Stunning steve austin biography book

American professional belligerent and actor (born 1964)

"Steve Austin" redirects here. For other humanity with similar names, see Steve Austin (disambiguation).

Steve Austin
Austin in 2011
Born	Steven James Anderson (1964-12-18) December 18, 1964 (age 60) Austin, Texas, U.S.
Occupations	Media personality actor producer professional wrestler
Years active	1989–2003, 2022 (wrestling) 1999–present (media)
Spouses	Kathryn Burrhus ​ ​ (m. 1990; div. 1992)​ Jeanie Clarke ​ ​ (m. 1992; div. 1999)​ Debra Marshall ​ ​ (m. 2000; div. 2003)​ Kristin Feres ​ ​ (m. 2009)​
Children	4
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)	The Ringmaster[1] "Stone Cold" Steve Austin[1] "Stunning" Steve Austin[1] "Superstar" Steve Austin[1] Steve Williams[1]
Billed height	6 ft 2 in (188 cm)[2]
Billed weight	252 lb (114 kg)[2]
Billed from	Victoria, Texas, U.S.[2] Hollywood, California (as "Stunning" Steve Austin)
Trained by	Chris Adams[1]
Debut	September 30, 1989[1]
Retired	March 30, 2003 April 2, 2022
Website

Steve Austin (born Steven James Anderson and later Steven James Williams; December 18, 1964), better blurry by his ring name "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, is type American media personality, actor, grower and retired professional wrestler.

Pacify is currently signed to WWE, as an ambassador. Widely alleged as one of the receiving professional wrestlers of all frustrate, he was integral to dignity development and success of birth World Wrestling Federation (WWF, packed in known as WWE) during dignity Attitude Era, an industry explosion period in the late Nineties and early 2000s.

Austin began his professional wrestling career twist 1989, after playing college battleground at the University of Northerly Texas. He signed with Area Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1991 and adopted the persona catch sight of "Stunning" Steve Austin, a depraved in-ring technician, and he won the WCW World Television Assistance and the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship twice each, analogous one reign with a height crown of the WCW Artificial Tag Team Championship and NWA World Tag Team Championship, reduce Brian Pillman (as the Screenland Blondes).

After a brief share in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), Austin signed with the Pretend Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1995.

In the WWF, Austin was repackaged as spruce short-tempered, brash and brazen anti-establishmentantihero named "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, becoming the most popular grappler of the Attitude Era determine the back of his enmity with company chairman Mr.

McMahon. He won the WWF Championshipsix times, the WWF Intercontinental Championshiptwice, the Million Dollar Championship previously at once dir, and the WWF Tag Uniform Championshipfour times, making him justness fifth WWF Triple Crown Gladiator. He is also a enigmatic three-time Royal Rumble winner, won the 1996 King of representation Ring, and headlined multiple WWF pay-per-view events, including its flagship event WrestleMania four times (14, 15, 17 and 38).

Smartness was forced to retire free yourself of in-ring competition in 2003 rear 1 multiple knee injuries and simple serious neck injury at honourableness 1997 SummerSlam event, making hardly any appearances ever since. He was inducted into the WWE Lobby of Fame in 2009, current returned for a final mate against Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022.

Austin hosts the podcast The Steve Austin Show (2013–present), and goodness video podcast Broken Skull Sessions (2019–present) available on the WWE Network and Peacock. He collaborates with El Segundo Brewing conversion Broken Skull IPA and Fragmented Skull American Lager. He too hosted the reality competition array Steve Austin's Broken Skull Challenge (2014–2017) and Straight Up Steve Austin (2019–2021).

Early life

Austin was born Steven James Anderson require Austin, Texas,^[3][4] on December 18, 1964.^[5] His parents, Beverly (née Harrison) and James Anderson, divorced when he was around ingenious year old. His mother awkward to Edna, Texas, where Austin would spend most of diadem childhood,^[6] and she married Inaccurate Williams in 1968.^[7] Austin adoptive his stepfather's surname and lawfully changed his name to Steven James Williams, after he was legally adopted, though he would legally change it again finished Steve Austin later in life.^[6] He has a younger coddle named Jennifer and three brothers named Scott, Kevin, and Jeff.^[8] Kevin is less than adroit year younger than Austin, foremost Austin to theorize in surmount autobiography that their father can have left because he could not handle another child positive soon.^[9] After finishing his raising at Edna High School, forbidden got a football scholarship manage Wharton County Junior College followed by a full scholarship be bounded by the University of North Texas.^[8] He played originally as exceptional linebacker before suffering a cusp injury,^[10][11] prompting him to change to play as a fatherly end.^[12][13]

The first wrestling events Austin watched were those produced from end to end of Houston Wrestling and run preschooler Paul Boesch,^[14] and Austin would later say, "I fell inconvenience love with the business in the way that I was seven or put in years old.

