Yesterday, 2K confirmed that WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin would be the cover superstar on this year’s WWE game “WWE 2K16”.
Following the news many began to speculate whether or not this means that the Texas Rattlesnake could make a return to the ring at WrestleMania 32 at the AT&T Stadium next year.
Steve spoke with MTV UK and was asked that very question and he made it very clear that it doesn’t mean he’ll be returning to the ring.
“I remember I was talking to Bryce [Yang, Director of Brand Marketing – WWE at 2K] about being on the cover of the game and how big of an honour it is.
“I said: ‘You know, its been a while since I’ve been around so this may spark some rumours or speculation?’ And he goes: ‘You know, Steve, it is no different to when we put Michael Jordan on the cover of the NBA 2K game a few years ago.’
“I would put myself on the same level for the wrestling/sports entertainment industry as Jordan – but his appearance didn’t mean he was going to put the uniform on again.
“So I would go on record: don’t look forward to me putting on the trunks and knee braces to get back in the ring and stomp a mudhole in somebody and walking it dry. How’s that work for you?”
You can read Steve’s full interview at MTV UK at this link.
WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross has updated his official blog with his latest thoughts and comments. Below are some of the highlights.
On John Cena vs. Cesaro at Monday’s RAW: “Enjoyed John Cena vs. Cesaro on RAW Monday night. Cena is the consummate pro and Cesaro showed, again, that he’s ready for main events on a regular basis with no start and stop involved. Turn Cesaro loose. I’d love to see Cesaro vs Lesnar some day.”
On Steve Austin/WWE 2K16: “Amazing the publicity and positive response that WWE has garnered with the announcement that Steve Austin is on the cover of the 2K16 video game due out in October. Now the Austin wrestling at Wrestlemania Texas will commence again which simply isn’t happening. Sorry folks, the park is closed…said in the late, John Candy’s voice.”
On Paul Heyman: “Paul Heyman adds so much to RAW when he’s on the show especially, and obviously, with Brock Lesnar. Paul’s verbal skills are unparalleled in the business today and he seems to get better with time. Hope young talents every where are paying attention. Heyman does plan advocate for his client. He IS an advocate IE Paul is a natural extension of his real personality. Tough Enough participants need to especially be closely watching him. Lesnar, on the other hand, has animal magnetism that can’t be taught.”
Check out the complete blog at JRsBarBQ.com. You can also order JR’s Bar-B-Q products online at WWEShop.com.
WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin just spoke with MTV UK to promote being on the cover of the upcoming WWE 2K16 video game. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
Finn Balor, Kevin Owens and WWE’s Top Young Talent:
“I know Seth Rollins, Daniel Bryan, Dean Ambrose, Paige, Bad News Barrett [are all included]… but Finn Balor, I think, is going to be an interesting addition to the game. Here’s a guy from Ireland who’s been around for about 15 years, give or take – a guy with his experience and moveset and the different paint jobs he wears to the ring, he’s very entertaining guy and I’m looking forward to big things from him. I know this is the biggest roster they’ve ever had in this series of WWE games from 2K – but for me to speculate who could be on there, I have no idea. I have heard some very interesting rumours but I cannot speak to those rumours. But it should be a very cool and – if I might say so – completely badass roster!”
“I tell you what, first of all, I love Finn’s work. There have been some tremendous workers come out of Ireland and Northern Ireland over the years. I talked to him once on the telephone – and I’m a big fan of Fit Finlay – so he reminds me a little bit of Fit, but much more dynamic with his moveset and all of his experience in Japan. Man, the kid is just a walking highlight reel as a far as technical wrestling, a master. He’s just a good looking kid, he knows his business in the ring. And I’m a fan of the bodypaint he wears on special occasions. And then you put him across the ring from Kevin Owens… again, there’s a guy – probably, what a 13 or 14 year veteran? – and finally getting a shot here in the big leagues and for those two guys to go in there and have match in Japan, I think it is a good time to be a WWE fan. Some people consider these guys rookies on the big scene but they are veterans, have paid a lot of dues and are damn good workers so I think right now is a pretty exciting time as we see these guys develop further and get some more ring time, get more over than they are. But they certainly have all the tools, all the moves and all the talent to do so. I think the horizon is very bright for the upcoming in ring product as far as WWE is concerned.”
