There are many who question the legitimacy of professional wrestling, but few can deny that there have been some great wrestlers throughout history. One of the most successful was Steve Austin, “Stone Cold”. He had a long and storied career in both WWE and WCW before retiring from the ring to pursue other ventures. One of his most notable achievements was during WrestleMania XIII when he defeated Bret Hart for the WWF Championship Belt with an assist from Vince McMahon. This article will explore how this champion left a legacy in both companies as well as all his accomplishments during his storied career.
The Early Years
Steve Austin’s career began with a stint in WCW. After a few months, he would be released by the company and returned to Texas with a newfound dedication to his craft. He began wrestling for World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) and made an immediate impact on the industry. He wrestled some memorable matches against WCW’s Hulk Hogan where he had some success.
The most notable of these matches was when he defeated Hogan for WCCW’s World Championship Belt at the King of the Hill pay-per-view in 1989.
Austin’s WWE Career
After making a name for himself in WCCW, Steve Austin was signed by WWE. He began his WWE career with WCW’s Hulk Hogan’s old gimmick of “Stone Cold”. He also made an impact on the ring right away after he left WCW, defeating Jake Roberts for his first WWE Championship Belt at Survivor Series 1996.
One of the most successful was Steve Austin, “Stone Cold”. He had a long and storied career in both WWE and WCW before retiring from the ring to pursue other ventures.
He had many memorable matches during his time in the WWE. One of these was when he lost his arm during a match against Owen Hart while attempting to get the Intercontinental Championship Belt from him. He had to have surgery to repair the damage done and lost close to 12 pounds in muscle mass. Despite this setback, he was able to beat Owen and win the belt back.
Austin in WCW and ECW
Austin left WCW for the WWE. He had a short stint with ECW before returning to WCW where he would sign for another contract. He would later leave and become a mainstay for the rival company WWE. While in WCW, Steve Austin had some memorable matches with Goldberg and Scott Hall.
After he retired from the ring, Steve Austin took a few years off before returning to television. He has had a few stints in movies and some cameos in TV shows.
Austin left WCW for good after he was fired by Eric Bischoff when they wouldn’t let him use the “Stone Cold” gimmick that he created. He then returned to the WWE where he resumed his feud with Bret Hart. His legacy in both WWE and WCW will live on as he had many great matches with some of wrestling’s best competitors. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009 for this herculean effort.
When did Stone Cold retire
Stone Cold finally retired in 2003. He wrestled his last match against The Rock at WrestleMania XIX where he lost. He left the ring to an enormous ovation and has since been focusing on his post-retirement life.
Post-retirement life – movies, acting career, hosting gigs
After he retired from the ring, Steve Austin took a few years off before returning to television. He has had a few stints in movies and some cameos in TV shows.
He’s also acted in some films like Unlucky Stars, The Chase, Hard Time, and is voice actor for his character in The Spectacular Spider-Man. Away from the screen, Steve Austin is continuing his legacy with hosting gigs on Stone Cold Podcast and Stone Cold Security. He still makes appearances at wrestling events, conventions, and charity fundraisers. Austin’s legacy will live on long after he retires from the entertainment industry as one of the most successful wrestlers in history.
Conclusion
It is important to know that Steve Austin, “Stone Cold”, was a wrestler who left this sport as one of the most successful wrestlers in history. You should also know that he started his wrestling career with a stint in WCW before beginning an illustrious WWE career. His legacy will live on long after he retires from the entertainment industry as one of the most successful wrestlers in history and has been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame for it.
