As previously mentioned, one of Steve Austins greatest achievements while in WCW was capturing the coveted United States Championship. During his time as champ, Austin frequently feuded with the legendary Ricky Steamboat over the title. At Fall Brawl 1994, Stunning Steve was set to challenge Steamboat for the belt, but The Dragon was unable to defend the US title due to a career-ending back injury. As such, Austin was awarded the belt due to forfeit. However, just minutes later it all came crashing down for Stunning Steve. The new champion was forced to defend his title right then and there against Steamboats replacement, Hacksaw Jim Duggan. The ensuing match would amount to nothing more than a squash. Duggan was able to defeat Steve Austin in just 35 seconds to win the gold. Despite challenging for the title on two occasions following the embarrassing defeat, Austin was unsuccessful in regaining his United States Championship. Stunning Steve was unable to capture that or any other title again in WCW. By 1995, the Southern promotion was seeing an influx of former Federation stars. These new acquisitions became the spotlight of WCWs programming, as the company looked to capitalize on their name recognition. Homegrown stars like Austin were quickly pushed to the back in favor of guys like Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, and even Jim Duggan.