– WWE referee Scott Armstrong is celebrating his 57th birthday today. He was born May 4, 1959.
– A new episode of “Table For 3” premieres tonight on the WWE Network featuring Hall of Famers Pat Patterson, Ricky Steamboat and Hillbilly Jim.
– On Tuesday, WWE announced that a Shane McMahon “tell all podcast” will air later this month (5/23) on the WWE Network. Mick Foley will host the special, a decision many fans questioned on social media.
Foley responded to the buzz, noting that the WWE Network’s resident podcast host, Steve Austin, was unavailable for the gig due to a previous commitment.
– “Mean” Gene Okerlund noted that his longtime broadcast colleague Bobby Heenan is currently hospitalized after taking a fall earlier today. Keep “The Brain” in your thoughts.
Hey Gang. Just got word that, Bobby Heenan had a spill this morning and will be in the hospital for a few days. Wishing The Brain the best
Update: Heenan’s wife Cynthia has provided an update, noting that he’ll remain hospitalized for the next 3 days while doctors monitor his low blood pressure. Use the hashtag #GetWellBobby on Twitter to show your support.
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin called into TMZ Live this week and said commented on Hulk Hogan’s potential future with WWE. Austin feels that Hogan may come return one day once his ongoing “issues” pass, but it’s entirely up to the boss – Vince McMahon.
When asked about the racist comments Hogan made on his sex tape, Austin says what Hogan did will never be forgotten – but it might be forgiven. He’s known Hogan for a lot of years and thinks Hogan was simply ‘having a bad day’ and doesn’t believe the hateful things he said.
Video: Steve Austin’s Surprise Appearance At WrestleMania 32
WrestleMania is six days away and the card is finally wrapping up to be nearly confirmed. Even if the matches are set in stone, that doesn’t necessarily mean the results are.
Two perfect examples came in the last two years. Daniel Bryan wasn’t supposed to win the WWE World Heavyweight title, or even challenge for it. CM Punk leaving and Bryan’s overwhelming popularity changed that.
As for Roman Reigns, WrestleMania 31 was intended to be his time to shine. Once again, WWE officials listened to the fans and changed their minds the night before WrestleMania 31.
This year, that could happen. However, the reason for this report lies with the Hell in a Cell match featuring Shane McMahon and the Undertaker. Any fan believing this match will include a lot of smoke and mirrors, that’s an appropriate way of predicting.
McMahon and Taker won’t have a 5-star, technical masterpiece. There will be big spots, memorable moments and perhaps a swerve along the way.
WWE.com posted this photo on their website:
This led to a lot of speculation from the WWE Universe about if Stone Cold Steve Austin will interfere in the HIAC match.
Dave Meltzer responded to the speculation after seeing the image by saying, “It wasn’t planned as a few weeks ago but plans can always change.”
Could Austin interfere and help Shane defeat the Undertaker and indirectly, Vince? It’s definitely possible and the Texas Rattlesnake already confirmed he’ll be at WrestleMania 32.
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin was recently joined by former WWE writer Vince Russo on episodes #303 and #305 of The Steve Austin Show. The two talked about the current state of WWE, and Austin revealed some details about his interview show on the WWE Network.
“A lot of the time, I hold back because I’m one of the boys and I’ve got to show up every damn month for a podcast,” Austin said of criticizing WWE TV. “It’s not my goal to run anybody down [or] run anybody down that’s in control. I love the [professional wrestling] business, but it is what it is. I have my opinion. Sometimes, believe me, I’m holding back when I’m talking about my opinions because I don’t want to shoot a hole in anybody.”
The WWE Hall of Famer says he does have some restrictions on what he can talk about on his WWE Network podcast, and that there’s a “line” he can’t cross.
“Sometimes, in talking, quite frankly, with WWE talent, you can’t go certain directions.” Austin continued, “there’s a line that is drawn that you really can’t cross over because they can’t bury themselves [and] they can’t talk about certain things, so, sometimes, it just is what it is.”