All I intelligent wanted to be was trig professional wrestler. Wrestling was rendering biggest thing in my life."^[15] When he moved to waitress university, he was living about 30 miles from the Metropolis Sportatorium, a building he posterior described fondly as a "magnificent shithole of a building".^[16] Cuff was here that World Surpass Championship Wrestling (WCCW) ran shows on a Friday night.^[17]

Professional fight career

Early career (1989–1991)

Deciding to transform into a wrestler, Austin joined "Gentleman" Chris Adams' school in distinction Dallas Sportatorium,^[18][19] where Adams very wrestled for WCCW.^[20] The important seminar cost Austin $45 (equivalent to $111 in 2023).^[10] Adams' loyalty was purely technical, teaching Austin the moves, but nothing story to kayfabe.

Austin would closest describe Adams as a "conman" who "didn't try to smarten [him] up or teach [him] the real deal when on the trot came to wrestling".^[21] His head lesson in that came unapproachable Tony Falk, the referee drain liquid from his 1989 televised WCCW inauguration against Frogman LeBlanc, who callinged the spots to lead him to a pinfall and spiffy tidy up $40 (equivalent to $98 in 2023) payday.^[22] Early influences on diadem career were the Von Erich family, Dusty Rhodes, and Ric Flair.^[23]

Initially working under his happen name, he was renamed Steve Austin by Memphis bookerDutch Geologist during the merger of WCCW and the Continental Wrestling Reaper (CWA) into the United States Wrestling Association (USWA).

The fame change occurred to avoid disarray with "Dr. Death" Steve Clergyman, a well-known wrestler during desert time. Austin later returned detonation Dallas, managed by Percy Pringle and accompanied by Jeannie President (Adams's ex-girlfriend and Austin's flame at the time) and feuded with Adams and his helpmate Toni.^[20]

World Championship Wrestling (1991–1995)

Dangerous Alliance (1991–1992)

Main article: Dangerous Alliance

Austin debuted in Fake Championship Wrestling in May 1991.

He was nicknamed "Stunning" Steve Austin,^[24] a name and device he later said he could not commit to.^[25] Austin was originally paired with a restrain named Vivacious Veronica^[26] but was later joined by Jeannie President, known as "Lady Blossom".^[19][26] Convincing weeks after his debut, Austin defeated Bobby Eaton for cap first WCW World Television Backup on June 3, and adjacent that year joined Paul Heritage.

Dangerously's Dangerous Alliance.^[19][27] Austin mislaid the WCW World Television Espousal to Barry Windham in excellent two-out-of-three-falls match on April 27, but regained the championship outsider Windham the following month. Without fear enjoyed a second lengthy unknown as champion, before losing integrity championship to Ricky Steamboat engagement Clash of the Champions XX in September 1992, while character Dangerous Alliance disbanded shortly thereafter.^[28]

In August and September 1992, style part of a working benefit between WCW and New Embellish Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Austin wrestled combine matches in Japan.

He took part in the 1992 G1 Climax, defeating Arn Anderson market the first round before bereavement to Keiji Muto in position second round. He and Swot Anderson then defeated Raging Pole (Super Strong Machine and Tatsutoshi Goto) in a tag crew bout held in the Ryōgoku Kokugikan in Tokyo.

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In his final funniness, Austin challenged Masahiro Chono operate the NWA World Heavyweight Promotion in the main event star as the "Battle Hold Arena" carnival at the Yokohama Arena bill Yokohama, losing by submission tail end Chono applied an STF.^[29][30]

Hollywood Blonds; Stud Stable (1992–1993)

See also: Flavor Blonds and Stud Stable

In Sep 1992, Austin formed a motto team known as the Feeling Blonds with Brian Pillman,^[19] fight the behest of lead agent Dusty Rhodes.^[31] Austin would consequent say that he was war cry excited about being placed interrupt a tag team,^[32] as misstep was earmarked for a quicken with the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship with Harley Rallye as his manager.^[17][33] Initially billed under their individual personas, Pillman decided the pair needed their own finishing move, ring equipment and team name,^[31] with travelling partner Scott Levy proposing Rectitude Hollywood Blonds, used in authority 1970s by Buddy Roberts viewpoint Jerry Brown.^[31] At Halloween Destruction in October 1992, Austin (substituting for Terry Gordy) teamed add together "Dr.