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins:
“There’s a guy who has got all the pieces put together right now, he’s on a roll and I think he’s an exciting guy, I think he’s representing very well. I think he has a pretty good repertoire right now. I might play him a little bit more aggressively than he performs in the squared circle, dial him up from that aspect and give him a bit more of a mean streak. But I think you’re looking at a guy who is a very well-rounded athlete. I know he loves crossfit for his training regime. All of these guys are so dynamic now.”
As previously noted, 2K have confirmed Stone Cold Steve Austin as the cover superstar for WWE 2K16 which is due to be released later in the year.
The next instalment in the WWE gaming franchise is set to feature 120 unique superstars and a number of those have already been confirmed.
2K sent the following with comments from Stone Cold Steve Austin:
“Gimme a Hell Yeah”: 2K Announces Stone Cold Steve Austin® as WWE® 2K16 Cover Superstar
WWE Hall of Famer, film and television personality, producer and podcasting innovator set to inject Texas-sized attitude in flagship WWE video game franchise
New York, NY – July 6, 2015 – 2K today announced WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin® as the cover Superstar for WWE® 2K16, the forthcoming release in the flagship WWE franchise. After setting the WWE Universe on fire during one of WWE’s most celebrated time periods – the “Attitude Era” – to his wealth of television, film and podcasting accomplishments, Austin has amassed worldwide admiration through his unequivocal presence both in and out of the WWE ring. WWE 2K16 is currently in development for Xbox One and Xbox 360, as well as the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems. The game is scheduled for release on October 27, 2015 in North America and October 30, 2015 internationally.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with 2K to support the WWE 2K franchise, and now I’m absolutely honored to serve as the WWE 2K16 cover Superstar,” said Stone Cold Steve Austin. “No disrespect to the previous and extremely deserving WWE 2K cover Superstars – Dwayne ‘The Rock®’ Johnson and John Cena® – but it’s about time the franchise raised some hell with yours truly on the cover. I look forward to injecting a dose of ‘Texas Rattlesnake’ into this year’s game and overall campaign.”
Austin is regarded by many as one of the most popular WWE Superstars to ever enter a WWE ring, holding 21 championships throughout his career and being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009. His relentless work ethic has also made him a significant mainstream fixture and pop-culture icon as an actor, producer and host in television, film and podcasting. Austin hosted the return of WWE’s reality competition series Tough Enough on USA Network in 2011, and since 2012 has hosted four seasons of Redneck Island on CMT. He also serves as the host of Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Challenge, which is currently in production for its third season on CMT. His film credits include appearances in several feature films, including The Longest Yard, The Condemned and The Expendables, while his no-holds-barred weekly podcast, The Steve Austin Show, regularly appears on the Top Podcasts list within the Sports & Recreation category on iTunes. He also hosts the Stone Cold Podcast, Live!, a monthly interview series on the award-winning WWE Network, where he has interviewed several special guests including Vince McMahon, Triple H and Paul Heyman. In addition, Austin is a brand ambassador for Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA.
“Stone Cold Steve Austin’s iconic style, unmistakable personality and worldwide reverence from the WWE Universe make him the ideal fit for WWE 2K16,” said Chris Snyder, Vice President of Marketing at 2K. “Not only will Austin grace the video game’s cover, but he’s involved in shaping its creative direction. Through his numerous contributions, inclusion on the largest roster in franchise history and the game’s to-be-announced features, WWE 2K16 is certain to put everyone on notice.”
Developed collaboratively by Yuke’s and Visual Concepts, a 2K studio, WWE 2K16 is not yet rated by the ESRB. WWE 2K16 is currently scheduled for release on Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4™ and PS3™ on October 27, 2015 in North America and October 30, 2015 internationally.
