In the annals of professional wrestling history, few names resonate as profoundly as that of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. With his rebellious attitude, captivating charisma, and unparalleled in-ring prowess, Austin cemented himself as one of the most iconic figures in the WWE Universe. However, even the Texas Rattlesnake himself wasn’t immune to the occasional misstep or ill-conceived storyline. In a recent episode of The Steve Austin Show, Austin peeled back the curtain on what he labeled as the “worst storyline” of his storied career – the infamous car hit angle at Survivor Series 1999.
The year 1999 was a tumultuous one for Austin both professionally and personally. Amidst the peak of his popularity, Austin found himself grappling with a debilitating neck injury that necessitated a fusion surgery, sidelining him from in-ring action for nearly a year. Reflecting on this challenging period, Austin didn’t hold back his frustrations regarding the ill-fated storyline that unfolded at Survivor Series.
“Yeah, about ’99 because I had to get my neck fused. I was gone for about a year. You caught the worst part of my career! Me being clipped by a god dang car! S**t, that was the worst storyline I was ever involved in,” Austin candidly remarked on his podcast. The vehicular assault angle, which saw Austin allegedly run down by a car driven by an unknown assailant, was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.
Austin’s dissatisfaction with the storyline stemmed not only from its perceived lack of creativity but also from the physical toll it took on his body. As he grappled with the realities of undergoing a neck fusion, Austin found himself thrust into a narrative that he felt did little to showcase his talents or advance the overarching narrative of his character. “But we had to come up with a way so that we could get my a** out of the way. That was ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, I had to get my neck fused up and that was a suck-a** angle,” Austin lamented.
Beyond the car hit debacle, Austin also delved into another harrowing aspect of his wrestling career – the toll it takes on the body. Recalling his feud with Brian Pillman, Austin recounted how their on-screen rivalry escalated into a series of brutal beatings exchanged between the two wrestlers. According to Austin, Pillman delivered the worst beating he’s ever endured in the ring, underscoring the physical sacrifices wrestlers often make in pursuit of their craft.
Despite the setbacks and disappointments he faced, Austin’s resilience and dedication to his craft never wavered. Throughout his illustrious career, he epitomized the fighting spirit that defines the world of professional wrestling, captivating audiences with his unmatched intensity and unwavering determination.
As fans reflect on Austin’s unparalleled legacy, they are reminded not only of his triumphs but also of the challenges he overcame along the way. From the highs of championship glory to the lows of career-threatening injuries and lackluster storylines, Stone Cold Steve Austin’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring allure of sports entertainment.
In the end, Austin’s willingness to confront the darker moments of his career only serves to deepen his connection with fans, reaffirming his status as a wrestling icon for the ages.