WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair caused a wave of confusion online after sharing an emotional post that many fans mistakenly thought was a tribute to Ricky Steamboat for his demise.
Flair and Steamboat shared one of pro wrestling’s greatest rivalries. Their highlight-worthy 1989 NWA World Heavyweight Championship trilogy matches are some of the all-time classics. Their chemistry produced timeless matches. Many old-school fans still remember Steamboat’s title win over Flair at Chi-Town Rumble.
However, it seems like Flair has gotten misinformed regarding the health of his old-time rival.
Confusing Tribute Post Leads To Fan Concern Before Clarification
Flair posted a throwback image of himself and Steamboat from their prime, along with a serious, reflective message. The post also included a date, which made things worse.
“We Were An Era That Was Lost But Not Forgotten… Because We Were The Best, Back Then And Even Now…Thanks For The Memories Ricky Steamboat @REALSteamboat 2-6-26 WOOOOO!”
We Were An Era That Was Lost But Not Forgotten… Because We Were The Best, Back Then And Even Now…Thanks For The Memories ❤️ Ricky Steamboat @REALSteamboat 2-6-26 WOOOOO! pic.twitter.com/3XlwchoGvp
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) February 6, 2026
Because of the tone and wording, fans got concerned. Many started questioning whether The Dragon had passed away, as many assumed Flair was saying goodbye to his longtime rival and friend.
Thankfully, the confusion didn’t last long. Ricky Steamboat’s wife stepped in and shut down the rumors by replying directly to fans.
“I can promise you he’s alive and well. I’m sitting here looking at him,” she tweeted.
I can promise you he's alive and well. I'm sitting here looking at him?
— Dragonswife (@Dragonswife1953) February 7, 2026
Once that cleared things up, some fans turned their frustration toward Flair. Some accused him of spreading a false alarm, while some claimed the post looked like a drunk tweet and called it disrespectful.
However, Steamboat’s wife came to Flair’s defense and added more context.
“This is Steamboat’s wife. I just wanted to come on here and say thank you to everyone for your concern. I also want to say that in the 11 years that I have been with Ricky, Flair has never been anything but extremely nice and very respectful to Ricky and also to me. I know he didn’t post this with any ill intent. On the upside, I got to chat with some of you, which I enjoy immensely. Thanks to all of you who are now following me!” she tweeted.
This is Steamboat's wife. I just wanted to come on here and say thank you to everyone for your concern. I also want to say that in the 11 years that I have been with Ricky, Flair has never been anything but extremely nice and very respectful to Ricky and also to me. I know he…
— Dragonswife (@Dragonswife1953) February 7, 2026
As of now, Flair hasn’t deleted or explained the post. Still, the main point is clear. Ricky Steamboat is alive.
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