Stone Cold Steve Austin was a force so big that it propelled the WWF from a loss making position to a record profit making position all in the space of half a decade. The momentum of Austin was so big that it even killed WCW, as fans switched over to the WWF's "Attitude" based product. The impact of Austin had literally changed the landscape, and WWE have tried living off his glory ever since. Take a look at the obsession with Authority storylines or rebellious characters like CM Punk, it is all derivative from the act that Steve Austin conducted. He was the first guy to change the tradition of heroic babyfaces. He did heel things like batter people with chairs. He used swear words and drank beer. He was the exact opposite of the traditional "say your prayers and take your vitamins" good guy. And that's why he worked, that and the fact he had the perfect foil in Mr McMahon for a blue collar vs white collar storyline. Fans related and connected. Merchandise sold by the truckload and arenas were constantly filled to see Austin on top. The promos and in-ring work were also excellent, meaning that Stone Cold Steve Austin left an impression on the industry that has never been truly matched.
