three under the Mid-Atlantic banner),[13] and a two-time Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Champion.[14] In the WWF/E, Steamboat was a one-time Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion[15] and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.

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Notable men

Early 20th century (Before 1949)

* Bert Assirati
* Billy Riley
* Billy Sandow
* Ed "Strangler" Lewis
* Frank Gotch
* George Hackenschmidt
* The Great Gama
* Jack Pfefer
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* Toots Mondt

Mid 20th century (1950 − 1969)

* Blue Demon
* Bruno Sammartino
* Buddy Rogers
* Danny Hodge
* Dick "The Destroyer" Beyer
* Édouard Carpentier
* El Santo
* Freddie Blassie
* Gene Kiniski
* Gorgeous George
* Karl Gotch
* Rikidōzan
* Sam Muchnick
* Stu Hart
* Verne Gagne

1970s

* Abdullah The Butcher
* Akira Maeda
* André the Giant
* Antonio Inoki
* Baron von Raschke
* Big Daddy
* Billy Robinson
* Carlos Colón
* Dory Funk Jr.
* Dusty Rhodes
* Ernie Ladd
* Giant Baba
* Gordon Solie
* Harley Race
* Jack Brisco
* Mil Máscaras
* Negro Navarro
* Nick Bockwinkel
* Terry Funk

1980s

* Bobby Heenan
* Dynamite Kid
* Genichiro Tenryu
* Hulk Hogan
* Jim Crockett Jr.
* Randy Savage
* Ric Flair
* Ricky Steamboat
* Roddy Piper
* Satoru Sayama
* Stan Hansen
* Ted DiBiase
* Vince McMahon

1990s

* Akira Taue
* Antonio Peña
* Atsushi Onita
* Bret Hart
* Eric Bischoff
* Jim Ross
* Jushin Liger
* Keiji Muto
* Kenta Kobashi
* Kevin Nash
* Mick Foley
* Mitsuharu Misawa
* Owen Hart
* Paul Heyman
* Ron Simmons
* Scott Hall
* Shawn Michaels
* Sting
* Steve Austin
* The Rock
* The Undertaker
* Toshiaki Kawada
* Triple H
* Vince Russo

2000s

* AJ Styles
* Batista
* Brock Lesnar
* Chris Jericho
* Eddie Guerrero
* Edge
* Hiroshi Tanahashi
* Jeff Hardy
* Jeff Jarrett
* John Cena
* Kurt Angle
* Místico
* Naomichi Marufuji
* Randy Orton
* Rey Mysterio
* Samoa Joe

2010s − 2020s

* Bryan Danielson
* CM Punk
* Cody Rhodes
* Jon Moxley
* Kazuchika Okada
* Kenny Omega
* Kota Ibushi
* Nick Khan
* Roman Reigns
* Rossy Ogawa
* Seth Rollins
* Tetsuya Naito
* Tony Khan
* Will Ospreay
* Zack Sabre Jr.

Notable women

Early & Mid 20th century (1900 − 1974)

* Chabela Romero
* Cora Livingston
* Donna Christanello
* Ethel Johnson
* Irma González
* June Byers
* La Dama Enmascarada
* Mae Young
* Mildred Burke
* The Fabulous Moolah

Late 20th century (1975 − 1999)

* Aja Kong
* Akira Hokuto
* Bull Nakano
* Chigusa Nagayo
* Chyna
* Dump Matsumoto
* Jackie Sato
* Lady Apache
* Lioness Asuka
* Madusa Miceli
* Manami Toyota
* Megumi Kudo
* Miss Elizabeth
* Sherri Martel
* Wendi Richter

2000s

* Awesome Kong
* Ayako Hamada
* Beth Phoenix
* Faby Apache
* Gail Kim
* Lita
* Madison Eagles
* Marcela
* Nanae Takahashi
* Sara Del Rey
* Stephanie McMahon
* Trish Stratus

2010s

* Alexa Bliss
* Asuka
* Bayley
* Becky Lynch
* Charlotte Flair
* Iyo Sky
* Kairi Sane
* Mayu Iwatani
* Meiko Satomura
* Mercedes Moné
* Princesa Sugehit
* Ronda Rousey

2020s

* Bianca Belair
* Giulia
* Liv Morgan
* Rhea Ripley
* Sareee
* Syuri
* Toni Storm
* Utami Hayashishita

Notable tag teams and stables

Mid 20th Century − 1970s

* Assassins
* Blackjacks
* Blond Bombers
* The Duseks
* Fabulous Kangaroos
* First Family
* Kalmikoffs
* Los Misioneros de la Muerte
* Sharpe Brothers
* Valiant Brothers
* Wild Samoans

1980s

* Brain Busters
* British Bulldogs
* Bushwackers
* Crush Gals
* Demolition
* Fabulous Freebirds
* Four Horsemen
* Hart Foundation
* Heenan Family
* Los Infernales
* Mega Powers
* Midnight Express
* Revolution
* Road Warriors
* Rock 'n' Roll Express
* Steiner Brothers

1990s

* Cho-Ten
* Dangerous Alliance
* D-Generation X (New Age Outlaws)
* Doom
* Dudley Brothers and the Dudley Boyz
* Dungeon of Doom
* Heisei Ishingun
* Holy Demon Army
* Jado & Gedo
* Kai En Tai
* Las Cachorras Orientales
* Los Gringos Locos
* Miracle Violence Connection
* New World Order (Outsiders)

2000s

* Age of the Fall
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* Beer Money, Inc.
* The Briscoes
* Brothers of Destruction
* Burning
* Colony
* Edge & Christian
* Evolution
* Hardy Boyz
* Kings of Wrestling
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* Motor City Machine Guns
* Tencozy
* Voodoo Murders

2010s and 2020s

* The Addiction / SCU
* American Wolves
* Blackpool Combat Club / Death Riders
* Bloodline (Usos)
* Bullet Club
* Chaos
* Elite
* FTR
* Golden Lovers
* Judgment Day
* Los Ingobernables (de Japón)
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## Early life

[edit]

Richard Henry Blood was born on February 28, 1953, to a Japanese American mother and a White father.[16] Richard Henry Blood was born in West Point, New York[17]He went to high school first in New York and later graduated in 1971 from Boca Ciega High School in Gulfport, Florida, where he was on the wrestling team. He was a two-time New York state qualifier and a Florida state champion.

## Professional wrestling career

[edit]

### American Wrestling Association (1976)

[edit]

Blood was trained to wrestle by Verne Gagne and The Iron Sheik.[1] He debuted in March 1976 as a babyface in Gagne's Minneapolis, Minnesota–based American Wrestling Association (AWA), wrestling as "Rick Blood".[1][18] His early opponents included Scott Irwin, Buck Zumhofe, Mad Dog Vachon, and Blackjack Lanza. In May 1976, he took part in a two ring, $50,000 battle royal that was won by Mad Dog Vachon and Larry Hennig. He left the AWA later that month to join Championship Wrestling from Florida.[19]

### Championship Wrestling from Florida (1976–1977)

[edit]

Before Blood's debut in Championship Wrestling from Florida, Eddie Graham gave him the ring name "Ricky Steamboat" based on his resemblance to Hawaiian wrestler Sammy Steamboat.[1][20][21] According to Steamboat, Graham thought "Rick Blood" was a good name for a heel, but not a face.[22]

### Jim Crockett Promotions (1977–1985)

[edit]

Steamboat in 1979

In 1977, Steamboat entered the National Wrestling Alliance-sanctioned Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) (which ran under the concurrent brand names "Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling" and "Wide World Wrestling"—later "World Wide Wrestling"—as well as airing syndicated TV programs under those respective names), where he would remain for the next eight years of his career. Steamboat, who had been brought in by JCP booker George Scott on the recommendation of Wahoo McDaniel, was initially billed as a babyface protege of Wahoo and barely spoke above whispers in interviews. Matching him with his brash young counterpart, Ric Flair, was a natural fit. Steamboat was doing an interview on the syndicated Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling when Flair, then Mid-Atlantic television champion, began goading him. Steamboat knocked Flair out with a backhand chop to set up a match between the two. Steamboat's star-making performance came when he pinned Flair after a double thrust off the top rope to win the NWA Mid-Atlantic Television Championship at the WRAL-TV studios in Raleigh, North Carolina.[8]

