wrestling / Columns

The Art of Wrestling: Flair vs. Steamboat (Part 1)

February 10, 2015 | Posted by Len Archibald

Triple H recently made headlines after his appearance on the Steve Austin podcast last week. I am not sure if it was expected for me to discuss, but I had made my thoughts known on Triple H’s vision of WWE in my August column about the internal battle between Triple H, Stephanie McMahon and Vince McMahon – I felt delving into this topic would be a bit of a double-dip. If you have not read it, please do so and share your thoughts. Also, shout out to reader jball999 for recommending some of my work. Thanks, man!

So instead of talking about the actual business of professional wrestling, which I have been doing more frequently lately, I need to take a step back and get right with my original intentions of returning to 411Mania: writing about the art of professional wrestling itself. I understand it is not that easy, especially with new headlines detailing rumors of what goes on backstage and in the corporate office of wrestling promotions; but as a pure fan, those issues can become draining after a while. One can only discuss Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan, WrestleMania Season, the state of WWE and other promotions for so long before it becomes overkill.

I have made it known that I am a sucker for analyzing the artistic merits of professional wrestling and have wanted – for my non-wrestling companions – to break down the details of a match so they can better understand the nuances of the artform I have been in love with for over 30 years. Breaking a match down to its basic functions is similar to breaking down a film for film students, or a dance routine for enthusiasts of that art form. There are common tropes, elements, components and “rules” – or better yet – guidelines that all matches entail. These basic functions allow fans to become invested in the match that is laid out before them: the main function of the wrestling match is to pit two (or three or more) competitors in a setting where the goal is simply to win. There is usually a “babyface” – the fan favorite who is cheered and represents the virtuous. The babyface’s opponent is a “heel” – the villain whose actions consist of flagrant rule-breaking in front of the audience (and sometimes the referee) and their main purpose is to be reviled by the fans.

The match layout is simple and usually plays out in a 3-Act structure: Act 1 supplies the start of the match, where the competitors go through a “feeling out” process, measuring each other out through tests of strength, holds and counterholds or a game of one-upsmanship during a heated brawl if the match is within the confines of a grudge feud. The babyface will usually take the offensive lead with a furious attack to whip the crowd into a frenzy. Act 2 is the “heat” portion of the match, where the heel takes control, usually capitalizing on a mistake from the face’s over-eagerness to get a win. The heel may exploit an injured body part and will make several successful attempts to cut off a babyface’s chance to regain offensive momentum. The heel will use this time to taunt the face and the face’s riled-up fans with a methodical, gleeful offensive output, where laborious torture and pain to the face becomes more important than winning the match. This usually will lead to the heel’s downfall as the match launches into Act 3 and the heel’s ultimate comeuppance. The heel’s arrogance will open the door for the face to exploit a weakness and will use the will of his/her fans to dig deep inside and discover a “fighting spirit” to work through pain and let adrenaline and perseverance to guide them to victory. The most common example to use for the basic structure is Hogan vs. Andre at WrestleMania III. Like any well-told story, there are elements of foreshadowing, irony, ellipses and an emotional arc – all meant to manipulate its audience into believing what they are viewing is “real” within the scope of a defined universe and its “rules”.

Of course, this is just the basic structure, and like all forms of art, these guidelines are altered and given different notes to make each match unique in its own right. Sometimes, with the Brock Lesnar/John Cena match at SummerSlam, the heel virtually dominates the entirety of the match through brute strength. Sometimes the structure is reversed and the Heel dominates in the early going and the face takes over the “heat” portion of the match, like Rock/Austin III at WrestleMania XIX. There are matches that keep the structure, but the face/heel roles are inverted based on crowd reaction (Hogan vs. Rock at WrestleMania X-8) or storyline purposes (Hart vs. Austin at WrestleMania XIII.) Sometimes the basic match structure is thrown out of the window completely because of a grudge feud (Tully Blanchard vs. Magnum TA) or because the face/heel alignment does not exist (Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker) or the culmination of an storyline (Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels.) There is also the situation where a match is just a one of a kind spectacle (Mankind vs. Undertaker at Hell in a Cell.)

