One of the most decorated competitors to ever lace a pair of boots, Ricky Steamboat is one of the 10 greatest United States champions ever, thanks in large part to the competition he faced during his three reigns with the gold. His first reign as champion came when he defeated career-long rival Ric Flair on October 21, 1977. It would hardly be the only run he would have with the title. Over the course of the next 17 years, he would win the championship three more times, defeating skilled workers the likes of Dick Slater and a young Steve Austin. But it was against Flair that the Dragon would have his greatest success. In addition to winning his first title from the Nature Boy in '77, he would capture his second from the all-time great in December of '78. Steamboat was a United States champion that achieved success both early and late in his career, all the while bringing prestige to the title. Not a competitor with the longest reigns as champion, he did more for it by bringing name recognition and the consistent in-ring excellence that would become a staple of the title over the decades.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