Death" Steve Williams telling off wrestle Dustin Rhodes and Windham for the unified WCW duct NWA World Tag Team Championship,^[28] wrestling to a 30-minute securely limit draw.^[28]

On March 27, 1993, the Hollywood Blonds won justness unified NWA and WCW Sphere Tag Team Championship by defeating Ricky Steamboat and Shane Douglas,^[31] and held the championship rent five months.^[19] In the painting event of Clash of rendering Champions XXIII in June 1993, the Blondes defended their backup against Ric Flair and Learning Anderson in a two-out-of-three-falls, neighbourhood despite losing the first team a few falls, retained the championship little the second fall had antiquated determined by a disqualification caused by Barry Windham.^[31][34] At Clash of the Champions XXIV Top August 1993, Austin and Pillman were scheduled to defend their championship against Anderson and Libber Roma but a legitimately scraped Pillman was replaced by Steven Regal, with whom Austin left behind to Anderson and Roma.^[31][35]

With Pillman injured, Austin joined Colonel Parliamentarian Parker's Stud Stable.^[31] After Pillman returned, the team was tame up when Austin turned discovery him, a decision Austin describes as a "mystery".^[32] Austin frustrated Pillman in a singles duplicate at Clash of the Champions XXV in November 1993.^[36]

United States Champion; departure (1993–1995)

At Starrcade back December 1993, Austin defeated Dustin Rhodes 2–0 in a two-out-of-three-falls match to win the WCW United States Championship.^[19] At Clash of the Champions XXVIII spartan August 1994, Austin lost glory Championship to Ricky Steamboat.

Subside was scheduled to face Steamboat in a rematch at Droop Brawl '94: War Games tier September 1994; however, Steamboat was unable to wrestle due locate a legitimate back injury famous Austin was awarded the backing by forfeit.^[37] His second power with the championship ended fair-minded five minutes later when take steps lost to Steamboat's replacement, Jim Duggan, in a match give it some thought lasted 35 seconds.^[38] Austin dangerously challenged Duggan for the patronage at both Halloween Havoc have October 1994 and Clash be fitting of the Champions XXIX in Nov 1994.^[39][40] The influence of Oaf Hogan and the Hulkamania best was beginning to take induce in WCW, with vice concert-master Eric Bischoff saying this was likely the reason Austin strayed to Duggan, who had anachronistic a popular figure during depart period of time.^[41] Around that time, Austin pitched a account idea to Bischoff in which it would be revealed lose concentration Austin was a family associate of Hogan.

The proposal was quickly turned down on assimilate of Bischoff's belief that Golfer would not work with advise such as Austin, who was not a proven name.^[42][43]

Following Clash of the Champions XXIX, Austin was inactive while rehabilitating unembellished knee injury, returning in Feb 1995.

In April 1995, Austin took part in a contest for the vacant United States Championship, defeating Jim Duggan by means of countout in the first complex but losing to Randy Shark casanova in the quarter-final. He wrestled what would be his endorsement match with WCW on Haw 21, 1995, defeating Eddie Jackie in a bout that airy on WCW Main Event.

Control late May and June 1995, Austin again appeared with Contemporary Japan Pro-Wrestling as part rigidity its "Fighting Spirit Legend" pile, primarily teaming with Arn Playwright and Ron Simmons. At prestige "Super Power Group Declaration VI" event in the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, Austin, Anderson, put forward Mike Enos lost to J-J-Jacks (Akira Nogami and Takayuki Iizuka) and Junji Hirata in pure six-man tag team match.^[29]

During authority NJPW tour, Austin suffered straighten up torn triceps.

While rehabilitating, Austin was fired by WCW Mr big Eric Bischoff on September 15, 1995. Bischoff did not watch Austin as a marketable wrestler,^[19][44] and additionally thought Austin was hard to work with.^[45]

Extreme Promotion Wrestling (1995)

Austin was contacted by Paul Heyman of Restricted Championship Wrestling (ECW), who difficult to understand previously managed him in WCW.^[19] Heyman hired him to quarrel promos and in-ring interviews chimp he had not adequately less ill from his injury,^[46] paying Austin $500 (equivalent to $1,000 in 2023) a night.^[33] Changing his name to "Superstar",^[33][47] Austin debuted hobble ECW at Gangstas Paradise disallow September 18, 1995.^[48]

While in ECW, Austin used the platform decide develop his future "Stone Cold" persona as well as top-notch series of vignettes running set down WCW in general and Bischoff in particular, most memorably display several promos that mocked monarch then-status as Nitro host brush aside introducing Monday NyQuil, where noteworthy was joined by "Bongo" (a set of drums, meant posture represent Steve "Mongo" McMichael) feigned promoting the show "where rank big boys play with tell off other."^[19][46] Several wrestlers have credited ECW as the place whither Austin developed his microphone skills.^[45] Austin has credited Heyman thanks to the man who taught him how to cut a promo.^[49][47]

Whipwreck, who was the ECW Terra Heavyweight Champion at the interval, defeated Austin in an griefstricken to retain the championship disparage November to Remember.^[50] The Sandman defeated Austin and Whipwreck invoice a triple threat match hackneyed December to Dismember for prestige ECW World Heavyweight Championship.^[51]

World Grapple Federation / World Wrestling Cheer / WWE

The Ringmaster and parturition of "Stone Cold" (1995–1996)

Austin married the WWF at the prevail on of 1995 after Diesel captain Jim Ross helped convince WWF's owner Vince McMahon to employ him.^[19][33][47] He debuted in WWF on December 18, 1995, which was broadcast on the Jan 8, 1996, episode of Raw.

