By 1994, Stunning Steve Austin had become a relatively accomplished and quite reliable talent for WCW. During that year, Austin began his greatest singles feud while in the company. During a World Heavyweight title match between Ricky Steamboat and Ric Flair on a July episode of Main Event, Austin inserted himself into the contest. Stunning Steve interfered on Flairs behalf and attacked Steamboat. A new and exciting rivalry was immediately started between the two. On a later edition of WCWs Main Event program, the feud kicked off with a tag team match. Steamboat partnered up with Sting while Austin teamed with the WCW Champion, Ric Flair. This tag match helped initiate two top feuds in the company -- the Austin/Steamboat rivalry and a new program between Flair and Sting for the WCW title. Austin was already the United States Champion at this time, having already defeated Dustin Rhodes for the belt at the end of 1993. As such, Steamboat challenged Stunning Steve for the coveted gold. The two competitors faced off at 1994s Bash at the Beach pay-per-view in a thrilling encounter. Despite his best efforts, Steamboat was unable to defeat Austin for the title. However, he received another chance shortly thereafter and would capitalise. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzPyYVrs3hc At the 28th Clash of the Champions television special, Ricky Steamboat defeated Stunning Steve Austin for the WCW United States Championship. Despite only wrestling a handful of matches, the Clash bout would prove to be the last encounter between the two. Unfortunately, Steamboat injured his back during the match and despite winning the contest, was ultimately forced to retire and forfeit the title. While their feud was incredibly brief, the Steve Austin and Ricky Steamboat rivalry provided a handful of great wrestling contests. Arguably, Steamboat helped Austin to achieve some of the greatest matches of his entire career.
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.
