Vince McMahon shares details about Steve Austin’s character change from ‘The Ringmaster’ to ‘Stone Cold’

Vince McMahon shares details about Steve Austin’s character change from ‘The Ringmaster’ to ‘Stone Cold’

Stone Cold Steve Austin with Vince McMahon

When Steve Austin debuted on WWE in January 1996, he was known as “The Ringmaster.” But two months later, he told Vince McMahon that the gimmick was not working for him. McMahon agreed and allowed Austin to change is on-screen character.

The WWE Chairman recently revealed that he was unsure whether the “Stone Cold” gimmick would work for Austin. McMahon was discussing the origins of the character on WWE Network’s Meeting Stone Cold. He revealed that no one, not even him and Austin, had any idea what the “Stone Cold” persona would be.

“Steve came here. His attitude was one of, ‘I’m gonna work hard. I mean, really hard. Harder than anyone else.’ He had that extraordinary work ethic, and Steve came to me and said, ‘Vince, I’m just not The Ringmaster.’ ‘Well, okay, who are you?’ So Steve came to me and said, ‘I’m Stone Cold.’ Neither one of us really knew what Stone Cold was. ‘Let’s try this, let’s try that.’ So it was the beginning of a new character.”

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Steve Austin’s relation with Vince McMahon

Stone Cold Steve Austin and Vince McMahon
Stone Cold Steve Austin and Vince McMahon

The rivalry between the Texas Rattlesnake and McMahon is amongst the greatest WWE rivalries. But the issues between the two even extended backstage. In June 2002, Austin walked out on WWE due to creative differences. He was even fined by McMahon for the incident.

But over the years, Austin revealed, the relationship with Vince McMahon has strengthened. The WWE Network is currently celebrating the “Austin 3:16” week. Meeting Stone Cold features some WWE Superstars and Legends, sharing their experiences with Austin.

Also Read: Daniel Bryan reveals the advice Stone Cold Steve Austin gave him