Arda Ocal (@arda_ocal) of The Score Television Network and the Baltimore Sun spoke with WWE legend and film & tv star "Stone Cold" Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR). Highlights: - How he's recovering from knee surgery and if he'll ever compete again and the fact that he would be willing to entertain an offer rfom WWE and where exactly that process is at right now. - Discusses the release of the WWE '13 video game in which he is a focal point, and does it bother him that CM Punk is on the cover. - Talks about the return of his reality tv series Redneck Island on CMT. "I consider myself the king of rednecks." - Why an Austin/Hogan dream match never happened. "I don't think I just ever wanted to wrestle the guy I guess." - Finally Austin gives his opinion on the recent CM Punk/Paul Heyman "Fake Heart Attack" incident and if he thinks it crossed the line. "I believe in pushing the envelope in an aggressive fashion. But when a guy dam near dies at ringside, let it go." EMBED video on your site:
Showing posts with label stone cold. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stone cold. Show all posts
Thursday, 15 November 2012
Steve Austin Interview Links
Sunday, 25 September 2011
DVD Review - Born to Fight (starring steve austin)
DVD Review – Born To Fight (starring Stone Cold Steve Austin)
By Phil Allely
WWE legend Steve Austin has carved himself a very nice career in the world of film since he retired from the wrestling ring. He has also been able to juggle big budget hits with low budget projects that can stretch him as an actor. Known primarily as an action movie star this is one such project that allows Austin to get his teeth into the role and expand his acting skills along the way.
Born to Fight is a nice addition to the CV of Steve and it also serves well as a film that may just gain him a whole new level of fan. Telling a story we can relate to in some way this film revolves around the all to real issue of bullying. Austin plays Dan a janitor at a US high school, here he seems to happily go about his work and not really show up on anyone’s radar. Young Matthew is the school newcomer who unwittingly ends up on the receiving end of a beating and other embarrassing situations at the hands of the school boxing star.
Although Matthew tries to overcome his belittling he decides he needs to learn to box to gain the respect of his foes and to stand up to them. This is where our muscle bound lead comes in, Dan it transpires is a retired pro boxer and he after seeing potential in Matthew decides to help him train to enter the upcoming school boxing competition.
Born to Fight is a cross between the Karate Kid and Rocky films (in Austin’s own words, watch out for my interview coming soon). The tale has a meaning and moral code is there too, this is a story that makes you feel like you have invested into the narrative. Austin deserves special credit for stepping out of his comfort zone here, he has more dialogue than in any of his action features. He has also picked up many good habits along the way as well, he now works the camera better, he owns each scene he is in and he doesn’t overshadow his co-stars.
Born to Fight is released on October 3rd by Anchor Bay Entertainment.
Cert 12
RRP £15.99 (DVD), £19.99 (Blu-ray)
By Phil Allely
WWE legend Steve Austin has carved himself a very nice career in the world of film since he retired from the wrestling ring. He has also been able to juggle big budget hits with low budget projects that can stretch him as an actor. Known primarily as an action movie star this is one such project that allows Austin to get his teeth into the role and expand his acting skills along the way.
Born to Fight is a nice addition to the CV of Steve and it also serves well as a film that may just gain him a whole new level of fan. Telling a story we can relate to in some way this film revolves around the all to real issue of bullying. Austin plays Dan a janitor at a US high school, here he seems to happily go about his work and not really show up on anyone’s radar. Young Matthew is the school newcomer who unwittingly ends up on the receiving end of a beating and other embarrassing situations at the hands of the school boxing star.
Although Matthew tries to overcome his belittling he decides he needs to learn to box to gain the respect of his foes and to stand up to them. This is where our muscle bound lead comes in, Dan it transpires is a retired pro boxer and he after seeing potential in Matthew decides to help him train to enter the upcoming school boxing competition.
Born to Fight is a cross between the Karate Kid and Rocky films (in Austin’s own words, watch out for my interview coming soon). The tale has a meaning and moral code is there too, this is a story that makes you feel like you have invested into the narrative. Austin deserves special credit for stepping out of his comfort zone here, he has more dialogue than in any of his action features. He has also picked up many good habits along the way as well, he now works the camera better, he owns each scene he is in and he doesn’t overshadow his co-stars.
Born to Fight is released on October 3rd by Anchor Bay Entertainment.
Cert 12
RRP £15.99 (DVD), £19.99 (Blu-ray)
Friday, 8 April 2011
Steve Austin talks to WWE.com
- WWE.com has a new interview up with Steve Austin to promote the All Stars video game. Here are some highlights:
WWE.com: One of the most interesting features in WWE All Stars is the “Fantasy Warfare” mode, which pits your character against CM Punk. Is that a rivalry you wish you could’ve had in real life?