Last week it was confirmed that the cover for WWE 2K16 would be confirmed during tonight’s edition of RAW, live in Chicago.
However, 2K have decided to go ahead and confirm that WWE Hall of Famer, Stone Cold Steve Austin would be the cover star for the next WWE game due out in October.
The WWE 2K16 video game is due to be released on the 27th of October on a number of consoles including Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4.
WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently updated the Q&A section on his official website with his thoughts and opinions on a wide variety of topics submitted by fans. Below are some highlights from his latest Q&A update:
On if WWE should hire more proven talents from the international scene: “Likely all are viable suggestions assuming that they all want to join WWE of which I don’t know. WWE does a good job of evaluating talent such as you mention so I’m sure that they will continue to make good selections.”
On if the internet provides more behind-the-scenes news than it used to: “Times are always changing I would assume and more info becomes available through various sources today so I’d say the answer would be yes.”
On Vince McMahon’s issues with sneezing: “Vince can’t control his sneezing, like all of us, and he doesn’t like things occurring that he can’t control. Many of us found it a source of humor.”
On who he thinks will win at UFC 189: Conor McGregor or Jose Aldo: “UFC is in a no lose situation here but until someone beats Aldo he’s my choice.”
On which match interests him more: Steve Austin vs. John Cena or Undertaker vs. John Cena: “Austin is out so of the two I’d obviously go with Cena vs. Taker of which I’ve fantasy booked on my podcast months ago. Do you listen to the Ross Report?”
On problems he has with ROH’s style and how he feels they could improve: “I am a ROH fan but they wrestle too fast, sell too little and need to slow their pace so that when they hit the next gear it means more.”
Check out more updates from Jim Ross’ Q&A segment by visiting his website at JRsBarBQ.com. You can also order JR’s Bar-B-Q products online at WWEShop.com.
– 1990s hip-hop star Vanilla Ice is the guest on the latest edition of Chris Jericho’s “Talk Is Jericho” podcast, which also features Jericho’s thoughts and memories of the late Dusty Rhodes. You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.
– WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross joined fellow legend “Stone Cold” Steve Austin on his latest “Steve Austin Show” to talk about the life and times of “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes. You can download that show at PodcastOne.com as well.
– WWE posted the following teaser video for tonight’s edition of NXT, which features the anticipated showdown between NXT Champion Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe.
On the latest edition of his “Steve Austin Show” podcast, WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin made a very personal confession.
During the segment of the show where he answers questions from fans, “The Rattlesnake” shared his stance on erectile dysfunction medicine.
“[I] take Viagra. I also take Cialis, but you never take those things at the same time,” said Austin. “If you’re gonna take Viagra, you stick with the Viagra. If you’re gonna take Cialis, stick with the Cialis. You can’t flip-flop back-and-forth [because] it’s bad for you medically.”
The WWE Hall Of Famer continued, “Now, you say, ‘Steve, you can’t f*ck without no Viagra?!’ I can f*ck without Viagra or Cialis, but I f*ck better with Viagra than if I don’t take Viagra. So, at 50 years of age, I’m into reality and the reality is — at 50 — I’ve got more years behind me than I do in front of me. So, I wanna enjoy these next few motherf*cking years to the maximum enjoyment that I can enjoy.”
“So, therefore, I choose to take a P.E.D. (performance-enhancing drug) called Viagra or Cialis, because it makes me f*ck better, and when I f*ck, I’m pretty goddamn happy,” Austin concluded.
The “Steve Austin Show” podcast drops every Tuesday and Thursday at PodcastOne.com.
– Steve Austin revealed on this week’s Steve Austin Show: Unleashed podcast that he has 11 more Stone Cold Podcasts podcasts scheduled for the WWE Network. While the next show has yet to be announced, we know that The Undertaker, Hulk Hogan and Sting will be future guests.
