WWE has never shied away from controversial figures, and in the 1990s, few stirred the pot quite like Steve Austin, Vince McMahon, and Kevin Dunn. Together, they were key architects of the Attitude Era, a golden age for the company, though their behind-the-scenes dynamic wasn’t always harmonious. Now, Austin is pulling back the curtain on a memorable backstage clash with his former boss.
The on-screen rivalry between “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Mr. McMahon is etched in wrestling lore as one of the greatest feuds ever. Kicking off in 1998, their conflict transcended the ring, propelling the Attitude Era into mainstream success.
Meanwhile, Kevin Dunn, the former WWE Executive Vice President of television production, often faced flak for his role but was pivotal in shaping the era’s gritty aesthetic, particularly on RAW. The flagship show became a launching pad for Austin’s wild antics—beer baths, chugging contests, and chaotic show-closing moments that frequently spilled into exclusive post-show spectacles.
One such late-night escapade came with a hefty price tag for McMahon. In a recent chat with The Takedown at SI, Austin recounted a post-RAW segment that dragged on so long it cost WWE $15,000 in overtime fees for arena staff. Reflecting on the incident, he couldn’t help but highlight the sheer fun of that era.
“We were somewhere—might’ve been after a pay-per-view or Monday Night RAW—and I stayed out there forever,” Austin said. “Finally, Kevin Dunn grabs the live mic and goes, ‘Steve, we gotta go home!’ He said it once or twice, I think. Then, the next week, Vince corners me backstage and says, ‘You know you cost me…’—I think it was $15,000 or so—‘in overtime for the building crew.’ He was like, ‘God d*mn it, you cost me $15,000 going overtime!’”
Austin didn’t miss a beat in his response: “I wasn’t sure what he meant, so I just said, ‘Well, I’ll split it with you.’ [laughs] I was like, ‘OK, do you want me to own part of this [WWE] financially? I will!’ He goes, ‘No, I don’t want your money. I’m just saying you can’t stay out there all night.’ I told him, ‘OK, I get it.’ Man, it was such a blast. With that deep, stacked roster, I know the guys were having as much fun as I was.”
Today, March 16, the wrestling world celebrates 3:16 Day, an annual tribute to Steve Austin’s legendary career. WWE is joining the party, flooding its social media with Stone Cold nostalgia. On Instagram, they posted a clip of Austin dropping a Stunner on Pat McAfee, urging fans to “crack open a cold one for #316Day!.”
The phrase “Austin 3:16” remains one of wrestling’s most iconic catchphrases, born from a fiery promo that ignited a merchandising juggernaut. The Austin 3:16 t-shirt still reigns as WWE’s all-time best-seller, with sales holding strong even today. For fans and the company alike, it’s a fitting day to toast the legacy of The Texas Rattlesnake.
FAQs
What did Steve Austin do to cost WWE $15,000?
Steve Austin stayed in the ring entertaining the fans long after a show ended, which caused WWE to pay $15,000 in overtime fees to the arena staff who had to work extra hours.
How did Vince McMahon react to Steve Austin’s overtime incident?
Vince McMahon confronted Steve Austin backstage and told him that his extended time in the ring cost WWE $15,000. Although Vince was upset, he refused Austin’s offer to split the cost, asking him to avoid such long segments in the future.
What was Steve Austin’s response when Vince McMahon told him about the $15,000 cost?
Steve Austin jokingly told Vince McMahon that he would split the cost or even buy part of WWE if needed. This shows Austin’s fun-loving attitude, even in serious situations.
What is the significance of 3:16 Day in WWE?
3:16 Day, celebrated on March 16, honors Stone Cold Steve Austin and his famous catchphrase ‘Austin 3:16.’ WWE and fans celebrate by sharing classic Austin moments, and it’s a day dedicated to his legendary career.
Why is ‘Austin 3:16’ so famous in WWE?
The ‘Austin 3:16’ catchphrase became popular after Steve Austin’s iconic King of the Ring speech in 1996. It symbolizes his rebellious character and is one of WWE’s best-selling t-shirts, still popular among fans today.
