10 Fascinating WWE Backstage Facts About 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin
6. 'Dr. Death' Steve Williams Is The Reason Austin Changed His Name
Let's keep the subject of names rolling!
The Texas Rattlesnake was not born into the name Austin. He started life as Steven James Anderson before taking his step-father's surname a few years later, becoming Steven James Williams. When wrestling became his calling, he took this name onto the road but soon had to make a change.
He wrestled as Steve Williams for a few matches in the United States Wrestling Association but ran into trouble as the bookers were concerned about him clashing with the more well-known (at the time) 'Dr. Death' Steve Williams.
Dutch Mantell (who discussed the story with Highspots Wrestling) helped the future Steve Austin find his iconic stage name after telling him he'd need a new one. He ordered him to come up with something himself, but after he couldn't think of anything, Mantell gave him the first name that came to his head.
"You're Steve f***ing Austin," he said, a name he allegedly thought of thanks to the wrestler Buddy Austin. Not only was the moniker catchy, but it also connected to his birthplace in Austin, Texas. Perfect!
Naturally, this fit like a glove, and the name impacted his life so much that he changed it to Austin legally in 2007.