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Ric Flair Leads Tributes To Ex-WCW Star Steve McMichael

By Lyle Kilbane • Published 24th April 2025
Ric Flair

Ric Flair has led the tributes in the wrestling world as it comes together with the football fraternity to mourn the passing of Steve McMichael.

In a statement by Jarrett Payton, the son of McMichael’s former teammate and fellow Hall of Famer, Walter Payton, it was announced that Steve McMichael has passed away after a long battle with ALS:

With deep sorrow, I share that Steve McMichael passed at 5:28 PM after a brave fight with #ALS, surrounded by loved ones. I’m grateful to have been with him in his final moments. Please keep Steve and his family [in] your prayers.

After his NFL career ended, McMichael appeared as part of New York Giants legend Lawrence Taylor’s entourage in the main event of WrestleMania 11 in 1995.

Later that year, in September 1995, McMichael signed with WCW as an announcer. He became a wrestler a year later and even joined Ric Flair and the Four Horsemen. McMichael worked for WCW until early 1999, capturing the US Title on one occasion.

Ric Flair Pays Tribute To His Fellow Horseman

Tributes from the wrestling world have poured in for Steve McMichael, with WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair leading the celebration of McMichael’s life. Taking to social media, Flair explained what a heartbreaking loss McMichael’s passing is for him:

The World Just Lost The Incredible Steve “Mongo” McMichael! He Was My Best Friend Through It All! An Amazing Athlete And Human Being! I Have The Fondest Memories Working With Him, And This Is An Extremely Heartbreaking Loss For Me! I Love You Mongo! You Fought One Hell Of A Battle! Rest In Peace My Friend!

The NFL also paid tribute to McMichael, who won Super Bowl XX with the Chicago Bears, the team he spent most of his football career.

Many other tributes from around the wrestling and football world for Steve “Mongo” McMichael can be seen below.