Few rivalries in professional wrestling are as legendary as the one between Ric Flair and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat. This Sunday, A&E’s “WWE Rivals” takes a closer look at the tangled history of these two iconic figures, exploring their journey from mentor and protégé to bitter adversaries.
The episode begins by examining Flair’s early influence on Steamboat’s career, a period when “The Nature Boy” handpicked “The Dragon” as an opponent, recognizing his potential and helping him hone his craft. But as their careers progressed, their paths diverged, leading to growing tensions and ultimately, a full-blown feud.
The heart of the episode focuses on their reunion in the late 1980s, a period that produced a trilogy of matches widely considered among the greatest in wrestling history. With archival footage and expert analysis, “WWE Rivals” examines the in-ring artistry and personal animosity that fueled their battles. Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias hosts a roundtable discussion with wrestling personalities Kevin Nash, Natalya Neidhart, Cody Rhodes, and John Bradshaw Layfield to dissect the rivalry and its impact on the sport. Don’t miss this deep dive into wrestling history, airing Sunday, March 23rd at 9:30 PM ET/PT on A&E.
