The Rock vs Angle, Austin's Stunner: Iconic WWF SmackDown January 24, 2002

WWF SmackDown on January 24, 2002, delivered high-stakes action from the North Charleston Coliseum in South Carolina as part of the Undisputed WWF Championship No. 1 Contendership Tournament. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin overcame Booker T in a semi-final, while Kurt Angle upset The Rock amid shocking interference.

Tournament Kickoff and Atmosphere

The episode opened with hype for the four-man tournament to determine Chris Jericho's challenger at No Way Out, featuring semi-finals on SmackDown and the final on Raw. Fans packed the North Charleston Coliseum for a night blending intense rivalries with WWF's Attitude Era edge.

Key undercard matches set the tone, including Rob Van Dam's quick win over Intercontinental Champion William Regal via Five Star Frog Splash and Rikishi's Banzai Drop victory against Big Bossman. Tag action saw champions Spike Dudley and Tazz retain against Albert and Scotty 2 Hotty in a chaotic bout.

Stone Cold vs. Booker T Breakdown

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin faced Booker T in a gritty semi-final, with the winner advancing to Raw. Austin controlled early with a spinebuster and neckbreaker, but Booker shifted momentum via superkick and leg work, sending Austin into the steps.

Booker hit a spinaroonie after countering the Stunner, followed by a scissors kick for a near fall, but Austin reversed into his own Stunner for the pin at around 9:16. This win propelled Austin toward Jericho, building on their grocery store brawl rivalry from late 2001.

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Kurt Angle vs. The Rock Chaos

The main event pitted Olympic hero Kurt Angle against The Rock, both vying for title contention. They traded suplexes and signature moves, with Angle applying the Ankle Lock and Rock countering with a Sharpshooter.

Chaos erupted as Undisputed Champion Chris Jericho distracted the ref on commentary, then The Undertaker appeared for a devastating chokeslam on Rock, allowing Angle the pin. This interference stemmed from Rock mocking Taker's Royal Rumble elimination by Maven.

Bigger Picture and No Way Out Build

Winners Austin and Angle were set to clash on Raw for the No. 1 contendership shot at Jericho during No Way Out on February 17. Vince McMahon's eerie promos teased the nWo invasion, adding corporate drama amid the wrestling fireworks.

This SmackDown exemplified WWF's peak storytelling, blending athletic matches with interference angles that fueled PPVs. Tables matches like Kane & Big Show vs. Dudley Boyz and women's action rounded out a stacked card.

Stone Cold Steve Austin Broken Skull Ranch Interview – Career Reflections, Beer Legacy, WrestleMania Comeback Revealed

Stone Cold Steve Austin hosts Chris Van Vliet at his Nevada Broken Skull Ranch for a 90-minute retrospective on his WWE Hall of Fame run, from beer truck baptisms and boss-stunning anarchy to neck-breaking resilience and potential ring returns. The Texas Rattlesnake dissects character origins, greatest rivals, Stunner hall-of-famers, and modern wrestling shifts, blending nostalgia with unfiltered candor. Austin's tales affirm his enduring grip on wrestling's Attitude Era soul.

Steve Austin WWE Poster

Ranch Life and Solid Ass Cats

Austin relishes Nevada desert isolation over LA, roaming public lands for hunting, skiing, and UTV racing on Kawasaki-backed supercharged buggies hitting 250 horsepower. He celebrates 10 years with El Segundo Brewing's Broken Skull IPA, hands-on with hop selection amid craft beer's churn. His "solid ass cats"—Pancho horse-nuzzling barn dweller and hunter Macho—steal Instagram via viral Christmas posts, embodying ranch companionship.

Austin crushes myths of beer sobriety, savoring Friday IPAs and Napa Pinot Noirs while picking spots to dodge hangovers, echoing old-timer advice. Japan tours peaked at 100+ beers spilled in Andre-style chaos, force-feeding teetotaler Goldberg for ribs.

