WWE Releases NXT Wrestler Richie Steamboat: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Richie Steamboat Released

There are reports out there circulating about WWE/NXT wrestler Richie Steamboat (Richard Blood, Jr.) being released from his contract. Here’s everything you need to know about this reported release from the active WWE roster and his accolades in the wrestling ring.


1. Richie Steamboat Was Quietly Released from His Active Wrestler Contract With WWE

Richie Steamboat

It sounds like Richie Steamboat is no longer an active member of the WWE/NXT roster. Check out the full description of his under-the-radar release by checking out the news reported by Wrestleview.com/PWInsider.com:

Mike Johnson is reporting that sometime ago, WWE quietly released NXT wrestler Richie Steamboat. Richie is the son of WWE Hall of Famer and NXT trainer Ricky Steamboat. Richie was signed by WWE in 2009 and was last seen on the NXT TV show back on November 21, 2012 during his feud with Kassius Ohno (Chris Hero). Steamboat had not competed since then due to a very serious back injury that had required surgery. The news of Steamboat’s release was first brought up by Chris Hero in a interview a few weeks ago.


2. He Hasn’t Appeared on TV Lately Due to a Serious Back Injury

Richie Steamboat Released

Earlier in 2013, Richie Steamboat was stricken with a serious back injury that put him out of action up until now. Dr. Joseph Maroon is reported to be the surgeon who’s going to handle the surgery for Richie. Several insider wrestling websites have reported that Richie’s back injury was so bad that WWE officials didn’t know if he’d be able to continue his career as a professional wrestler.


3. He Wrestled on the WWE’s NEXT Roster

WWE NXT

Richie Steamboat first signed on with the WWE back in December 2009. At first, he was sent down to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) to start his training for a call-up to the WWE’s main roster. While in FCW, he won a myriad of championships:

– FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion (1-Time)
– FCW 15 Championship (1-Time)
– FCW Florida Tag Team Championship (1-Time, With Seth Rollins aka Tyler Black)
– 2nd FCW Grand Slam Champion

When FCW transformed into NXT, he debuted for the developmental territory during the initial tapings at Full Sail University. His last appearance took place on a November 21, 2012 episode of NXT.

4. One of His Best Matches Was Against Kassius Ohno (Chris Hero)

One of Richie’s last televised bouts on NXT came against another recently released WWE/NXT competitor – Kassius Ohno/Chris Hero. You can check out that super competitive match in the above video.


5. He Has A Long History of Competing in Sports

Richie Steamboat Released

Richie started his amateur wrestling career at the age of five. In a cool twist of fate, Richie was matched up with Ric Flair’s son Reid Fliehr in several high school amateur wrestling competitions. During this time, Richie won state and national titles. He also managed to become an offical member of the Ohio All-Star team. Richie also played football in high school (Lake Norman High School).