Ricky Steamboat says he declined offer to face Ric Flair in ‘last match’

Ricky Steamboat won’t be wrestling on “Jim Crockett Promotions Presents: Ric Flair’s Last Match.”

Recent reports suggested that Flair and Steamboat would be on opposing sides of a tag team match on the July 31 show. Dave Meltzer commented that the rumor was Flair and FTR would team up to take on the Rock N Roll Express and a partner. During a recent Highspots Auctions signing, however, Steamboat revealed that he turned down an offer to be in the match. 

“I was approached and [I’ve] given it some really serious thought,” Steamboat said. “A lot of respect for the guy in the ring. Both of us are night and day when it comes to stuff out of the ring.”

“I thought about it for a week and just recently declined on it. I know when I wrestled Jericho at WrestleMania 25 and then we had the return match at Backlash in a singles. At 69, and I know it’s a six man tag and I can get a little this and that in, but with all due respect to our fans, I want them to remember me that last time I was in there with Jericho when they chanted, ‘You still got it!’ I don’t want to scar that phrase.” 

“It would be a great payday, sure, but I don’t want them thinking ‘maybe he should have stayed retired,'” Steamboat continued. 

“Jim Crockett Promotions Presents: Ric Flair’s Last Match” is scheduled as part of Starrcast V on July 31 from the Nashville Fairgrounds.