The WWE Universe parties with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin: A&E “Stone Cold” Takes on AmericaThe WWE Universe pals around with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and talks about what The Bionic Redneck means to them. Watch A&E “Stone Cold” Takes on America tonight at 10/9C on A&E. Stream WWE on Peacock in the U.S. and on WWE Network everywhere else.07/06/2023 - 11:03
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin King of the Ring speech: King of the Ring 1996"Stone Cold" Steve Austin begins his meteoric rise in WWE with an unforgettable speech after winning King of the Ring on June 23, 1996.02/08/2012 - 11:10
Jake "The Snake" Roberts vs. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin: King of the Ring 1996Refusing to show mercy for an aging legend, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin unleashes on Jake "The Snake" Roberts in the final match of King of the Ring on June 23, 1996.02/08/2012 - 11:09
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. The Rock: WrestleMania XIXThe Rock and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin battle for the final time in their illustrious careers at WrestleMania XIX on March 30, 2003.02/08/2012 - 14:15
The Undertaker and Bubba Ray won’t stand for disrespect from a brash PC Athlete: WWE LFG sneak peekAfter Bubba Ray Dudley refuses to shake his hand, rookie BJ Ray fires back at the WWE Hall of Famer during promo class, and The Undertaker commands the brash PC Athlete to remain in the ring. Catch the premiere of WWE LFG on A&E on Sunday, Feb. 16, at 8/7C.02/06/2025 - 12:00
Booker T orders a PC Athlete to step up his game on the mic: WWE LFG sneak peekWWE Legends The Undertaker, Bubba Ray Dudley, Mickie James and Booker T are somewhat impressed when PC Athlete Shiloh Hill takes the microphone, but the five-time WCW Champion demands to see more. Catch the premiere of WWE LFG on A&E on Sunday, Feb. 16, at 8/7C.02/12/2025 - 13:00
Meet the Legends of WWE LFG: WWE LFG sneak peekMeet the WWE Legends who will preside over WWE LFG, including The Undertaker, Booker T, Mickie James and Bubba Ray Dudley. Watch WWE LFG as part of A&E Superstar Sunday each week at 8/7C.02/12/2025 - 10:15
Undertaker assaults “Stone Cold” Steve Austin in a hospital: A&E WWE Rivals SCSA vs. The UndertakerAt the height of The Attitude Era, The Undertaker ruthlessly ambushes “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, kidnaps him and takes him to a graveyard. Catch the season premiere of WWE Rivals on A&E tonight at 9:30/8:30C.02/11/2025 - 18:11
Meet the Future Greats of WWE LFG: WWE LFG sneak peekMeet the Future Greats of WWE LFG who will be put through the ringer by the likes of The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Booker T, Bubba Ray Dudley, Mickie James and more. Watch WWE LFG as part of A&E Superstar Sunday each week at 8/7C.02/12/2025 - 11:30
Sean Waltman: “I got destroyed” by Razor Ramon: WWE Greatest Moments: Raw’s Greatest MomentsSean “1-2-3 Kid” Waltman reflects on the importance of his earthshattering upset victory against Razor Ramon during the early days of Monday Night Raw. Catch the premiere of WWE Greatest Moments on A&E on Sunday, Feb. 16, at 10:30/9:30C.02/12/2025 - 10:54
Shawn Michaels reveals what it takes to be a WWE Superstar: WWE LFG sneak peekArguably the greatest in-ring performer in sports-entertainment history, Shawn Michaels is ready to put the PC Athletes through the ringer. Catch the premiere of WWE LFG on A&E tomorrow at 8/7C.02/12/2025 - 12:58
The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels critique a match: WWE LFG sneak peekWWE Legends The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Bubba Ray Dudley and Mickie James critique a match between two promising PC Athletes. Catch the premiere of WWE LFG on A&E tonight at 8/7C.02/12/2025 - 13:00
Triple H leads DX in a legendary invasion of WCW: WWE Greatest Moments: Raw’s Greatest MomentsD-Generation X vow to take no prisoners as the controversial faction rides a tank into hostile territory and declares war on WCW. Catch the premiere of WWE Greatest Moments on A&E tonight at 10:30/9:30C.02/12/2025 - 10:58
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin ditches Ringmaster persona: A&E WWE Rivals SCSA vs. The Undertaker“Stone Cold Steve Austin is discontent during his time as The Ringmaster, and he soon ditches the persona and delivers an unforgettable address after becoming the 1996 King of the Ring. Catch the season premiere of WWE Rivals on A&E on Sunday, Feb. 16, at 9:30/8:30C.02/11/2025 - 18:16