You can listen to Austin’s non-WWE Network podcast, The Steve Austin Show, here.
Steve Austin says despite Dean Ambrose losing to Triple H in the main event at Roadblock, he feels Ambrose looked good in defeat. On the recent episode of The Steve Austin Show, Austin also said that Triple H performed so well at Roadblock, that if the WrestleMania 32 main event is a dud it won’t be The Game’s fault.
“I think [Ambrose] shined so much as a wrestler, as a performer, that this match got him over more in my eyes than he was before this match and I liked Dean Ambrose to begin with.” Austin explained, “this match elevated Dean Ambrose. Dude, someone who books can argue that point with me, but I stand by the fact that someone had to get beat and the right guy got beat and he got beat in the right way and it’s going to make him stronger and that kid’s got a great future. He did before this match [and] he really does now. He went out there on a big stage with a top guy and threw down.”
“Now, the stakes are high because Roman Reigns has got to go our there on the biggest stage of all with Triple H and Triple H is not going to crumble. [Reigns] is going to have one hell of a game plan and he’s going to be ready for the moment. Roman Reigns has got to go out there and execute now and do something just like [Ambrose vs. Triple H at Roadblock]. The stakes will be higher, there will probably be a few more bells and whistles involved, but, now, man, it’s put up or shut up time for Roman.”
Austin explained that he feels there is “big money” in the team of Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady, and that the sky is the limit for ‘Big Cass.’
“Enzo has a ton of energy and is very charismatic. ‘Big Cass’, talk about a guy that is 7 foot there. And I like what Enzo says. He’s talking about, ‘you can’t teach that’ and that’s a great catchphrase and it happens to be true. This kid’s 7-foot, good looking kid, and pretty damn athletic. A real bright future for both of these guys, but, in particular, when you look at ‘Big Cass’, there is no ceiling for this guy if he keeps catching on like he has.”
– WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels will be Jonathan Coachman’s guest on ESPN SportsCenter tomorrow for the weekly “Off The Top Rope” segment. HBK will be talking WrestleMania 32.
– The next Stone Cold Podcast on the WWE Network will take place some time during WrestleMania 32 week from Dallas. Steve Austin’s guest will be his former rival, Mick Foley.
– WWE has announced “Sympathy for The Devil” by Motorhead as another theme song for WrestleMania 32. Other songs previously announced for this year include “Hello Friday” by Flo Rida and Jason Derule, and Flo Rida’s “My House” single.
– WWE posted this video looking back at Shane McMahon’s career highlights:
– Following his surprise return to WWE TV on last night from Chicago, Sami Zayn appeared on RAW Fallout and said his feud with Kevin Owens will never end. The two are expected to square off at WrestleMania.
– Thursday’s SmackDown will feature Sami and Owens on Miz TV. Plus, Chris Jericho be on hand to explain why he turned on his partner AJ Styles on RAW. Speaking of Jericho’s heel turn, WWE posted these photos of fans reacting with shock:
John Cena continues to rehabilitate his surgically-repaired shoulder in hopes of “defying science” and returning in time for WrestleMania 32. On last week’s episode of the Steve Austin Show, ‘ol Stone Cold urged Cena not to rush back too soon.
“I don’t know how long John would like to wrestle, but as long as he wants to, I wouldn’t rush to come back from injury too early because, man, that dude’s a stud in the gym.
His healing powers are phenomenal, but just don’t try to rush this thing back because it’s the shoulder and shoulders are tricky and it isn’t the time or place to try to jeopardize if you want another couple year run.”
Cena underwent surgery back on January 7th at the Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, Alabama. Surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Dugas told WWE.com at the time,
“He had a complete tear of a small portion of the rear rotator cuff tendon, the infraspinatus — toward the top-back of his shoulder — which I repaired. Also, there was a large piece of loose tissue in his shoulder that needed to be removed.”