Beer Celebrations Unsolved Origin

Austin credits ECW's Sandman for beer-bashing precedence but insists his post-match guzzling evolved organically—possibly snagging fan cans—without conscious copying. Empty-stomach dumps after waits delivered real buzzes from 12-18 packs, fueling exit-line sways. Coors Light balked at peak heat; Brock Lesnar job fallout killed early Stone Cold branding, birthing independent Broken Skull years later.

He confirms ring pours included all brands, no exclusives, thriving on spilled chaos over full chugs.

WrestleMania 38 Return Prep and Reality

Dallas' WrestleMania 38 lured Austin from 19-year retirement against Kevin Owens, handpicked for promo chops and safety sans storyline build. Lacking workout ring, he ran ropes and bumped backstage, potatoing Owens stiff from ring rust—19 years punchless—while lamenting prime-era denial. Owens' Hall of Fame trajectory made ideal foe; Austin teases "never say never" despite knee replacement erasing arthritis limp.

Pre-WM19 hospital scare nearly sidelined Rock rematch; post-match retirement felt final until Owens revival.

Moments That Forged the Icon

Austin pinpoints star-making explosions: King of the Ring 1996 "3:16" sermon blasphemy, WrestleMania 13 bloodbath submission loss to Bret Hart showcasing dual-edged psychology, and escalating McMahon terrorism flipping authority. Richard Kuklinski's Iceman inspired anti-hero menace; glass-shatter theme flipped competitor switch instantly. Unplanned promos, middle-finger rebellion, and catchphrase merch (Austin 3:16 shirts) weaponized blue-collar rage.

Crazy vehicles—deer trucks, zambonis, forklifts—amplified chaos; beer baths and "What?" chants marked heel teases.

Neck Break Defiance and Stunner Lore

Owen Hart's 1997 double-team snapped Austin's neck, paralyzing him 60 seconds; he feared career end but returned doubting longevity. Greatest Stunners: prime foes shining; worst elicited reluctant laughs. Dream misses: CM Punk, Goldberg; Bret chemistry peaked bloody classics. GOATs list honors in-ring technicians over drawers.
Stone Cold persona unleashes passion Steve tempers; 90s grit trumps today's athleticism.

Timeless Advice and Gratitude

Austin urges rookies: prioritize wrestling love over fame, stay active ("motion is lotion" via Taker), evolve promo over bumps. WWE's 90s territorial fire contrasts modern polish; podcast revival looms. Grateful for family, health, legacy—fifth-grade lifts sparked lifelong grind, ensuring Rattlesnake sharpness at 61.

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Steve Austin Upset About Cena Using Stunner, Regins Knocksout Dallas

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At #WrestleMania 31, #JohnCena broke out a #SpringboardStunner against #Rusev. He's been using the move ever since, in...
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Dean Ambrose Has Developed into the Steve Austin of the PG Era

photo courtesy: wwe,com

Dean Ambrose is currently one of the hottest Superstars in WWE.  The man known as The Lunatic Fringe has been at the forefront of the company since The Shield split back on June 2, and now he's entering into a new rivalry with Bray Wyatt.

Ambrose has been at the top of his game and has entertained both in and out of the ring. And now that he is really coming into his own, there can be no denying the similarities that exist between him and the legendary Stone Cold Steve Austin.  In fact, Ambrose has developed into the Austin of the PG Era.

It's a huge comparison and one that fans cannot take lightly.  After all, Austin is one of the best all-around talents that WWE has ever known, and he is also arguably the biggest star that his generation ever produced.

From his immensely marketable image to his riveting promos to his stellar ring work, everything about Austin was top-notch.  He had the "it" factor, that one intangible that set him apart from everyone else in the WWE locker room.  Everything Austin touched turned to gold, and every time he was on camera it was must-see TV.