“Stone Cold” and Booker T rise to stardom: A&E WWE Rivals “Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs. Booker T“Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Booker T kickstart their legendary careers in WCW before becoming embroiled in an epic rivalry in WWE. Watch A&E WWE Rivals featuring “Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs. Booker T Sunday at 8/7C on A&E. Stream WWE on Peacock in the U.S. and on WWE Network everywhere else.04/24/2024 - 16:12
The Miz wants his ring gear back from a collector!: A&E Most Wanted Treasures — The MizJoining forces with Lita to hunt for the ring gear he was wearing when he won the Intercontinental Title, The A-Lister believes that his presence alone should be enough for the collector to part with the memorabilia. Watch A&E WWE’s Most Wanted Treasures featuring The Miz Sunday at 9/8C on A&E. Stream WWE on Peacock in the U.S. and on WWE Network everywhere else.04/24/2024 - 17:50
Origins of iconic Austin 3:16 catchphrase: A&E WWE Rivals “Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs. Booker TAfter winning the 1996 King of the Ring, “Stone Cold” utters his now legendary catchphrase for the first time, becoming an overnight sensation. Watch A&E WWE Rivals featuring “Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs. Booker T Sunday at 8/7C on A&E. Stream WWE on Peacock in the U.S. and on WWE Network everywhere else.04/25/2024 - 11:20
Rikishi and Booker T search for Samoan Dynasty memorabilia: A&E WWE’s Most Wanted Treasures – Samoan DynastyRikishi tells Booker T about his family tree — which includes The Rock, Roman Reigns, The Usos, Yokozuna — and hatches a plan to find some of his famous ring gear from The Attitude Era. Watch A&E WWE’s Most Wanted Treasures featuring The Samoan Dynasty Sunday at 9/8C on A&E. Stream WWE on Peacock in the U.S. and on WWE Network everywhere else.07/06/2023 - 11:00
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin recalls his Three Stages of Hell Match against Triple H: A&E “Stone Cold” Takes on AmericaStone Cold” Steve Austin takes his adoring fans on a tour around Vegas, as The Texas Rattlesnake and the WWE Universe recall some of his most unforgettable moments in WWE. Watch A&E “Stone Cold” Takes on America Sunday at 10/9C on A&E. Stream WWE on Peacock in the U.S. and on WWE Network everywhere else.07/06/2023 - 11:00
Booker T remembers Yokozuna’s impact: A&E WWE’s Most Wanted Treasures – Samoan DynastyMick Foley and Booker T recall Yokozuna’s incredible impact and hope to find his WrestleMania X robe, among other famous items that have been lost. Watch A&E WWE’s Most Wanted Treasures featuring The Samoan Dynasty Sunday at 9/8C on A&E. Stream WWE on Peacock in the U.S. and on WWE Network everywhere else.07/06/2023 - 10:55
The WWE Universe parties with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin: A&E “Stone Cold” Takes on AmericaThe WWE Universe pals around with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and talks about what The Bionic Redneck means to them. Watch A&E “Stone Cold” Takes on America tonight at 10/9C on A&E. Stream WWE on Peacock in the U.S. and on WWE Network everywhere else.07/06/2023 - 11:03
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin King of the Ring speech: King of the Ring 1996"Stone Cold" Steve Austin begins his meteoric rise in WWE with an unforgettable speech after winning King of the Ring on June 23, 1996.02/08/2012 - 11:10
WWE Champion; Intercontinental Champion; World Tag Team Champion; 1996 King of the Ring; Royal Rumble Match winner (1997, 1998, 2001); WCW U.S. Champion; WCW Tag Team Champion; 2009 WWE Hall of Fame Inductee
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin: Bio
Proudly raising his middle fingers in the faces of everyone who dared oppose him, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin was the blue-collar warrior for the common man. Clad in jeans and black leather often soaked in beer foam, Austin was defiant, brash and dared anyone to try and tell him what to do. When the signature sound of shattering glass erupted throughout the arena, everyone there knew that it was time to raise hell. And if you happened to be on the receiving end, well, you have our sympathies.
