Stone Cold Steve Austin Reveals Surprising Appreciation for WWE’s ‘Unreal’
Wrestling icon Stone Cold Steve Austin has admitted to a surprising fondness for WWE’s new docuseries, Unreal. The revelation, initially shared during an interview, has sparked discussion among fans and industry observers alike, given Austin’s well-known adherence to the principles of “kayfabe” – the presentation of staged events as real – during his own career.
From Kayfabe to Reality: Austin’s Initial Skepticism
Austin detailed his initial reservations in a conversation with Zack Heydorn at Sports Illustrated’s The Takedown. He explained that the very concept of Unreal – a show that pulls back the curtain on the inner workings of WWE – would have been unthinkable during his formative years in the business. “I thought I was going to hate it,” Austin confessed. “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.” He acknowledged the show’s willingness to reveal behind-the-scenes details, stating, “They give away a lot of information, but that’s what it’s for, right?”
A Change of Heart: The Power of Personality
Despite his initial skepticism, Austin found himself captivated by the personalities showcased in Unreal. “The talent is so likable,” he remarked. “Whether they’re heels or babyfaces, the talent shines so much. You end up liking it just because the talent is so likable.” He conceded that his “old school” sensibilities still balked at the level of transparency, but ultimately recognized the show’s appeal. “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.”
Would ‘Unreal’ Have Helped Stone Cold?
Austin pondered whether a show like Unreal would have benefited his own career trajectory. He suggested that the perception of Stone Cold Steve Austin was carefully cultivated and that a glimpse behind the curtain might have altered that dynamic. “When I was doing my thing, you really thought I was that guy,” Austin reflected. “I wasn’t back there just doing interviews, laughing, and joking because I got a sense of humor. Back then, you didn’t think I had a sense of humor. You believed that I was an a– whipping machine … Now, if you saw me back there just laughing and joking with everybody, you might have a different perspective of Stone Cold the character.” Do you think the mystique of wrestling characters is enhanced or diminished by shows like Unreal?
The Evolution of Kayfabe in Modern Wrestling
The shift from strict kayfabe to a more transparent approach in professional wrestling reflects a broader change in entertainment consumption. Audiences today are more media-savvy and often seek behind-the-scenes access. Shows like Unreal cater to this demand, offering a glimpse into the lives and personalities of the performers. This evolution isn’t without its critics, who argue that it diminishes the magic and illusion of the spectacle. However, it also allows for a deeper connection between performers and fans.
The concept of kayfabe, while largely abandoned in its strictest form, still plays a role in modern wrestling. Storylines are crafted to create compelling narratives, and performers maintain a degree of character separation. However, the lines between reality and fiction are increasingly blurred, with social media and docuseries like Unreal contributing to this trend. For further insight into the history of kayfabe, explore resources like WWE’s explanation of kayfabe.
The success of Unreal also highlights the importance of character work in professional wrestling. Austin’s comments underscore that even with increased transparency, compelling personalities remain the key to captivating audiences. This is a principle that has remained constant throughout the history of the sport. The ability to connect with fans on an emotional level, whether as a hero or a villain, is what ultimately defines a successful wrestler. Consider the impact of performers like The Rock and John Cena, who transcended the wrestling world to become global entertainment icons.
Austin is scheduled to appear at the WWE World interactive fan experience during WrestleMania weekend in April. Tickets are available here. What are your predictions for WrestleMania 42?
Frequently Asked Questions About Stone Cold Steve Austin and WWE Unreal
A: Austin was most surprised by how much he enjoyed the show despite his initial belief that he would dislike its transparency, ultimately attributing his change of heart to the captivating personalities of the performers.
A: Austin came up in an era where “kayfabe” was strictly enforced, meaning performers were expected to maintain the illusion that their characters and storylines were real, and revealing behind-the-scenes information was grounds for termination.
A: Austin isn’t sure, suggesting that the mystique surrounding his character might have been diminished if fans had seen a more relaxed and humorous side of him outside the ring.
A: Kayfabe refers to the presentation of staged events within professional wrestling as real, maintaining the illusion for the audience. It was a cornerstone of the industry for many years.
A: Tickets for WWE World, where Stone Cold Steve Austin will be appearing, are available for purchase here.
Share this article with fellow wrestling fans and let us know your thoughts on WWE Unreal in the comments below!
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