On a recent edition of his “83 Weeks” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff discussed the feud between Steve Austin and The Undertaker in 1998.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On the darkness of Steve Austin vs. The Undertaker program: “The Austin promo felt real. Yeah, I mean it just felt authentic. It allowed me to kind of get sucked into the Steve Austin character. And it was so authentic and so real, and so believable. And then we switched gears, I just don’t get it. And I know, you know, it’s not like a bad take on Christianity. There’s that cult-ish [aspect] and references to purgatory and hell and souls, and there’s enough connective tissue there that I think it just makes the audience uncomfortable. And it’s just not compelling to me. And again, it’s me. Maybe the rest of the audience dug it, but it was just an awkward, uncomfortable feeling for me.”
On Steve Austin being put on a cross symbol by The Undertaker: “Controversy creates cash. Part of the controversy equation. Yeah, it just works, it always has. It works in politics, it works in movies, it works in television. It works with books, it works with news. It works across the board, probably in every business you can think of. There is some application for the controversy equation, and it’s an example of how it worked in wrestling. Just undeniable. And you know, WWE did as they anticipated it, they anticipated some of the backlash and the criticism. And they did their best, like any good politician would, to dance around it. Try to change the language just a little bit, or modify the way it’s being represented just a little bit, just enough to create a defense.
“But you know, at the end of the day, this was what was working for them. This is how they went from getting their ass kicked for 83 straight weeks and over 104 weeks over the course of a little over two years. They went from getting their ass kicked consistently to kicking ass by doing things that were controversial, which the audience, the wrestling audience in particular, was ready to embrace. It worked. Dave [Meltzer] hated it. I may have hated it, or maybe a lot of fans hated it. Or maybe we’re just slightly uncomfortable with it. But they did next week. They sure did. And they kept tuning in and they built upon this type of controversy.”
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The Feud Between Steve Austin and The Undertaker in 1998: A Controversial and Compelling Storyline
In the world of professional wrestling, storylines play a crucial role in captivating the audience and keeping them engaged. One of the most memorable feuds in WWE history is the one between Steve Austin and The Undertaker in 1998. This feud not only showcased the incredible talent and charisma of both wrestlers but also pushed the boundaries of controversy and storytelling in the industry.
During a recent episode of his “83 Weeks” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff discussed the Austin-Undertaker feud and shared his thoughts on its impact. Bischoff highlighted the darkness and authenticity of Steve Austin’s character, which drew fans in and made them believe in his persona. However, he also expressed his discomfort with the religious undertones and references to purgatory, hell, and souls that were incorporated into the storyline.
Bischoff’s discomfort with the religious aspects of the feud is understandable. Wrestling storylines often toe the line between fiction and reality, blurring the boundaries to create a captivating narrative. The inclusion of religious elements can be controversial and polarizing, as it touches on personal beliefs and can make some viewers uncomfortable. However, controversy has always been a powerful tool in the entertainment industry, and wrestling is no exception.
The pinnacle of controversy in the Austin-Undertaker feud came when The Undertaker symbolically put Austin on a cross during an episode of Monday Night Raw. This moment sparked outrage among some fans and critics, but it also generated immense interest and intrigue. As Bischoff pointed out, controversy creates cash, and this shocking moment undoubtedly contributed to the success of the storyline.
The WWE anticipated the backlash and criticism that would come with such a controversial move. Like skilled politicians, they modified the language and representation of the incident to create a defense. This strategic approach allowed them to continue building upon the controversy and keep the audience engaged. Despite the mixed reactions, the Austin-Undertaker feud became a turning point for WWE, helping them rise from a period of consistent defeat to becoming a dominant force in the industry.
While some fans and critics, including Bischoff himself, may have had reservations about the controversial aspects of the feud, it cannot be denied that it worked. The audience kept tuning in, and the storyline continued to evolve and captivate viewers. This is a testament to the power of controversy in wrestling and how it can be harnessed to create compelling narratives.
In conclusion, the feud between Steve Austin and The Undertaker in 1998 remains one of the most memorable and controversial storylines in WWE history. It showcased the authenticity and darkness of Austin’s character while pushing the boundaries of controversy in wrestling. Despite some discomfort and criticism, the feud’s success demonstrated the effectiveness of controversy in captivating audiences and propelling WWE to new heights.