AUSTIN: Damn right it is. CM Punk is one of my favorite WWE Superstars right now. I like what he brings to the ring, I like his mental game. I think a rivalry between “Stone Cold” and CM Punk would have been a hell of a spectacle and a lot of entertainment.
WWE.com: It’s been about eight years since you retired from active competition. Is there a Superstar who is carrying on your legacy today?
AUSTIN: You know, the closest comparison you could make would be Randy Orton, but, man, when someone wants to make comparisons to me, it’s just like making a comparison to Michael Jordan. For a period of time, I was the hottest person on two feet that had ever been in the business. I set all kinds of records from attendance to merchandise to ratings records. When someone can beat that, then I’ll say, "Yep, they beat me." But no one’s done that.
WWE.com: One of the most interesting features in WWE All Stars is the “Fantasy Warfare” mode, which pits your character against CM Punk. Is that a rivalry you wish you could’ve had in real life?
AUSTIN: Damn right it is. CM Punk is one of my favorite WWE Superstars right now. I like what he brings to the ring, I like his mental game. I think a rivalry between “Stone Cold” and CM Punk would have been a hell of a spectacle and a lot of entertainment.
WWE.com: It’s been about eight years since you retired from active competition. Is there a Superstar who is carrying on your legacy today?
AUSTIN: You know, the closest comparison you could make would be Randy Orton, but, man, when someone wants to make comparisons to me, it’s just like making a comparison to Michael Jordan. For a period of time, I was the hottest person on two feet that had ever been in the business. I set all kinds of records from attendance to merchandise to ratings records. When someone can beat that, then I’ll say, "Yep, they beat me." But no one’s done that.
Saturday, 26 March 2011
Steve Austin Plugging Wrestlemania and Tough Enough Interview Highlights
Steve Austin is promoting WrestleMania 27 and Tough Enough in a new interview with IGN. In the interview, Austin revealed that each week on Tough Enough, he will select the "Bottom 3." These will be the lowest level performers on the show. Austin will give them a chance to convince him to let them stay before eliminating one and allowing the other two to stay.
Here are some highlights from the interview:
His approach to eliminating contestants:
"When it's time for me to be Stone Cold, when we go into elimination and it's time to ask the nitty gritty questions, and they've got a chance to either stay or go, you know, I get on them pretty good, and I'm looking to see who I can rattle, or undo, and you know, we've weeded out some of the ones who really needed to go first."
Using other wrestlers as examples to the Tough Enough contestants:
"There are many guys who I'll bring up in the course of a week. We'll have a different superstar come by each week and talk to the kids. I'll use myself as an example some of the time, but not all the time because you know, one of the things I'll tell them about me is, I was never the best wrestler in the world. I was never the best looking wrestler in the world. I was never the best built guy in the dressing room. I was never the best at anything. But I had enough things and I wanted it bad enough that I made it to the top and I did what I did. But not everybody's going to have my style. Not everybody comes from the background I come from. I use Shawn Michaels, I use The Undertaker, I use The Rock a lot, Ric Flair, my favorite pro wrestler. And Rey Mysterio came by. Some of these guys might be more in a Rey kind of mode. But I'll use as many examples as I can, and I've got a bunch of them because I grew up watching this business since I was seven or eight years old."
Being a heel vs. face:
"Shoot, man, I loved being a damn heel. Something about that, just going out there and being the most despicable person you could ever be, was a real turn on for me. And I grew up a real shy kid in south Texas, and it was something for me to lean on and have fun with. But when I came up with the Stone Cold thing, I really kind of brought a gray area in to a black and white world."
What?
"I tell you what, I would have never in a million years went up to Vince and said, 'Hey, I've got this thing that I'm going to do and it's going to make people say 'What?' after every pause or break in someone's promo for the next ten years. I had no idea that even these days, when Michael Cole's in the ring cutting a promo, if he puts that pause in there, they'll come with a 'What?!' - but it's been interesting!"
Here are some highlights from the interview:
His approach to eliminating contestants:
"When it's time for me to be Stone Cold, when we go into elimination and it's time to ask the nitty gritty questions, and they've got a chance to either stay or go, you know, I get on them pretty good, and I'm looking to see who I can rattle, or undo, and you know, we've weeded out some of the ones who really needed to go first."