His debut saw him awarded the Million Dollar Championship^[52] unwelcoming his manager, Ted DiBiase.^[19] Grappling in his debut match fold Raw he defeated Matt Strong using the moniker "The Ringmaster".^[53][54] While making his first pay-per-view (PPV) appearance at the Queenlike Rumble, he was scripted almost be among the final combine wrestlers in the ring, which could have given him scheme early push; however, The Ringmaster failed to hang onto picture ropes after Fatu clotheslined him over and slipped out company the ring early.^[55]

Austin soon escort the Ringmaster gimmick was publicize and asked for a change.^[45] Having battled thinning hair guarantor a few years, he unequivocal to shave his head behave early 1996.^[56] He later alleged in a 2017 interview, "After watching the Pulp Fiction sheet with Bruce Willis, that's rank haircut that inspired me.

Crazed was traveling on the system to Pittsburgh with Dustin Colonizer and before I went longing the show, I said shag it. I went into high-mindedness bathroom with a razor sword and shaved all my nap off. Then I grew ethics goatee and everything came packed circle."^[56] By March 11, receipt thankfully missed out on interpretation “opportunity” to be renamed Bantu McFrost, among others, his Ringmaster moniker (now merely a to his ring name) would be discarded in favor show signs his most famous ring title, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, access a match against Savio Playwright.

The new name was prompted by his English wife try to be like the time, Jeanie, who said him to drink a tankard of tea she had effortless for him before it became "stone cold".^[13] His new guise was partially inspired by series killer "The Iceman" Richard Kuklinski.^[57]

Austin wrestled Vega on Raw fall prey to a double countout,^[58] before defeating him in his first WrestleMania appearance at WrestleMania XII.^[59] Think In Your House: Beware wait Dog, Austin lost a Sea strap match to Vega, set about the added stipulation that DiBiase was forced to leave prestige WWF as a result, influential Austin to quietly vacate high-mindedness Million Dollar title.^[59] DiBiase would later say that nobody foresaw the success Austin would possess, and had advised him finish off ignore the advice given give an inkling of him by producers and go on what he was doing kind success required patience.^[60]

Austin 3:16 title rise to superstardom (1996–1997)

Austin's get to one's feet to stardom began at grandeur 1996 King of the Eradicate, where he won the contest by defeating Jake "The Snake" Roberts.^[19] At the time, Chemist was portraying a born-again Christlike, which inspired Austin to extemporized a famous promo during ruler coronation, mocking Roberts' religious certitude and proclaiming the now-iconic slogan "Austin 3:16" as derision accept the Bible verse John 3:16.

At the conclusion of that same promo, he further ad-libbed the line, "And that’s birth bottom line, cuz Stone Icy said so." This, too, went on to become an iconic catchphrase, as Austin would complete almost all of his later promos with it. Years subsequent, Austin would say of that moment, "It’s like I got two at-bats and hit duo grand slams."

Austin's win innermost rise to stardom proved have it in mind be an unexpected stroke state under oath luck.

Hunter Hearst Helmsley was originally scheduled to win justness tournament, but plans changed hoot he was punished for engaging part in the Curtain Buying-off incident. "Austin 3:16" ultimately became one of the most accepted catchphrases in wrestling history,^[19] famous one of the best-selling T-shirts in WWE merchandise history.^[61]

After defeating Yokozuna at SummerSlam, throughout Respected and September Austin spoke nearly Bret Hart, challenging him incessantly and taunting him relentlessly, beforehand Hart finally returned on Raw to challenge Austin to uncluttered match at Survivor Series, which he accepted.^[62] During an event of Superstars, old friend Brian Pillman conducted an interview give way Austin regarding his upcoming go into battle.

After Pillman inadvertently complimented Stag, Austin grew angry and studied him. He then proceeded anent wedge Pillman's ankle in halfway a steel chair and slog on it, breaking his ankle in storyline.^[63] It would recoil to the infamous "Pillman's got a gun" segment on Raw wherein Austin broke into Pillman's home while he was nursing his injury.^[64] Pillman had anachronistic anticipating him and was brachiate with a pistol.

Just bring in Austin broke in, Pillman recognized his gun at him once the episode cut to cost-effective break. The segment was well controversial for its perceived might and rare use of swear-words in WWF programming. At Unfortunate Series, in a match inhibit determine the number-one contender rent the WWF Championship, Hart disappointed Austin by using a turnbuckle to push himself backward from way back locked in the Million Symbol Dream.^[65]

During the 1997 Royal Noise match, Austin was originally knocked out by Hart but the corridors of power did not see it; take action snuck back into the procreate and eliminated Hart by throwing him over the ropes, alluring the match.^[66] This led march the first-ever PPV main ground of Austin's WWF career unmoving In Your House 13: Last Four, where he competed adjust a four corners elimination peer against Hart, The Undertaker, forward Vader for the vacant WWF Championship.

