Today in Pro Wrestling History: On May 7th, 1989, World Championship Wrestling, under the banner of the NWA, presents Wrestlewar ’89: Music City Showdown, featuring the final showdown in that year’s fantastic trilogy of matches between Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat.
Today in Pro Wrestling History: (May 7) – Flair And Steamboat Go to War Again

With the NWA World Heavyweight title on the line, The Nature Boy was able to regain the gold by pinning Steamboat with an inside cradle at 31:37.
Following the match, Flair was cheered by the fans in attendance when he showed respect to The Dragon for a hard-fought contest. Terry Funk then attacked Flair during a post-match interview, because Flair turned down Funk’s challenge for a title shot.

These stories may also interest you:
- Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat: The Story Behind The Magic
- Ric Flair and Mick Foley: Their Real-Life Backstage Encounter
- Ric Flair, Triple H, and the Greatest One-Night WWE Storyline
Can’t get enough pro wrestling history in your life? Sign up to unlock ten pro wrestling stories curated uniquely for YOU, plus subscriber-exclusive content. A special gift from us awaits after signing up!
Want More? Choose another story!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, TikTok, and Flipboard!
Our wrestling history is gold, and so are readers like you!
If this story added to your collection of wrestling knowledge, you can say thanks:
Tip jar (PayPal)
Browse our merch at our brand-new shop (launched February 2026)!
Pro Wrestling Stories is committed to accurate, unbiased wrestling content rigorously fact-checked and verified by our team of researchers and editors. Any inaccuracies are quickly corrected, with updates timestamped in the article's byline header.
Got a correction, tip, or story idea for Pro Wrestling Stories? Contact us! Learn about our editorial standards here. Ever wanted to learn more about the people behind Pro Wrestling Stories? Meet our authors! Want to write for us? Learn how to join the team.
ProWrestlingStories.com participates in affiliate marketing programs. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we may earn commissions at no extra cost to our readers. This supports our mission to deliver free content for you to enjoy!
If you love movies and pro wrestling, don’t sleep on this one.
Grindhouse, Arthouse, and Wrestling Flicks by Pro Wrestling Stories Senior Editor Evan Ginzburg dives into the fascinating world where cinema and wrestling collide. Packed with hundreds of reviews, hidden gems, and fascinating turns from wrestlers on the big screen, it covers everyone from André the Giant and Roddy Piper to CM Punk, DDP, Chris Jericho, Pat Roach, and The Rock. Smart, passionate, and endlessly browsable, it’s the kind of book fans will keep returning to. Grab your copy today!
