Stone Cold Steve Austin: The Rattlesnake's five biggest controversies
No other wrestler has single-handedly changed the face of pro-wrestling like Stone Cold has. While Hulk Hogan made wrestling a big part of American culture, Stone Cold made it into a global phenomenon and became the biggest draw in the history of pro-wrestling. However, The Texas Rattlesnake's career has had its fair share of controversies. Here we bring you his five biggest controversies.
Stone Cold's controversial firing from WCW
Stone Cold had started his wrestling career with World Championship Wrestling, and was firing it up there, but only to be untimely fired. When he tore his tricep, WCW had called him at his home, but only to overhear him telling his wife to say that he was not at home. This led to his firing, and Stone Cold later ended up with WWE.
Austin 3:16 speech also invited controversy at the time
Austin's speech after the 1996 King of The Ring is now considered WWE's most iconic promo, but back then it caused a stir. When Austin personally attacked Jake Roberts, it did not go down well. His use of biblical language in "Talk about your psalms, talk about John 3:16, Austin 3:16 says I just whipped your a**!" was also not taken positively by many.
Stone Cold's crucifixion by The Undertaker
When The Undertaker was in his Minister of Darkness gimmick, he used to punish his enemies by crucifying them, and one of his victim was Stone Cold Steve Austin. However, this promo caused quite a bit of controversy since Catholic groups did not take using biblical imagery lightly. WWE later apologized for the incident and said that it would change the format.
The Rattlesnake has been accused of domestic violence
Stone Cold Steve Austin might be the most popular WWE wrestler ever, but off the ring, he is not a great hero. The Texas Rattlesnake has, on two occasions, been accused of physical torture by his former girlfriend Tess Broussard and former wife Debra. People close to him have also revealed that he is quite a racist in his personal life.
Stone Cold's refusal to lose to Brock Lesnar
WWE had booked Stone Cold to be defeated by Brock Lesnar on Raw, but the Texas Rattlesnake straight-out refused to lose. However, it was not because he didn't want to lose, but because he felt the match should have been much better booked and hyped about. Stone Cold did not even appear on Raw the day the match was scheduled.