Steve Austin has noticed fans’ reactions to Roman Reigns heading into WrestleMania 32, and says WWE needs to make some changes. On the latest episode of The Steve Austin Show, the WWE Hall of Famer said he feels Vince is sticking with Reigns’ current babyface push for too long.
“I predicted this all along. The kid has got to have a heel run before he’s going to be universally loved because that’s just the way that I see it,” Austin explained, “I’ve always said that I think the guy needs to be a heel first, but, nonetheless, that’s not my call. That’s the booking committee’s call or Vince [McMahon]’s call….That’s what’s going to make it fun again because everybody is going to be so onboard with booing him! I’m telling you, once he goes through that process, whether that takes one year, two years, [or] whatever, then, they’re going to end up loving the guy.
“To me, it’s like Vince chose this guy and he’s sticking with him. Whatever the fans think, whether it’s the smart marks, or the casual fans, or the fervent fans, I don’t know. He’s sticking with this guy and I don’t know. He’s not going to pick another guy because he has so much invested in this guy, so he [has] got to keep riding him, but he could ride him in a different direction, but you can’t back off the gas pedal. Babyface or heel, you’ve got to keep the pedal to the metal with this guy because if you don’t, he will become an also-ran immediately.”
Austin said that he thinks Reigns is a “good dude” and has the support of the locker room. Austin explained that he doesn’t think the fans’ negative reactions are Reigns’ fault.
“I talk to Roman Reigns every time I go to do a podcast [for the WWE Network]. [The] dude’s a great guy. Everybody on the roster supports that guy because he’s a good dude, so everybody loves him,” said The Texas Rattlesnake. “So whatever’s happening ain’t his fault. It’s just his personality, his looks, [and] the way he [has] been pushed. He’s a tremendous cat but sometimes these things, [in] the business of pro wrestling, you’ve got to walk through that fire first and I still think that’s what he’s going to have to do. But, hey, if Vince can get that kid over as a monster baby, more power to him and swig of beer to Roman Reigns for doing so, but that remains to be seen.”
WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin recently spoke to Rolling Stone to promote WrestleMania 32. Here are some highlights:
– Austin acknowledged that it will be hard for WWE to sell out AT&T Stadium. As noted earlier this week, WWE has sold less than 70,000 tickets. Austin said the “sells itself” to some degree, but you still need main event players in top storylines.
– Regarding who has stepped up in WWE, Austin praised Kevin Owens and said Neville. Austin said he would like to see more involvement from Brock Lesnar on RAW so he can connect with the crowd in a more meaningful way.
– Austin talked about his Broken Skull IPA beer, which is now available in California from the El Segundo Brewing Company.
– When asked about what he misses most about wrestling, Austin said, “Goddang, I’ll tell you what. When you walk out, and that f*cking glass breaks, and those motherfuckers jump out of their seats, there ain’t nothin’ like that in the world. As drunk as I ever got, nothing touches that feeling. In my life, what replaces that or comes close? Nothing.”
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin still has yet to be informed of his role at WrestleMania 32. The WWE Hall of Famer recently appeared on Ring Rust Radio, where he discussed the upcoming event.
“As far as my role [at WrestleMania], I don’t know yet. I haven’t talked to anybody about it,” Austin told Ring Rust Radio. “I expect to be in Dallas, Texas, and I expect to do something, I just don’t know what it is.”
When asked if Roman Reigns is ready to be a “top star” yet, Austin said he feels Reigns isn’t quite on that level yet. He explained his opinion by comparing Reigns to former WrestleMania headliners The Rock and himself.
When you’re the main event of the card and all those people come, that’s a gigantic reason to come when you want to see Stone Cold and The Rock,” Austin explained, “and you know it’s good to be a special moment. Roman Reigns isn’t quite there yet, but he will be one of these days, so he does have a great opportunity if he ends up taking on Triple H or whoever they put in the ring with him. They got work to do.”
WrestleMania 32 takes place on April 3, 2016, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Roman Reigns will face Triple H in the main event for the WWE World Heavyweight Title.