Ricky Steamboat as NWA United States Heavyweight Champion, circa 1985

Over the next eight years in JCP, Steamboat captured the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship three times[7] and the NWA World Tag Team Championship six times (once with Paul Jones and five times with Jay Youngblood).[10] He also held the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship singles crown twice[14] and the NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship four times (three times with Paul Jones, once with Jay Youngblood).[13] He also won the Television title (which had been renamed NWA World Television Championship) a second time.[8]

Notable moments involving Steamboat's time in the Mid-Atlantic territory include: the day Flair dragged his face around the television studio, causing facial scarring, and Steamboat retaliating the following week by ripping Flair's expensive suit to shreds (an angle that would be reworked several times involving other wrestlers in the years that followed); when longtime tag team partner Jones turned heel on Steamboat at the end of a two-ring battle royal; Steamboat and Youngblood painting yellow streaks down the backs of Paul Jones and Baron von Raschke to embarrass them into defending the World Tag Team titles against the two; Steamboat and Youngblood's top drawing feud with Sgt. Slaughter and Don Kernodle; Steamboat and Youngblood being turned on by their friends Jack and Jerry Brisco; Steamboat in a shocking (and emotional) feud against former mentor McDaniel; and his last great series in the territory, feuding with Tully Blanchard over the NWA TV title. After creative differences with JCP booker Dusty Rhodes, Steamboat left the NWA.[23]

### World Wrestling Federation (1985–1988)

[edit]

#### Birth of "the Dragon" (1985–1986)

[edit]

Steamboat in 1986

In 1985, Steamboat was offered a contract by Vince McMahon and joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Shortly after his debut (where he defeated Steve Lombardi on Championship Wrestling), Steamboat was given the gimmick of a babyface nicknamed "the Dragon"; Steamboat's jacket-and-trunks attire was replaced by a keikogi and long tights. Steamboat's mother is Japanese American, hence his Asian features crucial for his "Dragon" gimmick. Steamboat kept the nickname and gimmick for the remainder of his career.

He appeared at the inaugural WrestleMania, where he defeated Matt Borne in the card's third match.[24] On the September 14, 1985, edition of Championship Wrestling, Steamboat defeated Mr. Fuji, but after his victory was attacked by Fuji's protege Don Muraco, pitting Steamboat in a feud against Muraco and Fuji.[25] During a televised episode of Championship Wrestling, Steamboat and Muraco were scheduled for a match that never officially started after Muraco jumped Steamboat before the bell. Following the beat down, Muraco and Fuji used Steamboat's karate black belt to hang him outside the ring from the top rope before Steamboat was finally saved by Tito Santana and the Junkyard Dog. On the November 2 Saturday Night's Main Event III, he defeated Fuji in a kung-fu challenge.[26] On the January 4, 1986, Saturday Night's Main Event IV, his intense feud with Muraco ended after he and the JYD beat Muraco and Fuji in a tag team match.[27]

In the opening round at WWF The Wrestling Classic, Steamboat faced Davey Boy Smith in a rare match pitting two fan favorites against each other. The match moved back and forth until Smith landed in the ropes trying to attack Steamboat, but Steamboat sidestepped and Smith injured his groin and was unable to continue, so Steamboat was awarded the match by forfeit. He then faced off against Randy Savage in the quarterfinals. The referee was distracted by Miss Elizabeth as Savage took advantage and pulled out brass knuckles from his tights and hit Steamboat before pinning him to win the match.[28]

After a victory over Hercules Hernandez at the Los Angeles portion of WrestleMania 2,[29] Steamboat began his next feud with Jake "The Snake" Roberts. Their feud began when Roberts attacked him before their match on the May 3 Saturday Night's Main Event VI, which did not occur due to Roberts assaulting Steamboat.[30][31] Roberts was initially reluctant to deliver the DDT on the concrete floor due to his fear that Steamboat would not be able to stop his head from hitting the floor, which, on this particular occasion, was not covered with protective mats. Vince McMahon and booker George Scott were adamant that the spot take place outside the ring. Only after assurances by Steamboat that he would protect himself did Roberts agree to it. However, Roberts' fears came true and Steamboat was legitimately knocked out when his forehead hit the concrete. Roberts later described the sound as like a watermelon bursting.[32] They later battled each other in a Snake Pit match (no DQ) in front of 74,000 fans at The Big Event in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, which Steamboat won with a small package despite Roberts dominating virtually the entire match to that point.[33] Their feud finally ended on the October 4 Saturday Night's Main Event VII, when Steamboat defeated Roberts in their Snake Pit rematch.[34] Following the match, Roberts continued to attack Steamboat and was about to place his snake Damien on him, but Steamboat took his Komodo Dragon out of his bag and scared Roberts from the ring.[35]

#### Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion and departure (1986–1988)

[edit]

Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, circa 1987

On the November 22, 1986 edition of Superstars, Steamboat got a shot at the Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship against Macho Man Randy Savage. Steamboat lost the match by countout but after the match, Savage continued to assault him and injured Steamboat's larynx (kayfabe) with the ring bell, beginning an angle between the two.[36] On the January 3, 1987 Saturday Night's Main Event IX, Steamboat returned from his injury and prevented Savage from attacking George Steele like he had done to Steamboat six weeks prior.[37] At WrestleMania III, Steamboat defeated Savage for the Intercontinental Championship.[38][39][40] The highly influential match was considered an instant classic by both fans and critics and was named 1987's Match of the Year by both Pro Wrestling Illustrated and the Wrestling Observer.

Several weeks after winning the Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship, Steamboat asked WWF owner Vince McMahon for some time off to be with his wife Bonnie, who was expecting the birth of their first son, Richard, Jr. This did not sit well with WWF management as he had been groomed to become a long-term champion. The decision was made by WWF management to punish Steamboat by having him initially drop the title to Butch Reed, but Reed did not show up that night, so he dropped to The Honky Tonk Man on the June 15 edition of Superstars;[41] his son was born a month later. Steamboat came back in time for the Survivor Series in November 1987.[42] WWF management was still bitter over his impromptu sabbatical from his first WWF run, however, and he was not pushed or given any meaningful feuds. Steamboat himself has implied in interviews that he was being punished for one-upping the Hogan-Andre main event at WrestleMania III. After defeating Ravishing Rick Rude by disqualification at 1988 Royal Rumble,[43] Steamboat was entered into the tournament for the vacant WWF World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania IV in March 1988. On WWF television prior to the match, Steamboat appeared in a vignette where he stated that he hoped Randy Savage would win his first round match, thus setting up a rematch of last year's WrestleMania match and "one more classic confrontation". However, Steamboat would lose to his first round opponent Greg "The Hammer" Valentine.[44] Although television segments were shot immediately after WrestleMania IV that made it appear that Steamboat would be facing Valentine in a series of matches, Steamboat left the WWF shortly thereafter.

