WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s iconic “Austin 3:16” catchphrase is one of the most memorable in wrestling history.
However, Vince McMahon initially refused to promote it.
Former WWE writer Vince Russo, who worked on WWE Magazine during Austin’s rise, revealed the story during an appearance on The Wrestling Outlaws show.
Russo recalled that after Austin delivered the legendary line at the 1996 King of the Ring, he quickly moved to feature “Austin 3:16” on the magazine’s cover.
However, when he presented the idea to McMahon, it was met with disinterest.
“When Austin said it [Austin 3:16] on a Sunday, I immediately went back to the office on Monday and put it on the front of the magazine.
Vince had to approve the magazine covers.
When I brought it to Vince that day, he literally asked me, ‘What is Austin 3:16?’ and I said, ‘Vince, he said that in the promo. It’s money, bro.
It’s gonna be huge.’ His exact words, ‘Take it off.
I don’t get it’.” Russo shared.
Despite McMahon’s initial reluctance, the phrase became a massive hit with fans, leading to a surge in merchandise sales and cementing Austin’s legacy in WWE history.
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