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Steve Austin
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Austin worked in Texas on a loading dock until he became a professional wrestler in the late 1980s. He first became recognized in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as "Stunning" Steve Austin, where he conquered the singles ranks by becoming the WCW Television Champion on several occasions, and also winning the WCW United States Title. He also conquered the WCW Tag-Team ranks along with the late Brian Pillman, and the two became known as "The Hollywood Blondes". However, Austin had a falling out with WCW head, Eric Bischoff, in 1995, when Bischoff fired him over the phone. He then moved to Extreme Championship Wrestling in late 1995, mostly as a commentator. As a commentator he developed a reputation for his crude and direct style. He then moved to the World Wrestling Federation as "The Ringmaster", along with manager "Million Dollar Man", Ted Dibiase. However, his controversial reputation followed him, and his wrestling character was unsuccessful. After sacking DiBiase and changing his name to "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, he played on his foul-mouthed reputation when he defeated Jake "The Snake" Roberts in the final round of the 1996 WWF King of The Ring Tournament, which was where he coined the famous "Austin 3:16", while mocking Roberts for his religious beliefs. Austin 3:16 was a phenomenon, second only to Hulk Hogan and the 1980s “Hulkamania" phenomenon. Austin conquered the WWF in 1997, when he captured the WWF Intercontinental Title on two occasions, the Tag-Team Titles on two occasions. In 1998, he achieved the ultimate career goal, the WWF World Title on three occasions and another Tag-Team Title reign with The Undertaker. |
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