Austin not a fan of Summerslam tag match

[5th Horsewoman]

On the latest episode of The Steve Austin Show, Austin looked back at last week's Summerslam pay-per-view. When the conversation turned to Stephen Amell and Neville vs. King Barrett and Stardust, Austin was very critical of Amell's participation in the match and celebrities performing in the ring in general.

"I just don't like the celebrities coming in there, the squared circle, and being able to compete at any level with the guys in the [professional wrestling] business," Austin declared. "You've got to protect some integrity of the [professional wrestling] business. I don't care what day and age, what year it is."

Austin made the point that if the roles were reversed and Stardust was to appear in a film with Amell, Stardust would only make a cameo appearance and he probably would have only one or two lines. According to Austin, celebrities competing with professional wrestlers in the ring undermines the credibility of professional wrestling.

"It was what it was, but I just got a hard time seeing that kid come off with that crossbody [block] on the top rope on two WWE guys down there [on the floor]."

Also, Austin took exception to Michael Cole's comment at the end of the match that the outcome was embarrassing to King Barrett and Stardust.

"So was it embarrassing? You're damn right it was, but for the wrong reasons and the reasons [were] bad booking," Austin said. "It was for a shoot embarrassing to those guys to have to go out there and do that with the actor guy involved, but that's on a shoot level, so it was an embarrassment to the booking and I felt bad for those guys because they were in that role."

It shouldn't be a shock he feels that way.

I personally had no issue with it though.

[Deleted]

Couldn't agree more.

[Deleted]

I also was not a fan.

[RV F'N D]

I agree with Austin most of the time, and he isn't wrong here. Amell did do a good job though and was better than most celebrity involvement, like Stewart later that evening.

[gawd6sic6™]

I agree with what he said. I also agree with the sentiment of protecting the business. It's great exposure and can even be pulled off well. I think this case was both. But it's just like listening to Piper talk about his stuff with Mr. T, that he had to go out and make someone look awesome that really didn't give a damn about the business.

[Prophet of Ash]

he must not have taken his Alpha Brain when he went down to the Broken Skull Ranch on 3:16 Gimmick Street with Hersey the Wonder Dog, because LA traffic is driving him nuts.

[Deleted]

For me personally, I never liked the idea that any guy can jump out of the crowd and jump in the ring, doing with ease what the professional wrestlers do.... It's kind of like if someone in a crowd of scared citizens leaped up and knocked out Brainiac or Doomsday etc. with one good shot as Superman was about to go toe to toe with them....I mean, why would you need a Superman at all anymore?? I know in this day and age kayfabe is pretty much dead and it's all about cross-marketing and such.....all that said, I guess the Summerslam match was harmless and I can deal with it if it's a must for people.... If you want to do one little match in the middle of the show that's fine, have fun with it.... However, to me, you cross a line with the outcome of the World championship match. Have a celeb in the corner if you must but DO NOT ever have a celebrity involved in the finish of a World title match. Some things still have to remain a little sacred.

[Deleted]

I mean,

No offense to Stardust & Barrett but it got them a match on the card, got mainstream media coverage, a video package and air time to build the feud.

Neville, Stardust and especially Barrett weren't doing jack sh*t otherwise. Barrett's entire career has been a rib anyways.

At least Amelll looked halfway athletic. It's not like they jobbed to Jay Leno.

[punksnotdead]

So it's ok for Austin to jump over into movies with real actors who dedicate their life to a craft, but for it to go the other way around is totally embarrassing? Yeah, ok then. From a guy with a filmography filled with unwatchable acting performances, I'll remember that next time he has a movie debut straight to Redbox.

[Deleted]

Amell didn't get the pin either so Stardust & Barrett where at least somewhat protected with the finish.

[marino13]

I thought WWE did a pretty good job of using Amell without ruining the business. A Tag match was certainly the right way to go about it. Had Amell went in and defeated Stardust or Barrett clean by himself, then I'd agree. But Neville got the pin-fall and Amell played his part perfectly IMO.


Celebrities have been a part of wrestling since the early 80's. So there is no reason to expect it to stop anytime soon.

[TheBadGuyChico]

Sept 6, 2015 11:31:09 GMT -5 punksnotdead said:

So it's ok for Austin to jump over into movies with real actors who dedicate their life to a craft, but for it to go the other way around is totally embarrassing? Yeah, ok then. From a guy with a filmography filled with unwatchable acting performances, I'll remember that next time he has a movie debut straight to Redbox.

Not even close to the same thing. Kayfabe is rolling over in it's grave.

[hbkbigdaddycool]

Steve Austin is just sounding more and more like a bitter old man all the time.

He is becoming the Ole Anderson of this era now for bitching and complaining about stuff in wrestling.

[Deleted]

Personally, I thought it was the best celebrity match that has taken place in WWE. Amell wasn't afraid to take a few bumps, looked athletic & didn't get the pin. Plus it got WWE mainstream media attention. Him actually being a wrestling fan helped too.

[Jonathan Karate]

Sept 6, 2015 12:03:48 GMT -5 @mjwrestlinghistory said:

Personally, I thought it was the best celebrity match that has taken place in WWE. Amell wasn't afraid to take a few bumps, looked athletic & didn't get the pin. Plus it got WWE mainstream media attention. Him actually being a wrestling fan helped too.

He looked legit nervous most of the match and didn't do anything unrealistic at all. It was VERY well executed in my opinion. Amell played his part so damn good.

I hate when celebs come in and act like they know what they're doing almost like it's just another acting gig......Amell didn't do that and it helped me enjoy the match and gain a ton of respect for him.

If they stick with guys like Amell/Stewart who are fans and respect the business then im all for it. But people like Snooki need to stay FAR away.....

[Dante, The Voc]

Austin comes off sounding like an Attitude Era mark with every passing day

[BCizzle]

Sounds like the kinda match that makes you wanna go home and beat your wife, right, Stone Cold? What? What?

[TurboEddie]

Personally, I didn't have a problem with the match, but I understand where he's coming from. Competing in a WWE ring shouldn't seem like something that just anybody can do.

[Next Man’s Yeeter]

"You've got to protect some integrity of the [professional wrestling] business. I don't care what day and age, what year it is."

From a guy who had to retire on medical grounds in 2003 and couldn't take a bump anymore, but still spent another year or so going in there and kicking the ass of the active wrestlers. Way to protect the integrity of the business and protect the guys, Steve.

[5th Horsewoman]

Sept 6, 2015 11:53:25 GMT -5 hbkbigdaddycool said:

Steve Austin is just sounding more and more like a bitter old man all the time.

He is becoming the Ole Anderson of this era now for bitching and complaining about stuff in wrestling.

Or the Foley Ha!