Then, there are the matches that take the basic match structure, expands on it and just allows the natural elements of the face/heel alignment, the audience reaction, the commentary and the overall atmosphere take fans on an emotional journey that ends up being nothing less than a spiritual awakening for all involved. These are the special matches – and the ones that I would like to focus on. These matches for me are akin to the 1001 Movies to See Before You Die, or Roger Ebert’s list of “Great Movies” – the best of the best. Some of these matches are universally praised across the board as classics, while some are underrated gems that leave more detail than meets the eye upon a second or third inspection. Some are matches that were panned when performed but have gained a greater appreciation and are heralded as events way before their time. Today, I would like to begin a series that I will periodically visit to analyze these matches. The first on the list is one of my go-to matches to show to non-fans – those who appreciate performance art but are bewildered as to why professional wrestling has such a rabid fanbase. It is one of those “perfect” matches – one I can call upon just from memory because I have viewed it so many times, and one that when my fandom wanes, I watch for the sole reminder of why I am a fan in the first place.

APRIL 2, 1989
RICKY STEAMBOAT (C) VS. RIC FLAIR
2 OUT OF 3 FALLS MATCH FOR THE NWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE
CLASH OF THE CHAMPIONS VI: RAGIN’ CAGUN
LOUISIANA SUPERDOME; NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
REFEREE: TOMMY YOUNG
COMMENTARY BY JIM ROSS AND TERRY FUNK

In 1989, Ric Flair continued to hold a deathgrip on the NWA World Heavyweight Title via nefarious means – barely holding on his championship through technicalities and maneuvers that earned him the moniker of “The Dirtiest Player in the Game.” With his Four Horsemen stablemate, Barry Windham, Flair had been utilizing his time over the past month to make the life of “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert’s life miserable via sneak attacks and interference. Gilbert had enough and challenged the two to a match on WTBS Saturday Night. Gilbert promised a mystery partner would help him even up the sides against foes once and for all. From there, Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat returned to the NWA on the January 21, 1989 edition of World Championship Wrestling as Gilbert’s surprise tag team partner and emphatically put his stamp in the rankings where he pinned Flair, earning The Dragon a shot at the NWA Title at Chi-Town Rumble. Steamboat defeated Flair and won the Title by rollup in the first of the now classic “Holy Trinity” of matches.

Flair and Steamboat would wrestle all over the country, stealing the show on a nightly basis. The second of the trilogy took place in New Orleans, LA on a free Clash of the Champions special: Ragin’ Cajun. The show was huge for NWA/WCW on several levels; Flair/Steamboat II would be the biggest match NWA/WCW gave away on live television since the first Clash main-event between Flair and Sting and the show went head to head with WrestleMania V where The Mega Powers exploded. This was a match that pitted perennial babyface in Ricky Steamboat and his family values against the ultimate villain, the egotistical and debauchery-drenched Ric Flair. Newcomers to the match would be able to decipher who played what role just by the trunks; Steamboat in white, Flair in black.

Right from the outset, the fans are made aware that they will be taken on a lengthy journey as the two gladiators began by circling each other at the bell – Flair even circling with a light jog – these are opponents known for their stamina; Jim Ross notes that either could compete for an hour and one of the over-arching stories is that they are equals on almost every level. A simple hand-check illuminates each character, as Steamboat, the sportsman is serious-minded and prepared; while Flair, the showman neglects the check with a hair taunt.

The first lock-up between the two ends with Steamboat taking Flair to the corner. Steamboat as a face is willing to make a clean break. Flair, the heel uses Steamboat’s conduct to nonchalantly shove Steamboat, who – seemingly out of character – fires a hard slap at Flair to show he is not intimidated and how much this match means to him. This sets up the first LONG staredown between the two, only broken up when referee, Tommy Young intervenes to take something out of the ring. Both sets of eyes hover at Young to indicate their minds are in sync. Despite their outside lifestyles, Flair and Steamboat are of the same mind in the ring. The staredown also visually displays the world of distance between the two and holds the crowd in anticipation for their next lock up.

