“Stone Cold” Steve Austin Celebrates 30 Years of 3:16, Reflects on McMahon Rivalry and Current WWE Stars
This year’s 3:16 Day marks a significant milestone: the 30th anniversary of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s iconic promo at King of the Ring 1996. The moment catapulted Austin to superstardom, and he recently reflected on its enduring legacy, his legendary rivalry with Vince McMahon, and the current state of WWE.
The Enduring Legacy of 3:16
Austin acknowledged the lasting impact of the 3:16 promo, stating, “Almost three decades and it’s something for it to still be a thing.” He emphasized that nicknames are “bestowed upon you by your friends,” and even as he didn’t self-proclaim 3:16 Day, it has become widely recognized as his day. “I’m super proud of that moment and proud to be talking to you 30 years later about something I did way back when on a whim,” he said.
A Defining Rivalry with Vince McMahon
The promo launched Austin into a feud with WWE owner Vince McMahon, a rivalry that defined an era in professional wrestling. Austin spoke highly of McMahon’s ability to connect with audiences, despite his lack of prior wrestling experience. “Vince was green. He’d never wrestled before… For some reason, that guy just had an innate ability to perform and he thrived on the reactions of the people,” Austin explained. He noted McMahon’s understanding of wrestling’s greatest heels and babyfaces, which informed his own performance.
Austin highlighted the strong chemistry between them, stating that McMahon quickly learned, and adapted. “The patience process, letting moments build, working the crowd, not pandering to the crowd. There’s a fine line there. That guy picked up the business really quickly and there was never any nervousness about working with him.”
Praise for Fellow Legends and Current Talent
Austin also shared his thoughts on other wrestling greats, including Ric Flair, Bret Hart, and The Rock, consistently ranking them among the best in the industry. He specifically praised Dustin Rhodes, noting his natural talent and ability to connect with the crowd. “He was just good, due to the fact that he was damn good… He had fire. He sold well because, obviously, his father (Dusty Rhodes) is one of the great sellers of all time.”
Kurt Angle also received high praise from Austin, who compared his intensity level to Eddie Guerrero. “At an intensity level, his matches were on the level of Eddie Guerrero and those guys,” Austin said. “He’s an elite athlete and he also had an elite mindset.”
Thoughts on Current WWE and Chelsea Green
Despite not closely following the current wrestling scene due to other business ventures, Austin acknowledged the new WWE Unreal program on Netflix. He emphasized the importance of current stars taking risks, citing Chelsea Green as an example. “You’re an idiot when you first join the business… I think that Chelsea Green does that a lot of time. She’s pretty fearless out there. On a creative note, she’ll go for it, and it’s done well for her.”
Concern for Kevin Owens’ Recovery
Austin expressed concern for Kevin Owens, his WrestleMania 38 opponent, who is currently sidelined with a neck injury. Austin revealed he had spoken with Owens and offered advice regarding medical care. “I care about the guy. Love the guy. He’s a Hall of Fame talent,” Austin said. He acknowledged the inherent risks of professional wrestling, stating, “It’s a rough business… even the most simple bump can be the devastating bump.”
Finding a New Passion in Racing
Austin is currently focused on racing, describing it as similar to wrestling in terms of the need for repetition and seat time. “Getting into racing is kind of like going back… It’s just like being in the ring,” he said. He is excited about competing with a new, supercharged car and building his own racing program.