10 Wrestling Facts We Didn't Know Last Week (Jan 26)

By Jamie Kennedy /

5. Vince McMahon Told Steve Austin He Had The Best Gut Instincts He'd Ever Seen

As 'Stone Cold', Steve Austin became one of the biggest names in pro wrestling history. For those who witnessed his early days in the WWF, it must have been an incredible journey. Upon signing on the dotted line to work for Vince McMahon's organisation, Austin was handed the guff gimmick of 'The Ringmaster'. After he had shed that generic nonsense, he was able to show more of his personality. A combination of his wrestling ability, charisma and hard-headed approach behind the scenes helped Steve Austin become a household name. Along the way, he also developed a relationship with McMahon, and the owner began to see the qualities Austin possessed. This week, Austin told Ring Rust Radio of a conversation between Vince and himself many years ago. Whilst discussing his regrets over not "calling an audible" and hitting McMahon with a Stunner at WrestleMania X-Seven, the wrestler said Vince told him he had the best gut instincts he had ever seen in the industry. Coming from the patriarch of WWE, that's quite the compliment. For Austin however, he ignored his instinct that night at 'Mania in 2001.