Using other wrestlers as examples to the Tough Enough contestants:
"There are many guys who I'll bring up in the course of a week. We'll have a different superstar come by each week and talk to the kids. I'll use myself as an example some of the time, but not all the time because you know, one of the things I'll tell them about me is, I was never the best wrestler in the world. I was never the best looking wrestler in the world. I was never the best built guy in the dressing room. I was never the best at anything. But I had enough things and I wanted it bad enough that I made it to the top and I did what I did. But not everybody's going to have my style. Not everybody comes from the background I come from. I use Shawn Michaels, I use The Undertaker, I use The Rock a lot, Ric Flair, my favorite pro wrestler. And Rey Mysterio came by. Some of these guys might be more in a Rey kind of mode. But I'll use as many examples as I can, and I've got a bunch of them because I grew up watching this business since I was seven or eight years old."
Being a heel vs. face:
"Shoot, man, I loved being a damn heel. Something about that, just going out there and being the most despicable person you could ever be, was a real turn on for me. And I grew up a real shy kid in south Texas, and it was something for me to lean on and have fun with. But when I came up with the Stone Cold thing, I really kind of brought a gray area in to a black and white world."
What?
"I tell you what, I would have never in a million years went up to Vince and said, 'Hey, I've got this thing that I'm going to do and it's going to make people say 'What?' after every pause or break in someone's promo for the next ten years. I had no idea that even these days, when Michael Cole's in the ring cutting a promo, if he puts that pause in there, they'll come with a 'What?!' - but it's been interesting!"
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Steve Austin On Tough Enough!
WWE Hall of Famer "Stone Cold" Steve Austin spoke to IGN.com recently to promote the return of WWE Tough Enough. Here are some highlights of what Austin said about:
Working Last Week's RAW: "I didn't get a chance to do exactly everything that I wanted to do because I wanted to give the fans so much more, and they expected more."
Staying Retired & Working Tough Enough: "I'm close enough -- I'm as close as I want to be and can get to it right now by being the host and watching Bill (DeMott) and Booker and Trish (Stratus) put them through their paces .. The days of lighting up 20,000 people every single night of the week, no matter what day it was, and 90,000 on a big show like WrestleMania, that was a blast, but those days are over, and I've had some great times in this ring. And when I think back, I've got a lot of great memories, and this is about as close as I want to be."
Working Last Week's RAW: "I didn't get a chance to do exactly everything that I wanted to do because I wanted to give the fans so much more, and they expected more."
Staying Retired & Working Tough Enough: "I'm close enough -- I'm as close as I want to be and can get to it right now by being the host and watching Bill (DeMott) and Booker and Trish (Stratus) put them through their paces .. The days of lighting up 20,000 people every single night of the week, no matter what day it was, and 90,000 on a big show like WrestleMania, that was a blast, but those days are over, and I've had some great times in this ring. And when I think back, I've got a lot of great memories, and this is about as close as I want to be."
Saturday, 12 March 2011
JBL In Character Interview Highlights
WWE's website interviewed JBL this week after his return on RAW Monday night. Here are some highlights from the in-character interview:
WWE.com: First of all, sorry about the night you had this past Monday. I don’t think it was the return you were expecting.
JBL: What bothers me is when other great champions come back, like The Rock, “Stone Cold” or Roddy Piper, when these guys return they’re not treated like that. And I was the greatest champion of all time. You got the best [Superstars] from the ’80s and ’90s coming back for WrestleMania, and I had to reiterate to my fans, because they love me so much, that JBL was the greatest champion. So, when something like this happens it’s just a matter of complete disrespect by a guy like Steve Austin. I hear he’s very successful in movies – God bless him – but that’s where he should stay.
WWE.com: Speaking of being successful after WWE, you’ve been gone for almost two years now, what are you up to these days?
JBL: I invested in a really good beverage company, New Leaf Beverage (newleafbrands.com). We’ve got about 18 brands, including four lemonades and four iced teas. We’re in about 35 states, and sales have been pretty good. It’s been a good investment; I’ve spent a lot of time with that. I spend a lot of time in Bermuda. I can do my investments anywhere, so I spend about 4-6 months a year there. It’s only an hour-and-a-half from New York, so it’s an easy commute.
WWE.com: Any final words for the WWE Universe?
JBL: I’m thrilled they got to see the greatest champion to ever come back. Also, I got to meet Alberto Del Rio, and I cannot tell you how proud I am of the young man. I knew his dad. I knew his uncle. And one thing we agree on, Rey Mysterio is not a good role model for kids. You want to look up to people like Alberto Del Rio and me, both great champions, both very successful financially.
WWE.com: First of all, sorry about the night you had this past Monday. I don’t think it was the return you were expecting.
