WWE Hall of Famer Ricky Steamboat had been reportedly planned for a return to the squared circle but he has now disproved it. He was rumored to return to the ring in July to wrestle Ric Flair at Starrcast V in Nashville during WWE SummerSlam weekend.
Ricky Steamboat snubs the rumors
Steamboat stated during a Highspots Superstore signing that he was approached about doing the match but he has declined the offer. Yhe Hall of Famer denied his involvement in the bout and said he didn’t want to “tarnish” his legacy and the memories fans have of him by returning:
“But knowing Ricky now and not being in the ring for a number of years, I don’t want to tarnish the memory that the fans have of me. It’d be a good payday, sure, but I don’t want them thinking, ‘Maybe he should have stayed retired.’ You know, I could get out there and maybe pull it off and say, ‘Well, you know, for a guy who’s 69 years old, he sure did pretty good,’ but that’s the double-edged sword right?” Steamboat said.
While he claims he’s in great shape, Ricky’s decision to stay retired is out of respect for the fans:
“I know my physical capabilities right now. I would love to be able to go out there and perform like I did with Jericho. I was 56 or 57 years old, but I think I want my fans to remember me as that guy and not have a chance of disappointing… So just want to make make it clear to all the fans out there that the Dragon is fine. Train still three times a week. Got my bike out and my wife and I bike three times a week. So I’m good. I really am.”
‘The Dragon’ was involved in several iconic matches in the past including a WrestleMania clash against Randy Savage and a series of matches against Ric Flair in the NWA.
