Greg Valentine - How Ricky Steamboat Was to Wrestle in WWF

Greg "The Hammer" Valentine discusses wrestling Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat in WWF and in the Mid-Atlantic. Streaming now 📺 TitleMatchNetwork.com
Hear how the legendary Greg Valentine worked with Ricky Steamboat. The Hammer tells us about Steamboat's start in Florida all the way up to their match at Wrestlemania 4.
Also, find out how Valentine almost participated for WWE at Wrestlemania 25 in Houston. The original plans called for Greg Valentine to team with "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Jimmy Snuka vs Chris Jericho. However, plans were changed and Steamboat took Hammer's spot.
Just a couple months after an incredible series of comeback matches, Ricky Steamboat suffered a brain aneurysm and was rushed to the hospital.
Hammer also talks about the A&E Biography on Randy Savage and what the Macho Man was like behind the scenes in WWE. The two wrestled at WrestleMania 4, before Savage became WWF Champion later that night.
Produced by Title Match Network this past weekend in Las Vegas. Enjoy our brand new exclusive shoot interview from Greg "The Hammer" Valentine.

[@TitleMatchWrestling]

Watch More Greg "The Hammer" Valentine (May 2021) Full Playlist 📲 bit.ly/3fMmvW8 Streaming Now 📺TitleMatchNetwork.com

[@bpsoup1]

This guy doesn't have a bad word to say about anyone. What a class act.

[@chrischar9428]

Didn't care too much for Scott Steiner

[@damiendaniels7301]

Yes he does; he just says it like a gentleman. He's doesn't need to be nasty, but he most certainly does have "bad things to say" about a few former wrestlers.

[@GameTime-yj6qv]

So refreshing to see an old school wrestler who doesn't seem bitter or resentment at anyone. He comes across as very nice and genuine.

[@horizontoday7874]

He is. He’s a sweetheart in every sense of the word. And very funny too!!

[@FoutstoChandler]

Exactly. Unlike SBG.

[@dingdong7610]

The industry was cutthroat. That bitterness was inevitable for some.

[@saveus228]

should listen to Barry darsow and Bill Eadie shoots

[@lexbeltran1354]

Greg tells it like it is with no b.s.

[@walterlundy723]

Ricky Steamboat, was my all time favorite should be a lot more celebrated that he is

[@Mackdez]

Omg I would have loved Ricky steamboat Bret Hart,, Dynamite kid ,Owen Hart ,Chris Benoit ,Dean Malenko ,Rick rude & Macho Man tournament of some kind. Either Rick rude in the dangerous alliance. Or Rick rude in the Heenan family. The macho Man with Elizabeth. If it's Bobby healing somehow he knocks a little bit down and hurts her which sends macho Man into a rage, if it's Paul Heyman he's grabbing her and semi coming on to her which sends macho Man in a rage. Rude comes to help his manager macho's madness starts, and he hits rude in the face with the ring bell. Next night rude is like you tried to ruin my ravishing look for something. I would have been in heaven watching that

[@sammyevans5279]

Hes the reason I fell in love with wrestling. So fluent, smooth, and believable

[@raymondrufa971]

The IC match w/Macho at Wrestlemania 3 is my favorite match w/Steamboat

[@XxowendanxX]

His career was cut short because he met a woman and she insisted that he quit

[@dwade6322]

I think Greg is the classiest Veteran wrestler.of all the interviews thru the decades. Straight shooter,and never seems to bullshit anyone.

[@bobtranquilli9985]

Reminds me of the late, great Bad News Allen.

[@Me-qp8vz]

King Kong was pretty much the same. Check some of his shoot videos.

[@brainhakker7133]

@@bobtranquilli9985 Allen was a Blow Hard who CLAIMED to have Beaten-up everyone from Andre The Giant to Zeb Coulter...... Was he Legit... Yes. Was he a Tremendously Self Centered Liar... YES YES YES

[@Dumapower1996]

​@@bobtranquilli9985agreed i liked his interview too.

[@smyersfishingadventures]

Valentine has to be one of the nicest people alive (at least that is how he comes off in these videos). He seems to be very authentic, and straight forward, and pretty much has positive things to say about everyone.

