After he turned down the opportunity to participate in Ric Flair’s Last Match, fans were surprised to learn that Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat would be making an in-ring return at the age of 69. On November 27th, he secured a victory alongside FTR, taking on the team of Jay Lethal, Brock Anderson, and Nick Aldis at Big Time Wrestling. This marks the first time the WWE Hall of Famer competed inside the squared circle since an FCW bout in 2010, when he teamed with his son Richie to take on the team of Caylen Croft and Trent Beretta.
Of course, despite the star’s insistence that his in-ring return was a one time event, fans have begun to speculate whether there are future wrestling appearances for Ricky Steamboat, especially as his tag team partners are prominent figures in All Elite Wrestling. AEW President Tony Khan has brought in many legends to work with younger talent since the company’s formation in 2019, and now many wonder if Ricky Steamboat will join the likes of Jake Roberts, Arn Anderson, and Sting in becoming All Elite.
AEW President Tony Khan Has High Praise For Ricky Steamboat
When asked about the potential of Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat joining AEW during an appearance on Busted Open, Tony Khan heaped praise on the WWE Hall of Famer, and said he did a great job as guest timekeeper back in August on the House of Dragon episode of AEW Dynamite.
“It’s definitely something to keep in mind. I think it’s amazing that Ricky Steamboat got back in the ring. FTR, one of the greatest tag teams on the planet. I’m excited tonight for Dax Harwood to go one on one with Bryan Danielson, two of the best pro wrestlers in the world. It’s certainly something to think about, Ricky Steamboat’s last match, one of my personal heroes. Somebody, as a kid, one of my all-time favorites and to this day one of my all-time favorites.
“I do think he was a great part of AEW already when he came in as the guest timekeeper.”
Continuing, the AEW President said he’d love to have the legendary wrestler in his company.
“I would love to have Ricky Steamboat back in AEW any time.”
h/t Fightful