– WWEToughEnough.com is posting updates from the ongoing Tough Enough tryout camp at the WWE Performance Center. As of this writing, the group of 40 participants has been reduced to 30.
– NXT General Manager William Regal announced on Wednesday that next week’s episode of NXT will feature Kevin Owens vs. Samoa Joe in the main event.
As seen earlier this week, Steve Austin immediately downplayed the speculation about a possible WrestleMania 32 match with Brock Lesnar, and apparently there’s a very good reason for that.
According to the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Austin vs. Lesnar will not be happening next year and part of the reason is because Austin and Vince McMahon have some issues. While the key issues aren’t specified, it is noted that McMahon was not happy with how Austin’s “Stone Cold Podcast” with Paul Heyman ended because it caused anticipation and excitement for a match that is not currently part of WWE’s plans for WrestleMania 32.
After the podcast ended, McMahon reportedly spoke to Austin and made it clear that he wanted the story to go away quickly and quietly, so he asked Austin to address it once and then move on, which is exactly what Austin ended up doing.
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin has once again addressed the possibility of returning to the ring at WrestleMania 32 for a match against Brock Lesnar.
On the latest installment of the Steve Austin Show at PodcastOne.com, Austin addressed his segment with Paul Heyman at the conclusion of last week’s Stone Cold Podcast on the WWE Network.
Austin said that he didn’t know what Heyman was going to say so he went into promo mode because it was right for the “Stone Cold” character. He clarified that he did not mean to raise expectations regarding a potential showdown with Lesnar and did not intend to set up a match between them.
Austin said that he and Lesnar are on different paths right now and made it clear that he was not attempting to jumpstart a Wrestlemania feud.
– The “Stone Cold Podcast” with Steve Austin and Paul Heyman that aired on the WWE Network last Monday night is the latest edition of the regular weekly “Steve Austin Show,” which is available now. You can download the show at PodcastOne.com.
– Now that WWE has selected the 40 contestants for the new season of Tough Enough, the company has started sending letters from Triple H to applicants who failed to make the cut. In the email, HHH hints at more new seasons of Tough Enough coming in the future. Below is a copy of an email sent to Frederick Casden, who tried out for Tough Enough but didn’t get selected.
Dear Frederick,
Thank you for your video submission for WWE Tough Enough. As you can imagine, we received thousands of entries, and the competition was fierce. Unfortunately, you were not selected as one of the finalists, but please consider once again submitting a video for future seasons of WWE Tough Enough.
We thank you for your passion and wish you much success in the future.
Sincerely,
Paul “Triple H” Levesque
WWE Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events & Creative
WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently updated his official Q&A section, answering questions from fans on a wide variety of topics. Below are some of the highlights:
On his favorite gimmick matches: “The 60 minute or 30 minute Ironman Matches were always a favorite of mine. Enjoyed the Royal Rumble as well.”
On differences between ring announcers and play-by-play announcers: “Big difference in being a ring announcer ala Howard Finkel as opposed to being a play by play man like Michael Cole. The guys at the desk work off their monitors or at least that’s the norm. The less I knew that was going to happen the better. I can’t speak for all other announcers.”
On the I-C Chamber match last Sunday: “Yes it was a head scratcher.”
On if Roman Reigns winning Money In The Bank would be a mistake: “It’s impossible to mandate something is a mistake long before it happens. Let’s allow things to play out and then cast judgment.”
On rumors that Bill Watts would fire you if you lost a bar fight: “Watts did not want his wrestlers being on the losing end of a fight to a local as to protect the business. He had no policy against he talent going to bars. Just as we hired Foley we should have gotten Owens hired as well or at least that’s my thinking.”
On if his wife ever gets fed up with all of the traveling he does: “My wife is a fan and has supported and made sacrifices for my career countlessly. I would not be where I am today without her.”
On wrestlers getting multiple inductions into the WWE Hall Of Fame: “I do not believe that anyone is deserving of being inducting multiple times into the WWE HOF.”
