WWE enthusiasts left in awe as they discover substantial paycheck on 38-year-old's pay stub, following what they deemed as the best match in history.
In the annals of professional wrestling, few moments have been as iconic as the 14-minute Intercontinental title bout between Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat at WrestleMania III in 1987. The epic encounter, which took place before 93,173 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome, was a testament to the athletes' skill, theatrics, and the raw passion that defined the sport.
The match, meticulously rehearsed and packed with 22 near-falls, was a spectacle that left an indelible mark on the wrestling world. Ricky Steamboat's son recently shared an original payslip from the event, revealing a net payment of $49,800 for the match. Adjusted for inflation, this sum translates to approximately $142,000 in today's money.
While some fans have questioned whether this payment was too little for a match of such stature, given the potential revenue from ticket sales, pay-per-view, and future DVD releases, it's important to note that in 1987, WWE was not yet a billion-dollar powerhouse.
The match between Savage and Steamboat was more than just a wrestling spectacle; it was a turning point in both their careers. For Savage, it cemented him as more than just a flamboyant mid-carder, propelling him into superstardom. Steamboat, on the other hand, used the opportunity to showcase his flawless technique and in-ring discipline, enabling him to continue wrestling at an elite level well into later years.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter and Pro Wrestling Illustrated both named the match between Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat as Match of the Year. Steamboat even admitted that the match was the moment in time that defined him as a wrestler.
Savage's success continued, as he captured the WWE Championship at WrestleMania IV and delivered classic feuds with Hulk Hogan. Meanwhile, Steamboat became the benchmark for technical wrestling, inspiring many modern stars.
As we look back on this historic match, it's clear that Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat was more than just a wrestling match. It was a moment that encapsulated the spirit of professional wrestling, a testament to the athletes' skill, and a defining moment in the careers of two legendary wrestlers. The debate as to whether Savage and Steamboat were underpaid or paid too much for one night's work might be interesting in 2025, but one thing is certain: the match remains the one most often replayed, a testament to its enduring impact on the world of professional wrestling.
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