In the middle of The Monday Night Wars, when fans were switching channels between WWE and rival WCW, no one was switching when Austin was on.  He commanded attention and got it every time.

photo courtesy: ign.com

He worked main event matches all over the world, he wore the WWE Championship six times and he also stood at the mountaintop when the company saw perhaps its most prosperous era of all time.  His contributions to the business combined with his incredible drawing power put him in a class all his own. He is a Hall of Fame icon, and his impact will surely be felt by WWE for years to come.

Those are some big boots to fill, and to expect anyone to do so may not be fair to the Superstar in question.  There is just now way to ever replace Stone Cold or top what he did for WWE.

But if there is one Superstar currently in the company who has any chance of getting close, it's Ambrose; he's just that good.

His gimmick is one of a mentally unstable character, a persona that he inhabits so convincingly that many fans are likely wondering how real it is.  Ambrose does a masterful job of living the gimmick, and because of that, he is being accepted by the WWE faithful.

They see how committed he is to making it work and respect him for it.

But it's not just his character that fans buy; it's his everyman approach to it.  The fact is that Ambrose could be anyone—a truck driver, a mechanic, an auto worker.  He could be from any walk of life and any economic background, with any sort of ambition imaginable.

The truth is when fans look at Ambrose, they seem themselves.  He is just that easy to relate to.

This is one of the best comparisons between Ambrose and Austin that exists, one that links them together perhaps better than anything else.  Each man looks like a blue-collar guy, someone who works hard for what he has and earns every penny he makes.

But perhaps more than all of that is the fact that like Austin, Ambrose is a rebel.  He is a maverick who doesn't bother asking for permission or trying to fit in. All he wants is to destroy anyone in his path. He has no agenda other than taking what he wants and does not respond very well to authority.

Ambrose fights the power, and he does it like no one else can.  Ambrose is Stone Cold regardless of whether he wants to be.  He has filled that void and is only getting better.

Fans want that rebel—that vigilante who marches to his own drum—and right now, Ambrose is it.  He is the man who best represents them, the man who is making WWE fun and entertaining once again.  Ambrose may not be Stone Cold in the literal sense, but he is the best modern example of that character.

What Austin was to the Attitude Era, Ambrose is to the PG Era.  He is not on par with Stone Cold in terms of making money right now, but that does not mean he will not make an impact on the main event scene. In many ways, he is already making waves, and as long as he stays healthy, there is no reason to believe he will not become a major main event star for years to come.

And that day could likely come sooner rather than later.  He will surely deliver in his feud with Wyatt, as both men have something to prove.  They have the opportunity to impress on a major level, and the promos alone should be worth the price of admission.

The Eater of Worlds versus The Lunatic Fringe could very well become the biggest feud for the remainder of 2014, and Ambrose will certainly do his part to ensure everything gets over in a very big way.

Ambrose has his whole career ahead of him in WWE, and he is only just getting started. His forward progress is something for fans to marvel at, and for those who miss Stone Cold, Ambrose is a great reminder of just how exciting the rebel gimmick can be.  And that's the bottom line.

source: bleacherreport.com

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WWE Debate: Of CM Punk, Stone Cold, Rock, Batista and the IWC's Hypocrisy

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I write this with the expectation of receiving buckets of hate. In this day and age, fans have many demands that mean little once quenched, for more are born within the same period. It's an ever-expanding, ever-evolving wish list, one that leaves no one truly satisfied and everyone complaining.

These very fans also dislike being called out on the inconsistency of their demands; their laudatory vision of WWE, while extremely unstable and unlikely, is perceived the most idealistic one.

CM Punk set the WWE Universe alight with his highly controversial departure back in January, when he left the company as quietly as he could. Rumours, including this one from Power Slam Magazine (via Christopher Olmstead of Wrestling News Depot), whizzed through the buzzing dirt sheets claiming Punk's exhaustion and annoyance with his booking status as the primary reasons for his abrupt exit.

Others disregarded it all as a work, for Punk is not new to these scandals. They started preparing a rousing ovation for a Raw in Chicago when he would undoubtedly return to his city for the build to WrestleMania. When he failed to show, hope for a WrestleMania 30 return surfaced, followed by a final, desperate, halfhearted plea for him to show up at the Payback pay-per-view in Chicago.