On WWE storylines leaking and if there’s a way to prevent it: “Insider info is an industry wide issue not just WWE. Some fans have craving for inside, advance information which to me takes away from the presentation of the various broadcasts. Plus, there are not enough true, superstars performing nowadays.”
On the Steve Austin vs. Brock Lesnar rumors and if Lesnar is the best opponent for Austin: “Again….the match likely will never happen but the cat’s out of the bag and now booking any thing else without a major angle won’t set well with the fans. Again, much to do about nothing IMO.”
Check out more Jim Ross Q&A at his official website JRsBarBQ.com, and order his Bar-B-Q products online at WWEShop.com.
Kawasaki issued a press release today announcing that WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin has joined the Kawasaki Powersports family.
Below is the release they issued today with all of the details.
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2015
KAWASAKI WELCOMES PRO WRESTLER STEVE AUSTIN TO ITS POWERSPORTS FAMILY
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. is announcing today that Steve Austin has joined the Kawasaki STRONG family as brand ambassador. Austin, a Pro Wrestling Hall of Famer, action movie star as well as TV and radio personality will be appearing in upcoming Kawasaki MULE™ PRO-series advertising and marketing campaigns. He will also be featured in Kawasaki’s online properties and make special appearances at upcoming events.
“Steven Austin is the perfect fit for the MULE PRO-series and the Kawasaki STRONG brand,” said Kawasaki Vice President of Marketing Chris Brull. “He can really put the family of machines to the test, especially on his ranch property in Texas, where the versatility, durability and strength of these rugged four-wheelers will shine through.”
Austin joins the Team Green™ family of ambassadors, which already includes the likes of Supercross legend Jeremy McGrath, 2013 Professional Bullriding Champion JB Mauney, motorcycle stunt rider Jason Britton, and 11-time World Drag Race Champion Rickey Gadson, among others, to further promote the Kawasaki powersports product line.
For more information about Steve Austin joining the Kawasaki team, to request an interview, or to learn more about the Kawasaki powersport products, please contact aimee.soto@kmc-usa.com.
The highly capable MULE mixes Side x Side versatility with class-leading torque, making it the fastest and most powerful MULE ever. It also has new configurable Trans Cab seating for three or six passengers and a standard Kawasaki STRONG three-year warranty, along with more comfort and convenience features than ever before.
The Kawasaki MULE PRO-FXT is a leader in torque with a new 812cc, three-cylinder engine that produces a stump-pulling 48 ft-lb(2) and is mated to a specially tuned Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). In addition, the MULE PRO-FXT has a short overall length and wheelbase, making it more maneuverable than the competition. This new chassis delivers a tight turning radius, large bed capacity and outstanding towing ability. With its roomy interior and Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS), the MULE PRO-FXT will keep passengers secure and comfortable on the farm, worksite or trail.
– WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin interviewed the World Powerlifting Champion CT Fletcher for the latest edition of his “Steve Austin Show” podcast. You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.
– On this week’s edition of NXT Fallout, which you can watch below, Finn Balor is helped to the back after being attacked by Rhyno, and Rhyno explains why he attacked Balor.
– WWE issued the following press release to announce their new television deal in Italy.
WWE (NYSE:WWE) and Sky Italia have extended their partnership for five more years to exclusively broadcast WWE’s flagship programming, WWE Raw®, SmackDown®, NXT®, WWE Experience and WWE Main Event® on Sky Sports through 2020.
In addition, Cielo, Sky Italia’s free-to-air channel which is available in more than 24 million homes, will air one-hour versions of WWE Raw and SmackDown weekly on Sundays at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. CEST, respectively, and all 12 WWE live, pay-per-view specials, including WrestleMania and SummerSlam, will continue to be available on Sky Prima Fila.
“We are thrilled to renew our long-term relationship with WWE, which dates back to 2003, and we are glad that, once again, WWE has recognized the Sky platform as a key driver for maximizing exposure of its brand,” said Matteo Mammi, Rights, Programming and Production Director, Sky Italia. “We look forward to working together and continuing to serve WWE fans in Italy.”