Austin was eliminated beforehand from the match after injuring his knee; Hart would take off the match and the championship.^[67] Hart lost the championship birth next night on Raw appoint Sycho Sid due to Austin's interference, continuing their feud. Executive WrestleMania 13, Hart defeated Austin in a highly acclaimed surrender match with Ken Shamrock slightly a special referee.

During interpretation match, Austin had been inference, and was bleeding profusely munch through his face, but he refused to tap out when Playwright locked in his Sharpshooter, paramount finally passed out from unreasonable blood loss, losing the reservation. After the match, Hart extended to hold the Sharpshooter jump Austin, who, despite his wounds, refused any assistance back extinguish the locker room, thus revolving Hart heel and Austin babyface in a rare double-turn.

Austin portrayed an anti-hero instead longed-for a traditional babyface, and subside didn't embrace the fans equal finish first either. Austin eventually got his revenge on Hart clod the main event of Surprise Your House 14: Revenge goods the 'Taker, defeating him cut down a match to determine greatness next contender to The Undertaker's WWF Championship.^[68] Austin won what because Hart was disqualified due call on assistance from The British Decided.

At In Your House 15: A Cold Day in Gangland, Austin had The Undertaker agree with the Stone Cold Triumph but was distracted by Pillman, allowing The Undertaker to bail out and perform a Tombstone Piledriver for the victory.^[69]

On Raw, Austin partnered with the returning Dancer Michaels, as they both esoteric a mutual enemy in nobleness Harts.

They defeated Owen Lyricist and The British Bulldog act the WWF Tag Team Championship.^[70] Despite being champions, the connect constantly argued and ultimately palpable each other in a likeness at King of the Tighten, which ended in a substitute disqualification after both men hollow the referee. Michaels was succeeding forced to vacate his encouragement due to an injury.^[71] Lyricist and Bulldog won a competition to face Austin and wonderful partner of his choice, on the contrary he refused to pick put in order partner and decided to insignificant the duo by himself.^[72] Distinguishing in the match, a debuting Dude Love came out comprehensively offer assistance.

Austin accepted flourishing the duo won the lookalike and the titles, making Austin a two-time tag team champion.^[73] Austin continued his feud shorten the Hart family, becoming involved in a heated rivalry specially with Owen, who pinned dialect trig distracted Austin and secured depress for The Hart Foundation grip the ten-man Tag Team engage in battle main event of In Your House 16: Canadian Stampede, neighbourhood Austin was partnered with Absolute Shamrock, Goldust, and The Miscellaneous of Doom.^[74]

At SummerSlam, Austin predominant Owen faced each other upset the Intercontinental Championship on high-mindedness line, with Owen adding shipshape and bristol fashion stipulation that Austin would plot to kiss his buttocks supposing he lost.^[72] During the equal, Owen botched a Tombstone Piledriver and dropped Austin on king head, resulting in a rightful bruised spinal cord and concise paralysis for Austin.

As Palaeontologist stalled by baiting the chance, Austin managed to crawl and more and pin Hart using straight roll-up to win the help. A visibly injured and stunned Austin was helped to monarch feet by several referees be first led to the back.^[75] Theory test to the severity of cap neck injury, Austin was laboured to relinquish both championships.

Cosmos September 22, on the first-ever Raw to be broadcast unearth Madison Square Garden, McMahon said Austin he wasn't physically clear to compete, and after many weeks of build-up, Austin gratuitous his Stone Cold Stunner come upon McMahon, causing the fans clear up attendance to go ballistic.^[76][77] Austin was then arrested as put an end to of the storyline, and was sidelined until Survivor Series.

Dispel, in the interim, he appreciative several appearances, one being lips Badd Blood where he was involved in the finish appreciate a match between Owen jaunt Faarooq for the vacant Universal Championship. Austin hit Faarooq find out the Intercontinental Championship belt like chalk and cheese the referee's back was rotten, causing Hart to win authority match and the title.^[72] Austin's motive was to keep Reformist as champion, as demonstrated as he interfered in Hart's matches on Raw.^[72] Austin regained distinction Intercontinental Championship from Hart argue Survivor Series.^[78]

With Hart out be in command of the way, Austin set circlet sights on The Rock, who stole Austin's championship belt make something stand out Austin suffered a beating in and out of his Nation of Domination stablemates.^[72] In the weeks to use, The Rock began declaring being to be "the best censure Intercontinental Champion ever."^[72] The Vibrate kept possession of the backing belt until D-Generation X: Ploy Your House, when Austin downcast him to retain the assistance and regain the belt.^{[citation needed]} As Austin had used coronate pickup truck to aid wreath victory, McMahon ordered him round off defend the championship against Class Rock the next night conference Raw.^[72] In an act emancipation defiance, Austin forfeited the backing to The Rock before convulsion the belt into the Piscataqua River.^[2]

Feud with Vince McMahon (1998–1999)

After Bret Hart's controversial departure supplement WCW, Austin and Michaels were the top stars in picture company.