### World Championship Wrestling (1989)

[edit]

Steamboat made his comeback to wrestling in January 1989 and returned to the NWA (specifically, NWA affiliate World Championship Wrestling) on the January 21, 1989 edition of World Championship Wrestling (it would later become the name of the promotion) as a surprise tag team partner of "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert against NWA World Champion, Ric Flair and Barry Windham in a tag team match that saw Steamboat pin Flair.[45] This earned him a shot at the title at Chi-Town Rumble where Steamboat defeated Flair in the main event for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.[6][46] He was also the last NWA World Champion to defend the belt in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) in a match against Tiger Mask II.[2] After Steamboat retained the NWA title against Flair in a controversial ending on the April 2 Clash of the Champions VI: Ragin' Cajun,[47] Flair and Steamboat would then face each other in their final rematch at WrestleWar in May,[47] where Steamboat dropped the title to Flair.[48]

After losing the title, Steamboat remained the number one contender to the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, a fact that irked fellow babyface U.S. Champion Lex Luger. This dispute culminated in Luger attacking Steamboat on the June 14 Clash of the Champions VII: Guts and Glory, thus turning heel. Luger stood over the fallen Steamboat and arrogantly said, "There lays your number one contender!"[49] Steamboat then demanded a no disqualification match against Luger at The Great American Bash for the title, but just before the bell Luger demanded the clause be dropped or there would not be a match.[50] Steamboat lost the match by disqualification after hitting Luger with a chair.[50] Due to a contract dispute this would be Steamboat's last match of note in WCW in 1989.[1]

### North American Wrestling Association / South Atlantic Pro Wrestling (1990)

[edit]

Steamboat as "The Dragon"

After leaving the NWA, Steamboat underwent surgery on his injured foot. Fully recovered, he returned to the ring in February 1990 for the North Carolina–based North American Wrestling Association (later renamed South Atlantic Pro Wrestling in July 1990), where he feuded with Robert Fuller over the NAWA/SAPW Heavyweight Championship, until leaving the promotion in October 1990.

### New Japan Pro-Wrestling (1990)

[edit]

In September and October 1990, he toured with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he faced high-profile stars like Hiroshi Hase and The Great Muta and teamed up with the likes of Owen Hart, Pegasus Kid, Riki Choshu, Shinya Hashimoto, and Miguel Perez, Jr., and also having matches with aspiring stars Hiro Saito and Takayuki Iizuka.

### Return to WWF (1991)

[edit]

In 1991, Steamboat would return to the World Wrestling Federation after signing a two-year contract.[51] Billed simply as The Dragon, a series of vignettes began airing in February 1991 that featured him breathing fire. Despite his previous success in the WWF as a one-time Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion, Steamboat was mainly treated as a brand-new wrestler, save for the announcers occasionally making reference to his WrestleMania III match and former title reign.[52] Steamboat's first match came on a Superstars taping on March 11 in Pensacola, FL when he defeated Jeff Sword. His first televised match was on the March 30 edition of Superstars when he defeated the Brooklyn Brawler with his signature diving crossbody. On subsequent episodes of Superstars and Wrestling Challenge, Steamboat would go on to win numerous squash matches. He would also be victorious on televised Madison Square Garden events, defeating the likes of Haku, Demolition Smash, Paul Roma, Col. Mustafa, Pat Tanaka, and The Warlord.

Steamboat's only pay per view appearance during his second WWF tenure was at SummerSlam. Teaming with Kerry Von Erich and Davey Boy Smith against the Warlord, Hercules, and Paul Roma, Steamboat got the victory for his team by pinning Roma.

The Dragon was undefeated on television during his 1991 run and lost only one match, a house show bout against Skinner. The day after his dark match loss, Steamboat gave his notice to WWF management and then quit the company shortly thereafter. He had been booked for the Survivor Series, teaming with Jim Neidhart (who would be replaced by Sgt. Slaughter due to injury), Jim Duggan, and Kerry Von Erich against Col. Mustafa, Skinner, The Berzerker, and Big Bully Busick (who would be replaced by Hercules after Busick left the WWF), but he left before the event and was replaced by Tito Santana. It is rumored that Steamboat was booked to be squashed by The Undertaker on Superstars to build Undertaker for his impending WWF Championship match against Hulk Hogan, and that Steamboat chose to quit the WWF rather than lose to Undertaker. Undertaker instead squashed Kerry Von Erich on Wrestling Challenge weeks prior to Survivor Series.

During his time in the WWF, Steamboat asked Pat Patterson to work as a heel. Steamboat proposed to fight as a masked heel until somebody would remove his mask, but Patterson said he was a consummate babyface.[22]

### Return to WCW (1991–1994)

[edit]

#### World Tag Team Champion (1991–1992)

[edit]

In November 1991 at Clash of the Champions XVII, Steamboat returned to World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as the surprise tag team partner of Dustin Rhodes, substituting for an injured Barry Windham. Steamboat and Rhodes defeated the Enforcers (Arn Anderson and Larry Zbyszko) to win the World Tag Team Championship, Steamboat's first World Tag Team Title under the WCW banner.[11][53] They lost the titles to Arn Anderson and his new partner Bobby Eaton at a live event in January 1992.[54] Steamboat began feuding with the Dangerous Alliance at this point, facing them in a critically acclaimed WarGames match at WrestleWar, which received a 5-star rating from Dave Meltzer. He unsuccessfully challenged Dangerous Alliance member and United States Heavyweight Champion Rick Rude for the title at SuperBrawl II.[55] Their rivalry culminated in a non-title Iron Man Challenge at Beach Blast, which Steamboat won.[56]

#### World Television Champion (1992–1993)

[edit]

On the September 2, 1992 Clash of the Champions XX: 20th Anniversary, Steamboat defeated "Stunning" Steve Austin to win his first Television Championship under the WCW banner.[9][57] He lost the title to Scott Steiner at a television taping[58] on September 29.[59] He however, won both his first NWA World Tag Team Championship (unrecognized by NWA) and his second WCW World Tag Team Title with Shane Douglas (NWA and WCW titles were unified) on the November 18 Clash of the Champions XXI by defeating Barry Windham and Dustin Rhodes.[11][60] On the March 27, 1993 edition of Power Hour, they lost the NWA and WCW titles to The Hollywood Blonds (Brian Pillman and Steve Austin).[61][62] On the August 18 Clash of the Champions XXIV, he defeated Paul Orndorff to win his second and final WCW World Television Championship.[9][63] In September 1993, at Fall Brawl, Steamboat's TV title reign was ended when he lost to Lord Steven Regal.[64] At Starrcade, the two fought in a rematch for the title which resulted in a time-limit draw.[65]

#### United States Heavyweight Champion and retirement (1994)

[edit]

Heading into 1994, Steamboat engaged in one last feud over the WCW World Heavyweight Championship with longtime rival Ric Flair, which culminated in a match in the main event of Spring Stampede where the title was briefly held up due to both men's shoulders being pinned at the same time.[66] On the May 14 edition of Saturday Night, Flair defeated Steamboat to reclaim possession of the title.[67] Their final singles match was on Main Event in July which ended on a disqualification when Steve Austin interfered. Steamboat and Flair's last encounter was in a tag team match on the July 31 edition of Main Event where Steamboat teamed with Sting against Ric Flair and Steve Austin.[68]

He then feuded with US Champion "Stunning" Steve Austin and earned a US title shot at Bash at the Beach, but lost.[69] On the August 24 Clash of the Champions XXVIII, he got a rematch against Austin where Steamboat hurt his back,[70] but managed to pin Austin for the United States Heavyweight Championship.[70][71] However, he had to give up the belt due to the injury at Fall Brawl; he was replaced by "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, who made his WCW debut after Duggan left the WWF. The match was started, Duggan defeated Austin to become new United States Heavyweight Champion.[70][72] In September 1994, Steamboat was fired by WCW President Eric Bischoff via Federal Express package (while injured), thus ending a nearly two decade relationship with the Crockett/Turner wrestling organization.

