10 Things You Learn Binge Watching Every WWE Raw From 2004

3. Using ’Stone Cold’ Was A Mistake

Edge WWE 2004
WWE

By 2004, most hardcore fans had started to realise that Steve Austin wouldn't be wrestling again anytime soon. So, his appearances had a phoned-in feel to them; there's no better example of that than the 8 March episode. There, 'Stone Cold' struggled to reclaim his old kingdom.

Austin cut a so-so promo about being named guest referee for Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg at WrestleMania XX. It was a miss from the off. The legend fumbled through lines and generally didn't seem too excited about anything going on. Fans picked up on that, which led to weird vibes aplenty.

There was just something...missing.

Here's something stunning (ha): WWE didn't really need Austin in 2004. He couldn't wrestle, had done the authority figure thing to death, and they were busy building fresh faces like Randy Orton. They also had enough star power from the old guard thanks to Triple H, The Rock popping in for cameos and more.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.