Steve Austin recently spoke with ABC News to promote the new season of Broken Skull Challenge on CMT, WWE 2k16 and more.
Below are some interview highlights:
On transitioning from wrestling to acting:
“My exit strategy from pro wrestling wasn’t carved in stone. I retired because of a few neck issues, some neurological issues … and finally after about three years of hunting and fishing, I said to myself, ‘Steve you need to get off you a** and get to L.A.’ When you wrestle for 15 years, you don’t want to go back to driving that forklift. Based on the name value I had, I went to L.A. and got involved in independent movies.”
“I really don’t do too many movies any more because memorizing words on a page is painful to me, but I love the reality stuff.”
On his outspoken podcast personality:
“When I came up with the Stone Cold [image] … I pushed the envelope creatively. Maybe that doesn’t exist today as much. People are a little trepidatious, because there’s really only one company to work for. … I’m pro WWE, but also I maintain my independence and speak my true thoughts, never bashing the product. But yes, I can be critical. I’ve earned the right to be critical.”
On a possible ring return:
“Naw man, I’m done. I’d rather leave well enough alone.”
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
