Stone cold Steve Austin Reflects on Failed Heel Turn and Modern WWE
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WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin recently discussed why a potential heel turn for John Cena may have been missed, drawing parallels to his own experience and offering critique of the current WWE product. Speaking with Chris VanVliet, Austin explained that timing is crucial for such dramatic shifts in a wrestler’s character, and some opportunities simply pass by.
Did WWE Miss the Moment with John Cena?
Austin stated that many fans desired to see Cena embrace a villainous role, acknowledging that while a turn eventually occurred, it didn’t resonate as strongly as it could have.”Everyone – well,not everyone,but a lot – wanted to see at least a heel turn from John Cena,” he said,characterizing its execution as “okay,” but lacking true impact.
austin recalled Cena briefly portraying a heel during his early SmackDown days, before achieving widespread popularity. He believes a heel turn after Cena’s ascent to main event status could have been more impactful. The discussion touched on a rumored planned heel turn before Cena’s WrestleMania 28 match against The Rock, but Austin remained cautious, calling such speculation “all just speculation.”
However, he conceded the potential for success with the right opponent: “If anyone could have done it – and maybe you’re right about the timing – it would have been The Rock. That might have worked. But it remains pure speculation.”
A Cautionary Tale: Austin’s Own Heel Turn
Austin drew on his own experience with a controversial heel turn following his Wrestlemania X-Seven match against The Rock,where he shook hands with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. The turn, born from Austin’s desire to explore villainous roles, ultimately failed to connect with the audience. WrestleMania X-Seven remains a pivotal, and divisive, moment in wrestling history.
“No one wanted me to do heel gymnastics,” Austin admitted. “But I was steadfast because I always loved working as a villain.” The result, however, was unsuccessful in terms of fan reception and financial returns. He now believes he should have followed fan expectations and delivered a Stone Cold Stunner to McMahon instead.
Criticism of the Modern WWE Product
Beyond Cena’s potential heel turn, Austin expressed broader concerns about the current state of WWE. He argued the product has become “too slick” and overly choreographed,lacking the raw energy and authenticity of past eras.
“Don’t make it look like a dance. Not everything is perfect. Incorporate a little struggle and effort,” he urged, praising bret Hart’s ability to convincingly portray exhaustion during long matches. He lamented the absence of a sense of real danger, singling out Brock Lesnar as a notable exception, as Lesnar still exudes an authentic threat in the ring.
Austin’s comments offer a critical perspective from a legendary figure, highlighting the complexities of character growth and the importance of authenticity in professional wrestling.