Steve Austin and Vince McMahon had one of the most legendary rivalries in wrestling history, but their battles werent just in the ring. The Texas Rattlesnake recently opened up about a time when one of his extended post-show segments ran so long that WWE had to pay a hefty fine.
During The Takedown at SI, Austin recalled how his antics once forced McMahon to cough up $15,000 to cover overtime costs at an arena.
One time we [were] somewhere, I think it was after a pay-per-view or a Monday Night RAW taping, and man, I stayed out there forever. Finally, Kevin Dunn gets on the live mic and says, Steve, we gotta go home!' Austin explained.
It didnt take long before McMahon confronted Austin about the extra timeand the extra expense. I think he said it to me once or twice, and then Vince confronted me backstage, I think it was the next week, and he goes, You know you cost me, I think it was like $15,000 or something like that, in overtime for the people who worked at the building. He says, God dng it, you cost me like $15,000 going overtime like you did!'*
Instead of backing down, Austin had a hilarious response. So, I didnt know what he was saying, so I just told him, Well, Ill split it with you. [laughs] I was like, OK, do you want me to own part of this [WWE] financially? I will!'
Austin admitted McMahon wasnt interested in his money, but the message was clearNo, I dont want your money. Im just telling you, you cant stay out there all night long.
Even with the occasional backstage scolding, Austin still remembers that era fondly. Dude, it was such a good time and Im sure that we had such a deep, stacked roster, and I know the guys were having just as much fun as I was.
Austins wild energy helped define the Attitude Era, and even when it cost Vince McMahon a small fortune, it was all part of the chaos that made WWE must-watch television. Whether it was beer bashes, Zamboni rides, or overtime fines, Stone Cold did things his wayand fans loved every second of it.
What do you think about Austins wild post-show antics? Should WWE bring back these unscripted moments? Share your thoughts in the comments!
