Ranking What Was Really The Best Wrestling Debut Every Year 1990-2021

27. 1995 - Steve Austin

Steve Austin ECW
WWE

Mantaur?

Or Phantasio?

The lessons of WWE dismantling or ignoring the wrestling world around them are stark, so strap in for a ride during this post-NXT era. It won't be thrilling, but you will be gnashing your teeth. Happily, Steve Austin developed such a buzz with his riot of an ECW run that he could be ignored no longer.

Channelling his bitterness in a debut tirade at Gangstas Paradise - funny how the biggest draw in WWE history can do this, but every incoming AEW talent can't - he was located backstage as 'the Stevester', lampooning Hulk Hogan in a scene sensational for its comedic accuracy and c*ck-on-the-table brass neck.

He revealed that it was "lame-ass sh*t" when he removed the bandana, offering a curious wrestling world the very first glimpse of Stone Cold's scathing badass.

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!