But CM Punk, as pulsating, built-up frustration in many fans would tell you, never came back.

The moment the harsh reality started to settle in and the glimmer of hope began to fade, hatred began to flow from all corners. The preachers of morality within the Internet Wrestling Community started their sermons of contractual obligations and repaying the fans' support. The ones blinded by rage began questioning Punk's relevance in the WWE, his wrestling skills, promo skills and the man himself.

He is still backed by a loyal cult of fans who can relate to his departure and understand what the guy went through. These fans, much like John Cena fans, have been shunned and forced into a despicable club, for they stand for a wrestler whom a large segment legitimately hates.

All I ask for in the midst of it all is consistency.

Fans still cheer and respect a true WWE icon in Stone Cold Steve Austin, a man notorious for having left the WWE in a similar fashion—disgruntled and frustrated by booking decisions. The financial and sentimental obligations remained and were even larger for Steve Austin because he was a bigger star than CM Punk during a time when WWE enjoyed a larger fanbase.

He chose to leave, yet we cheer him on. This really begs the question: Are our ethics and morals defined by the Superstars we love and hate? Is it OK for Stone Cold to do something because we respect him but not CM Punk because we don't?

In fact, WWE itself reacted much more negatively to Austin's act of "taking his ball and going home," while CM Punk is nowhere close to getting the infamous WWE spite other wrestlers usually get. His absence was positively acknowledged by Paul Heyman—who painted him in a sympathetic light—his DVD was heavily marketed and apart from a few jabs from The Authority, he hasn't received much negativity from a company he left stranded.

Why, then, do we feel an urge to blame the individual when we clearly don't blame other such acts of betrayal? Will we take him back in loving arms like we took Austin if he decides to come back a year later and expresses regret?

It's the same thing that happened with Batista. Fans were quick to criticise a part-time wrestler taking the main event spot fresh from Hollywood—even though The Rock had been doing it for a couple of years already. Yet The Rock was treated as a god and Batista a joke. Once again, our beliefs were only defined by the wrestlers' personalities and not actual morals and ethics.

I say this as a massive Stone Cold Steve Austin and CM Punk fan. I do not condemn either for leaving the company, for I can relate with the frustration of being a part of something you don't enjoy anymore. I cheer for both, for I genuinely wish for these exceptional performers to be back onscreen. Because in the end, this is entertainment, and that's all I really care about.

Thanks for the read.

source: bleacherreport.com

Steve Austin: Roman Reigns Is the Next Megastar in WWE

photo courtesy: dailywrestlingnews.com

In a recent interview with Between The Ropes, Stone Cold Steve Austin was asked who he believes the next mainstream star in WWE will be. He had three names cued up but one that he earmarked as the big breakout of the group.

No surprise there:

"There's three guys who have big superstars written on them. I think Bray Wyatt is one of them, Cesaro is one of them, but when I got to mention the guy your asking for is Roman Reigns. He happens to be related to The Rock. Good looking kid, damn good worker in the ring, I want to know some more about his promos. But man, if I got to look at the roster right now and say whose my next megastar, his name is Roman Reigns."

Wyatt, a super charismatic smooth talker, should be a mainstay on the roster for the next decade assuming he stays healthy. And while he may never break through as a transcendent star, the top of the heap, he should find a cozy spot somewhere in the top three or five.

photo courtesy: pwmania.com

Cesaro, meanwhile, could go either way. For all his potential and ability between the ropes, he hasn't caught on just yet. There have been brief glimpses that have provided a great deal of hope but the brass ring remains just out of reach ... for now.

It's Reigns who is clearly on the brink of breaking through the glass ceiling and becoming the face of the company. When pundits push him as the next John Cena it's not hyperbole as much as stating the obvious. He could crash and burn, as is possible with anyone, but all is going swimmingly so far.