Trained by "Gentleman" Chris Adams, Steve Austin broke into the wrestling business in Texas in 1990, as part of the USWA. After a year, he moved on to WCW, where he won the WCW Television Championship under the name "Stunning" Steve Austin. An elbow injury led to his firing from WCW, but Austin found a lifeboat in ECW, and, with the freedom afforded him by Paul Heyman, began crafting a voice that would lead to superstardom in WWE.
Austin joined WWE in January 1996 as Ted DiBiase's "Million Dollar Champion." Debuting as "The Ringmaster," he defeated Savio Vega in a forgettable WrestleMania contest. Soon after, "Stone Cold" was born.
In June 1996, The Texas Rattlesnake became King of the Ring, defeating Jake Roberts in the tournament final. To cap off the victory, "Stone Cold" delivered a riveting promo, pillorying Roberts and his religious beliefs, and heralding the birth of the “Austin 3:16” era. His words gave way to Austin's WWE destiny, ushering in the famed Attitude Era. This violent Superstar would stop at nothing until he reached WWE’s top tier, pummeling anyone who got in his way.
The first Superstar to butt heads with the new, meaner Austin was Bret Hart. Their rivalry reached its apex at WrestleMania 13 in a Submission Match. Austin was not the technical wunderkind that Hart was, but matched the mat general strike for strike in front of the Rosemont crowd. But the moment that separated Austin from his peers in the locker room came at the end of the match. "Stone Cold" was nearly broken, trapped in Hart’s Sharpshooter. But he refused to submit, and as seconds ticked into minutes, he still would not tap. Referee Ken Shamrock called the match as Austin passed out from the pain with 18,000 people cheering the defeated Superstar.
But Austin’s momentum, and WWE career, nearly halted in a freak injury at 1997’s SummerSlam. During a match against Owen Hart, Austin was dropped on his head during a piledriver, fracturing his neck.
"Stone Cold" ultimately recovered from the injury and soon began his torrid rise to the top of the WWE heap. Austin took on Superstars such as Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker, but he’s best remembered for his battles against two men — The Rock, and the WWE Chairman himself, Mr. McMahon.
The latter rivalry began in late 1997, when Austin, furious at McMahon for stripping him of the Intercontinental Title, delivered a "Stone Cold" Stunner to his boss in front of the Madison Square Garden crowd. It wouldn’t be the first time Mr. McMahon tasted Austin’s leather boot, as the pair’s hostile feud epitomized the Attitude Era.
The Rock and Austin criss-crossed just as often as Austin and Mr. McMahon. To put the rivalry in perspective, "Stone Cold" and The Rock headlined three WrestleMania pay-per-views together from 1999 to 2003, a feat no other Superstar has ever even come close to accomplishing. The two stars couldn’t have been more different, but no two men were ever as popular at the same time as Austin and Rock.
Austin retired from in-ring competition at the end of WrestleMania XIX but continued to make memorable WWE appearances, usually at the expense of the McMahons. WWE crowds were never as loud as when that glass shattered and "Stone Cold" made his way to the ring, either in his leather boots, a Zamboni or a beer truck.
In the end, his in-ring accomplishments were many: six WWE Championships, two Intercontinental Championships, a record three Royal Rumble victories and Triple Crown Champion credentials. His 2009 induction to the WWE Hall of Fame was a “no-brainer.”