You can listen to the full Ring Rust interview with Stone Cold below:
WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin recently spoke on Daniel Bryan’s retirement and admitted that Bryan’s retirement speech brought a tear in his eye. On a recent episode of his podcast The Steve Austin Show, The Texas Rattlesnake discussed his thoughts on the now-retired Bryan.
Austin said Bryan is a sure fire Hall of Famer because he knocked it out of the park every time he stepped in the ring, could work any style and connected with the crowd like we haven’t seen in years. He then explained why Daniel Bryan’s career reminds him of Bret Hart for both his in-ring work as well as other political forces at work.
“From what I’ve seen out of him, it’s just bad ass work. He tells a great story, sells his ass off, makes everything look good, goes through great sequences, great psychology. He’s the real deal,” Austin said. “Daniel Bryan’s run kind of reminds me to a similar degree, or just the way he presented himself almost in a vein, he was a smaller version of Bret Hart because Bret was never really going to be the chosen guy. All of a sudden, he got the opportunity and he was an understated guy, wasn’t over the top. I always liked Bret Hart’s promos. He felt he was a little weak in them. One of the greatest workers in the history of the business. And finally he got his time.”
“He got his just due, and all of a sudden, that was the transition of the bigger guys [to] the guys that could really work, [and it] opened the door for guys like Shawn Michaels and so Daniel Bryan, just his persistence, his determination, and the fact that he was consistent every single time he went out there, he delivered and it’s fine to see the big guys with the charisma going through their stuff because everybody wants to see the heavyweights clash, but also, people want to see bad ass wrestling and to me that’s what Daniel was all about.”
Earlier today, Eric noted that on one of Steve Austin’s podcasts this week, he chimed in on WWE’s suspension of Titus O’Neil. Austin felt that while the length of O’Neil’s suspension (60 days, reduced from 90) was excessive , grabbing Vince McMahon as he’s said to have done is a legitimate offense to be punished for. As a result, Austin also feels that this negates the racism allegations that have come from some fans throughout the news cycle of this story. Here’s what he said, and his wording in how he tried to get his point across:
Vince is 70 [years old] right now and that was a serious moment for him. He was totally in character. He cares about Daniel Bryan. He gets jerked pretty forcibly over there to Titus O’Neil and it was completely inappropriate. This may be pro wrestling/sports entertainment, whatever you want to call it, but that was a serious moment. It’s not a time to be shucking and jiving out there, so lay some type of punishment down. Fine him, this, that, or whatever. I don’t know. Something was appropriate, but when I started hearing the racism things, I was like, ‘I’ve got to roll my eyes and I’ve got to call complete and utter bulls–t in this one.’
Austin’s usage of “shucking and jiving” was quickly noticed in the comment section of Cageside Seats’ article about Austin’s comments, where it became a heated topic of discussion. The term is very loaded, as its origins are as a reference to black slaves singing while shucking corn (more details in this 2012 Slate.com article), and it’s generally used in a racial context of some kind. ESPN’s Bomani Jones found out about what Austin said via Cageside’s article and chimed in on Twitter:
when you try to say something wasn’t racist, but you say “shucking and jiving.” that’s unfortunate. https://t.co/rjIzv9a4e0
A wrestling fan quickly replied and accused Jones of ” misconstru[ing] the usage here” because “[i]f you know Southern wrestling history, that is long used vernacular,” but Jones quickly shut it down:
None of this means that Austin or the fan who replied to Jones is racist. Still, it’s hard for a lot of people to see “shuck and jive” in a non-racial context for obvious reasons, and Jones is not wrong that using the phrase made Austin look completely oblivious (or worse). As for the fan quoted by Jones who argued it’s a pro wrestling term: I’ve only ever heard it used to describe wrestlers (both black and white) who tried to appeal to black audiences. So it’s a bit strange to see that argument, and doubly so since, unfortunately, the N-word was the “official” insider term for black wrestlers in some circles for decades. Being a pro wrestling term doesn’t excuse anything, especially in a business with so many decades of racial issues.
WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin has weighed in on Titus O’Neil’s controversial suspension from WWE for unexpectedly grabbing Vince McMahon’s arm on RAW. On his podcast, the WWE Hall of Famer said that while O’Neil’s actions were inappropriate, a 60-day suspension was “overreacting.”
“Vince is 70 [years old] right now and that was a serious moment for him. He was totally in character. He cares about Daniel Bryan. He gets jerked pretty forcibly over there to Titus O’Neil and it was completely inappropriate,” Austin said. “This may be pro wrestling/sports entertainment, whatever you want to call it, but that was a serious moment. It’s not a time to be shucking and jiving out there, so lay some type of punishment down. Fine him, this, that, or whatever. I don’t know. Something was appropriate, but when I started hearing the racism things, I was like, ‘I’ve got to roll my eyes and I’ve got to call complete and utter bulls–t in this one.’”
“If you’re going to suspend somebody, I think 30 [days should suffice]. I think 60 [days] is still a little overreacting. Did something need to happen, a come to Jesus meeting or a stern talking to backstage? Something [needed] to happen because I do believe it was inappropriate. It was the wrong person, at the wrong time.”
You can listen to his whole podcast here. You can watch a video of the incident here.
– Kane and Neville teamed together at Sunday’s WWE live event from Bakersfield, CA. The team defeated the Wyatt Family’s Harper and Rowan after a Red Arrow and Chokeslam. After the match, the shared a hug in the ring.
TMZ Sports caught up with Steve Austin this week and asked him about Daniel Bryan’s retirement and whether not WWE is facing a concussion epidemic. Austin said,
“I just think Daniel Bryan worked a very physical cruiserweight style and finally, after everything he did, it kinda took it out of him. I don’t think it’s going to be an epidemic…
Over the past 20 years, there’s only been a couple guys that had to bow out with concussions. Daniel worked his ass off and he was a hard worker, and his style finally caught up with him. It is what it is but I don’t think it’s an epidemic.”
Austin will be hosting the next installment of his WWE Network podcast this Monday night after RAW. His guest will be The Big Show.
As of last week, WWE had not yet pitched anything to Steve Austin for WrestleMania 32. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE doesn’t have any plans for The Texas Rattlesnake at the event yet, but it’s very likely he’ll be there in some capacity. Austin has indicated he’ll be in Dallas for WrestleMania weekend.
Dave Meltzer reports that WWE sources expect the company will come up with something for Austin to get him in front of the crowd, but he won’t be wrestling.
In January, Austin said WWE had pitched an idea to him that he was excited about. According to Meltzer’s report, that idea must have been scrapped for reasons unknown.
– Steve Austin’s Stone Cold Podcast returns to the WWE Network this coming Monday. Immediately after Monday’s RAW goes off the air, Stone Cold will interview The Big Show live from from Anaheim, CA.
– WWE will be returning to New Zealand for the first time in over 5 years on August 10th from the Vector Arena in Auckland. Tickets go on sale Monday morning at Ticketmaster New Zealand website. Top stars advertised to appear include Roman Reigns, Sheamus, New Day, Kevin Owens, Ryback, Naomi, Tamina, and Sasha Banks.
– Just weeks after neck fusion surgery, Nikki Bella is already working out in a neck brace.
– WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin will be appearing on NBC’s Today Show on Wednesday between 9 and 10 AM ET. Austin will be in the house to promote his Broken Skull Ranch reality series that airs Sundays on CMT.
– Chris Jericho confirmed that AJ Styles will be a guest on his podcast Talk is Jericho this week. Styles will be wrestling The Miz at tonight’s SmackDown tapings, which we’ll have spoilers from later. Styles will be on Friday’s podcast.