### First retirement (1994–2005)

[edit]

Steamboat mentored CM Punk

After an eight-year retirement, Steamboat played an important role in the genesis of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he was the referee of the first Gauntlet for the Gold for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.[73] He was also the referee for the four-way double-elimination match to crown the first holder of the TNA X Division Championship.[1] He has also made appearances for Ring of Honor where he refereed the first defense of the ROH Pure Wrestling Championship.[74] In 2004, he engaged in a series of confrontations with CM Punk over Punk's arrogance in matches Steamboat refereed and then became CM Punk's inspiration to become the better person Steamboat knew he could be.[75] The latter part of 2004 saw Steamboat feud with Mick Foley over which style of wrestling was superior, pure wrestling or hardcore wrestling.[76] The two of them had many confrontations and managed teams to face one another, but never had a match against each other.[77] Steamboat's last ROH appearance was at Final Battle 2004 where he and Foley finally made peace.[78]

### Second return to WWE (2005-2014)

[edit]

#### Agent and feud with Chris Jericho (2005–2009)

[edit]

In early 2005, Steamboat returned to WWE as a producer and was introduced as a WWE Legend on the "Homecoming" edition of Raw in October 2005.[79] In early 2006, Ricky Steamboat told WWE management that he would like to come out of retirement at WrestleMania 22 and work a match with Ric Flair, but the idea was nixed.[1] Ricky Steamboat has been the special referee in main event matches between John Cena, Triple H, and/or Edge at WWE house shows.[1] In 2006 at the Raw SummerSlam Tour in Sydney, Australia, he was a referee for a match between Cena and Edge for the WWE Championship.[1] He also refereed another title match in July 2007 between John Cena and Randy Orton in Anaheim, California.[1] On April 1, 2007, he made an appearance at WrestleMania 23 while various other legends were having a small dance party in the background.[80] He also briefly appeared at the Vengeance: Night of Champions pay-per-view, being recognized as a former Intercontinental Champion.[81] He made another appearance on WWE television during Ric Flair's farewell on the March 31, 2008 edition of Raw.[82]

Steamboat with fellow WWE Hall of Famers Roddy Piper and Jimmy Snuka before their match against Chris Jericho at WrestleMania 25

He appeared on the February 23 edition of Raw, after being named one of the members of the 2009 WWE Hall of Fame class. However, Steamboat was attacked by Chris Jericho, who began to feud with the Hall of Famers.[83] In his first match in nearly 15 years, Steamboat returned to the ring alongside Piper and Snuka to take on Jericho at WrestleMania 25 on April 5, 2009. While both Snuka and Piper were swiftly eliminated during the match, Steamboat held his own against Jericho, performing his legendary diving crossbody and even a plancha, although Jericho would eventually go on to win the match. After receiving good reviews for his performance, Steamboat was scheduled to face Jericho in another match at Backlash. However, he lost the match after submitting to the Walls of Jericho. From June to August 2009, Steamboat worked in house shows against Chris Jericho, Drew McIntrye, and Sheamus.[84] On August 15, 2009, he teamed up with his son Richie to defeat Hiram Tua and Orlando Colon for World Wrestling Council in Puerto Rico.[85]

#### Later WWE appearances (2010–2014)

[edit]

Steamboat's last WWE-related match was teaming with his son Richie, as they defeated Trent Barretta and Caylen Croft at Florida Championship Wrestling's Father's Day Salute on June 18, 2010.[84]

On June 28, 2010, he returned to Raw to promote his new DVD only to be attacked and injured by The Nexus. On WWE's website the following day, it was announced that in storyline, Steamboat suffered injuries from the attack. However, on July 1, WWE's website announced that the prior night, Steamboat felt legitimate pain in his neck and shoulders and as a result, was now legitimately hospitalized. This caused WWE to take down any storyline information related to that attack.[86] In a 2024 interview for Biography: WWE Legends, Steamboat stated that he was in the hospital for three weeks following that injury, due to bleeding between the hemispheres of his brain.

Steamboat attempting a diving crossbody on Chris Jericho at Backlash 2009

Steamboat worked as an NXT trainer and in the talent relations department with Triple H until the developmental release of his son, Richie Steamboat, in 2013. He later moved on to being an Ambassador.[87]

Steamboat was released by WWE on July 19, 2014.[88]

### Later appearances (since 2019)

[edit]

Steamboat in 2018

On the February 25, 2019, episode of WWE Raw, Steamboat along with special guests Shawn Michaels, Kurt Angle and Sting appeared during the main event segment to celebrate the 70th birthday of Ric Flair. However, Flair would be attacked by Batista instead of appearing on screen.[89]

In his first televised appearance on TBS since 1994, Steamboat was the guest timekeeper in a match between Bryan Danielson and Daniel Garcia on the August 17, 2022 edition of AEW Dynamite.[90][91]

Steamboat returned to the ring on November 27, 2022, at age 69 for the first time since his last match in 2010. He teamed with FTR (Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood) as they defeated Nick Aldis, Jay Lethal and Brock Anderson (son of Arn Anderson) at Big Time Wrestling Return of the Dragon in Raleigh, North Carolina.[92]

Steamboat returned to AEW on the August 5, 2023, episode of AEW Collision as a special outside enforcer for the "Real World Championship" match between CM Punk and Ricky Starks due to Starks beating Punk by cheating in their previous two matches. After the match, Starks assaulted Steamboat with Steamboat's own belt.[93][94] It was later reported that Steamboat requested that he be beaten down by Starks instead of the planned finish of him chasing Starks away after the match.[95][96] On the September 2 episode of Collision, Steamboat presented a contract for a "Ricky Starks vs. The Dragon" strap match at AEW All Out to Starks. After Starks signed the contract, it was revealed that his opponent would not be Steamboat but "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson instead.[97] Steamboat joined the broadcast team for the match at All Out to witness Danielson defeating Starks.[98]

Steamboat was guest timekeeper for AEW Revolution in 2024, which was billed as the final match for Sting and his tag team partner Darby Allin, who defended the AEW Tag Team Championship against Matthew and Nicholas Jackson, which was held at Greensboro Coliseum.[99]

## In other media

[edit]

Steamboat appears in 14 wrestling video games; he made his video game debut in WCW: World Championship Wrestling in 1989. He later appeared in WCW SuperBrawl Wrestling in 1994 and later Legends of Wrestling in 2001, Legends of Wrestling II in 2002 and Showdown: Legends of Wrestling in 2004. He made his WWE video game debut in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 in 2010, and has since appeared in WWE All Stars, WWE '12, WWE 2K14, WWE 2K16 (two versions; one DLC), WWE 2K17 and WWE 2K18 as an unlockable character, WWE 2K19 as DLC in the game's Ric Flair-themed "Wooooo!" Collector's edition, in WWE 2K20 as an unlockable character, and in WWE 2K24 as part of the "40 Years of WrestleMania" Showcase.[100]

On June 2, 2024, Steamboat was the subject of the Biography: WWE Legends.

## Personal life

[edit]

Blood is the older brother of professional wrestler Vic Steamboat. His son, Richard Jr. (born 1987), was a wrestler under the ring name Richie Steamboat.

## Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

Steamboat at the 2009 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony

* All Japan Pro Wrestling
* World's Strongest Tag Determination League Outstanding Performance Award (1980) – with Dick Slater[101]
* World's Strongest Tag Determination League Fair Play Award (1980) – with Dick Slater[101]
* World's Strongest Tag Determination League New Wave Award (1982) – with Jay Youngblood[102]
* Cauliflower Alley Club
* Lou Thesz Award (2012)[103]
* George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
* Class of 2009[104]
* Maple Leaf Wrestling
* NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (Mid-Atlantic version) (1 time)[a][105]
* Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling / World Championship Wrestling
* NWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[b][6]
* NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship (2 times)[14]
* NWA/WCW United States Heavyweight Championship (4 times)[106]
* NWA Mid-Atlantic/NWA/WCW World Television Championship (4 times)[8]
* NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship (5 times) – with Paul Jones (3), Dino Bravo (1) and Jay Youngblood (1)[13]
* NWA/WCW World Tag Team Championship (8 times) – with Paul Jones (1), Jay Youngblood (5), Dustin Rhodes (1) and Shane Douglas (1)[10]
* National Wrestling Alliance
* NWA Hall of Fame (Class of 2012)[107]
* Pro Wrestling Illustrated
* Match of the Year (1987) vs. "Macho Man" Randy Savage at WrestleMania III
* Match of the Year (1989) vs. Ric Flair at WrestleWar
* Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (2009)
* Rookie of the Year (1977)
* Stanley Weston Award (1995)
* Tag Team of the Year (1978) with Paul Jones
* Ranked No. 6 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the year in the PWI 500 in 1992[108]
* Ranked No. 13 of the Top 500 Singles Wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003[109]
* Ranked No. 19 of the Top 100 Tag Teams of the "PWI Years" with Jay Youngblood in 2003.[110]
* Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum
* Class of 2002[4]
* World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment
* WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[111]
* WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2009)
* Wrestling Observer Newsletter
* Tag Team of the Year (1983) with Jay Youngblood
* Match of the Year (1987) vs. Macho Man Randy Savage at WrestleMania III
* Match of the Year (1989) vs. Ric Flair at Clash of the Champions VI
* Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ During this time, the title was almost exclusively defended in Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling. However, on occasion, the title was defended in other promotions through arrangements made with Mid-Atlantic.
2. ^ Steamboat won the title after Ted Turner purchased Mid-Atlantic Championship wrestling from Jim Crockett and renamed it World Championship Wrestling.