JBL: What bothers me is when other great champions come back, like The Rock, “Stone Cold” or Roddy Piper, when these guys return they’re not treated like that. And I was the greatest champion of all time. You got the best [Superstars] from the ’80s and ’90s coming back for WrestleMania, and I had to reiterate to my fans, because they love me so much, that JBL was the greatest champion. So, when something like this happens it’s just a matter of complete disrespect by a guy like Steve Austin. I hear he’s very successful in movies – God bless him – but that’s where he should stay.
WWE.com: Speaking of being successful after WWE, you’ve been gone for almost two years now, what are you up to these days?
JBL: I invested in a really good beverage company, New Leaf Beverage (newleafbrands.com). We’ve got about 18 brands, including four lemonades and four iced teas. We’re in about 35 states, and sales have been pretty good. It’s been a good investment; I’ve spent a lot of time with that. I spend a lot of time in Bermuda. I can do my investments anywhere, so I spend about 4-6 months a year there. It’s only an hour-and-a-half from New York, so it’s an easy commute.
WWE.com: Any final words for the WWE Universe?
JBL: I’m thrilled they got to see the greatest champion to ever come back. Also, I got to meet Alberto Del Rio, and I cannot tell you how proud I am of the young man. I knew his dad. I knew his uncle. And one thing we agree on, Rey Mysterio is not a good role model for kids. You want to look up to people like Alberto Del Rio and me, both great champions, both very successful financially.
Saturday, 5 March 2011
Steve Austin Interview Highlights
Author Kevin Sullivan, who wrote the upcoming book on the history of the WWE Title, published the following comments from Steve Austin on his blog. Austin made the comments while speaking with Sullivan during his research for the book. Here's what Austin said when asked his thoughts on the greatest WWE Champion of all-time:
"There’s no way to name just one. In terms of drawing power and being a marquee name, I’m going to say it’s a tie between Stone Cold and Hogan. Hogan was the organization back in the ’80s, and I would say Stone Cold had the same appeal. Damn, I broke attendance records, pay-per-view records, merchandise records …
As far as pure wrestlers go, there are too many bad ass wrestlers, but I would say it’s a tie between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. Randy Savage was bad ass, too. But he was more of an IC Title guy. But Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels told some great stories. It’s a dead tie. They could work circles around Hogan, and also outwork me.
I would say Ric Flair is the greatest World Champion that ever lived. But I don’t equate him with the WWE Title."
"There’s no way to name just one. In terms of drawing power and being a marquee name, I’m going to say it’s a tie between Stone Cold and Hogan. Hogan was the organization back in the ’80s, and I would say Stone Cold had the same appeal. Damn, I broke attendance records, pay-per-view records, merchandise records …
As far as pure wrestlers go, there are too many bad ass wrestlers, but I would say it’s a tie between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. Randy Savage was bad ass, too. But he was more of an IC Title guy. But Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels told some great stories. It’s a dead tie. They could work circles around Hogan, and also outwork me.
I would say Ric Flair is the greatest World Champion that ever lived. But I don’t equate him with the WWE Title."
Thursday, 6 January 2011
Jim Ross' Recent Blog Entry January 2011
Greetings from under the black hat....actually that was a figure of speech because I'm not wearing my black hat at the moment but it's always close by if the phone rings with info necessitating 'hat duty.' BTW when I used my custom made, signature black hat on Michael Cole back in November when I was brought in from the pasture, that technique, according to The Duke, John Wayne, is referred to as 'hat fanning.' Vintage 'hat fanning' BTW. With that matter addressed and as UFC's Mike Goldberg would say, "Here we go!"
We're getting lots of emails and Tweets, @JRsBBQ, regarding Sting these days. BTW has he left TNA? I actually don't know the answer to that one but suspect that Sting is still officially with TNA. Nonetheless many fans hope that Sting is inducted in the WWE HOF in Atlanta at WM27. Theoretically, if Sting were not working for another wrestling company, it would be a splendid idea. It still might be but that's not for me to speculate on. Sting was the first and only WCW star that Turner's people 'made' in Atlanta that never wrestled for WWE as best that I recall.
I'd love to help produce a definitive Sting DVD some day as I was around him when he first started in the biz and teamed with the Ultimate Warrior, then known as Rock, in the UWF as the tag team duo known as the Bladerunners. The Bladerunners were going to be positioned as UWF's answer to the Road Warriors.
I keep reading all these 'hot rumors' as to who 'might' be inducted in Atlanta in April and the list keeps getting longer and more of a head scratcher the more folks speculate. I hope that the class does have a WCW/Atlanta feel but the class will likely be 6-8 inductions tops. Plus, WWE will want to not over do posthumous inductions if at all possible.
The WWE HOF Induction Ceremony is one of my favorite events of the year. The DVD of the event is one of my faves too because so much is cut out of the TV broadcast which, for a fan like me, could easily be a two hour show.
