Ricky Steamboat Turned Down Job Offer From AEW

Ricky Steamboat has a lot of knowledge about the pro wrestling business, and a lot of people look up to him for many reasons. His time in the ring was legendary, but his contributions outside the business could be even greater thanks to the generations of performers that he inspired after him. Although The Dragon could be a great fit anywhere in AEW, that just wasn’t for him.

At 70-years-old, Ricky Steamboat can’t make towns on the road like he used to, nor does he want that life anymore. Although we’re not sure exactly what kind of role Tony Khan had ton the table, Steamboat still rejected that offer.

While doing a virtual signing with Captain’s Corner, Ricky Steamboat said that AEW wanted him to “come on board,” but he had to respectfully decline the offer. It was not a reflection on AEW, but more a sign that Ricky Steamboat didn’t want that busy schedule.

“Believe this or not, I was already asked to come on board [with AEW] in the capacity of [a road agent]. No reflection on them, great company and everything. And don’t get me wrong, the pay was going to be great, but I’m at a point in my life where I’m trying to get off the road.”

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AEW has a lot of things going on, and they’ve brought in a lot of guests to the company. That being said, Ricky Steamboat still hasn’t agreed to come in and do anything for Tony Khan’s company. It will be interesting if he holds out to mark one pro wrestling legend who never step foot in AEW.

Steamboat came out of retirement for a Big Time Wrestling event last November, teaming with current AEW World Tag Team Champions FTR for a win over Nick Aldis, Jay Lethal, and Brock Anderson. AEW President Tony Khan appeared on Busted Open Radio that same month and commented on Steamboat having a potential future with the company.

“It’s definitely something to keep in mind,” Khan said when asked about Steamboat wrestling in AEW. “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. … I would love to have Ricky Steamboat back in AEW anytime.”