## References

[edit]

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106. ^ "WWE United States Championship". Retrieved May 25, 2020.
107. ^ Meltzer, Dave (November 17, 2012). "Sat. update: Great TV show, WWE multiple releases, Austin talks WWE Hall of Fame, Best night for Bellator, PPV predictions, NWA Hall of Fame, James Storm headlines benefit show, Devitt takes another title". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved November 17, 2012.
108. ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 1992". The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
109. ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 – PWI Years". Wrestling Information Archive. Archived from the original on June 16, 2008. Retrieved September 6, 2010.
110. ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Top 100 Tag Teams of the PWI Years". Wrestling Information Archive. Archived from the original on September 21, 2011. Retrieved March 24, 2009.
111. ^ "Ricky Steamboat's first Intercontinental Championship reign". Archived from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved October 9, 2013.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ricky Steamboat.

* Official website
* Ricky Steamboat on WWE.com
* Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame Profile of Ricky Steamboat
* Richard Blood at IMDb
* Ricky Steamboat's profile at WWE.com , Cagematch.net , Wrestlingdata.com , Internet Wrestling Database

Links to related articles

* v
* t
* e

WWE personnel

Raw|

| Men's division|

* AJ Styles
* Akira Tozawa
* Austin Theory
* Bron Breakker
* Bronson Reed
* Brutus Creed
* Chad Gable
* CM Punk
* Cruz Del Toro
* Dominik Mysterio
* Dragon Lee
* Erik
* Finn Bálor
* Grayson Waller
* Gunther
* Ilja Dragunov
* Ivar
* JD McDonagh
* Jey Uso
* Joaquin Wilde
* Julius Creed
* Karrion Kross
* Kofi Kingston
* Logan Paul
* Ludwig Kaiser
* Otis
* Penta
* Pete Dunne
* Rey Mysterio
* Rusev
* Sami Zayn
* Seth Rollins
* Sheamus
* Tyler Bate
* Xavier Woods

|

Women's division|

* Asuka
* Bayley
* Becky Lynch
* Ivy Nile
* Iyo Sky
* Kairi Sane
* Kiana James
* Liv Morgan
* Lyra Valkyria
* Maxxine Dupri
* Naomi
* Natalya
* Raquel Rodriguez
* Rhea Ripley
* Roxanne Perez
* Scarlett
* Stephanie Vaquer
* Zoey Stark

Stables and
tag teams|

* Alpha Academy
* American Made (Creed Brothers)
* A-Town Down Under
* Imperium
* The Judgment Day (Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez)
* The Kabuki Warriors
* Latino World Order
* New Catch Republic
* The New Day
* The War Raiders

Other on-air talent|

* Adam Pearce
* Paul Heyman

Referees|

* Dan Engler
* Daphanie LaShaunn
* John Cone

SmackDown|

| Men's division|

* Aleister Black
* Alex Shelley
* Andrade
* Angel
* Angelo Dawkins
* Apollo Crews
* Axiom
* Berto
* Carmelo Hayes
* Chris Sabin
* Cody Rhodes
* Damian Priest
* Dexter Lumis
* Drew McIntyre
* Elton Prince
* Erick Rowan
* Jacob Fatu
* JC Mateo
* Jimmy Uso
* Joe Gacy
* John Cena
* Johnny Gargano
* Kevin Owens
* Kit Wilson
* LA Knight
* The Miz
* Montez Ford
* Nathan Frazer
* R-Truth
* Randy Orton
* Rey Fénix
* Roman Reigns
* Santos Escobar
* Shinsuke Nakamura
* Solo Sikoa
* Tala Tonga
* Tama Tonga
* Tommaso Ciampa
* Tonga Loa
* Uncle Howdy

|

Women's division|

* Alba Fyre
* Alexa Bliss
* B-Fab
* Bianca Belair
* Candice LeRae
* Charlotte Flair
* Chelsea Green
* Giulia
* Jade Cargill
* Michin
* Nia Jax
* Nikki Cross
* Piper Niven
* Tiffany Stratton
* Zelina Vega

Stables and
tag teams|

* The Bloodline
* DIY
* Fraxiom
* The Green Regime
* Legado Del Fantasma
* The Motor City Machine Guns
* Pretty Deadly
* The Street Profits
* The Wyatt Sicks

Other on-air talent|

* Nick Aldis

Referees|

* Charles Robinson
* Jason Ayers
* Jessika Carr

Nonexclusive|

| Men's division|

* Brock Lesnar
* Omos

|

Women's division|

* Tamina

NXT|

| Men's division|

* Andre Chase
* Ashante "Thee" Adonis
* Brooks Jensen
* Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo
* Charlie Dempsey
* Dante Chen
* Dion Lennox
* Ethan Page
* Hank Walker
* Jasper Troy
* Je'Von Evans
* Josh Briggs
* Lexis King
* Luca Crusifino
* Malik Blade
* Myles Borne
* Niko Vance
* Noam Dar
* Oba Femi
* Ricky Saints
* Ridge Holland
* Shawn Spears
* Tank Ledger
* Tavion Heights
* Tony D'Angelo
* Trick Williams
* Tyson Dupont
* Uriah Connors
* Wes Lee
* Yoshiki Inamura

|

Women's division|

* Adriana Rizzo
* Arianna Grace
* Blake Monroe
* Brinley Reece
* Carlee Bright
* Fallon Henley
* Izzi Dame
* Jacy Jayne
* Jaida Parker
* Jazmyn Nyx
* Jordynne Grace
* Karmen Petrovic
* Kelani Jordan
* Kendal Grey
* Lash Legend
* Lola Vice
* Nikkita Lyons
* Sol Ruca
* Tatum Paxley
* Thea Hail
* Tyra Mae Steele
* Wendy Choo
* Wren Sinclair
* Zaria

Stables and
tag teams|

* Chase University
* Fatal Influence
* No Quarter Catch Crew

Other on-air talent|

* Ava
* Robert Stone
* Stevie Turner
* William Regal

Evolve|

| Men's division|

* Aaron Fara
* Anthony Luke
* Brad Baylor
* Bryce Donovan
* Elijah Holyfield
* Francois Prinsloo
* Jackson Drake
* Lance Anoa'i
* Sean Legacy
* Shady Elnahas
* Shiloh Hill
* Trill London

|

Women's division|

* Kali Armstrong
* Kalyx
* Kylie Rae

Performance Center
coaches|

* Alexander James
* Fit Finlay
* Lince Dorado
* Matt Bloom
* Norman Smiley
* Oney Lorcan
* Robbie Brookside
* Sara Amato
* Steve Corino
* Terry Taylor
* Timothy Thatcher
* Tyler Breeze

Broadcast
team|

* Alicia Taylor
* Big E
* Booker T
* Byron Saxton
* Cathy Kelley
* Corey Graves
* Funaki
* Jackie Redmond
* Jerry Soto
* Jesse Ventura
* Jimena Sánchez
* Joe Tessitore
* Lilian Garcia
* Marcelo Rodríguez
* Michael Cole
* Mike Rome
* Moein Al Bastaki
* Pat McAfee
* Peter Rosenberg
* Sam Roberts
* Vic Joseph
* Wade Barrett

