“I Thought I Was Going to Hate It”: Steve Austin Comes Around on WWE Unreal

Steve Austin is about as old school as it gets. Coming up in an era when protecting the business wasn’t optional — it was a condition of employment — the idea of a show pulling back the curtain on WWE might have seemed like everything he stood against. But WWE Unreal won him over anyway.

Speaking with Zack Heydorn of The Takedown on Sports Illustrated, Austin admitted he expected to dislike the series before watching it. “I thought I was going to hate it. 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. If you get in a fight with some guy at a bar and he kicks your a–, you’re going to get fired, because you got to protect the business.”

Austin Credits the Talent for Changing His Mind on the Show

Despite those instincts, Austin found himself drawn in by what was on screen. “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. The old school part of me says, ‘hey, man, you can’t give away too much,’ and I think it’s a good show because of the freaking talent on there.”

The first two seasons of WWE Unreal are currently streaming on Netflix, with a third season set to premiere in 2026. Austin last appeared on WWE television at WrestleMania 41, where he announced the attendance figure for the event. His next WWE appearance has not been announced.