Bruce Prichard says Ricky Steamboat never became a top guy in WWE because of his verbal skills.
While “Brother Love” admits that “The Dragon” was an excellent in-ring worker, the latter didn’t have much when it came to cutting promos.
You can check out some highlights from the latest episode of Prichard’s “Something To Wrestle With” podcast below:
On if Steamboat had the skills to be a top guy in WWE: “No. I don’t think Ricky had the verbal skills to be the top guy. I think he was a little too … I loved Ricky’s work — Oh my god, Ricky’s work was fabulous, but I just don’t know that, to the masses, he could really captivate. He definitely had a charisma to him, he was awesome — unbelievable athlete and talent. But I’m not sure that people believed what he was saying. I’m not sure Ricky believed what he was saying.”
On Steamboat’s verbal skills holding him back: “Ricky just knew he could go out there and do whatever the hell you want him to do — because he was that good. But I think the verbal skills are what would have prevented Ricky from ever being the top guy.”
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Ricky Steamboat, also known as “The Dragon,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest in-ring performers in professional wrestling history. His technical skills, athleticism, and ability to tell a story inside the squared circle have earned him a place among the all-time greats. However, according to Bruce Prichard, a former WWE producer and on-screen character known as “Brother Love,” Steamboat’s lack of verbal skills prevented him from becoming a top guy in WWE.
In an episode of Prichard’s podcast, “Something To Wrestle With,” he discussed Steamboat’s potential as a top star in WWE. Prichard acknowledged Steamboat’s excellence in the ring, praising his work and athleticism. However, he believed that Steamboat lacked the ability to captivate the masses with his promos.
Prichard stated, “I don’t think Ricky had the verbal skills to be the top guy. I think he was a little too… I loved Ricky’s work — Oh my god, Ricky’s work was fabulous, but I just don’t know that, to the masses, he could really captivate. He definitely had a charisma to him, he was awesome — unbelievable athlete and talent. But I’m not sure that people believed what he was saying. I’m not sure Ricky believed what he was saying.”
According to Prichard, Steamboat’s verbal skills held him back from reaching the pinnacle of success in WWE. While Steamboat possessed incredible in-ring abilities and had a natural charisma, his inability to deliver compelling promos limited his potential as a top guy.
Steamboat was known for his technical prowess and high-flying maneuvers, captivating audiences with his exciting matches. However, in the world of professional wrestling, the ability to cut effective promos and connect with the audience through verbal storytelling is equally important. It is through promos that wrestlers can establish their characters, create rivalries, and generate interest in their matches.
Despite not reaching the top spot in WWE, Steamboat’s legacy remains intact. He had memorable feuds with legendary wrestlers such as Ric Flair and Randy Savage and delivered classic matches that are still celebrated by fans today. Steamboat’s impact on the wrestling industry is undeniable, and his in-ring abilities continue to inspire future generations of wrestlers.
In conclusion, while Ricky Steamboat may not have become a top guy in WWE due to his verbal skills, his contributions to the wrestling world cannot be overlooked. His in-ring performances and technical abilities have solidified his status as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.