Ambassadors|

* Armando Estrada
* Ax
* Bob Backlund
* The Boogeyman
* Bubba Ray Dudley
* D-Von Dudley
* Diamond Dallas Page
* Eve Torres
* The Godfather
* Hornswoggle
* Hulk Hogan
* Jacqueline
* Jerry Lawler
* Jimmy Hart
* Jim Duggan
* John "Bradshaw" Layfield
* Kelly Kelly
* Ken Shamrock
* Kevin Nash
* Kurt Angle
* Lana
* Lex Luger
* Maria Menounos
* Maryse
* Michelle McCool
* Mick Foley
* Mosh
* Rick Steiner
* Ricky Steamboat
* Rob Van Dam
* Scott Steiner
* Sean Waltman
* Sgt. Slaughter
* Smash
* Tatanka
* Tatsumi Fujinami
* Ted DiBiase
* The Undertaker
* Thrasher
* Titus O'Neil
* Typhoon
* Victoria

Producers
and writers|

* Billy Kidman
* Chris Parks
* Drake Maverick
* Gabe Sapolsky
* Jamie Noble
* Jason Jordan
* Jeremy Borash
* Kenny Dykstra
* Michael Hayes
* Molly Holly
* Petey Williams
* Robert Roode
* Ryan Katz
* Shane Helms
* Shawn Daivari
* TJ Wilson

Executive
personnel|

* Ari Emanuel
* Bruce Prichard
* Dwayne Johnson
* Jim Smallman
* Road Dogg
* Nick Khan
* Shawn Michaels
* Triple H

See also|

* Women in WWE
* Former personnel

* v
* t
* e

WWE Hall of Fame inductees

1990s

| 1993|

* André the Giant

|

1994|

* Arnold Skaaland
* Bobo Brazil
* Buddy Rogers
* Chief Jay Strongbow
* Freddie Blassie
* Gorilla Monsoon
* James Dudley

1995|

* Antonino Rocca
* Ernie Ladd
* The Fabulous Moolah
* George Steele
* Ernie Roth
* Ivan Putski
* Pedro Morales

1996|

* Jimmy Snuka
* Johnny Rodz
* Killer Kowalski
* Lou Albano
* Mikel Scicluna
* Pat Patterson
* Valiant Brothers
* Jimmy Valiant
* Johnny Valiant
* Vince McMahon Sr.

2000s

| 2004|

* Big John Studd
* "Superstar" Billy Graham
* Bobby Heenan
* Don Muraco
* Greg Valentine
* Harley Race
* Jesse Ventura
* Junkyard Dog
* Sgt. Slaughter
* Tito Santana

| Celebrity|

* Pete Rose

|

2005|

* Bob Orton Jr.
* Hulk Hogan
* The Iron Sheik
* Jimmy Hart
* Nikolai Volkoff
* Paul Orndorff
* Roddy Piper

2006|

* The Blackjacks
* Blackjack Mulligan
* Blackjack Lanza
* Bret Hart
* Eddie Guerrero
* Gene Okerlund
* Sherri Martel
* Tony Atlas
* Verne Gagne

| Celebrity|

* William Perry

|

2007|

* Dusty Rhodes
* Jerry Lawler
* Jim Ross
* Mr. Fuji
* Curt Hennig
* Nick Bockwinkel
* The Sheik
* Wild Samoans
* Afa Anoa'i
* Sika Anoa'i

2008|

* The Brisco Brothers
* Gerald Brisco
* Jack Brisco
* Eddie Graham
* Gordon Solie
* Mae Young
* Peter Maivia
* Ric Flair
* See also: 2012
* Rocky Johnson

2009|

* Bill Watts
* The Funk Brothers
* Terry Funk
* Dory Funk Jr.
* Howard Finkel
* Koko B. Ware
* Ricky Steamboat
* Stone Cold Steve Austin
* Von Erich family
* Chris Von Erich
* David Von Erich
* Fritz Von Erich
* Kerry Von Erich
* Kevin Von Erich
* Mike Von Erich

2010s

| 2010|

* Antonio Inoki
* Gorgeous George
* Maurice Vachon
* Stu Hart
* Ted DiBiase
* Wendi Richter

| Celebrity|

* Bob Uecker

|

2011|

* Abdullah the Butcher
* Bob Armstrong
* Jim Duggan
* Road Warriors
* Road Warrior Hawk
* Road Warrior Animal
* Paul Ellering
* Shawn Michaels
* Sunny

| Celebrity|

* Drew Carey

|

2012|

* Edge
* The Four Horsemen
* Arn Anderson
* Barry Windham
* J. J. Dillon
* Ric Flair
* Tully Blanchard
* Mil Máscaras
* Ron Simmons
* Yokozuna

| Celebrity|

* Mike Tyson

|

2013|

* Bob Backlund
* Booker T
* Bruno Sammartino
* Mick Foley
* Trish Stratus

| Celebrity|

* Donald Trump

|

2014|

* Carlos Colón
* Jake Roberts
* Lita
* Paul Bearer
* Scott Hall
* The Ultimate Warrior

| Celebrity|

* Mr. T

|

2015|

* Alundra Blayze
* The Bushwhackers
* Bushwhacker Butch
* Bushwhacker Luke
* Kevin Nash
* Larry Zbyszko
* Randy Savage
* Rikishi
* Tatsumi Fujinami

| Celebrity|

* Arnold Schwarzenegger

|

Warrior|

* Connor Michalek

2016|

* Big Boss Man
* Fabulous Freebirds
* Michael Hayes
* Buddy Roberts
* Jimmy Garvin
* Terry Gordy
* The Godfather
* Jacqueline
* Stan Hansen
* Sting

| Celebrity|

* Snoop Dogg

|

Warrior|

* Joan Lunden

Legacy|

* Ed Lewis
* Frank Gotch
* George Hackenschmidt
* Lou Thesz
* Mildred Burke
* Pat O'Connor
* Sailor Art Thomas

2017|

* Beth Phoenix
* Diamond Dallas Page
* Kurt Angle
* Rick Rude
* Rock 'n' Roll Express
* Ricky Morton
* Robert Gibson
* Theodore Long

| Warrior|

* Eric LeGrand

|

Legacy|

* Bearcat Wright
* Dr. Jerry Graham
* Haystacks Calhoun
* Judy Grable
* June Byers
* Luther Lindsay
* Martin Burns
* Rikidōzan
* Toots Mondt

2018|

* Dudley Boyz
* Bubba Ray Dudley
* D-Von Dudley
* Goldberg
* Hillbilly Jim
* Ivory
* Jeff Jarrett
* Mark Henry

| Celebrity|

* Kid Rock

|

Warrior|

* Jarrius "JJ" Robertson

Legacy|

* Boris Malenko
* Cora Combs
* Dara Singh
* Hiro Matsuda
* Jim Londos
* Lord Alfred Hayes
* Rufus R. Jones
* El Santo
* Sputnik Monroe
* Stan Stasiak

2019|

* Brutus Beefcake
* D-Generation X
* Shawn Michaels
* Triple H
* Chyna
* Road Dogg
* Billy Gunn
* Sean Waltman
* Harlem Heat
* Booker T
* Stevie Ray
* Hart Foundation
* Bret Hart
* Jim Neidhart
* The Honky Tonk Man
* Torrie Wilson

| Warrior|

* Sue Aitchison

|

Legacy|

* Bruiser Brody
* Buddy Rose
* Hisashi Shinma
* Jim Barnett
* Joseph Cohen
* Luna Vachon
* Primo Carnera
* Professor Tanaka
* S. D. Jones
* Wahoo McDaniel

2020s

| 2020|

* The Bella Twins
* Nikki Bella
* Brie Bella
* Davey Boy Smith
* John "Bradshaw" Layfield
* Jushin Liger
* New World Order
* Hulk Hogan
* Kevin Nash
* Scott Hall
* Sean Waltman

| Celebrity|

* William Shatner

|

Warrior|

* Titus O'Neil

Legacy|

* Baron Michele Leone
* Brickhouse Brown
* Gary Hart
* Ray Stevens
* Steve Williams