[@therealnickynurotic8930]

Too nice for the wrestling business

[@frankhawley7067]

Anyone who likes old school hard nosed wrestling owes themselves a watch of some of the Hammers matches

[@scottsalas9981]

For such a legendary heel I dont hear Valentine burying too many people. Always a class sct.

[@elijahrobinson2362]

That is because he had the right attitude: it’s a business. You’re there to work and make a living.

[@die2no]

Just the Ultimate Warrior and HBK and rightfully so.

[@j.p2213]

When I was real young I always liked "The Hammer" and his figure four leg lock but to actually sit and listen to him is another thing . He is simply a humble man and a great story teller....what a legend. All Hail "The Hammer"

[@johnnyjoey]

I’ve watched this interview with Greg Valentine in separate 5 minute increments and he’s been great! I love it when they are honest! Very interesting, very insightful!

[@natmason5528]

Steamboat was so damn SMOOTH. He was my top choice back in the day. Ric and Greg will always tell you how great is was to work with him.

[@realsamuelhawley]

Man, I love watching these Greg Valentine interviews. The guy is so interesting and honest, generous to his former colleagues, and totally sincere.

[@mofo1853]

Man, I’m loving he hammer! As a kid I didn’t, I liked all the baby faces, but as a man he’s top notch. Much respect Greg

[@roibaptiste3648]

Greg Valentine didn't bad mouth anyone in his shoot interviews i've seen..... respect to him for keeping it classy.

[@makj1229]

"The Hammer" is a pleasure to watch and listen to. Not a bad word about anyone. A true class act.

[@stacking4life86]

I love these interviews of Greg "The Hammer" Valentine - Keep em coming!

[@kensimmons]

The Hammer came in to the restaurant I worked at in Charlottesville one time. Had 2 steak and fries dinners and 2 pitchers of beer. Before his match.

[@kevinkelly1529]

😂

[@kenwigginsii6065]

Valentine was my dude. Still is and I see why I liked Valentine all these years later.

[@Mark-mm1ke]

I saw Ricky Steamboat wrestle from the front row. I remember it was a great match and so much fun and excitement. It was in Oakland, Ca back in the '80.s Thing was I got a high five from Ricky after the match as he was walking by and he was not giving them out to a lot of people. I felt on top of the world! Thanks, Greg.

[@TheSportsfan35]

Ricky was an awesome worker, the problem with Ricky was that he wasn't that great at promos.

[@michaellee8815]

Even now hammers’ hands look like friggin bear paws

[@TommyRibs]

Steamboat was an amazing in ring performer. He does not get his just due.

[@Cavillier1970]

I don't think I've ever heard a bad word said about the man.

[@walterlundy723]

My all time favorite

[@burrob78]

Loved him growing up but mic skills held him back i would think

[@walterlundy723]

@@burrob78 I can't remember how well he did or didn't do

[@adamlatour8837]

Always had a good match and one of the greatest hells ever.

[@MarkPiggy79]

What a treat for Greg The Hammer 🔨 Valentine to wrestle both Ricky the Dragon 🐉 Steamboat and Macho Man 😎 Randy Savage in the same night😊

[@davidqueppet1406]

Greg was a great wrestler and a great worker. Also very engaging and gives great interviews.

[@gopherstate777]

Steamboat was trained in Minnesota by Gagne. Thats why he was polished and ready in a year and a half!

[@Drpluv187]

AWA

[@MegaSammy70]

Certainly did help to have the great Johnny Valentine as a dad.

[@seabrook1976]

That, and his freakish athletic ability as well as his willingness to be coachable.

[@Maniac_Matt]

Ran across some EARLY footage of Valentine a few days ago. Dude always had that star quality.

[@pe8324]

Any recommendations ?

[@michaelfish35]

Loved the Hammer back in the day. Starting to wonder what someone would have to do to piss the guy off :) One of the most healthy attitudes I've ever seen during these types of interviews

[@tomdallas3690]

All the comments are the same. Greg Valentine might be the greatest guy ever. Forget wrestling, I am talking of all time. I cannot believe how impressed I am with Greg "The Hammer" Valentine.

