Stone Cold's Genius MSG Escape Plan After WWE Shows

Austin 3:16 says I just avoided your autograph requests.

Vince McMahon Steve Austin WWE Champion 1999

At his height, Steve Austin was the biggest star in the biz. He couldn't go anywhere without being the centre of attention, and wrestling fans still lose their minds whenever 'Stone Cold' shows up today. That level of celebrity requires a certain level of cunning.

Confused? Here's an explanation.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Austin said that he once devised a devilishly clever escape route from WWE shows held at Madison Square Garden. Instead of heading outside to face the throngs of adoring fans who desperately wanted a picture, autograph or just to touch him, the brainy ex-World Champion would hop inside an ambulance and leave MSG's parking garage that way.

Advertisement

As sirens blared and crowds parted to let the vehicle through, a nondescript staff member would quietly drive his rental car around 10 minutes away from the venue. Then, Austin's ambulance would park up next to it at a pre-arranged location, he'd hop out, dash into his own car and drive off to his hotel.

That is absolutely genius. Austin used this method more than once, and says it was essential if he wanted to leave the arena quickly or without fuss.

Advertisement
Contributor

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.