– This week, WWE Network’s Rivalries series will look at the historic feud between Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes. WWE posted the following preview on YouTube on Tuesday:
Stone Cold Steve Austin, who was forced to retire due to neck problems in 2003, recently spoke on the injuries currently plaguing WWE’s roster. In an interview on Jim Ross’ Ross Report podcast, Austin went into detail on the issue of injuries – both his, and the current roster’s.
“Man, I think there’s a direct correlation with how the talent works in the ring today.” Austin said of the large amount of WWE wrestlers currently on the injured list. “The WWE guys, they’re doing more high risk stuff, they’re working at a faster pace, and it just lends itself to injury. And that’s not me saying, ‘hey, you’re working wrong’. I’m just saying I believe the product is sped up so much that the guys and gals are just working at a very frenetic pace and without any offseason, it takes a toll on the body.”
“I never thought about moving on and I look back and think if 2003 was my last match, I guess I retired [at] about 38 [years old]. Man, you talk about leaving a lot on the table or leaving a lot in the ring, I, probably, Jim, would have liked to at least get to 42 and maybe 45,” Austin said. “But I never really had an exit strategy, but that being said, had I remained completely healthy, had I maybe lived a little bit slower, and that wasn’t really an issue, but just the fact [that] my neck was the bottom line, that happened, so I got out when I did. But it would have been nice to last until about 42 and then went from there.”
Stone Cold also talked about two dream opponents of his: Brock Lesnar and CM Punk. Austin explained why Lesnar and Punk would be his picks for guys he wishes he could have wrestled, but can’t due to his injury-forced retirement.
“Well, probably Brock right now, just because [of] where Brock’s at. He’s on [the] top of his game, he’s in his prime, and CM Punk would still have been in his prime too, but he’s out of the game. Obviously, he’s doing great things with his MMA training [and] he was always in outstanding shape, but just because he’s not in the [professional wrestling] scene anymore [he is not a fantasy booking option].”
“I think me and CM Punk would have sold a lot of tickets together. And again, he gets it, I get it. It would be one entertaining program.” Austin added, “he’s smart. His psychology is great. He’s easy in the ring, meaning his physicality, everything looks good [and] nothing hurts. Again, I would think me and him would be right on the same page psychologically and we’d be able to weave a hell of a tale. And also, depending on how you played this, whether he’s heel and I’m baby [or] he’s baby and I’m heel or it’s just two guys out there, you see both guys whether it’s him on the dark side, he [has] got a tremendous mean streak, as does ‘Stone Cold’. On the fire side, he had tremendous fire, as did ‘Stone Cold’, so both guys are bringing everything to the table that you need. And also great storytellers and talkers, so all of the elements would be there.”
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin was Jim Ross’ guest this week for the big 100th episode of the Ross Report podcast over at PodcastOne.com. There were a ton of newsworthy topics discussed, here are the highlights:
– Austin said he’s “99% sure” he’ll be in Texas for WrestleMania. He said he can’t give specific details right now, but there’s one creative scenario being discussed that he’s excited about.
– He thinks there should be two NXT matches on the WrestleMania card – one featuring men and one featuring women.
– Austin thinks WWE should “absolutely” bring Bill Goldberg back for one match. He believes Goldberg is a sure fire Hall of Famer, even though his WWE run was somewhat of a bust.
– They spoke extensively about Roman Reigns’ push and WWE modeling Reigns after Stone Cold’s feud with Vince McMahon. Austin said there is a ton of pressure on Reigns right now, especially with John Cena and Seth Rollins out of action. With the WWE Championship on the line at the Royal Rumble, Austin says Reigns needs to retain and go into WrestleMania as the defending champion:
“Just for me, from a credibility standpoint, for him and his character development, I say leave the belt on him and put a hell of a challenger in there with him. And he doesn’t need to regain, he needs to hang onto it. That’s my two cents.”