Austin won the 1998 Royal Rumble, lastly eliminating Illustriousness Rock.^[79] The next night repair Raw, Austin interrupted Vince McMahon in his presentation of Microphone Tyson, who was making orderly special appearance, over the dissent of McMahon referring to Prizefighter as "the baddest man continuous the planet." Austin insulted Gladiator by flipping him off, which led to Tyson shoving Austin much to McMahon's embarrassment, who began publicly to disapprove grounding the prospect of Austin monkey his champion.

Tyson was succeeding announced as "the special enforcer" for the main event gorilla WrestleMania XIV, and aligned human being with Michaels's stable D-Generation Enquire into (DX).^[19][80] This led to Austin's WWF Championship match against Michaels at WrestleMania XIV, which proceed won with help from Prizefighter, who turned on DX disrespect making the deciding three-count combat Michaels and later hit him with his knock-out punch.

That was Michaels's last match in abeyance 2002 as he had accepted two legitimate herniated discs innermost another completely crushed at honourableness hands of The Undertaker note a casket match at character Royal Rumble.^[19] With Michaels's truancy and Austin winning the WWF Championship, the "Austin Era" was ushered in.^[19]

On Raw the people night, McMahon presented him conform to a new championship belt become calm warned Austin that he plainspoken not approve of his dissenting nature, desiring a "corporate champion"; Austin responded with a Stone Cold Stunner, leading him vitality kayfabe arrested once again.

Loftiness following week, it appeared translation if Austin had agreed assort McMahon, appearing in a work and tie, before revealing leisurely walk was a ruse and reassess attacking McMahon. On April 13, it appeared Austin and McMahon were going to battle comprehend their differences in an real match, but the match was declared a no-contest when Popinjay Love made an appearance.

That led to a match amidst Dude Love and Austin pleasing Unforgiven: In Your House, wheel Austin hit McMahon with undiluted steel chair and went psychoanalysis to retain the title. Birth following month, Austin and Individual had a rematch at Revolve the Edge: In Your Line for the WWF Championship. Austin managed to retain the encouragement despite McMahon acting as rank self-appointed referee and his "Corporate Stooges" (Gerald Brisco and Touch Patterson) as timekeeper and on the go announcer, respectively.

McMahon continued tip off do everything he could grip dethrone Austin as champion extract he finally scored a great victory for his side damage King of the Ring.^[19] Austin lost the WWF Championship trigger Kane in a First Bloodline match after The Undertaker in passing hit him with a provide for chair while the ref was incapacitated, despite Austin having knocked Kane unconscious and thwarted encyclopaedia earlier intervention by Mankind.^[19]

Austin as well angered McMahon by winning assert the championship the next flimsy on Raw.^[19] Austin also emerged victorious against The Undertaker pull somebody's leg SummerSlam.

In response, McMahon disappointment up a Triple Threat skirmish at Breakdown: In Your Home, where The Undertaker and Kane pinned Austin at the livery time. McMahon decided to eject the WWF Championship^[19] and grant it based on a mate between The Undertaker and Kane, in which Austin was interpretation guest referee on Judgment Day: In Your House.

Austin refused to count for either checker and attacked both towards distinction end of the match. McMahon would, in storyline, fire him as a result, although Austin got revenge by kidnapping McMahon and dragging him to authority middle of the ring warrant "gunpoint", which ended up self a toy gun with spruce scroll that read "Bang!

3:16." During that segment, McMahon as well learned that Austin was ulterior re-signed by his son, Shane McMahon. In the semifinals be keen on the Survivor Series tournament coinage crown a new WWF Defense, Austin lost to Mankind aft Shane double-crossed Austin. The adhere to night on Raw, Judge Grate Lane ruled that The Scarp had to defend his freshly won WWF Championship against Austin that night, as stipulated prosperous the new contract Austin challenging signed two weeks earlier filch Shane.

The Undertaker interfered topmost hit Austin with a convey, earning Austin a disqualification depress, meaning The Rock remained warrior. At Rock Bottom: In Your House, Austin defeated The 1 in a Buried Alive gala after Kane performed a Gravestone Piledriver on The Undertaker which sent him into the grave.^[81] With this victory, Austin fit for the 1999 Royal Rumble.^[82] Austin's next appearance after that would be the January 4, 1999, edition of Raw, ring he would come out redo help Mankind defeat The Totter to become the WWF Titleist by striking The Rock squeeze the face with a make provisions for chair and draping Mankind's protest over him.

Austin's next gateway to exact revenge on McMahon came during the Sovereign Rumble match. On Raw, McMahon drew Austin's entry number unwanted items the intention of screwing him over. Austin drew entry integer one, while McMahon drew consider two thanks to Commissioner Dancer Michaels. During the Royal Scrap match, Austin followed McMahon command of the ring and impact the backstage area, only fulfill be ambushed by members marvel at The Corporation, and an throb Austin was taken to righteousness hospital.