[@duster71]

I have a lot of respect for Greg,wish I got to meet him when I worked for Vince from 88-90

[@gullywumper8025]

as a kid didnt give the hammer the respect but as an adult looking back seeing these interviews Greg is now in my top 10

[@robprice5655]

Saw the Hammer in Toronto as a kid....he winked at me...lol

[@josephdinse4573]

The Hammer would spin that shin guard around slap you in the figure four and snap you leg for claiming he winked at you!! Lol

[@invaderjaymz]

The guy was a phenomenal technical wrestler

[@robprice5655]

@@josephdinse4573 In that case...maybe he had something in his eye. lol

[@horizontoday7874]

Don’t project what u may do and/or your reasoning behind it onto other people. Lol

[@michaellee8815]

Isn’t it amazing how these celebrities/athletes/etc do some dime a dozen thing for a fan and 50 years later we still remember it as a highlight.. they probably do it 200 times a day. I always respect the people who understand the power they have to make someone’s day and what’s no big deal for them IS for a little kid out there

[@robertlamell5009]

Greg valentine was one of the best old school wrestlers I liked him back in the day.

[@ExMachina70]

Ricky the Dragon Steamboat are three words I'd never expect to have been put together.

[@kavedude77]

Steamboat has always been one of my favorite faces.

[@henrythelege14]

The Hammer is a classic act

[@geraldcrumpton1166]

Greg Valentine has always been my favorite.

[@drackkor725]

Love the Hammer interviews and the Ken Patera ones these guys have some great stories.

[@at0micwerew0lf]

I really enjoy Valentine's interviews

[@natmason5528]

I like listening to Hammer

[@poppiarlin5612]

You absolutely are a walking encyclopedia.

[@kennethsmith8968]

met him in the early 2000s.he came to my hometown and wrestled.only time ive seen him b a babyface.shook his hand afterwards. that boy is big,lol.

[@jimchop8235]

Can’t stop watching these Greg the hammer videos. Always was one of my favorite guys.

[@brianpair2934]

Always a fan of the Hammer.

[@marcuscompton3772]

As a kid I couldn't stand the Hammer because I really hated the heels but listening to him now he seems like a great man that's not bitter or bashing the industry! Wish more of the veterans spoke like Greg on these interviews.

[@maekong2010]

Ricky Steamboat. I'd forgotten all about him. He was a whipper-snapper, to be sure. But a damned good one.

[@rolltide9547]

Never heard one of the greatest workers all time called a whipper snapper. Steamboat deserves better than a term used in a 1950s children's book.

[@markjclark2620]

NWA Legend

[@maekong2010]

@@markjclark2620 Yep.

[@marcusjnewtonz28]

Greg moving up fast to my favorite shooter. Love the Hammer!

[@johnlucia4559]

I remember wrestling in the street with other kids & we would be our favorite ones. I'd always be a heel. I wore my dad's cowboy boots & had a fingerless black glove to apply the claw like BlackJack Milligan & also had the figure 4 like Valentine. Today's wrestlers couldn't touch the guys like Steamboat, Valentine, Backlund, Snuka....etc...

[@georgenoriegajr]

"Today's wrestlers couldn't touch the guys like Steamboat, Valentine, Backlund, Snuka....etc..." Because there were so many different instructors back in the day who each had their own style; you could train with Verne Gagne, Billy Robinson, Stu Hart or Hiro Matsuda, learn the basics and ins-and-outs of wrestling, but no 2 students would necessarily come out the same and creativity and tailoring their training to their strengths was key. Plus the territory system was great in helping wrestlers hone their craft, as you would come across the best of the best and maybe have to wrestle a different style in different territories because what worked on the East Coast didn't necessarily work in Mid-South, or Dallas-Fort Worth, or the Pacific Northwest etc. Compare that with the current day, which really only gives you 2 choices: (a) learn to be high spot monkeys in the indys, or (b) the WWE system i.e. "we'll teach you to do it the WWE Way", which winds up producing clones who only know how to wrestle heavily scripted matches, can't write/cut their own promos, and whose creativity has essentially been stripped away from them.

[@kevinmoore8416]

I've been a Greg Valentine fan as long as I can remember, he was so cool! He wore a "I Broke Wahoo's Leg" shirt after he injured Wahoo McDaniels in the Mid Atlantic territory, he's one of the wrestlers I've always wanted to meet and haven't! So Hammer, if ya see this, give me a shout out!!

