10. Steve Austin (WWE Payroll 1995 - Present Day) (Albeit A 6 Month Departure In 2002)
Steve Austin and Vince McMahon's relationship is one of the closest there has ever been between a main event star and the boss. They are different and the same all at once, with an instinct for business being a key similarity. The pair gelled in the late 90's and would spend considerable time together backstage talking about what was best for the company and how creative should develop. It resulted in some of the best pro wrestling creative ever, with Austin and McMahon's on-air feud proving the catalyst for a company boom. They'd kick each others a** in the ring and get backstage to hit high fives. The trust, loyalty and respect they shared was huge. Both men have looked to continue this relationship as the years have went on. The Rattlesnake has never appeared in a wrestling context for anyone other than McMahon since finding fame, staying loyal to the man who made him a star. As thanks for Austin's service, McMahon in turn keeps him on the payroll, and when they can (such as WrestleMania 30) the two men still do business together. Austin is WWE to the core and would never dream of endorsing any other wrestling league. The chink in Austin's armour of loyalty was his very public spat with the WWF in 2002. Disillusioned with his creative, Austin lashed out against the company and sensationally quit on the day of Raw by no showing. Despite this incident, Austin has been on the company books in one way or another for close to 20 years now, he is a bonafide WWE guy.
