In an era where wrestler salaries were often a closely guarded secret, a fascinating piece of wrestling history has emerged that sheds light on the earnings of a top performer during the height of the 1980s wrestling boom. Richie Steamboat, the son of the legendary Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat, recently shared a photo of his father’s paystub from the iconic WrestleMania III event in 1987. The document reveals that for his classic match against ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage, Steamboat was paid a handsome sum of $50,000, minus a $200 advance he received on the day of the show.

Richie Steamboat shared an image of the paystub on his Instagram account, accompanied by a caption that celebrated the significance of the match. “Original 1987 WrestleMania III Paystub Ricky Steamboat This is 1 for the ages! If you ever wondered what they really made? Here you go! My dad’s hand written note marking event was added later,” he wrote. “WM3 Marked a new era in Pro Wrestling, Ricky Steamboat vs. Randy Savage 20 pin falls in 17mins. Gave the fans something they’d never seen before! Changing wrestling forever!”

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The Match That Stole the Show

While WrestleMania III is most famously remembered for the titanic clash between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant in the main event, a match that saw Hogan bodyslam the behemoth in a moment that has become ingrained in pop culture, many wrestling fans and historians argue that the true highlight of the event was the penultimate contest for the Intercontinental Championship. In a bout that is widely considered one of the greatest in WrestleMania history, Ricky Steamboat challenged the arrogant and paranoid champion, ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage.

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The match was a masterclass in storytelling and in-ring psychology, a departure from the slower, more methodical style often seen in that era. For nearly 17 minutes, Steamboat and Savage captivated the massive crowd at the Pontiac Silverdome with a fast-paced, athletic, and dramatic encounter. The contest was filled with innovative sequences and near-falls that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The culmination of their heated rivalry saw Steamboat emerge victorious, capturing the prestigious Intercontinental Title.

A Legacy Cemented in History

The influence of the Steamboat vs. Savage match cannot be overstated. It set a new standard for what an undercard championship match could be and is often cited by current and former wrestlers as a source of inspiration. The intricate planning and flawless execution of the match elevated the Intercontinental Championship to a new level of importance, often being seen as the workhorse title for the company’s best in-ring performers.

While the image of Hogan slamming Andre is the enduring symbol of WrestleMania III, the wrestling purists will always point to the artistry of Ricky Steamboat and Randy Savage as the true pinnacle of that historic event. The revelation of Steamboat’s substantial payday for that night only adds another layer to the legend of a match that continues to be celebrated for its greatness.

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