WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin recently spoke with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated to promote “Straight Up Steve Austin” on the USA Network that made its premiere on Monday night after Raw went off the air.
In the interview where Austin talked about a wide range of topics, the pro wrestling legend reflected on his latest appearance on WWE television. This came back on the Raw Reunion in July.
Austin noted while he still follows the product, he understands that he can no longer wrestle and that he doesn’t live in the past.
“It’s a tremendous opportunity and an honor to follow Raw,” said Austin. “That’s the audience that built me and supported me for all those years. I’m following the world from which I came from. But I can’t wrestle anymore, I don’t live in the past. I’m happy I was ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, but I also want to show people who and what Steve Austin is all about.”
Austin continued, “To me, when I go back to WWE, it’s all about the current generation,” said Austin. “I got my s— in during the [reunion] show in Tampa, but I want those people to have as much camera time as possible. When I do go out there, I’m pretty easy to deal with these days. Back in the day, when I was making my climb and finally getting some traction, I was an animal. I was very proactive in protecting the ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin character. I’m a little more relaxed now, and I’ll make the most of whatever they give me.”