“We are proud of our more than 10-year relationship in Italy with Sky, Europe’s leading media company and largest pay-TV broadcaster,” said Gerrit Meier, Executive Vice President, International, WWE. “This partnership is a testament to the passion Italian fans of all ages have for WWE’s action-packed, family-friendly programming and the global reach of the brand.”
Vine user Black Nash Grier’s graduation stunner video is going viral this week. Watch as one student parades across the ring with a replica WWE World Heavyweight championship belt and then catch a stunner that Stone Cold Steve Austin would be proud off.
– Part two of Steve Austin’s interview with SIRIUS-XM host Sam Roberts on his regular weekly podcast, “The Steve Austin Show,” is now available. You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.
– WWE recently released the following “special look” of the WWE Tough Enough “hopefuls” on their official YouTube channel.
https://youtu.be/wHATeN1zW6M
– WWE posted the following tweet with a video of the trailer for the new season of WWE Total Divas, which premieres on E! on Tuesday, July 7th.
The latest Stone Cold Podcast with Paul Heyman just wrapped up and the big news coming out of the show was Steve Austin telling Paul Heyman that “if the stars aligned” – he might be interested in wrestling Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 32.
As the interview was wrapping up, Heyman asked Austin if we’ll be seeing him back in the ring at WrestleMania 32. The mood changed immediately, with Austin shifting into Stone Cold mode. Austin pitched the idea of taking on Brock Lesnar, but told Heyman that he wouldn’t be looking for a scientific wrestling match against the Lesnar. He had 3 words for Heyman – Texas Death Match. Austin says he’d whoop Lesnar’s ass and acknowledged that he was getting worked up.
WWE is already gauging fan interest in the dream match, encouraging the WWE Universe to re-tweet the following if they’d like to see the ‘Rattlesnake vs. Beast’ inside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Steve Austin’s ups and downs with WWE over the years are well documented and although he’s returning to the WWE Network tonight for a Stone Cold Podcast with Paul Heyman, “The Rattlesnake” still isn’t shy about criticizing the product.
On his latest Steve Austin show podcast at PodcastOne.com, Austin took WWE to task for the way they have been booking RAW lately.
“It’s simple, it’s to the point,” said Austin of the NXT product. “It’s not dumbed down like Monday Night RAW.”
Austin continued, “On Monday Night RAW it’s like they want to fill in every blank for you. It’s like wrestling for morons. They’ve over thought it.”
The WWE Hall Of Famer did point out that it’s easier to make NXT a good show because it’s one hour, compared to RAW being a live, three-hour show each week.
“It’s a one hour show, I get it,” said Austin of NXT television. “I like the format of the NXT show.”
WWE and DK Publishing recently released the “WWE: Attitude Era” book, which looks at one of the biggest boom-periods in WWE history. John Canton of WhatCulture.com has a new article up about one of the stories from the book, where Sting spoke about nearly signing with WWE in 2003.
“I had been negotiating with Vince [McMahon], and one of the ideas was for me to debut at the end of WrestleMania XIX and confront ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin,” Sting said in the book. “Negotiations fell apart and it never happened, but it makes you wonder, ‘What if?'”
Sting continued, “That was one of the times I was talking with Vince, and it would’ve been an incredible night that would’ve translated into some major, major rivalries and match-ups for years to come.”
– The Rock’s new movie, San Andreas, grossed $18.2 million on Friday. Variety is estimating that the film will draw $47 million for its’ opening weekend, which would be the biggest opening for a Rock film, not including the Fast & Furious franchise.
– The official WWE website published a “Best Of” gallery featuring the best photos of WWE Diva Lana. Lana is promoting the gallery with a little contest on social media. She tweeted the following earlier today:
– Paul Heyman promoted his appearance on the “Stone Cold Podcast” with Steve Austin, which is scheduled to air on the WWE Network immediately after Monday’s post-Elimination Chamber edition of RAW. Heyman tweeted the following on Saturday:
– As noted recently, Daniel Bryan is advertised to appear at next Monday’s edition of WWE RAW. Bryan has since been added to the August 24th edition of WWE RAW at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York as well.
