Jim Ross has pushed back on Ric Flair after the WWE Hall of Famer dismissed comparisons between his legendary rivalry with Ricky Steamboat and the matches between Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay.
Flair recently made it clear he wasn’t impressed by the comparison, arguing that what he and Steamboat accomplished belonged on another level. He compared the two rivalries to the difference between the Mississippi River and the Pacific Ocean and suggested Omega and Ospreay could settle for being “number two.”
Ross, however, believes Flair went further than necessary.
Jim Ross Disagrees With Ric Flair
During an episode of Grilling JR, Conrad Thompson read Flair’s comments before asking Ross for his reaction. The longtime announcer didn’t hesitate.
Out of place.
Ross stressed that he respects Flair’s right to have an opinion, particularly when discussing his own career, but didn’t agree with the way he chose to make his point.
I thought it was unnecessary. I respect his opinion. That doesn’t mean I have to agree with it.
Flair’s rivalry with Steamboat remains one of the most celebrated in wrestling history, with their famous series of matches in 1989 regularly appearing in discussions about the greatest matches ever produced.
Ross wasn’t trying to diminish that legacy. In fact, he described Flair and Steamboat as being “perfect for each other” and praised the way their rivalry was booked. His issue was with Flair knocking Omega and Ospreay down while defending his own accomplishments.
Ross even joked about Flair pointing to the number of hour-long draws he worked with Steamboat as evidence of their greatness.
The fact they went an hour Broadway 200 times is troubling because, you mean you couldn’t figure out a finish?
The comment was delivered with Ross’ trademark humor, but his larger point remained unchanged: wrestling greatness doesn’t necessarily have to come at somebody else’s expense.
Ross Wonders If Flair Watched Omega vs. Ospreay
There was another part of Flair’s comments that caught Ross’ attention.
The strength of Flair’s opinion about Omega and Ospreay left JR wondering whether Flair had actually watched their latest match before responding to the comparisons.
I appreciate the fact that he expressed an opinion on Ospreay and Kenny, which leads me to believe, I don’t know about you, Conrad, that maybe Ric watched the show.
Ross made clear that he wasn’t certain whether Flair had seen the match, though he hoped that was the case.
Ultimately, Ross isn’t changing his opinion of Flair or Steamboat because of the disagreement. He continues to hold both men in extremely high regard and respects Flair’s right to defend their place in wrestling history.
