50 Facts About Stone Cold Steve Austin

Early Life and Background

Stone Cold Steve Austin, born Steven James Anderson, has a fascinating history that shaped his wrestling career. Let's dive into some lesser-known facts about his early years.

1. Born on December 18, 1964, in Austin, Texas, he was later adopted by his stepfather and took the name Steven James Williams.
2. He grew up in Edna, Texas, a small town with a population of just over 5,000 people.
3. Austin was a standout football player in high school, earning a scholarship to play at Wharton County Junior College.
4. He later transferred to the University of North Texas, where he played defensive end.

Wrestling Beginnings

Before becoming a household name, Austin had humble beginnings in the wrestling world. Here are some intriguing facts about his early wrestling career.

5. He trained at Chris Adams' wrestling school in Dallas, Texas, starting his journey in 1989.
6. His first wrestling name was "Steve Williams," but he changed it to avoid confusion with another wrestler, "Dr. Death" Steve Williams.
7. Austin made his professional debut in World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) in 1990.
8. He joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1991, where he adopted the ring name "Stunning Steve Austin."

Rise to Fame

Austin's rise to fame wasn't immediate. It took years of hard work and a bit of luck. Here are some key moments that propelled him to stardom.

9. He won his first major title, the WCW Television Championship, in 1991.
10. Austin formed a tag team with Brian Pillman, known as "The Hollywood Blonds," in 1993.
11. The Hollywood Blonds won the WCW Tag Team Championship in March 1993.
12. After a brief stint in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), Austin joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1995.

The Birth of Stone Cold

The character "Stone Cold" Steve Austin is one of the most iconic in wrestling history. Here's how it all began.

13. The "Stone Cold" persona was born after Austin watched a documentary about a cold-blooded hitman.
14. His wife at the time suggested the name "Stone Cold" after he drank a cup of tea that had gone cold.
15. Austin's famous catchphrase, "Austin 3:16," was born after he defeated Jake "The Snake" Roberts at the 1996 King of the Ring.
16. The phrase "Austin 3:16" became one of the best-selling T-shirts in wrestling history.

Iconic Moments

Stone Cold Steve Austin has had countless memorable moments in his career. Here are some of the most iconic.

17. His feud with Vince McMahon is considered one of the greatest in wrestling history.
18. Austin drove a beer truck to the ring and sprayed The Rock, Vince McMahon, and Shane McMahon with beer in 1999.
19. He won the Royal Rumble three times (1997, 1998, and 2001), a record that still stands.
20. Austin's match against Bret Hart at WrestleMania 13 is widely regarded as one of the best matches of all time.

Championships and Achievements

Austin's career is decorated with numerous titles and accolades. Here are some of his most significant achievements.

21. He is a six-time WWF Champion.
22. Austin won the Intercontinental Championship twice.
23. He held the WWF Tag Team Championship four times with different partners.
24. Austin was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.

Life Outside the Ring

Stone Cold Steve Austin's life outside the ring is just as interesting. Here are some facts about his personal life and ventures.

25. Austin has been married four times and has three daughters.
26. He has appeared in several movies, including "The Longest Yard" and "The Expendables."
27. Austin hosts a popular podcast called "The Steve Austin Show."
28. He has a reality TV show, "Steve Austin's Broken Skull Challenge," which aired on CMT.

Legacy and Influence

Stone Cold Steve Austin's impact on wrestling and pop culture is undeniable. Here are some ways he has left his mark.

29. Austin is credited with helping usher in the "Attitude Era" of wrestling.
30. His rivalry with Vince McMahon helped WWF win the Monday Night Wars against WCW.
31. Austin's merchandise sales are among the highest in WWE history.
32. He is often cited as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.

Fun and Lesser-Known Facts

Even the biggest fans might not know these fun and quirky facts about Stone Cold Steve Austin.

33. Austin's favorite beer is Budweiser, which he often drank in the ring.
34. He has a fear of heights, which he had to overcome for some of his wrestling stunts.
35. Austin is an avid hunter and fisherman.
36. He has a tattoo of Texas on his left calf.

Memorable Quotes

Stone Cold Steve Austin is known for his memorable quotes. Here are some of his most famous lines.

37. "And that's the bottom line, 'cause Stone Cold said so!"
38. "Austin 3:16 says I just whooped your ass!"
39. "DTA: Don't Trust Anybody."
40. "I'm gonna open up a can of whoop-ass!"

Post-Retirement Activities

Even after retiring from wrestling, Austin has stayed busy. Here are some of his post-retirement activities.

41. He has hosted several TV shows, including "Redneck Island" and "Straight Up Steve Austin."
42. Austin has a line of beer called "Broken Skull IPA."
43. He has made guest appearances on various TV shows, including "Nash Bridges" and "Celebrity Deathmatch."
44. Austin has written an autobiography titled "The Stone Cold Truth."

Philanthropy and Charity Work

Stone Cold Steve Austin has also been involved in various charitable activities. Here are some of his contributions.

45. He has supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses.
46. Austin has participated in charity events for the Special Olympics.
47. He has donated to various veterans' organizations.
48. Austin has been involved in fundraising efforts for cancer research.

Interesting Tidbits

Here are a few more interesting tidbits about Stone Cold Steve Austin that you might find surprising.

49. Austin has a collection of classic cars, including a 1971 Pontiac Firebird.
50. He is a fan of country music and has attended numerous concerts.

The Legacy of Stone Cold Steve Austin

Stone Cold Steve Austin's impact on wrestling is undeniable. From his rebellious persona to his unforgettable catchphrases, Austin changed the game. His feuds with Vince McMahon and The Rock are legendary, setting new standards for storytelling in wrestling. Austin's influence extends beyond the ring, inspiring a generation of wrestlers and fans alike. His career, marked by numerous championships and iconic moments, solidified his place in wrestling history. Even after retiring, Austin remains a beloved figure, hosting podcasts and making occasional WWE appearances. His legacy is a testament to his talent, charisma, and the indomitable spirit of the Attitude Era. Stone Cold Steve Austin isn't just a wrestler; he's a cultural icon. His contributions to wrestling will be remembered for generations, proving that sometimes, breaking the rules is the best way to make history.