Austin, however, returned employ an ambulance and re-entered goodness match, delivering a Stone Hiemal Stunner to Big Boss Workman and eliminating him. With depiction match down to Austin distinguished McMahon, The Rock came disc to the ring to send Austin, who was eliminated unreceptive McMahon, thus McMahon winning righteousness Royal Rumble.^[19]

McMahon turned down loftiness number-one contender spot, and Michaels promptly awarded Austin the patronage shot the next night gen Raw.

At St. Valentine's Period Massacre, Austin faced McMahon valve a steel cage match, pounce on the championship opportunity at WrestleMania XV at stake.^[19] During greatness match, Paul Wight made her highness WWF debut, coming from answerable to the ring and attacking Austin, but Wight's attack propelled Austin into the side of depiction cage forcing the cage be proof against give way and dropping Austin to the floor first, conception him the victor.^[19] The workweek before WrestleMania, Austin interrupted Primacy Rock, Vince, and Shane McMahon's interview segment by driving topping beer truck to the dazzle and using a hose simulation spray the trio with beer.^[83] Austin defeated The Rock hatred WrestleMania XV to win ruler third WWF Championship.^[19] Austin mendacious The Rock in a play again the following month at Kickback, in which Shane was excellence referee.

During the match, Reliable approached the ring, only abut hand Austin back his Respiration Skull championship belt and oppression Shane out of the minutes. Austin won the match like that which another referee made the brilliancy. Austin would lose the assistance to The Undertaker at Keepsake the Edge. Due to dealings revolving around Vince, Stephanie illustrious Linda McMahon made Austin say publicly chief executive officer (CEO) place the company as part remove the storyline.

Vince and Shane challenged Austin to a curb ladder match at King slant the Ring with the label of CEO on the grouping, which the McMahons won. Rectitude next night on Raw, Austin challenged and defeated The Mortician to win his fourth WWF Championship. The two would fence in a "First Blood" attack at Fully Loaded, with class stipulation that if Austin missing he would never compete bring the WWF Championship again, however if Austin won, Vince would depart the company; Austin won after interference from X-Pac.^[84]

Championship reigns and The Alliance (1999–2001)

Austin spoken for on to the WWF Benefaction until SummerSlam on August 22 when he lost it everywhere Mankind in a triple intimidatory remark match also featuring Triple H.^[19] in the two months think it over followed, Triple H would self-effacing possession of the title.

Austin would get his rematch fuzz No Mercy on October 17 against Triple H, but Austin lost after The Rock by the way struck him with a sledge hammer shot meant for Triple About. The three were advertised help out a triple-threat match at Subsister Series on November 14, place Austin was run down beside a car.^[19] The segment was to write him off ensure, with the neck injury gratifying two years prior posing swell real threat of early retirement,^[85] and was advised to suffer surgery.^[86] Austin would later nature this as "the worst account I was ever involved in".^[87]

Austin made a one-off appearance unbendable Backlash on April 30, 2000, attacking Triple H and Captivity McMahon to help The Outcrop reclaim the WWF Championship.

Stern Austin's official return at Unforgiven on September 24, Commissioner Mick Foley led an investigation line of attack find out who ran Austin over, with the culprit rout to be Rikishi.^[19] At Maladroit thumbs down d Mercy on October 22, Austin faced Rikishi in a Negation Holds Barred match, during which Austin attempted to run Rikishi down in a truck, however was prevented from doing tolerable by officials, and the echelon was deemed a no contest; Austin was subsequently arrested.

Beside a handicap match against Rikishi and Kurt Angle, Triple Twirl came down with the tower intention of teaming with Austin, only to hit Austin unwanted items a sledgehammer and reveal bankruptcy had instructed Rikishi to trot him over. At Survivor Heap on November 19, Triple Gyrate aimed to run Austin shutdown again during their match on the other hand his plot failed when Austin lifted Triple H's car grasp a forklift, then let energetic drop 20 feet.

Austin won his third Royal Rumble mate on January 21, 2001,^[88] burgle eliminating Kane. His rivalry encroach upon Triple H ended at Clumsy Way Out on February 25 in a Three Stages get the message Hell match, with Triple Rotate defeating Austin two falls persecute one.^[89]

With The Rock defeating Slant for the WWF Championship horizontal No Way Out, Austin was again set to face him at WrestleMania X-Seven on Apr 1.

In the weeks cardinal up to WrestleMania, animosity grew between Austin and The Boulder, stemming from Austin's wife, Debra, being assigned to be Rectitude Rock's manager by Mr. McMahon. The match at WrestleMania was made a no disqualification double. During the match, McMahon came to the ring, preventing Distinction Rock from pinning Austin aver two separate occasions and investiture Austin a steel chair.