Agree?

source: cagesideseats.com

Backstage News On Steve Austin Possibly Never Wrestling Again, His WrestleMania Status

photo courtesy: wwefansnation.com

Regarding speculation surrounding Steve Austin making an appearance at WrestleMania XXX, word is that if he does appear, it won't be as an active wrestler.

Austin has talked privately about working with CM Punk in the past but Punk is currently scheduled to face Triple H at WrestleMania XXX. Word within WWE is that Austin has not been receptive to the idea of working a match this year, which given his age, may completely close the window on Austin ever wrestling again.

source: wrestlinginc.com

Steve Austin Gives Update on Potentially Wrestling at WrestleMania XXX

photo courtesy: arolemodel.com

It has been over ten long years since Steve Austin has stepped foot in a WWE ring as a wrestler. As a result of nagging injuries—specifically his neck and knees—Austin was forced to retire from active competition after sending us off with a fantastic match at WrestleMania XIX against The Rock.

Since then, Austin has managed to show that he at least has the ability to execute his patented "Stone Cold Stunner" finisher, with Goldberg, Brock Lesnar, Roddy Piper, Carlito, The McMahons and JBL being a few recipients of the move.

Over the years, Austin has hinted of his condition being far more better than it was while he was an active wrestler. This has caused a static level of buzz concerning whether the WWE Universe would see him in the ring one more time.

However, the past couple years has been more realistic than ever. Not only is Austin in much better condition, but he has a much younger superstar that can truly test his endurance.

It has been over ten long years since Steve Austin has stepped foot in a WWE ring as a wrestler. As a result of nagging injuries—specifically his neck and knees—Austin was forced to retire from active competition after sending us off with a fantastic match at WrestleMania XIX against The Rock.

Since then, Austin has managed to show that he at least has the ability to execute his patented "Stone Cold Stunner" finisher, with Goldberg, Brock Lesnar, Roddy Piper, Carlito, The McMahons and JBL being a few recipients of the move.

Over the years, Austin has hinted of his condition being far more better than it was while he was an active wrestler. This has caused a static level of buzz concerning whether the WWE Universe would see him in the ring one more time.

However, the past couple years has been more realistic than ever. Not only is Austin in much better condition, but he has a much younger superstar that can truly test his endurance.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin's Toughest Opponent & Returning To Fight CM Punk | Larry King Now


CM Punk.

Despite this, the stage has not been appropriately set yet. WrestleMania 28 and 29 was shrouded with the Rock and John Cena "Once" ... er... "Twice in a Lifetime" main event matches. No need for Austin to fill a supporting role to the two-year-plus feud.

Now, WrestleMania XXX is approaching, and it is by far the most anticipated pay-per-view in WWE history.

In an interview conducted by Busted Open with Dave Lagreca and Doug Mortman (via WrestlingInc.com), Austin did not hold anything back regarding an opportunity to be a part of the biggest event of the year.

Oh I'm healthy enough. My knees coming around just fine, it's better than it's ever been because I've been doing my do diligence on my rehab. I've got two new ligaments. Everything else is pain free. I'm still in shape been working out harder than I've ever worked out.

Austin also addressed his views on the possibility of a match with CM Punk, stating that it could be a great match due to Punk "[bringing] a lot to the table from a verbal standpoint with his well thought out promos, [and] the way in which he conducts his business."

Although Austin does not want to give a great deal of attention to another match, the writing is on the wall that one more match has been much more than a passing thought. Next year, Austin turns 50, so there is only so much that his body can handle. However—with the amazing ring psychology that he has—he would unquestionably deliver memorable matches even in this stage of his life.

The biggest caveat of this scenario is CM Punk's unmuddled desire to wrestle in a main event at WrestleMania, which this match would most likely prevent. Essentially, if this happens at WrestleMania XXX, something has to give—either Punk does not wrestle in the main event, or we see Punk/Austin in the main event, which would only make sense if a title was involved.

So, unfortunately—stalemate.

