In 1989, the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair and Ricky "TheDragon" Steamboat made history after putting on one of the most acclaimed trilogies of its era. Nearly 40 years later, Flair still fondly recalls the rivalry withSteamboat, whom he considers the greatest babyface of all time.Few rivalries today could measure up to Flair v. Steamboat, but according to AEW commentator Tony Schiavone, one clash at AEW All In: London reminded him of the legendary rivalry."I think, in many ways, the match that WillOspreay had withKenny Omega, recently at Wembley, to me goes down with almost parallel with the great matches Ric Flair had withRickySteamboat," he expressed during an interview on the "Battleground Podcast."While Flair and Steamboat met in the ring numerous times, their trilogy of pay-per-view matches stretching from January to May 1989 is what stands out in the memories of fans. Steamboat won the first two main event matches, including a two-out-of-three falls match in April, beforeFlair won the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship back at WrestleWar.Meanwhile, Omega and Ospreay have wrestled four singles matches one in PWG in 2015, two in NJPW in 2023, and the latest in AEW. As it stands now, both men are 2-2 in the rivalry.Ospreay and Omega's clash wasn't only praised by Schiavone in AEW, but also the Young Bucks, who commented on the experience of getting to watch the match from ringside and placed the bout at the top of the matches they've had the opportunity to watch live.If you use any quotes from this article, please credit the "Battleground Podcast," and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