[@k-nutl6386]

What a difference in an interview between Hammer and Hart. Bret acts miserable, acts like he hardly ever enjoyed anything with the business . Valentine is respectful to even the ones he didn't enjoy wrestling with. Seems like a pretty straight shooter without burying everyone he crossed paths with. His interviews have been very entertaining

[@AJ-um3ht]

Such a humble dude, I like his interviews thank you for the video

[@datacipher]

Jericho asked for Steamboat and was adamant about it because even though he respected the others, he knew they weren’t able to do almost anything anymore - he knew steamboat could still go. He’s told this story.

[@MVPComicsUSA]

Always enjoyed Greg Valentine. I knew at an early age how talented he is an what he & his father Johnny Valentine did for our entertainment. Glad to call them Legends of wrestling. Glad my dad & grandfather took me to msg at an early age ❤️🙏

[@wakeupamericaandresist2413]

I have always been a fan , you have always been real since the first time I watched you 👍 it seems like life time ago . Much respect , loved your work and honesty ✊✊✊✊✊

[@watchfullwarrior8180]

"He got more into himself", awesome choice of words, going to remember that one.

[@kearneydillon4803]

He seems like a man at peace with himself and his career. Best Intercontinental champ

[@XxowendanxX]

It's Hammer Time! Can't touch this...

[@bifftannen2062]

"I'll figure Four your ass like Greg the Hammer". - Q-Tip from Tribe Called Quest in one of their old school songs.

[@tplomonte]

I was so surprised and impressed with Greg when I asked if I could sign an autograph for my kids.. When I asked about his dad told him that I watched his dad wrestle when I was younger. He was very interested talked more about his dad really nice guy

[@davidhilleymusic]

"The Hammer." Class personified.

[@darrellstewart4317]

The Hammer is a true classic.Love the Hammer

[@WEK-kh8gd]

Old school tough. Those chops.

[@rudyrusso711]

Love these Valentine podcasts...thank you!

[@joseluisavila3013]

Christ bless hammer! Thx for sharing.

[@evandowning9271]

I had the privilege of sitting a table away from him at a village inn about 10 years ago. He is a massive individual.

[@CarlosLiberated]

Yeah, reminds me of Mick Foley. They don’t immediately come to mind when you think of big wrestlers but they are just huge when you see them in person. Broad shoulders, big hands, tall and stocky.

[@al5306]

It's crazy how big these guys are in real life. They're giants.

[@Tazzman225]

I met him at a Comic Con show and when I was a kid my father took me to see his father, Johnny Valentine, wrestle the Sheik and win the championship belt.

[@tacitus539]

Steamboat was my favorite!

[@DeeEllEff]

His WM match with Randy was legendary, but those older Mid-Atlantic matches against Flair, in and out of a cage, were also phenomenal. They could and did wrestle to a 60-minute draw, or have dozens of near-falls or false finishes. Anything the occasion called for, those pros were up to the task. Classics.

[@yuatjawarriorcityhunter1782]

Greg "The Hammer" Valentine's one of the greatest heels of all-time

[@514broly]

I always like ‘The Hammer’. Great heel. Good worker. I would have love to see him wrestle fellow heels like Ted Dibiase, Rick Rude and Curt Hennig back in their WWF days, but heel vs heel matches very rarely happened back then.

[@TheSportsfan35]

Dibiase was awesome as a heel or a babyface, BUT when he worked as a babyface, he'd easily remind people of his Dad who worked in main events with Dory Funk Sr back in the 40's & 50's.

[@spaceace1006]

Greg looks just like a typical Tough Guy we all knew in school! I remember a Dude who looked very much like Greg!

[@ronstille7924]

Him and Tully Blanchard are my favorite wrestlers

[@robprice5655]

Greg the hammer tells it like it is

[@alanwhite6936]

Love The Hammer Class Act Total Professional

[@kjdenton6248]

His stories are in depth great detail!

[@Surferjo]

love the video

[@nickcarroll7510]

Greg The Hammer = Class Act

[@sahilprashar567]

Greg worked out at my gym once in the late 80s

[@marksneddon3709]

I always loved Valentines matches a real solid looking guy, great matches. Even as the blue knight

[@user-uf2pd1cz1z]

Never liked the Hammer but enjoy his commentary and now respect the hell out of him.

[@bunbee2023]

This man is a class act through and through!! 👍🏾👍🏾

[@jeromebrookter1743]

A very classy man...

