1989 Ric Flair v Ricky Steamboat is a series looking at four of the matches Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat had in 1989 for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship.
National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Worlds Heavyweight Champion Ricky Steamboat and Ric Flair had the ‘official’ second match in their 1989 series on April 2, 1989, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The televised title match was two out of three falls with a 60-minute time limit.
Much like in Chicago and Landover, the crowd was heavily on Steamboat’s side despite Flair receiving some support. Early on Steamboat slapped Flair, symbolism for his frustration at Flair disrespecting his ‘family man’ lifestyle. The spot was done before their first match, during their first match, and again in New Orleans to push home the narrative of the program.
Unlike the match in Chicago, Steamboat worked on Flair’s back throughout the contest, commentary putting the move over as Steamboat taking advantage of Flair breaking his back in a 1975 plane crash that killed the pilot and ended the career of Johnny Valentine. The added layer provided a different wrinkle on top of the extra two falls.
Flair would win the first fall with a horizontal cradle (small package) giving him an advantage over the champion. The second fall saw Steamboat pick up the aggression — at one point he hit a slew of elbow drops on Flair’s knee. However, Flair would work his way back into the match by taking the necessary short cuts to gain the advantage over the more explosive Steamboat.
Steamboat would win the second fall with a Double Chickenwing, causing Flair to submit to the joy of the crowd. The third fall wasn’t as fluid as the first two but remained high quality. Midway through the third fall, Steamboat’s leg became a major issue as Flair worked it over in hopes to gain victory with a Figure Four Leglock, however, Ricky showed incredible heart to keep himself in the match.
Steamboat would win the third fall after his legs collapsed when attempting the Double Chickenwing, but somehow managing to fall and pin Flair’s shoulders to the mat. There was some controversy over if Steamboat had his shoulders down, but the referee granted Steamboat the victory.
The crowd did not want to see Steamboat lose, and were delighted when he pinned Flair to end the third fall, even if the finish was somewhat unexpected. The murky conclusion set up the May 7, 1989, NWA Worlds Championship match between the two on Pay Per View.
