Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated released an interview with WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin where he talked about a wide range of topics to promote the debut of “Straight Up Steve Austin” on the USA Network that aired on Monday night after Raw went off the air.
Austin discussed his return to WWE television the Raw Reunion special last month where he gave a toast to the wrestlers and fans for their continued support of WWE’s flagship show.
This is where Austin made it known that he understands that he can no longer wrestle and that he doesn’t live in the past but does continue to watch the product that WWE presents to their fanbase.
“It’s a tremendous opportunity and an honor to follow Raw,” said Austin. “That’s the audience that built me and supported me for all those years. I’m following the world from which I came from. But I can’t wrestle anymore, I don’t live in the past. I’m happy I was ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, but I also want to show people who and what Steve Austin is all about.”
Austin continued by noting that when he does appear on WWE television, he knows that he’ll have his time to shine but doesn’t want to take away from the current group of talent.
“To me, when I go back to WWE, it’s all about the current generation,” said Austin. “I got my s— in during the [reunion] show in Tampa, but I want those people to have as much camera time as possible. When I do go out there, I’m pretty easy to deal with these days. Back in the day, when I was making my climb and finally getting some traction, I was an animal. I was very proactive in protecting the ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin character. I’m a little more relaxed now, and I’ll make the most of whatever they give me.”