– SIRIUS/XM radio personality Sam Roberts is the guest on the latest edition of the “Steve Austin Show” podcast. You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.
– Stevie Ray announced on social media this week that he has signed a Legends Deal with WWE. Below is the announcement Ray tweeted:
Suckas gots to know! I've signed a legends deal with @WWE! As my brother @BookerT5x would say, I know ya can dig that! #HarlemHeat#slapjack
– Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett is the guest on the latest edition of the Steve Austin Show podcast. You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.
– The next set of NXT television tapings, which are already sold out, will be taking place at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida on Thursday, June 18th.
– JBL and Renee Young announced that the new season of their YouTube show will premiere on Friday, June 5th. Below is a post made on JBL’s Instagram page regarding the show.
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin will be prominently featured in the upcoming WWE 2K16 video game, according to WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler.
Lawler appeared on Memphis Cerrito Live Radio earlier this week and revealed that he and Jim Ross are already in the studio recording voiceovers for the Steve Austin Attitude Era mode. Lawler said:
“We’re already working on that. A lot of people ask about my old broadcast partner. They’re having in this year’s game, a big Stone Cold Steve Austin Attitude Era section and they have me and J.R. back together again in the studio doing voice-overs for that.”
WWE 2K16 is scheduled to be released in the United States on Tuesday, October 27th.
Part-time WWE performer The Rock recently spoke with Sports Illustrated’s “Extra Mustard” site. Below are some highlights from the interview.
On being part of the “holy trinity” with Steve Austin and Hulk Hogan, but being the one to thrive in Hollywood: “It’s hard. It’s hard work. That’s the key, but it’s not that those guys don’t work hard. For whatever reason, it just kind of worked out for me. That’s the only answer I can give. I’ve had incredible matches with those guys and I’m good buddies with those guys, especially Austin. I know that they put their heart and soul into everything they do. Think about the matches and the tours I had with Austin. He is probably, if not the greatest of all time. There is a wiring in his head, which is, ‘I’m going out, I’m going to take it, and I’m going to be the best.’ He was my mentor, by the way, back when I was this young buck. With a top guy like Austin or Undertaker, you only get to work with them if they say it’s cool. For Austin to say it’s cool to have The Rock work with him is one thing, but he also wanted me to main event WrestleMania with him. He took me under his wing, taught me a hell of a lot, and I’ll never forget it.”
On Roman Reigns and the reaction he received at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view: “I wasn’t surprised by the reaction at all. That’s the beauty of Philly. I have felt that from Philly on both ends, as a heel and a baby face. Roman was getting booed in every city, and I just knew – we all knew – well, Philly was going to be worse.
“The only advice I gave Roman was that you just need to stay the course. It’s a unique dynamic and relationship that you have with the fans in wrestling. They’re passionate, just like you’re passionate, but they know it’s a work, just like you know it’s a work. It’s this fine balance you have to find between just staying the course and continue to cut your teeth every night by putting in good performances.”
On Vince McMahon and “San Andreas” director Brad Peyton: “This will be the only time that Brad Peyton’s name will ever be mentioned in the same sentence as Vince McMahon. Vince has been a mentor and a father figure to me. I met him when I was eleven years old. Even still today, I appreciate the relationship we have. It’s a real cool father-son dynamic, and especially as I get older, I can appreciate the relationship today better than when I was a punk 25-year-old kid. But here is the connective tissue between Brad Peyton and Vince McMahon – they come to work every single day like it’s their first day on the job and they will outwork every single person in the building. Vince’s work ethic at 70, or however old he is, is just crazy. He’s squatting 500 pounds at one o’clock in the morning. Not that Brad Peyton is squatting 500 pounds, but they both want to excel, raise the bar, and go beyond expectations.”