During a signing for American Icon Autographs, Stone Cold Steve Austin reflected on significant moments in his wrestling career, particularly his acclaimed match against Bret Hart in Chicago, which is set to be the first match inducted into the 2025 Hall of Fame. Austin acknowledged the match’s importance, calling it a “hell of a match,” and noted its enduring legacy: “it’s cool… people still remember it damn near what, 30 years later”. He emphasized the fan’s role in his success, stating, “if it wasn’t for the fans, you know, I wouldn’t be sitting here”. Seeing the match recognized as the first HOF inductee is simply “Cool”.
When asked if the Hart match was the best of his career, Austin mentioned other notable bouts. He recalled an untelevised “hell of a barn burner with Steamboat, a 30 minute Broadway at the LA Forum”. He also highlighted his WrestleMania 17 main event against The Rock in Houston: “always like Rock and Austin at 17… because we were cooking, and that’s one of the best WrestleMania’s of all time”. Austin also fondly remembered a match with Owen Hart before his neck injury: “we were having a damn good match up until that point”.
Austin candidly discussed matches that didn’t always connect, including some with The Undertaker. He recounted being legitimately knocked out during their SummerSlam match at Madison Square Garden: “Man, I never been knocked out in my life, and I got knocked out there in the garden… I don’t remember off from it, from there to the end of the match, but we got through it”.
Additionally, Austin spoke positively about working with Vince McMahon, especially enjoying their cage match. He described McMahon’s on-screen persona as incredibly effective: “man, he was over… You know, people hate that guy”. Austin saw performing in the ring as a “dream come true” for McMahon, adding, “He was like a kid in a candy store”. Despite McMahon being “green as f**k and clumsy” in the ring, Austin acknowledged his effectiveness: “he knew what to do… he was such an amazing promo” and a “smart heel”.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit American Icon Autographs with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