Flair ends the staredown by exercising what I call an Ironic Heel Mannerism: he makes a bee-line to the referee and motions to his face, admonishing him for not reprimanding Steamboat. Of course, Flair initiated the incident by shoving Steamboat, but NOW he wants a “wrestling match”. Flair circles around Steamboat, creating a visual of the challenger being on offense while Steamboat is in a defensive stance – the literal definition of the match as Steamboat is defending his Championship.

The second lock-up changes gears as the competitors move into a quick pace and employs both basic grappling and catch-as-catch-can techniques; headlocks, hammerlocks and reversals by each sustains the fact that Flair and Steamboat are in-ring equals. Flair’s very first takedown on Steamboat is a leg hook, playing into the instinctive nature of Flair to take any advantage he can to set up his finisher, the Figure-4 Leg-lock. A series of sit-outs, float-overs and reversals ends as Steamboat catches Flair in a go-behind. Flair cannot “wrestle” out, so he goes for the ropes to break the hold. Steamboat has shown from the get go he may be better prepared to “wrestle” on this night than Flair.

Flair leaps up in the turnbuckle; in a callback to the opening moments, Flair shoves Steamboat who again responds by slapping the taste out of Flair’s mouth. Now even Tommy Young is in shock at Steamboat’s newfound aggressiveness as the gladiators lock into their second staredown. Young simply saunters away, shaking his head and understands what he has gotten himself into. Whether or not the moment was intentional, a simple nuance like Steamboat and Flair adjusting their trunks highlights they are mirror copies of each other. Steamboat smacks his hands with a glance like “are we gonna do this?”; Flair brushes his nose to make sure it is still in place (because he is a narcissist.) We (and Flair) understand that this is not just a match, but a fight. More separation and anticipation for the next move. It is not hesitation as much as it is respect for the other competitor.

Flair goes on the attack and initiates the third lock-up; Flair’s response to a Steamboat headlock is grabbing at Steamboat’s left leg – again highlighting his instinct to go after a body part that foreshadows his finisher. A reverse into an overhead hammerlock brings Steamboat down to his knees. Now Flair is confident, “WOO”-ing to the crowd – but a common trope of the heel is underestimation – here it is Steamboat’s strength. Steamboat slowly powers out from his knees, back to his feet and is strength is so uncanny that when the Champion reaches vertical and attempts a hammerlock of his own, Flair simply crumples backwards and can do nothing more than to cradle the bottom rope to break. Steamboat continues to hovers over Flair to assert his dominance, confidence and aggression. This is not the Steamboat Flair met at Chi-Town Rumble – the humble challenger has matured into a confident champion.

At this point, Flair brings the heel goodness as he casually rolls out of the ring and summons Tommy Young. Flair is sure to keep his distance from Steamboat even OUTSIDE of the ring and walks to the other end while Young follows him. This gives Flair a chance to grandstand for all to see that Steamboat “pulled” on his hair in another example of an Ironic Heel Mannerism. This is also a moment of foreshadowing as well. Tommy Young shrugs his shoulders at Flair and says he did not see Steamboat’s rule-breaking. Of course, as the heel, we know Flair is full of shit – Young probably knows as well; his explanation is even half-hearted in gesture. When Young re-enters the ring he quickly admonishes Steamboat and just as quickly moves on when Steamboat says the claim was false. Flair slowly paces outside the ring to get his head back into the game as the ref counts.

Steamboat, now the aggressor approaches the ropes as Flair arrives to the apron, but Young instructs The Dragon to back off, which he does because he is a gentleman. One of the things to always note when viewing a match between a well-defined face and heel is to observe moments theoretically. Steamboat allowed Flair space to enter the ring – because he is a good guy. Would Flair offer the same? Always consider not only what a face/heel may do within the confines of a match, but what they DO NOT do – especially when considering if the roles are reversed in any given situation.

More distance as Flair points at the ref to be aware of Steamboat’s “hair pulling”. A couple of hand checks end with Flair backing away. Outwrestling has not worked; being aggressive offensively has failed; using the ref as a pawn has not worked, either. Perhaps stalling and not giving Steamboat a moment to gain momentum is the new strategy.

