Steve Rickard, New Zealand-Australian wrestler, trainer, and promoter (b. 1929)

Sydney Mervin "Merv" Batt, born on September 3, 1929, and passing away on April 5, 2015, left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling, primarily known by his iconic ring name, Steve Rickard. Hailing from New Zealand, Rickard was a multi-talented figure in the industry, distinguishing himself not only as a formidable professional wrestler but also as a dedicated trainer and an influential promoter.

His wrestling career saw him traverse the globe extensively throughout the 1960s and 1970s. During this era, Rickard was a true pioneer, venturing into territories where professional wrestling was largely uncharted, such as various parts of Southeast Asia. This adventurous spirit, combined with his undeniable skill, solidified his reputation as one of New Zealand's foremost wrestling talents of that period.

Rickard's prowess in the ring meant he frequently found himself pitted against some of the biggest names in international wrestling. He regularly faced esteemed foreign competitors touring overseas, including legendary NWA World Heavyweight Champions such as Jack Brisco, Dory Funk Jr., "Handsome" Harley Race, and "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair. Beyond the championship elite, his list of high-profile opponents further boasted wrestling icons like the formidable Karl Gotch, the menacing Killer Kowalski, the enigmatic The Destroyer, the colossal André the Giant, the revered Abe Jacobs, and the monstrous King Kong, showcasing the high caliber of his competitive career.

A Champion's Legacy

Throughout his active career, Steve Rickard collected an impressive array of championships, underscoring his dominance in the Australasian and Commonwealth wrestling scenes:

The Architect of New Zealand Wrestling

Beyond his in-ring achievements, Steve Rickard's influence on New Zealand professional wrestling in the latter half of the 20th century is considered unparalleled. His administrative journey began in 1959 when he stepped in to manage the Dominion Wrestling Union (DWU) following the passing of its founder, Walter Miller, guiding the promotion for two years.

In 1962, Rickard founded his own promotion, All Star Pro Wrestling, which was recognized internationally as NWA New Zealand. This venture successfully succeeded the DWU and went on to become the country's single dominant wrestling promotion for an impressive three decades, shaping the landscape of professional wrestling across New Zealand.

Rickard's vision extended beyond national borders. Working in tandem with Australian promoter Jim Barnett, he was instrumental in rekindling the flow of foreign wrestling talent, particularly from Canada and the United States, back into the Pacific region by the late 1960s. This initiative revitalized the local wrestling scene, bringing diverse styles and international stars to eager audiences.

His impact also reached into homes across the nation as the creator of On the Mat, a groundbreaking television program that ran from 1975 to 1984. It quickly became one of New Zealand's longest-running sports shows, introducing wrestling to a broad audience and creating national stars. Its success even spawned a short-lived spin-off, The Main Event, in 1990, further cementing wrestling's place in the country's popular culture.

A Man of Many Talents: Business and Post-Retirement Contributions

Steve Rickard's talents were not confined to the wrestling arena. Before and after his active wrestling career, he was a highly successful hotelier and businessman. Notably, he established one of the very first gym facilities in Wellington, demonstrating his foresight in health and fitness, and successfully managed the Hutt Park Hotel for 15 years.

Even after his in-ring retirement in 1989, Rickard's passion for wrestling remained undimmed, and he continued to play a significant role in the industry. He rose to the prestigious position of President of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) during the early to mid-1990s. Initially, he shared the presidency from 1993 to 1995 with fellow wrestling luminaries Howard Brody, Dennis Coralluzzo, and Jim Crockett Jr., before serving a solo term from 1995 to 1996, further cementing his international standing.

His contributions to the wrestling community were also recognized by the Cauliflower Alley Club (CAC), a highly respected fraternal organization for retired and active wrestlers. Rickard served as a one-time director of the CAC and was honored by the organization in 1997, a fitting tribute to a career defined by dedication and influence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Steve Rickard

Who was Steve Rickard?
Steve Rickard, born Sydney Mervin "Merv" Batt, was a highly influential New Zealand professional wrestler, trainer, and promoter. He was known for his extensive global travels as a wrestler, his numerous championships, and his pivotal role in establishing and running All Star Pro Wrestling, New Zealand's dominant wrestling promotion for 30 years.
What were Steve Rickard's main accomplishments as a wrestler?
As a wrestler, Rickard was an NWA Australasian Heavyweight Champion, a three-time NWA New Zealand Heavyweight Champion, and a record eight-time NWA British Empire/Commonwealth Champion. He was also one-half of the first NWA Australasian Tag Team Champions with Mark Lewin.
How did Steve Rickard influence New Zealand professional wrestling as a promoter?
Rickard established All Star Pro Wrestling (NWA New Zealand) in 1962, which became the country's premier wrestling promotion for three decades. He also co-founded the popular and long-running television show On the Mat, which significantly boosted wrestling's popularity in New Zealand. He also played a key role in bringing foreign wrestling talent back to the Pacific region.
What was On the Mat?
On the Mat was a highly successful New Zealand professional wrestling television program created by Steve Rickard. It ran from 1975 to 1984 and was one of the country's longest-running sports shows, playing a crucial role in popularizing professional wrestling across the nation.
When did Steve Rickard retire from in-ring competition, and what did he do afterward?
Steve Rickard retired from active in-ring competition in 1989. However, he remained deeply involved in the wrestling industry, notably serving as President of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) from 1993 to 1996 and as a director for the Cauliflower Alley Club, which honored him in 1997.
Did Steve Rickard have any other notable careers outside of wrestling?
Yes, Steve Rickard was a successful businessman and hotelier both before and after his wrestling career. He was responsible for establishing one of the first gym facilities in Wellington and successfully operated the Hutt Park Hotel for 15 years.