Tonight on WWE On Demand I enjoyed watching Dory Funk, Jr. win his first NWA Title at age 27 against Gene Kiniski in Tampa with Gordon Solie narrating some classic 'film' of a major moment in NWA history. That 10 minute piece of business is airing now. I'm a big fan of WWE On Demand. Big, Jerry, really big!
Had dinner this week at Ray's BBQ in Norman with former Sooner legend and the subject of the recent ESPN 30 for 30, Marcus Dupree. Marcus, who is moving back to Oklahoma soon, and I discussed several potential opportunities that may be available to him. Marcus is a huge wrestling fan, loved Mid South back in the day....BTW who was that handsome, young play by play dude back in the day...and is planning on actually wrestling on a benefit show in his home town of Philadelphia, Mississippi on Saturday February 19 as it is now scheduled. Marcus and I spoke some about his love of the wrestling biz but much more about projects that would be much more impactful coming off the heels of the critically acclaimed documentary that chronicled the life and struggling times of potentially the greatest running back that never became a true star. Marcus Dupree was the greatest, college freshman running back that I ever saw play and that includes Herschel Walker and Bo Jackson...not to mention a kid by the name of Adrian Peterson.
Stay tuned as something interesting may be in the works down the proverbial road involving #22 Marcus Dupree.
Love to receive feedback from those of you that use our products and how you use them. We're getting some great emails and Tweets from those of you who may have missed your opportunities to be chefs because of your creativity. It's also cool for people to pick out a recipe in our JR's Cookbook, a book that we personally autograph, and then tell us how they came out.
Sorry to hear of Paul Orndorff was recently diagnosed with having cancer. PO is a tough man, I know this without hype or speculation, and saw him in action as a young dude being mentored by Cowboy Bill Watts in Mid South Wrestling. Paul was a former running back for the University of Tampa and played with former NFL star Freddie Solomon. Our prayers are with PO and I have complete faith that Mr. Wonderful will be physically wonderful at the end of the day. Paul was a helluva hand in his day who was never afraid of 'heat' when he was one of the most hated villains in the business. Trust me, all wrestling villains could not honestly say that they had absolutely no fear of intense, fan angst but Mr. Wonderful could.
Smart move by the Tennessee Titians to release QB Vince Young and his seemingly selfish attitude that was always about Vince. My old theory was if you can't solve a problem it must be eliminated and that goes for any one on a wrestling roster and especially when business isn't red hot. The Titans were not red hot this past season. Good luck Mr. Young on your future endeavors but it's obvious that potential star QB's won't be out of work long term.
Perhaps Young could join the 'cast' of Storage Wars. When will the physicality be included in an episode of the new, A&E reality show? What a concept for a reality show.
Emailer...I have no plans at this time to begin a podcast. Honestly don't know how to pull it off technically. If I ever do a podcast, it will be of the more succinct variety that some are already doing and NOT of the 2+ hour variety that some do. More power to 'em but that just destroys my attention span and it's hard for me to invest that much time in a 2+ hour newscast/editorial presentation.
Who will be WWE MVP by year's end. If he stays healthy an argument could be made, at least in my point of view, that it might be CM Punk. Punk knows how to be physical and punishing in logical, easy to follow methods plus the guy can talk. Those traits work for me. Plus he won't miss work, moan about non, major injuries and seems to never burn out.
Emailer...best Royal Rumble match ever? Impossible for one person to answer that one conclusively.
The 1992 Rumble was really special because the winner actually won the WWE Title and that went to Ric Flair with Monsoon and Heenan at their best.
I can remember Rumble moments where specific talent got on a roll and had a flurry of action and eliminated multiple people in rapid fire, conclusive fashion. Kevin Nash did it. Kane did it. The Undertaker has done it multiple times to name a few. Several men have had head turning moments in the Rumble Match that provided them much needed momentum heading into Wrestlemania.
There's only one, 3 time winner...Stone Cold. Only two men have won Rumbles in back to back years, HBK and Austin....a pair of Texans.
The last time the Rumble was in Boston, this years site, Brock Lesnar won it all which was 2003. My how times have changed regarding Lesnar. BTW his book, co-written with Paul Heyman will be out in a few week. I'd love to get an advance copy so I can review it for you. I'm very anxious to read Brock's story of which I had a significant role. I hope I'm not hammered by him too badly but Brock assaulting one with the written word is infinitely healthier than a physical assault from one of the baddest men on Earth.
Co-winners were declared in 1994 when Bret Hart and Lex Luger shared the distinction of 'winning' the Rumble match. Are we due, possibly, for another controversial conclusion for the 2011 Royal Rumble match?