The latest lock-up takes Steamboat and Flair to the ropes. As Tommy Young intervenes for Steamboat to break – right in front of his eyes, Flair pulls on Steamboat’s hair to force him to break. Flair is a rule-breaker, after all. The pace quickens once again as The Dragon pushes Flair to the ropes and takes Steamboat down with a shoulderblock. Flair goes to the ropes again and meets a hip-toss upon his return. Steamboat takes Flair down with a headlock that is so quick, Flair’s shoulders hits the mat for a two count and Flair needs to turn to avoid being pinned. Once again we see that Steamboat has the upper hand on the challenger – Steamboat is even faster than Flair on this night.

After a few reverses and roll ups by Flair, the two end up back in the corner turnbuckle. Flair, now realizing that none of his strategies have worked so far, lands the first punch of the match, a shot into Steamboat’s gut. The release pushes Steamboat into the ropes who takes Flair down with a shoulderblock (a callback to Flair’s earlier shoudlerblock on Steamboat.) Flair attempts to float down thinking Steamboat will leap over him, but Steamboat sits out and goes right back into the headlock. Once again, Steamboat is simply one step ahead of the former champion. Flair’s boots hit the mat in pain and frustration over being caught.

Flair pushes The Dragon into the corner while still in the headlock, forcing a break. Again, Steamboat is a gentleman and will break, but shows hesitation this time aware of past circumstances. The hesitation proves to be Steamboat’s undoing as he opens Flair a chance to offer a shoulder in the corner that buckles the champ. In a callback to Flair’s Ironic Heel Mannerism, Flair grabs Steamboats hair with authority and opens Steamboat up for a HARD chop to the chest that sends Steamboat’s arms flying. The pain is so much that Steamboat meekly attempts to push Flair away and crumples. Flair shakes his head, re-gaining his confidence. After a second weak push back, Flair guides Steamboat’s hand to the corner rope, pulls his hair again and fires off a second devastating chop. Steamboat has to buckle between the ropes in pain. Flair feels he has the edge now and turns his back for a moment and returns with a kick to Steamboat’s thigh…

But the challenger did not anticipate Steamboat to fire back with a thunderous chop of his own – Flair throws a punch; Steamboat retaliates another chop in kind. Flair’s next punch is weaker as Steamboat just fires off a chop that sends Flair lunging backwards. Again, the two begin as equals, but Steamboat’s resolve to hold onto the title at this point is more powerful than Flair’s antics to take it and once again Steamboat’s speed proves too much. More chops pushes Flair back to the opposite buckle. A hip toss takes Flair off his feet – Steamboat goes up for an O’Connor Roll and a drop kick before taking Flair back to the mat with the headlock – again so quick that Flair’s shoulders are down for a two-count. Even Steamboat is so surprised that Flair was caught off guard that he opens up a “WHOA!” upon the challenger’s quick turnaround. Perhaps Steamboat is moving “too fast”?

Why does Steamboat keep going back to the side headlock? This maneuver is both a means of pace control, wear-down and transition; a rule of psychology heralded by Danny Hodge, the side headlock is meant to disorient whoever is in the hold by applying pressure on the ears and temple (watch where Steamboat’s hulking biceps are on while wrapped around Flair’s head.) Since this match is under the pretense that it may last a while, Steamboat needs to do all he can to conserve his energy while draining Flair of his. He also needs to be in a position of dominance in case Flair attempts a reverse.

Steamboat uses this advantage to go to a front face-lock, raising and lowering his weight with force down on Flair’s head, again using this strategy to wear down Flair. If Flair is too drained, Steamboat can go for a first fall quickly and perhaps take advantage for a quick second fall because the challenger is too fatigued. Steamboat is in fact using a very sound, babyface strategy that consists of winning the match by simply being the better technician. Flair’s boots hit the mat repeatedly, letting all know he is in pain. Steamboat drives the knee into the back of Flair’s head twice, crumpling the challenger into a near fetal position. An audible “Oh, God!” from Flair lets the audience know he is not just in pain…he is in trouble. A snapmare followed by a rear chinlock continues The Dragon’s assault.