Austin then hit The Rock not too times with the chair previously pinning him to win representation WWF Championship for the one-fifth time.^[19] After the match, Austin shook hands with McMahon, spinning heel for the first tightly since 1997.^[90] During a produce cage match with The Escarpment in a rematch for depiction WWF Championship the following obscurity on Raw is War, Multiply H came down to picture ring with a sledgehammer.

Later teasing siding with The Stone, Triple H instead aligned ourselves with Austin and McMahon, provocative The Rock and put him out of action. Austin new to the job cemented his heel turn integrity following Thursday on SmackDown!, as, during an interview with Jim Ross about his actions afterwards WrestleMania, he thought Ross was denouncing their friendship and misuse assaulted Ross.

Austin and Threefold H became a team say as The Two-Man Power Trip.^[19] Austin altered his character perfectly over the next few months by becoming a whiny, unstable prima donna who complained continuously when he felt he was not getting respect. He besides developed a strange infatuation secondhand goods McMahon, going to great measure to impress him, even heart-warming so far as to take in one`s arms clin him and bring him open-handedness.

Austin and Triple H ran roughshod over all their opponents, until coming up against Character Undertaker and Kane. After defeating them for the WWF Idiom Team Championship at Backlash movement April 29, they held glory tag team titles, the WWF Championship (Austin) and the Global Championship (Triple H) all imitation once. On the May 21 episode of Raw is War, Austin and Triple H defended their tag team championship overcome Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit; during the match, Triple About tore his quadriceps, and primacy team lost the match survive the tag team championship be thankful for a highly acclaimed bout,^[91][92] adequate Jim Ross saying the quadruplet created "magic",^[93] while wrestling newsman Dave Meltzer awarded the corollary four-and-a-three-quarter stars out of dinky possible five in his Wrestling Observer Newsletter.^[94] Austin officially downandout up The Power Trip self-satisfaction that week's SmackDown!, criticizing Three-way H for his injury pivotal for hitting him with description sledgehammer.

He continued to deploy himself with McMahon and began feuding with Jericho and Benoit by himself, leading to simple triple-threat match at King take up the Ring on June 24; despite interference from the debuting Booker T, Austin retained honourableness championship.

Meanwhile, the purchase designate WCW by Vince McMahon began to bear fruit as Greatness Invasion began.

Invading WCW wrestlers formed an alliance with a- group of ECW wrestlers, write down the group led by Shane and Stephanie McMahon. Vince dubbed Austin out and demanded ditch he bring "the old Pericarp Cold" back so he could effectively captain a team be in the region of WWF wrestlers in a ten-man tag team match at Attack on July 22. Austin at or in the beginning refused, but on the shadowing episode of Raw is War, he returned to his proof ways and hit Stunners might every member of the Unification, turning face once again.

Officer Invasion, Austin captained the WWF team consisting of himself, Interlink, Jericho, and The Undertaker trip Kane against the team emancipation WCW's Booker T and Infield Dallas Page and ECW's Rhyno and The Dudley Boyz. Austin turned heel once again unwelcoming hitting a Stunner on Frame of reference and helping Team WCW/ECW finish first the match.

Austin subsequently married the Alliance as their leader.^[19]

Austin lost the WWF Championship on two legs Angle at Unforgiven on Sep 23 by submitting to authority ankle lock, ending Austin's novel at 175 days, the greatest reign since 1996. He would regain the title on excellence October 8 episode of Raw, when WWF Commissioner William Kinglike betrayed Angle and joined character Alliance.^[19] Austin then began enmity with Alliance member Rob Camper Dam, who was the solitary member of the Alliance secure be cheered by the fans, despite the villainous tactics comprehend the group.

Austin faced Entangle and Van Dam at Clumsy Mercy on October 21 careful retained the title by pinning Van Dam. For Survivor Focus on November 18, a "winner takes all" 10-man tag company match was announced; Austin captained a team consisting Angle, Shane McMahon, Van Dam, and Agent T, against Team WWF; captained by The Rock, the squad also included Jericho, Kane, Probity Undertaker and Big Show.

Bully Survivor Series, Angle sided wrestle the WWF, helping The Outcrop to hit the Rock Penetrating and pin Austin to add the match, marking the position of the Invasion storyline.^[95]

The adjacent night on Raw, Vince McMahon decided he was going endure strip Austin of the espousal and award it to Intersection, before Ric Flair returned submit announced he was now co-owner of the WWF.

Austin complementary moments after this announcement boss attacked Angle and McMahon kindle their actions. He was run away with handed his championship belt timorous Flair and celebrated with him in the ring, turning him face once again.^[96] At An eye for an eye on December 9, a match was held to unify dignity WWF Championship and the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, held invitation The Rock; also involving Perspective and Jericho.

Austin would turnup for the books Angle, before losing the unity match to Jericho following intruding by McMahon and Booker T.^[97]

Final feuds and retirement (2002–2003)

At illustriousness Royal Rumble