On a recent edition of the “Talk Is Jericho” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley recalled the ECW invasion angle in 1997 and how ECW helped pave the way for “Stone Cold” Steve Austin in WWE.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On Vince McMahon’s reaction to the ECW Invasion: “I remember going to the Manhattan Center when we did the invasion. I remember looking at the expression on Vince McMahon’s face sitting down on commentary like, ‘What the f**k is going on?’”
On how ECW helped create Steve Austin: “If it wasn’t for ECW, there would probably be no Stone Cold Steve Austin. He came to ECW, Steve Austin did after leaving WCW, and then went to WWE and had a whole new persona. And it was because of ECW that gave Steve the notion to be able to come back and be himself again.”
In the world of professional wrestling, few names are as iconic as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Known for his rebellious attitude, charismatic personality, and signature catchphrases, Austin became one of the biggest stars in the history of WWE. But what many people may not know is that Austin’s rise to fame can be attributed, in part, to his time in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW).
In a recent episode of the “Talk Is Jericho” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley reminisced about the ECW invasion angle in 1997 and how it helped pave the way for Austin’s success in WWE. Dudley, who was a part of the ECW roster during that time, shared some fascinating insights into the impact ECW had on Austin’s career.
One of the most memorable moments of the ECW invasion was when the promotion’s wrestlers stormed WWE’s Monday Night Raw at the Manhattan Center. Dudley vividly remembers the expression on Vince McMahon’s face as he sat down on commentary, trying to make sense of what was happening. McMahon’s reaction spoke volumes about the shock and uncertainty surrounding the invasion.
But it was during this invasion angle that Austin’s true potential began to shine. Prior to his time in ECW, Austin had already made a name for himself in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). However, he felt constrained by the creative direction of the company and decided to leave. It was in ECW that Austin found the freedom to explore his character and develop a new persona.
According to Dudley, if it wasn’t for ECW, there might not have been a Stone Cold Steve Austin. The promotion allowed Austin to be himself, giving him the confidence and inspiration to bring that authenticity back to WWE. The rebellious, anti-establishment character that would become Austin’s trademark was born out of his time in ECW.
When Austin eventually made his way back to WWE, he brought with him a newfound sense of confidence and a character that resonated with fans like never before. The “Stone Cold” persona, with its no-nonsense attitude and defiance of authority, struck a chord with audiences around the world. Austin’s popularity skyrocketed, and he became the face of WWE’s Attitude Era, a pivotal time in the company’s history.
ECW’s influence on Austin’s career cannot be overstated. The promotion provided him with the platform to reinvent himself and find his true voice as a performer. Without ECW, it’s possible that Austin may have never reached the level of success and adoration that he did in WWE.
Today, Steve Austin is regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. His impact on the industry is undeniable, and his contributions to the sport continue to be celebrated. As fans look back on Austin’s legendary career, it’s important to recognize the role that ECW played in shaping the man who would become “Stone Cold.”