Would you be in favor of Austin returning at WrestleMania XXX? Sound off (civilly) below.

source: bleacherreport.com

WWE Shouldn't Be Blamed for Absence of Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels on Raw

photo courtesy: wrestlingnewsworld.com

With the 20th anniversary episode of Raw taking place in Houston on Monday, many fans expected stars such as "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to appear. That didn't happen and it led many to label the night a failure, but The Texas Rattlesnake and HBK had a prior engagement they had to honor.

According to NoDQ.com, the native Texans were unable to appear on Raw because they were already booked for SHOT Show in Las Vegas. SHOT Show is an annual shooting and hunting trade show and since both Austin and Michaels are avid hunters, they were already committed to appear at the event.

Rather than consider the fact that Austin and Michaels might have had other things to tend to, many fans jumped to conclusions immediately following the show and tried to place blame on Vince McMahon or the WWE as a whole. The fact of the matter is that the timing just wasn't right when it came to the 20th anniversary of Raw as it coincided with something of great importance to Austin and Michaels.

I have no doubt that McMahon pushed hard for both Austin and Michaels to appear on Raw, but there wasn't much he could do. Austin has always been a straight shooter and Michaels seems to be one now as well, so they weren't about to go back on their word and skip SHOT Show. It was an unfortunate set of circumstances, but we have to respect the WWE legends for sticking to their guns both literally and figuratively.

Michaels answered several tweets regarding his absence and said that he was being honest when he told people the week before that he would be at SHOT Show rather than Raw.

RT: "@slippymilk: u could have shown up. But i guess u really dont care" -- Actually, I couldn't, I stated last week, had to be in Vegas.
— Shawn Michaels (@ShawnMichaels) January 15, 2013

The most interested part about this entire situation is that it was known that both Austin and Michaels were booked as SHOT Show guests ahead of time, but despite that, many dirt sheets and wrestling "news" sites reported it as fact that they would be appearing on Raw. That obviously wasn't the case and it led to a lot of agitated fans.

Had these sites done their due diligence rather than either making things up or listening to unreliable sources then the fans wouldn't have gotten their hopes up about Austin and Michaels showing up. I'm sure that both Austin and Michaels wanted to be at Raw since they were such a huge part of the show, but they aren't at fault in this situation and the WWE isn't at fault either.

Neither Austin nor Michaels said they would be at Raw, the WWE never said or even suggested that they would be there and both men insisted that they had other things they had to do. Regardless of that, the dirt sheets pushed ahead with irresponsible, baseless reporting and managed to negatively influence everyone who read the reports.

There was also a lot of talk about The Undertaker appearing on Raw, and while nothing has come out about him having a prior engagement, I don't have a problem with the WWE leaving him out. Taker did make a guest appearance on the 1,000th episode of Raw, but he's the type of superstar who should be saved for certain situations and shouldn't just be trotted out there because it's a milestone show.

If Taker is going to face CM Punk at WrestleMania, then it would have been silly to bring him back as it would have overshadowed Punk's rivalry with The Rock. Brock Lesnar is another potential 'Mania opponent for The Undertaker, but he's obviously being saved as well, so there wasn't really a spot for Taker on Raw.

Now that it has been established that Austin and Michaels were never realistic options for the 20th anniversary of Raw, hopefully fans can look at it more objectively. The show itself had a lot of great moments including The Rock and CM Punk squaring off, the Dolph Ziggler vs. John Cena steel cage match and Ric Flair's appearance.

Too many fans had illusions of grandeur because of baseless reports and that's certainly unfortunate. I have no problem with Austin and Michaels making the decisions that they did and I'm glad that the WWE was exonerated on allegations that it somehow dropped the ball in this situation.

source: bleacherreport.com

Steve Austin Discusses Possible Return to WWE, Who He'd Fight

photo courtesy: wrestleheat.com

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin had been ruled out of appearing at WrestleMania XXIX due to ongoing issues with his troubling knee injuries.