[@BdeJJG]

Greg loves the checks lmao

[@rolltide9547]

In 40 years I have never heard a bad word about Steamboat.

[@DabblerHitman]

Look at Honkytonk Man interviews on here. He throws some shade at the dragon.

[@rolltide9547]

@@DabblerHitman He would be the first then. Probably just jealous.

[@DabblerHitman]

@@rolltide9547 Steamboat said he resented losing the IC title to “an Elvis impersonator” and that his shoulder wasn’t even down when Honky pinned him. He wanted to lose the belt to Butch Reed but he didn’t show up to wrestle Steamboat when he was booked to win it.

[@USSOBRIEN]

Back in those days, wrestlers didn't show their moves all at once. They used them as spots, because they were treated special then. They'd use holds to fill the time between. Now, all they do is overuse & kill moves.

[@davidinvenio3094]

Love the Hammer - He does such a good job of restraining himself and not just saying "Randy Pfoffo was FUCKING NUTS period" LOL You know he was thinking it.

[@hster1000]

Hammer the man

[@MrWhiteboyrick]

I was at Greg's first taping for Detroit's weekly wresting show. They taped two shows back to back and for the first taping they had him dressed as a butler and even had him wearing a bowler hat! He was not happy, pacing around the studio before the taping. For the second show he came out and wrestled one of the " divers" which was we called jobbers. He was now in his element.

[@RunDCM]

I had Ricky steamboat and Greg valentine’s wrestling dolls. With that WWF ring I got for Christmas I had some classic matches between those two. And forget about the dog collar matches I had with JYD vs Valentine where I’d use red marker for blood on Valentines blonde hair. Kids don’t play like that today I tell ya.

[@leejee88]

steamboat was always entertaining to watch very good technical wrestler with flare

[@zancraft7865]

Valentine and Wahoo had some great matches.

[@gman2691]

I know Steamboat Richard Blood real name Awesome guy !!

[@crummydryver]

I always thought he should have used his real name in the ring.

[@danamcardle1403]

Never in my life has anyone said a bad thing about Ricky Steamboat

[@rustybalzac9957]

This guy should have Johnny Ace's spot in WWE. He knows the craft. He knows bullshit when he sees it and is one of the few people credible enough to save this dying company.

[@dave09gla]

People like you described aren't wanted anymore. They want butt-kissers and politicians who are puppets for executives. It's that way in any organization. Which is why most corporations today are so despicable.

[@STONESGAM]

I like Greg Id like to meet him. He just seems like a straight shooter and someone who enjoyed the ride that was his career. He doesn't like to badmouth old colleagues but he seems to be honest about them at the same time.There is a great Valentine vs Steamboat match from 1985 available on KZbin. Two technical greats in their prime. I recommend it. I still think Greg should have joined the Horsemen though when he had the chance. He had the pedigree and relationship with Ric Flair. He would have fit in perfectly.

[@briancrowley6413]

how come you cant find the wwf clip around 1979 of the Hammer breaking the knee of Chief Jay Strong Bow

[@DeeEllEff]

Jay Strongbow: the legendary, war-bonnet wearing Native American, billed as hailing from Pawhuska, Oklahoma, who was IRL a business-minded Italian American born in Nutley, NJ.? The Indian gimmick (and ones around various African nations) never ceased to crack me up. At least Wahoo was of real native roots & really born in Oklahoma.

[@Fultonfalcons86]

If you are looking to break into wrestling get your self a collection of Steamboat videos and watch them learn his work ethic........

[@stefancernohuby312]

Actually he did wrestle Randy Savage a second time in WCW in a singles match. And once more in a Tag Team match.

[@brainhakker7133]

Valentine is awesome, hope he's alive and telling these stories for another 25 years..... Oh, and getting Paid Big Bucks ta boot 😎

[@twsstar]

Greg!

[@robins1016]

He looks a lot like his dad.

[@babbyfacerevocation2740]

Steamboat also had really good sponsors.

[@miguelLDiablo]

Greg is so chill and humble. Didn't really appreciate him back in the day but turns out my favourites from when I was a kid turned out to be really shiity people!

[@treeherder2201]

The Hammer looks the same as he did in 1983

[@Brando-Lee3725]

Didnt Steamboat go on to wrestle that next night on RAW ? Or was it a few weeks later ?