Flair’s championship instincts must kick in at this point or he will lose the fall quickly. The Nature Boy backs Steamboat into the corner and Steamboat must break. Once again, the champion is in no hurry to release the hold until Tommy Young has to physically initiate it. Flair holds his head and is on his knees in pain..or is he? Steamboat’s gentlemanly ways allow Flair space to breathe and pays for it as Flair lays an elbow to the gut, followed by a gunshot-sounding chop. Steamboat, probably more upset at himself for allowing to be duped again, unleashes a chop that lays Flair out. More chops takes Flair to the buckle. Steamboat whips Flair into the corner and hits a backdrop. The champion is no longer reserved – he is angry. Flair holds his back in pain – this is also the time to note that Flair was in a plane crash that broke his back; a fact that Steamboat will take advantage of, and a fact that will play into future events of this match. Steamboat hits a dropkick for a two count and Flair plays off a well-defined heel trope, begging off. Fans do not like a coward. And again, Steamboat hesitates because he competes with honor. At this point it is obvious that Flair is exaggerating his plight as Tommy Young demands for Flair to reach his feet, which he does. Steamboat is pushed back – if The Dragon was a heel – or if this match was under the guise of a grudge feud, there would be no hesitation.

Flair – as the heel – is employing a well-defined strategy as he begs off and falls back. Not only has he successfully halted Steamboat’s momentum, but he has given himself some well-needed time to catch his breath and devise a new strategy. This comes into play as he summons the ref over and uses the authority as a pawn to catch Steamboat off guard and land a cheap shot – a stiff kick to the champion’s ribs. Steamboat hobbles and buckles away. Now Flair will utilize his techniques as he is angry at this turn of events. Instead of high-octane offense, The Nature Boy simply delivers a hard punch right to Steamboat’s face. The referee admonishes Flair, only for the challenger to shove him away. Flair continues to assert his villainy as he tugs at Steamboat’s hair to bring his opponent to his feet and whips Steamboat to the ropes. Steamboat slides under and rolls Flair up for a two count. A HARD clothesline knocks Flair down before The Dragon leaps up and takes the challenger down with the side headlock – again, so fast and hard that Flair is almost counted down. Steamboat: “WHOA!” Again, when Steamboat controls the pace, he holds the advantage.

Steamboat transitions into a facelock, cranking on Flair’s neck. Young rushes back and forth asking if Flair will submit. Flair will not. This is an important piece of foreshadowing. Steamboat uses his weight to continue wrenching at Flair’s neck and when he drops, like a see-saw, Flair’s body rises and writhes in pain. Another knee on the back of Flair’s neck. Steamboat has consistently worked over Flair’s head, neck and back, but why? Steamboat takes Flair to the corner and delivers a hard shot that poor Terry Funk surmises is a reason why he should stay retired (another piece of foreshadowing for another time.) Flair is in pain, but shoves Steamboat away in a callback to when the challenger was on the offensive. Steamboat responds in kind with an even HARDER chop to Flair’s chest. Flair pushes away again – Steamboat delivers an even HARDER shot; one so forceful, fans witness the first “comedic spot” of the match, where Flair walks off as if he has a rush of adrenaline, only to flop face first on the mat. Tommy Young sells this moment beautifully with his hands up in the air as if Flair is marching to attack him before he falls. Steamboat quickly covers for two.

Flair is on his knees and Steamboat meets him there, now on a definitive, unrelenting attack. He goes back to the front face lock, but Flair quickly escapes with an atomic drop. Steamboat shoves Flair away to catch his breath against the ropes. The audience is now seeing two equals who use similar signals at each other, but under the context of the face/heel alignment utilize them with different nuances. Again, if it was unintentional, even with their backs turned, they adjust their trunks in the same moment. Two sides of the same coin. This time, it is Flair though – who allows Steamboat too much time to recover and when he finally decides to go on the attack he is caught off guard with another chop that sends the challenger to his back for a near fall. A couple of shoulderblocks and another chop also gets long two counts.