Austin added, “Here’s the thing. If you indeed took the belt off of him at WrestleMania losing to Brock Lesnar, I don’t think that discounts the credibility [of Reigns]. Depending on that match, you can lose that match and gain people’s respect just by your performance in the match and how the story’s told. I don’t believe if he was to fight Brock Lesnar, that’s not a must win match for him, but it’s a must five-star performance for him.”
– During his appearance on Jim Ross’ “Ross Report” podcast this week, which was the special 100th episode of the show, WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin revealed the fact that he expects to be at WrestleMania 32 in April. Additionally, Austin noted that there are creative plans in place for his involvement in the show, but quickly mentioned that he couldn’t discuss them yet.
– There continues to be a lot of discussion within WWE regarding the idea of introducing the Sister Abigail character to the storylines. The talk about the mysterious fictitious sister of Bray Wyatt being actualized by someone on WWE television dates back over a year ago, however the discussions have become more serious as of late and there is a legitimate possibility that she will soon be added to The Wyatt Family.
Tonight’s WWE RAW takes place from New Orleans, Louisiana at the Smoothie King Center. Here are the top items to look forward to:
– Brock Lesnar returns to WWE television with his Advocate, Paul Heyman. Lesnar’s WWE schedule leading into WrestleMania season ramps up tonight and it’s expected he will be part of the Royal Rumble match in less than two weeks.
– There will be follow up regarding John Cena’s injury. Cena underwent shoulder surgery last week and will be out of action for the next several months.
– Part-time Superstar Chris Jericho is advertised for the show after making his surprise return last week.
The dark match main event will see Reigns & Ambrose team up against Kevin Owens, Sheamus & Alberto Del Rio in a 3-0n-2 match.
After RAW goes off the air, the Stone Cold Podcast returns to the WWE Network with his guest, the one and only Nature Boy Ric Flair.
As always, join us here tonight for Live Coverage of WWE RAW.
WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin recently appeared as a guest on Wade Keller’s PWTorch Livecast and shared his thoughts on Roman Reigns winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, as well as the responsibility that comes with the title belt. Below are some of the highlights from the interview.
On Roman Reigns winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and the pressure that is going to come with it:
“With him being champion, it’s going to remain to be seen how they book this guy. You’re talking about a guy whose work has really improved, but he’s got to be more aggressive and he’s gotta have a sense of urgency. Now, he’s defending that belt, not chasing it, but he’s still pretty green in that regard, especially with respect to holding a championship belt. Man, he’s really got some pressure on him with the fact that now he is the champion. Right now, he is their number one guy.
“All of a sudden when you become that top guy or get that belt, it’s put up or shut up. It’s always good to have a goal, but when all of a sudden you’ve been kind-of prematurely pushed and kind-of rejected and then all of a sudden you’re the guy, now the pressure is on more than ever. All he’s got to do is shine, but the bottom line is he’s got to shine. He’s got to make chicken salad out of chicken scratch.”
On the fact that as champion, Reigns needs to step up his in-ring skills and deliver his end of a match regardless of his opponent:
“At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who you put him with, he’s got to shine and he’s got to do his half of the match. You know, you can book him with anybody, but now you’ve got to put on your big-boy trunks and have a badass match. Wanting to be the top guy is a goal that everyone should have, and wanting to have that championship belt is something everyone wants to aspire to.”
The Rock, Steve Austin and Hulk Hogan will be appearing in the upcoming Expendables 4 movie, according to a report at ChristianToday.com. The news has yet to be confirmed by any reputable movie news publications, so take this as a rumor for now.
The WWE legends will be joining Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Statham and franchise newcomer Pierce Brosnan.
Production begins next year the film is slated for a 2017 release.
Hogan is expected to be playing the main villain in the movie. In a previous interview, Hogan said,
“We’re trying to figure out a way to maybe turn me into the most evil man in the world. You know, Stallone gave me my first break. He’s been a great friend for all these years. We had a great conversation, talking about the possibilities. Can I still run, can I still jump? Well, not as fast or not as high, but I think Hollywood could find a good stunt man to help me out.”
