Stone Cold Steve Austin Says Roman Reigns Isn't Ready

Austin talks Reigns and his own WrestleMania status.

By Grahame Herbert /

Stone Cold Steve Austin has said Roman Reigns isn't ready to be a top star. Speaking to Ring Rust Radio, the Texas Rattlesnake opined that Reigns isn't ready to be a franchise at the same level as himself or The Rock. "Roman Reigns isn't quite there yet," he said. However, he does think The Big Dog could get there one day, and said "he does have a great opportunity if he ends up taking on Triple H or whoever they put in the ring with him. They got work to do." Saying "they got work to do" is an understatement, and it sounds like Austin is trying to be polite about how WWE's creative has screwed Reigns up so much. As for his own WrestleMania 32 role, Austin confirmed he will be there, but isn't sure what his role will be. One rumour had been WWE will make him the special referee for the Hunter vs Reigns match, which given the comments about Reigns not being ready, could now turn out to be a little awkward. With The Rock expected in Reigns' corner, one scenario is that Austin will count Reigns' pinfall over Triple H. Rock and Austin would then hoist Reigns up on their shoulders, as if to signify a passing of the torch and to say this is the new franchise.