Again, Steamboat’s offensive flurry is too much for The Nature Boy, who who rolls outside the ring and “flops” once more. At this point, Steamboat is perched on the second rope in a prime dominant position. Flair saunters through the crowd to recover – he is so hated by fans that a cup bounces off his teased blond hair. It is palpable via his tired body language that Flair was completely unprepared for this match and may even want to give up. Steamboat wants to go out after Flair four times, but the referee halts him. Again, Steamboat is too honorable not to listen to authority – even when he attempts to dupe Tommy Young and rush out, it is half-hearted. Young provides space for Flair to re-enter…who instantly falls to his knees and begs Steamboat to stop the onslaught. Once more, Flair is attempting to stall Steamboat’s momentum. Steamboat points to the ring – “we are going to finish this here.” Flair’s hands are up.

A lockup proves Flair’s strategy worked, as he gets a knee into The Dragon’s ribs. He chops Steamboat down to the mat and continues to chop Steamboat down. The Champion uses the ropes as leverage to return a chop back. The two trade shots at each other – Flair making sure he gets some punches in – before Steamboat takes control and measures a right fist into Flair’s head that stifles The Nature Boy – a shot of revenge for all the times Flair has been using a closed fist on the champion. Steamboat gets one final chop for a two count. Tommy Young is GENIUS here, sliding out of the ring to count Flair’s shoulders down.

Flair attempts an escape by rolling out to the apron, but Steamboat catches and holds a delayed suplex on the former champion back into the ring. Steamboat measures Flair and attempts a splash that is blocked by Flair by getting his knees up. The majority of Flair’s defense has been getting at Steamboat’s abdominal area throughout the duration of the match. Steamboat is amazing at displaying empathy, sliding into the corner, using the ropes to open himself up and wheezing in pain. Flair catches Steamboat in the corner with a shot to the ribs again, followed by a chop, a snapmare and a double stomp to the champ’s abs. Flair simply hovers over Steamboat ominously, devilishly. Steamboat can only cough and exert energy to exhale. Flair continues to pull at Steamboat’s hair to pull him up. Flair gets a double underhook suplex on Steamboat for two.

Now we get into Flair’s desperation as he attempts to force Steamboat’s shoulders to the mat on several occasions, but Steamboat powers out every time. Steamboat – as a face adheres to the principle of never giving up (here come the Cena quips.) Flair attempts different pinning combinations – hooking the leg, pinning Steamboat’s arms down and a hook under the shoulders with no success. Flair uses his weight, making the struggle for a simple pin look as urgent as any other maneuver. The desperation on Flair’s face is obvious as The Dragon powers his way out before a nip up. A failed test of strength for Flair ends with the challenger getting a knee shot in before everything comes to blows again as the two fire off more devastating chops at each other. Notice every attempt Flair makes to hit a closed fist to Steamboat’s ribs, which Flair has been working on – only angers Steamboat further and his chops in response only carry more force. Steamboat hiptosses Flair out of the corner, but Flair finally reads Steamboat’s over-eagerness as he avoids a dropkick. Steamboat comes crashing to the mat. Flair limps and decides it is now or never to hook his Figure-4 finisher – but he has not worked on the leg enough, so Steamboat is able to reverse into a small package, a callback to the finish of their match at Chi-Town Rumble…but Flair reverses the small package and gets the three count to win the first fall. Perhaps Flair knew from the last match what Steamboat’s Figure-4 reversal strategy would be, so he had a counter for Steamboat’s counter. Steamboat can only lower his head, exhausted and disappointed – probably because he realized he was duped.

The first fall lasted over seventeen minutes, but packed a lot of action, foreshadowing and gave fans a clear definition of the roles each man played. How will Steamboat rally to tie the match? Has Flair figured out how to finally defeat his nemesis? Does The Dragon have a new strategy to utilize? This is the definition of drama – well-defined characters, a palpable conflict with high stakes and a journey that is both logical and emotionally satisfying. And this was just the first fall!

Join me next week for the analysis of the second fall.

Len Archibald is the former Executive Director of the Northwest Ohio Independent Film Festival, and is a current movie reviewer for WLIO in Lima, Ohio.

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