10 Observations From Jim Ross & Jim Cornette's Attitude Era Q&A
9. JR Doesn't Think The Infamous Austin 3:16 Promo Would Have Made Air If It Was Pre-Taped
For many, the true start of the Attitude Era came with the rise of 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin as a force to be reckoned with in the then-WWF. It's crazy to imagine that Austin's 1996 King Of The Ring win was originally intended for Triple H, even more so when picturing just how different things might have been.
At that pay-per-view, Austin infamously coined the 'Austin 3:16' catchphrase. Jim Ross was quick to point out his own personal view on the situation, painting the image of a different landscape had Austin not been handed such freedom. In JR's view, there's a distinct chance the post-victory speech may never have been seen had the show not been airing live at the time.
Had it taken place on regular television or in a pre-taped format, Ross believes that Austin's spitfire speech would have been censored. In mid-1996, the WWF was not yet ready to embrace Attitude, so Stone Cold's visceral approach was jaw-dropping.
Austin's promo changed the direction of his career and the company he worked for. It's mind-blowing to think it could have been censored.