But according to the man himself, these physical issues may not be as debilitating as some think.

Speaking to Busted Open on Sirius 92 this week to promote WWE 13, Austin spoke about his injuries and who he'd fight were he to make a sensational return to the ring in the near future (h/t Wrestling Inc):

I'm 100 percent fine. Once I had my fusion done in 2000 and I went into the recovery phase and then got back in the ring, everything was fine and dandy. Passing the physical isn't the issue."

I really like John [Cena]. He is the face of that company right now and he has done a hell of a job and I got a lot of respect for him. You look at a guy like Triple H, that was one of my favorite guys to work in the ring with. Undertaker is kind of beat to shreds, kind of like me. [But] is CM Punk at the top of the list? Yes!

Austin's comments are interesting considering the thought that he wouldn't be physically cleared to compete until WrestleMania XXX in 2014.

A report from PWInsider earlier this year claimed that "Austin's final match isn't expected to happen until WrestleMania 30 in 2014." (h/t Wrestling Inc).

"The story is that Austin won't come back for anything but a WrestleMania main event. Those familiar with Austin's situation note that he's not physically or mentally ready for the match to take place next year."

It is also unlikely that an Austin comeback at WrestleMania XXIX will happen due to The Rock also being scheduled to appear and higher powers possibly not wanting two main events worthy of selling a Pay-Per-View on their own distracting from the other on the card.

Austin and CM Punk have built on a potential rivalry in recent months with the release of wrestling video game WWE 13.

In October, the two had a back-and-forth that led the Texas Rattlesnake to say "You call yourself the best in the world, you're a damn joke and I ain't going to get carried away here because I haven't seen the promos, I just know that the words you had to say weren't flattering" (h/t Wrestling Inc).

While a showdown in the near future, surely it's an inevitability that these two superstars meet in the ring somewhere down the line.

Though Austin has revealed that there are a number of guys he'd willingly fight, everyone knows Punk is at the top of his list.

source: bleacherreport.com

Sit-Down Interview Between CM Punk and Steve Austin Mysteriously Pulled

photo courtesy: stillrealtous.com

Since CM Punk's ascension to the top of the WWE ranks, fans have been clamoring for a dream match pitting him against "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

Punk has alluded to a possible bout down the line, as recently as the Oct. 1 edition of Raw when he made light of Jim Ross' "appreciation night."

Adding fuel to the fire of a potential collision is that, according to Daniel Pena of LordsofPain.net, WWE not only filmed a sit-down interview between Punk and Austin, moderated by Ross, but pulled it from its YouTube channel.

Apparently, the interview—which was filmed during SummerSlam weekend in Los Angeles—runs approximately 12 minutes, features Punk and Austin discussing the upcoming WWE '13 video game as well as how a hypothetical match between them would turn out.

Specific highlights of the video reportedly include Austin singling out Punk and John Cena as being the only WWE superstars worthy of going toe-to-toe with "Stone Cold" and Punk proclaiming he would've been WWE champion during the Attitude Era—a comment met with skepticism by the "Rattlesnake."

As for why the video was removed, Mike Johnson of ProWrestling.net reports that "it is not 'the correct version' according to someone involved with THQ."

Similarly, PWInsider.com reports that the video was essentially "released too soon" and would be "released at some point again, but no idea when."

Certainly, it seems suspicious why WWE and/or THQ would order the video to be removed, especially one that would get fans talking and excited over a possible duel between arguably the two most outspoken WWE wrestlers of all time. Even if there is no such match in the cards, the video would at least get fans hyped for the release of WWE '13.

If WWE is exclusively to blame, it is reasonable to assume the company wants to keep the match under wraps for when the time is right, be it around WrestleMania 29 or 30. Not to mention, one could argue that at the moment, a Punk-Austin tease would only detract from the "Best in the World's" current and foreseeable feuds with Cena and likely The Rock, respectively.

source: bleacherreport.com

CM Punk vs. Steve Austin Would Draw More Money Than Rock vs. Cena

This may seem absurd, but I believe I'm right.