I've always thought that WWE could get mileage out of assigning Rumble Match numbers via competition like who gets the coveted #30 spot or even the #27 spot which, I think, is the # that most people have won the Rumble match after drawing it. Competing to not be anointed as the #1 entrant creates a great sense of urgency.
As a broadcaster, the Rumble match is the most challenging to call and the one thing that could theoretically make it a train wreck is to have a three man crew all jacked up on Diet Mountain Dew talking so much as if they forgot it was TV and not radio.
Emailer...Have I called my last event in any thing? I hope not and that's not my plan but my broadcasting work may not include regular WWE work but something outside the genre. As many know my absolute 'dream job' at this time would be the radio voice of the Oklahoma Sooner football team but as I have been honest and upfront when addressing this matter I feel that I will be a long shot at best. I'm not retreating but when on is branded so vividly as the 'wrestling guy' it might work against me. Or perhaps not. Time will certainly tell. Nonetheless that gig would be a dream come true. I know that my Dad and my grandpa who used to gather me around the radio when I was a kid would be listening in heaven without question. It's as if I have been preparing my entire broadcasting life for this one job.
Emailer...Can Daniel Bryan win the WWE Title? Of course he CAN win it but the question should be will he win it? I don't think that many experts thought Eddie Guerrero would take the top prize in WWE because of a perceived lack of physical size and other issues but Eddie succeeded. IMO physical size isn't the key trait to be WWE Champion. It's all about the individual having a superior skill set, the person's character, appeal to the masses and reliability....or so I feel.
We're getting lots of emails and Tweets, @JRsBBQ, regarding Sting these days. BTW has he left TNA? I actually don't know the answer to that one but suspect that Sting is still officially with TNA. Nonetheless many fans hope that Sting is inducted in the WWE HOF in Atlanta at WM27. Theoretically, if Sting were not working for another wrestling company, it would be a splendid idea. It still might be but that's not for me to speculate on. Sting was the first and only WCW star that Turner's people 'made' in Atlanta that never wrestled for WWE as best that I recall.
I'd love to help produce a definitive Sting DVD some day as I was around him when he first started in the biz and teamed with the Ultimate Warrior, then known as Rock, in the UWF as the tag team duo known as the Bladerunners. The Bladerunners were going to be positioned as UWF's answer to the Road Warriors.
I keep reading all these 'hot rumors' as to who 'might' be inducted in Atlanta in April and the list keeps getting longer and more of a head scratcher the more folks speculate. I hope that the class does have a WCW/Atlanta feel but the class will likely be 6-8 inductions tops. Plus, WWE will want to not over do posthumous inductions if at all possible.
The WWE HOF Induction Ceremony is one of my favorite events of the year. The DVD of the event is one of my faves too because so much is cut out of the TV broadcast which, for a fan like me, could easily be a two hour show.
Tonight on WWE On Demand I enjoyed watching Dory Funk, Jr. win his first NWA Title at age 27 against Gene Kiniski in Tampa with Gordon Solie narrating some classic 'film' of a major moment in NWA history. That 10 minute piece of business is airing now. I'm a big fan of WWE On Demand. Big, Jerry, really big!
Had dinner this week at Ray's BBQ in Norman with former Sooner legend and the subject of the recent ESPN 30 for 30, Marcus Dupree. Marcus, who is moving back to Oklahoma soon, and I discussed several potential opportunities that may be available to him. Marcus is a huge wrestling fan, loved Mid South back in the day....BTW who was that handsome, young play by play dude back in the day...and is planning on actually wrestling on a benefit show in his home town of Philadelphia, Mississippi on Saturday February 19 as it is now scheduled. Marcus and I spoke some about his love of the wrestling biz but much more about projects that would be much more impactful coming off the heels of the critically acclaimed documentary that chronicled the life and struggling times of potentially the greatest running back that never became a true star. Marcus Dupree was the greatest, college freshman running back that I ever saw play and that includes Herschel Walker and Bo Jackson...not to mention a kid by the name of Adrian Peterson.
Stay tuned as something interesting may be in the works down the proverbial road involving #22 Marcus Dupree.
Love to receive feedback from those of you that use our products and how you use them. We're getting some great emails and Tweets from those of you who may have missed your opportunities to be chefs because of your creativity. It's also cool for people to pick out a recipe in our JR's Cookbook, a book that we personally autograph, and then tell us how they came out.
