Ricky The Dragon Steamboat is one of the most respected wrestlers in history, both professionally and personally. Steamboat has put on countless classic matches with the likes of Ric Flair, Macho Man Randy Savage, and even Steve Austin -- in his Stunning WCW days. Despite the acclaim and admiration, everyones career must come to an end at some point, and unfortunately, not everyone gets to pick their moment. In 1994, Steamboat was embroiled in a heated rivalry with Steve Austin over WCWs United States Championship. On August 28th of that year, The Dragon did battle with Austin for the title during a Clash of the Champions television special. The two men put on a thrilling contest, but unfortunately, Steamboat was severely injured at some point during the match. Despite the back injury, The Dragon was able to defeat Austin for the coveted title. However, just weeks later at 1994s Fall Brawl pay-per-view, Ricky Steamboat relinquished the belt due to the injury. Later that month, he was released from his WCW contract while at home recuperating. As a result of the injury and being fired, Steamboat officially retired from the world of professional wrestling. In recent years, Steamboat has revived his in-ring career with a handful of matches -- most notably as a participant in a handicap match against Chris Jericho at WrestleMania 25. While the comeback was well received, it again had serious repercussions. In 2010, following an attack by the Nexus stable, Steamboat began to feel legitimate pain and discomfort in his neck and shoulders. For a second time, Ricky Steamboat was forced to step away from the ring due to injury.
Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.
