10 Genius Hints WWE Dropped About Future Feuds
4. Mr. McMahon Is Looking Out For Stone Cold's Safety
Vince McMahon was a humble commentator when Steve Austin blasted him with that first Stunner on the 22 September 1997 edition of Raw. Yes, McMahon had been outed as the owner of the WWF and tussled briefly with Bret Hart earlier in the year, but he wasn't quite an evil owner until 'Stone Cold' rearranged his teeth.
Here's the thing: Vince was only looking out for Austin's safety when he entered the ring to stop an attack on Owen Hart at MSG. 'Stone Cold' had been seriously injured by Owen at SummerSlam, and McMahon expressed concerns for his well-being if he continued to run-in on matches.
One 'Kick. Wham. Stunner' routine changed everything.
McMahon was able to bleat that Austin's attack was uncalled for when he started playing heel authority figure following Survivor Series. That, whether by accident or design, transitioned away from the outgoing Bret Hart towards a rivalry with someone new.