Sorry to hear of Paul Orndorff was recently diagnosed with having cancer. PO is a tough man, I know this without hype or speculation, and saw him in action as a young dude being mentored by Cowboy Bill Watts in Mid South Wrestling. Paul was a former running back for the University of Tampa and played with former NFL star Freddie Solomon. Our prayers are with PO and I have complete faith that Mr. Wonderful will be physically wonderful at the end of the day. Paul was a helluva hand in his day who was never afraid of 'heat' when he was one of the most hated villains in the business. Trust me, all wrestling villains could not honestly say that they had absolutely no fear of intense, fan angst but Mr. Wonderful could.
Smart move by the Tennessee Titians to release QB Vince Young and his seemingly selfish attitude that was always about Vince. My old theory was if you can't solve a problem it must be eliminated and that goes for any one on a wrestling roster and especially when business isn't red hot. The Titans were not red hot this past season. Good luck Mr. Young on your future endeavors but it's obvious that potential star QB's won't be out of work long term.
Perhaps Young could join the 'cast' of Storage Wars. When will the physicality be included in an episode of the new, A&E reality show? What a concept for a reality show.
Emailer...I have no plans at this time to begin a podcast. Honestly don't know how to pull it off technically. If I ever do a podcast, it will be of the more succinct variety that some are already doing and NOT of the 2+ hour variety that some do. More power to 'em but that just destroys my attention span and it's hard for me to invest that much time in a 2+ hour newscast/editorial presentation.
Who will be WWE MVP by year's end. If he stays healthy an argument could be made, at least in my point of view, that it might be CM Punk. Punk knows how to be physical and punishing in logical, easy to follow methods plus the guy can talk. Those traits work for me. Plus he won't miss work, moan about non, major injuries and seems to never burn out.
Emailer...best Royal Rumble match ever? Impossible for one person to answer that one conclusively.
The 1992 Rumble was really special because the winner actually won the WWE Title and that went to Ric Flair with Monsoon and Heenan at their best.
I can remember Rumble moments where specific talent got on a roll and had a flurry of action and eliminated multiple people in rapid fire, conclusive fashion. Kevin Nash did it. Kane did it. The Undertaker has done it multiple times to name a few. Several men have had head turning moments in the Rumble Match that provided them much needed momentum heading into Wrestlemania.
There's only one, 3 time winner...Stone Cold. Only two men have won Rumbles in back to back years, HBK and Austin....a pair of Texans.
The last time the Rumble was in Boston, this years site, Brock Lesnar won it all which was 2003. My how times have changed regarding Lesnar. BTW his book, co-written with Paul Heyman will be out in a few week. I'd love to get an advance copy so I can review it for you. I'm very anxious to read Brock's story of which I had a significant role. I hope I'm not hammered by him too badly but Brock assaulting one with the written word is infinitely healthier than a physical assault from one of the baddest men on Earth.
Co-winners were declared in 1994 when Bret Hart and Lex Luger shared the distinction of 'winning' the Rumble match. Are we due, possibly, for another controversial conclusion for the 2011 Royal Rumble match?
I've always thought that WWE could get mileage out of assigning Rumble Match numbers via competition like who gets the coveted #30 spot or even the #27 spot which, I think, is the # that most people have won the Rumble match after drawing it. Competing to not be anointed as the #1 entrant creates a great sense of urgency.
As a broadcaster, the Rumble match is the most challenging to call and the one thing that could theoretically make it a train wreck is to have a three man crew all jacked up on Diet Mountain Dew talking so much as if they forgot it was TV and not radio.
Emailer...Have I called my last event in any thing? I hope not and that's not my plan but my broadcasting work may not include regular WWE work but something outside the genre. As many know my absolute 'dream job' at this time would be the radio voice of the Oklahoma Sooner football team but as I have been honest and upfront when addressing this matter I feel that I will be a long shot at best. I'm not retreating but when on is branded so vividly as the 'wrestling guy' it might work against me. Or perhaps not. Time will certainly tell. Nonetheless that gig would be a dream come true. I know that my Dad and my grandpa who used to gather me around the radio when I was a kid would be listening in heaven without question. It's as if I have been preparing my entire broadcasting life for this one job.
Emailer...Can Daniel Bryan win the WWE Title? Of course he CAN win it but the question should be will he win it? I don't think that many experts thought Eddie Guerrero would take the top prize in WWE because of a perceived lack of physical size and other issues but Eddie succeeded. IMO physical size isn't the key trait to be WWE Champion. It's all about the individual having a superior skill set, the person's character, appeal to the masses and reliability....or so I feel.
Sunday, 3 October 2010
Steve Austin Interview Sept 2010
'Why Can't I watch TNA?'
Exclusive Interview: ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin
By Phil Allely
Stone Cold Steve Austin needs very little introduction to wrestling fans, he was one of the WWE’s biggest and most popular stars during the 1990s, the bald headed maverick single-handedly he helped their attitude era of wrestling beat their close rival WCW into submission. A severe neck injury that forced him to retire from the ring was the only thing that stopped him still being there today.
