10 Behind The Scenes Reasons For Wrestling Characters' Quirks
1. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's "What?" Chant Came About During A Christian Call
It turns out that you have Christian Cage to blame for without doubt the most annoying chant ever to infect the wrestling business.
Whilst speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin would tell the host a story about how his infamous "What?" chant actually came into being after the fellow in-ring veteran didn't pick up the phone to The Texas Rattlesnake one day.
But instead of simply trying again later, The Bionic Redneck opted to leave Captain Charisma a message. And it was during that two-minute prank voicemail that something magical/dreadful was forged.
Fully leaning into his life as an on-screen heel at the time, Austin did everything he could to annoy the crap out of Cage by replying to himself with incessant "What?" answers throughout the message. And it didn't take long for the biggest star in the business to realise he may be onto something with this frustrating one-word response.
So, regardless of whether he was rubbing a babyface up the wrong way or inviting the crowd to derail a villainous heel, the "What?" chant would never be too far away from Austin for the remainder of his run.
Or any of the other unfortunate stars to step in front of a lazy crowd who spot a few tantalising pauses mid-promo.