“I Thought I Was Going to Hate It”: Steve Austin Talks WWE Unreal and Why It Won Him Over

Stone Cold Steve Austin went into WWE Unreal expecting to dislike it. He came out a fan — and he’s willing to admit it.

Speaking with Zack Heydorn at The Takedown on Sports Illustrated, Austin explained that his old-school instincts initially put him at odds with the concept of a show pulling back the curtain on professional wrestling. Growing up in the era of strict kayfabe, the idea of giving away inside information felt like a betrayal of everything he’d been taught.

Austin Credits the Talent for Changing His Mind on WWE Unreal

“I thought I was going to hate it,” he said. “When you come from the era that I came from, especially if you were in a Bill Watts territory, it was kayfabe. You didn’t smarten up anybody. If you smartened up anybody, you’re going to get fired.” Despite those reservations, the personalities on display pulled him in. “The talent is so likable. Whether they’re heels or babyfaces, the talent shines so much. You end up liking it just because the talent is so likable.”

Austin did pause to wonder whether Unreal would have served or hurt his own career during his peak years. “When I was doing my thing, you really thought I was that guy,” he said. “Now, if you saw me back there just laughing and joking with everybody, you might have a different perspective of Stone Cold the character.”

Austin is scheduled to participate in the WWE World interactive fan experience during WrestleMania weekend in April.