Eric Bischoff says Steve Austin is too smart to put himself in a position where he cannot meet the expectations of his audience and does not need the financial incentive that typically drives legends to return.
Speaking on 83 Weeks, Bischoff addressed Austin’s comments on Busted Open Radio on 3:16 Day in which Austin said he has the itch for moments but not for another match. Bischoff said he fully understands the distinction and believes Austin is making the right call.
“Steve is too smart for that, and he doesn’t need it,” Bischoff said. “I understand him saying the itch and wanting those moments, because there are moments that are really meaningful. I am sure in Steve’s career that he still thinks about and enjoys thinking about to this day.”
Bischoff said the core issue is that Austin recognizes the gap between what audiences expect and what he could realistically deliver at this stage. “Steve also knows he can’t go out there and deliver on the audience’s expectation,” Bischoff said. “The audience has an unrealistic expectation when it comes to legends like Steve Austin. They want to see Steve back in the ring so that as a fan they can experience the moments they had previously with Steve when he was at the top of his game. But Steve also knows he can’t go out there and deliver on that.”
Bischoff said the absence of financial motivation removes the primary reason most legends agree to come back. “No performer wants to go out there knowing you are going to under deliver based on unrealistic expectations,” Bischoff said. “Steve is not going to put himself in that position. He does not need the money. It is usually the only reason people do it.”
Austin has not competed in a WWE ring since WrestleMania 38 in 2022. He told Busted Open Radio that he is focused on an upcoming desert race in Nevada. Bischoff added that Austin’s WrestleMania 38 match against Kevin Owens came as a surprise to him given that context.
“I was surprised he did what he did with Kevin Owens, to be honest with you,” Bischoff said.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit 83 Weeks with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