2021|

* Eric Bischoff
* The Great Khali
* Kane
* Molly Holly
* Rob Van Dam

| Celebrity|

* Ozzy Osbourne

|

Warrior|

* Rich Hering

Legacy|

* Buzz Sawyer
* Dick the Bruiser
* Ethel Johnson
* Paul Boesch
* Pez Whatley

2022|

* Sharmell
* Steiner Brothers
* Rick Steiner
* Scott Steiner
* The Undertaker
* Vader

| Warrior|

* Shad Gaspard

|

2023|

* The Great Muta
* Rey Mysterio
* Stacy Keibler

| Celebrity|

* Andy Kaufman

|

Warrior|

* Tim White

2024|

* Bull Nakano
* Paul Heyman
* Thunderbolt Patterson
* Lia Maivia
* U.S. Express
* Barry Windham
* Mike Rotunda

| Celebrity|

* Muhammad Ali

|

2025|

* Triple H
* Michelle McCool
* Lex Luger
* The Natural Disasters
* Earthquake
* Typhoon

| Immortal Moment|

* Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13

|

Legacy|

* Kamala
* Dory Funk Sr.
* Ivan Koloff

* Category

* v
* t
* e

WWE Intercontinental Champions

1970s|

* Pat Patterson

1980s|

* Ken Patera
* Pedro Morales
* Don Muraco
* Tito Santana
* Greg Valentine
* Randy Savage
* Ricky Steamboat
* The Honky Tonk Man
* The Ultimate Warrior
* Rick Rude

1990s|

* Mr. Perfect
* The Texas Tornado
* Bret Hart
* The Mountie
* Roddy Piper
* The British Bulldog
* Shawn Michaels
* Marty Jannetty
* Razor Ramon
* Diesel
* Jeff Jarrett
* Dean Douglas
* Goldust
* Ahmed Johnson
* Marc Mero
* Hunter Hearst Helmsley/Triple H
* Rocky Maivia/The Rock
* Owen Hart
* Stone Cold Steve Austin
* Ken Shamrock
* Val Venis
* Road Dogg
* The Godfather
* Edge
* D'Lo Brown
* Chyna
* Chris Jericho

2000s|

* Kurt Angle
* Chris Benoit
* Rikishi
* Eddie Guerrero
* Billy Gunn
* Jeff Hardy
* Kane
* Albert
* Lance Storm
* Christian
* Test
* William Regal
* Rob Van Dam
* Booker T
* Randy Orton
* Shelton Benjamin
* Carlito
* Ric Flair
* Johnny Nitro/John Morrison
* Umaga
* Santino Marella
* Kofi Kingston
* CM Punk
* John "Bradshaw" Layfield
* Rey Mysterio
* Drew McIntyre

2010s|

* Dolph Ziggler
* Wade Barrett/Bad News Barrett
* Ezekiel Jackson
* Cody Rhodes
* Big Show
* The Miz
* Curtis Axel
* Big E Langston/Big E
* Luke Harper
* Daniel Bryan
* Ryback
* Kevin Owens
* Dean Ambrose
* Zack Ryder
* Roman Reigns
* Seth Rollins
* Bobby Lashley
* Finn Bálor
* Shinsuke Nakamura/King Nakamura

2020s|

* Braun Strowman
* Sami Zayn
* AJ Styles
* Apollo Crews
* Ricochet
* Gunther
* Bron Breakker
* Jey Uso
* Dominik Mysterio (current)

* v
* t
* e

WWE United States Champions

MACW/JCP
(1975–1988)|

| 1970s|

* Harley Race
* Johnny Valentine
* Terry Funk
* Paul Jones
* Blackjack Mulligan
* Bobo Brazil
* Ric Flair
* Ricky Steamboat
* Mr. Wrestling
* Jimmy Snuka

|

1980s|

* Roddy Piper
* Wahoo McDaniel
* Sgt. Slaughter
* Greg Valentine
* Dick Slater
* Magnum T. A.
* Tully Blanchard
* Nikita Koloff
* Lex Luger
* Dusty Rhodes
* Barry Windham

WCW
(1988–2001)|

| 1980s|

* Michael Hayes

|

1990s|

* Stan Hansen
* Sting
* Rick Rude
* Dustin Rhodes
* Steve Austin
* Jim Duggan
* Big Van Vader
* Kensuke Sasaki
* One Man Gang
* Konnan
* Eddie Guerrero
* Dean Malenko
* Jeff Jarrett
* Steve McMichael
* Curt Hennig
* Diamond Dallas Page
* Raven
* Goldberg
* Bret Hart
* Scott Hall
* Scott Steiner
* David Flair
* Chris Benoit
* Sid Vicious

2000s|

* Lance Storm
* Gen. Hugh G. Rection
* Shane Douglas
* Rick Steiner
* Booker T

WWF/E
(2001, 2003–present)|

| 2000s|

* Chris Kanyon
* Tajiri
* Rhyno
* Kurt Angle
* Edge
* Big Show
* John Cena
* Carlito Caribbean Cool
* Orlando Jordan
* John "Bradshaw" Layfield
* Bobby Lashley
* Finlay
* Mr. Kennedy
* Montel Vontavious Porter
* Matt Hardy
* Shelton Benjamin
* Kofi Kingston
* The Miz

|

2010s|

* R-Truth
* Daniel Bryan
* Sheamus
* Dolph Ziggler
* Zack Ryder
* Jack Swagger
* Santino Marella
* Antonio Cesaro
* Dean Ambrose
* Rusev
* Seth Rollins
* Alberto Del Rio
* Kalisto
* Roman Reigns
* Chris Jericho
* Kevin Owens
* AJ Styles
* Baron Corbin
* Bobby Roode
* Randy Orton
* Jinder Mahal
* Jeff Hardy
* Shinsuke Nakamura
* Samoa Joe
* Rey Mysterio
* Ricochet
* Andrade

2020s|

* Apollo Crews
* Riddle
* Damian Priest
* Finn Bálor
* Austin Theory
* Logan Paul
* LA Knight
* Jacob Fatu
* Solo Sikoa (current)

* v
* t
* e

WCW World Television Champions

MACW/JCP
(1974–1988)|

| 1970s|

* Ivan Koloff
* Paul Jones
* Ric Flair
* Angelo Mosca
* Mr. Wrestling
* Greg Valentine
* Rufus R. Jones
* Ricky Steamboat
* Baron von Raschke
* Johnny Weaver

|

1980s|

* The Masked Superstar
* Roddy Piper
* Sweet Ebony Diamond
* Ron Bass
* Charlie Brown/Jimmy Valiant
* Jos LeDuc
* Leroy Brown
* Mike Rotundo
* Dick Slater
* The Great Kabuki
* Mark Youngblood
* Tully Blanchard
* Dusty Rhodes
* Arn Anderson
* Nikita Koloff

WCW
(1988–2000)|

| 1980s|

* Rick Steiner
* Sting
* The Great Muta

|

1990s|

* The Z-Man
* Bobby Eaton
* Steve Austin
* Barry Windham
* Scott Steiner
* Paul Orndorff
* Lord Steven Regal
* Larry Zbyszko
* Johnny B. Badd
* The Renegade
* Diamond Dallas Page
* Lex Luger
* Prince Iaukea
* Ultimate Dragon
* Alex Wright
* Disco Inferno
* Perry Saturn
* Booker T
* Rick Martel
* Chris Benoit
* Fit Finlay
* Stevie Ray
* Chris Jericho
* Konnan
* Scott Hall

2000s|

* Jim Duggan

* v
* t
* e

NWA Hall of Fame Inductees

2005

* Gordon Solie
* Harley Race
* Jim Barnett
* Jim Cornette
* Lou Thesz
* Sam Muchnick