The Rock vs. John Cena was a fantastic match. It lived up to all the hype, and with a year-long build there was a lot of it. In the passage of wrestling history it will go down as one of the great WrestleMania main events. As we suspected, it was reminiscent of Rock vs. Hogan from 10 years ago.

However, the other dream match that wrestling aficionados are clamoring for is CM Punk vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin. Punk, as we know, has created his own little revolution within the WWE over the last year, beginning with the infamous promo.

Punk and Austin have teased this match relentlessly, on Twitter and in interviews. Seemingly both want to wrestle each other. It would be a triumphant return for Austin, 10 years following his last match at WrestleMania 19.

For CM Punk, it would be his moment in (presumably) the main event of WrestleMania—the icing on the cake of his tremendous main-event run.

Of course, from a business standpoint, this match, like Rock vs. Cena, would be expected to draw money. It is the return of the biggest wrestler of all time against arguably the biggest at this time. In my opinion, this dream match would draw more money than Rock vs. Cena.

The major focus of Rock vs. Cena was to penetrate mainstream markets, utilizing the worldwide popularity of The Rock to sell WrestleMania 28. However, while this past WrestleMania set records, it did not break the WrestleMania buy-rate record (set by 23). This is due to the actual number only being 1.21 million.

Don't get me wrong, this is nevertheless a huge success, and WrestleMania 28 was one of the best ever. However, why could Rock vs. Cena not sell more pay-per-views than WrestleMania 23?

WWE was selling to the wrong audience.

Despite how hard WWE pushed this match in mainstream media, despite the global appeal of The Rock, WrestleMania didn't break the buy-rate record because WWE was not targeting wrestling fans.

Of course, for us wrestling fans, we had Hell in a Cell and CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho in addition to Rock vs. Cena. Which was great for us.

But CM Punk vs. ustin will tap into a demographic long gone—the jaded wrestling fan. There is no doubt, looking at the dwindling numbers since the Attitude Era, that WWE has lost a major portion of its audience since the glory days.

Austin was the most popular wrestler of all time. While The Rock may have more mainstream notoriety, Austin was popular among all wrestling fans.

Today, CM Punk is the source of attitude. He's a throwback to the days when wrestling mattered, and stories were thought through. Punk is trying to change things and I say it's working.

It may not be instantly noticeable, but a RAW from 2012 and a RAW from 2010 look vastly different. There is more focus and consistent quality today, despite some occasionally terrible booking.

CM Punk has the power to bring back disgruntled attitude-era fans. Austin vs CM Punk will have incredible appeal throughout current and former wrestling fans—people who have a history of throwing down money to see a wrestling show.

Rock vs. Cena made the mistake of selling to people who probably wouldn't buy. These weren't wrestling fans. They were everyday people who had heard of Cena, or maybe seen one or two Rock movies.

WWE will have a license to print money if Punk vs. Austin happens. It would be sold as a wrestling match and presumably have an excellent story-line build knowing the two wrestlers involved. It won't require a year, and considering Austin has a far more flexible schedule than Rock, it could work out better.

I'm not trying to discredit what Rock and Cena did. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and after a full year was desperate to see The Rock return to the ring.

However, a CM Punk vs. Austin match would hook the people who want wrestling to return to its former prominence. These are the people that WWE know used to be wrestling fans.

Beyond the return of the ever-popular Stone Cold Steve Austin, there really isn't much more they would need to be sold on.

source: bleacherreport.com 

Raw's Anonymous GM, Big names comes up!

WWE Chairman Vince McMahon is in no hurry to revel the anonymous Raw's GM. Vince wants this to be a secret for a longer time.

During the meetings many names were suggested like The Rock, Steve Austin (photos), Triple H, Bret Hart and believe it or not, Kevin Nash. Even Michael Cole's name were suggested for being the anonymous Raw's GM.

29.Steve Austin