If you're a wrestling head and you hear "GIMME A HELL YEAH!" then you immediately know the bald-headed SOB behind it. And with WWE All Stars dropping this week, plus Wrestlemania 27 set for this Sunday on PPV—and Tough Enough coming back to TV next week!—it was the perfect time to talk with WWE legend Stone Cold Steve Austin. The champ took some time to discuss his role in the game, his life inside the squared circle, and his favorite moments in Wrestlemania history. So read on, sumbitch.
By Elton Jones
Complex: Have you gotten to play WWE All-Stars yet?
Steve Austin: Yeah, I got a chance to play it at THQ. I had a damn blast.
How was your experience with this one differet from other wrestling game you’ve been in?
Man, I tell you what; I don’t know how they did it, but I sure look good. That’s the best I’ve ever looked in my life and I appreciated that. Technology has come so far, and I just love the visual effects; this one has that rainbow smear when a guy really has the crap kicked out of him. I liked being able to cut my promos in this one, too. They got me paired up with CM Punk in one of the Fantasy dream matches: You got the new generation you can put in one ring and fight with any legend you want.
Who are some of the best wrestlers in the game?
As far as effectiveness, I put Stone Cold Steve Austin as number one.
Of course.
I think it all depends on the skill of the player. You can learn how well you can work those control and moves, go off of your defense or whatever it is. All the guys come with a certain skill level. At the end of the day, you can match anyone up, so it all depends on how good you are at the game.
Are there any other superstars or legends you’d like to see added to the game?
Is Nick Bockwinkel in there? I’d like to see Adrian Adonis in it. He’s one of my favorites myself.
What about Brian Pillman?
I’d love to see him in there. He was ahead of his time. He came along with Justin "Thunder" Liger from back in the day. He was a high flier. When I was a tag team with him as the Hollywood Blondes, he added greatness to the game.
Do you play any other video games in your spare time?
I’ve been in a hundred video games, but I’ve never had the attention span for them. That’s not a knock on games—I don’t even watch a lot of TV. I’m always outdoors doing something. I’m always stayin' busy.
What’s your favorite Wrestlemania matchup of all time?
I gotta go with two favorites. My first favorite is Wrestlemania 13 with Bret “Hitman” Hart just ’cause it was an important match in the history of the business. It was just two guys going in doing a double-turn: I came in as a heel and left as a babyface, he came in as a babyface and left as a heel. And at Wrestlemania 17, I had a match with the most electrifying man in sports entertainment, The Rock. He’s one of my favorite opponents of all time. And we lit the place up with 68,00 people watching inside that dome.
That match is one of my favorites too, man. Those last chair shots you put on dude were infamous.
I had the inkling I wanted to turn heel after that match, and I did. Looking back, I told Vince, “If I had to do it again, I would’ve called an audible and given him a Stunner so I would stay a babyface.” It was a hellacious match, back and forth with great false finishes. Me and The Rock had a great chemistry in the ring that was unparalleled. He brought out the best in me and I brought the best in him. We both really respected each other and trusted each other.
As far as Wrestlemania 27 on Sunday, what match are you looking forward to the most?
Well obviously, I’m looking forward to Lawler vs. Cole. Jerry is one of my favorite wrestlers of all time. I love his storytelling and I love what he does on the mic. Michael Cole has been valuable as a heel announcer. You just wanna hate his guts and punch him in the mouth, and that’s what a great heel should make you wanna do. So he’s done his job real effectively. It’s a great storyline that’s been built and it's ready to go.
What’s going to be interesting for me is The Undertaker vs. Triple H. Will The Undertaker go 19-0 or will Triple H break the streak?
Personally, I can’t give you my opinion on the first match since I’m involved in it. But as far as Undertaker and Triple H goes, I gotta say my prediction is that Undertaker will go 19-0. As strong as Triple H is, if anybody could beat ’Taker it’s Triple H. I just don’t see the streak being broken. Here’s the thing: It’s never been done before and it will never be done again. For a guy to last almost 20, who knows? A year from now, we might be saying “Can he go 20-0?” It’s just an unparalleled feat that will never be done again. Never.
If you could have one more big-time match on the Wrestlemania stage against anyone, past or present, who would it be?
Man, past or present? I’d have to throw Hogan in there. I’d love to have a great match with Nick Bockwinkel. I’d love to get in the ring with Bruiser Brody. I loved Adrian Adonis and would have loved to work with hm. He’s just a nasty, vicious villain. Those few guys and matches are high on my list.
Is there any one final thing you’d like to tell any of your fans right now?
Aw man, I love my damn fans. I had a blast bein' in that ring. I’ve always appreciated the sport. I’m havin' a blast with Tough Enough [premieres 4/4 on USA Network]. I hope the fans check it out and I’d like to hear what the fans think about it.
Thanks, Mr. Austin; it's been an honor. Hope we see you on Sunday.
Of course! I’ll be there whuppin' ass!