2006

* Dory Funk Jr.
* Eddie Graham
* Lance Russell
* Leilani Kai
* Rock 'n' Roll Express
* Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson
* Saul Weingeroff

2008

* Corsicans
* Corsica Joe and Corsica Jean
* The Iron Sheik
* Midnight Express
* Bobby Eaton and Dennis Condrey
* Nikita Koloff
* Ric Flair
* Tommy Rich

2009

* Dennis Coralluzzo
* Gene Kiniski
* Jerry Jarrett
* Mil Máscaras
* Paul Orndorff
* Terry Funk
* Tully Blanchard

2010

* Buddy Rogers
* Dan Severn
* Danny Hodge
* Ed Chuman
* Jack Brisco
* Minnesota Wrecking Crew
* Gene Anderson, Lars Anderson, and Ole Anderson
* Nick Gulas
* The Sheik
* Shinya Hashimoto

2011

* Angelo Savoldi
* Bill Apter
* Dusty Rhodes
* Freddie Blassie
* Johnny Valentine
* LeBells
* Aileen Eaton, Gene LeBell and Mike LeBell
* Pat O'Connor
* Rikidōzan
* Sue Green
* Wahoo McDaniel

2012

* The Fabulous Moolah
* John Tolos
* Joyce Grable
* Little Beaver
* Misty Blue
* Mr. Wrestling II
* Paul Boesch
* Ricky Steamboat
* Road Warriors
* Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk
* Sputnik Monroe
* Teddy Long

2013

* Bobo Brazil
* Dory Funk, Sr.
* Ernie Ladd
* Fabulous Kangaroos
* Al Costello and Roy Heffernan
* Jackie Fargo
* Ray Stevens
* Salvador Lutteroth

2014

* Cowboy Bob Kelly
* Giant Baba
* J. J. Dillon
* Kevin Sullivan
* Ox Baker
* Pinkie George

2015

* Adam Pearce
* Leroy McGuirk
* Mike Sircy
* Wright Brothers
* Don Wright and Ron Wright

2016

* Boris Malenko
* Gary Hart
* Jim Ross
* Len Rossi
* Nick Bockwinkel

2017

* Everett Marshall
* José Lothario

* v
* t
* e

NWA World's Heavyweight Champions

1940s|

* Orville Brown
* Lou Thesz

1950s|

* Billy Watson
* Dick Hutton
* Pat O'Connor

1960s|

* Buddy Rogers
* Gene Kiniski
* Dory Funk Jr.

1970s|

* Harley Race
* Jack Brisco
* Giant Baba
* Terry Funk
* Dusty Rhodes

1980s|

* Tommy Rich
* Ric Flair
* Kerry Von Erich
* Ron Garvin
* Ricky Steamboat

1990s|

* Sting
* Tatsumi Fujinami
* Masahiro Chono
* The Great Muta
* Barry Windham
* Shane Douglas
* Chris Candido
* Dan Severn
* Naoya Ogawa
* Gary Steele

2000s|

* Mike Rapada
* Sabu
* Steve Corino
* Shinya Hashimoto
* Ken Shamrock
* Ron Killings
* Jeff Jarrett
* A.J. Styles
* Ray González
* Raven
* Rhino
* Christian Cage
* Abyss
* Adam Pearce
* Brent Albright
* Blue Demon Jr.

2010s|

* Colt Cabana
* The Sheik
* Kahagas
* Rob Conway
* Satoshi Kojima
* Hiroyoshi Tenzan
* Jax Dane
* Tim Storm
* Nick Aldis
* Cody

2020s|

* Trevor Murdoch
* Matt Cardona
* Tyrus
* EC3
* Thom Latimer (current)

* v
* t
* e

WCW World Tag Team Champions

MACW/JCP
(1975–1988)|

| 1970s|

* Minnesota Wrecking Crew (Gene Anderson and Ole Anderson)
* Paul Jones and Wahoo McDaniel
* Rufus R. Jones and Wahoo McDaniel
* Dino Bravo and Mr. Wrestling
* Greg Valentine and Ric Flair
* Dick Slater and Dusty Rhodes
* Paul Jones and Ricky Steamboat
* Baron von Raschke and Greg Valentine
* Jimmy Snuka and Paul Orndorff
* Baron von Raschke and Paul Jones
* Blackjack Mulligan and Ric Flair
* Jay Youngblood and Ricky Steamboat
* Greg Valentine and Ray Stevens

|

1980s|

* Jimmy Snuka and Ray Stevens
* The Masked Superstar and Paul Jones
* Ivan Koloff and Ray Stevens
* Ole Anderson and Stan Hansen
* Don Kernodle and Sgt. Slaughter
* Jack Brisco and Jerry Brisco
* Bob Orton Jr. and Don Kernodle
* Mark Youngblood and Wahoo McDaniel
* Don Kernodle and Ivan Koloff
* Dusty Rhodes and Manny Fernandez
* The Russians (Ivan Koloff and Nikita Koloff)
* The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson)
* The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Dennis Condrey)
* Manny Fernandez and Rick Rude
* Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard
* Barry Windham and Lex Luger
* The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane)
* Road Warriors (Animal and Hawk)

WCW
(1988–2001)|

| 1980s|

* The Varsity Club (Mike Rotunda and Steve Williams)
* Fabulous Freebirds (Jimmy Garvin and Michael Hayes)
* Steiner Brothers (Rick Steiner and Scott Steiner)

|

1990s|

* Doom (Butch Reed and Ron Simmons)
* Enforcers (Arn Anderson and Larry Zbyszko)
* Dustin Rhodes and Ricky Steamboat
* Arn Anderson and Bobby Eaton
* Terry Gordy and Steve Williams
* Barry Windham and Dustin Rhodes
* Ricky Steamboat and Shane Douglas
* Hollywood Blonds (Brian Pillman and Steve Austin)
* Arn Anderson and Paul Roma
* The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags)
* 2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Bagwell
* Cactus Jack and Kevin Sullivan
* Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma)
* Stars and Stripes (Marcus Alexander Bagwell and The Patriot)
* Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray)
* Bunkhouse Buck and Dick Slater
* American Males (Marcus Bagwell and Scotty Riggs)
* Sting and Lex Luger
* The Public Enemy (Johnny Grunge and Rocco Rock)
* The Outsiders (Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Syxx)
* The Giant and Lex Luger
* Kevin Nash and Sting
* The Giant and Scott Hall
* Kenny Kaos and Rick Steiner
* Barry Windham and Curt Hennig
* Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko
* Filthy Animals (Billy Kidman and Rey Misterio Jr.)
* Perry Saturn and Raven
* Jersey Triad (Bam Bam Bigelow, Diamond Dallas Page and Kanyon)
* Chris Benoit and Perry Saturn
* West Texas Rednecks (Barry Windham and Kendall Windham)
* Filthy Animals (Konnan and Rey Misterio Jr.)
* Filthy Animals (Billy Kidman and Konnan)
* Creative Control/The Harris Brothers (Gerald/Ron Harris and Patrick/Don Harris)
* Bret Hart and Goldberg

2000s|

* Crowbar and David Flair
* Mamalukes (Big Vito and Johnny the Bull)
* Buff Bagwell and Shane Douglas
* KroniK (Brian Adams and Bryan Clark)
* The Perfect Event (Chuck Palumbo and Shawn Stasiak)
* Dark Carnival (The Great Muta and Vampiro)
* Filthy Animals (Juventud Guerrera and Rey Misterio Jr.)
* Mark Jindrak and Sean O'Haire
* Misfits in Action (Corporal Cajun and Lieutenant Loco)
* Boogie Knights (Alex Wright and Disco Inferno)
* The Insiders (Diamond Dallas Page and Kevin Nash)
* Natural Born Thrillers (Chuck Palumbo and Sean O'Haire)

WWF
(2001)|

* Brothers of Destruction (Kane and The Undertaker)
* Booker T and Test
* Hardy Boyz (Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy)
* Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley)

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI
* VIAF
* FAST
* WorldCat

National|

* United States

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