Here the WWE ‘Hall of Famer’ talks to Phil Allely about wrestling and his new movie release Hunt to Kill.
Steve does still watch wrestling and has his own opinions on the direction the product is taking today.
‘I watch WWE, I watch TNA, I don’t like it when people say, hey you’re a WWE guy why do you watch TNA. I love pro wrestling, I watch all wrestling when I can, be it TNA or WWE, it’s a passion, I have always had that passion for the sport. That’s what inspired me to enter the ring in the first place, I watched wrestling avidly and back then it was guys battering each other in smoke filled arenas and blood flowed freely’.
In his prime Stone Cold rose from the opening act on WWE cards to the main event star in very quick succession, his character striking a chord with millions and making him a real life icon to them all.
‘I was Stone Cold Steve Austin and my era and my style was what worked (very successfully) back then (when I was active). In WWE today I guess PG works business wise for them right now. That’s why I watch wrestling whenever I can today, it‘s entertaining and takes me back, I do have fond memories of my time there in the ring. When it took off with me (as Stone Cold) it was so hot and so fast, I realise now it was not designed to last forever, when I got dropped on my head that all changed. I lasted a while longer only after that match with Owen Hart. But I had a lot of fun as that guy, I ran through and had so many exciting moments as Stone Cold. My career was what it was, I had some 15 years of cuts, stitches, injuries and much more, I cant say nothing bad about it. I met some great guys and had some amazing matches’.
When he left WCW Austin joined the more violence orientated ECW for a short while and still has a lot of respect for the Philadelphia company that spawned so many of today’s top stars and wrestling icons, many of which have now cropped up in TNA recently.
‘ECW was a blast back in the day and you know who’s gonna fault them being back in the limelight again, we all have opinions on who should be on TV or not, but at the end of the day its good to see the guys getting a payday and the respect they deserve. Those guys in TNA today (as EV2.0) many of them are old road buddies of mine and I have the utmost respect for them’.
‘To be honest its great to see some guys still performing out there after the injuries they’ve had. I’m lucky, you know my neck is 100% these days, I can do my own stunts and fight scenes where I can. I don’t claim to be a tough guy, but give it a go. My neck was fixed in 2000, I had to leave the ring because of the damage, but in my normal life and movies it’s fine, wrestling wise I’d be a total mess right now’.
‘You know I’m hearing Hulk is talking about getting back in the ring, even though his backs messed up. You know he was a big guy, all that wear and tear takes a toll on the back and the bigger the guy the harder it is. He was working with big guys too, like Andre, John Studd and such. He’s a big boy and more power to him if he thinks he’s fit to step in the ring. He’s the immortal and only Hulkster, so ultimately he knows his body best. I respect whatever decision he makes’.
‘I never thought I’d say it, but when I’m asked about one more match these days I do tend to say Never say never, so don’t rule it out’.
‘I sometime wish Hogan and I had have had a run a few years earlier, imagine how good that could have been, given the chance I’d have loved to have faced legends like Harley Race, Nick Bockwinkle and Andre the Giant, those guys in their prime and me in mines would have been great’.
Though he’s no longer an active wrestler and now a respected action movie star with his own vehicles, such as The Stranger and new film Hunt to Kill under his belt Steve has also starred in one of the most highly anticipated and successful action films of the last year The Expendables, where he rubbed Shoulders with many of the genres greatest stars.
‘On The Expendables I was number 12 on the call sheet, that was a great experience though, I learnt so much from all of those guys, in particular Sylvester Stallone, he was the number one box office star in action films and has taught me so much’.
Action may be the natural acting genre of choice for an ex-wrestler with a hard as nails character, but Austin has other thespian aspirations too beyond his chosen comfort zone.
‘Comedy I‘d love to do that, but right now after doing this, action’s my genre and learning from Stallone and the guys on The Expendables, I just want to do more. Next February I’m off to Vancouver for a SWAT team film and now I’m just itching to go and do more back-to-back ones.
My brand and my style are there to build on. I want to take the training wheels off (the Steve Austin action movie juggernaut) and get going.
I’d really love to do some comedy, a horror or a sci-fi film, but action is my thing right now’.
Steve Austin’s new film Hunt to Kill is released on DVD and Blu-Ray on October 11 by Anchor Bay Entertainment and features him as a Montana Border Patrol Officer who not only has to deal with a rebellious teenage daughter, but a gang of dangerous criminals who are in search of a missing horde of cash. The action packed film is Stone Cold’s biggest solo project to date and promises to ‘Hunt to Thrill‘.
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