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| STONE COLD NEWS |
| JUNE 15, 2002 at 9:30 a.m. Stone Cold Steve Austin walks On March 18, 2002, the day after WrestleMania, without company approval and without notice, Stone Cold Steve Austin walked off the job and failed to appear at WWE�s Raw show in Montreal. Stone Cold Steve Austin was advised by WWE management that this was unprofessional and unacceptable. After a two week hiatus, Austin returned to work. On Monday, June 10, 2002, Stone Cold Steve Austin again failed to appear for the scheduled Raw event in Atlanta, instead choosing to return home to San Antonio without notice and without company approval. Although Steve was unhappy with his character�s creative direction, Steve made the personal and unprofessional decision not to report to work to address his concerns. Therefore, Stone Cold Steve Austin is no longer an active member of WWE�s talent roster. While no one knows for sure exactly what the article the WWE.com website put up means, everyone agrees that it means something big. What that is exactly, isn't really known. A source who spoke with Mean Gene Okerlund, who hosts Confidential for WWE - which the Austin subject will be the focus of this coming Saturday, shed a little bit of light on the situation. While Mean Gene wasn't sure if the article meant he was fired, he was somewhat positive that it isn't part of an elaborate storyline. That was the first assumption when everyone read the article. Jim Ross, who is a close-friend of Austin's, is expected to speak out on the situation on Confidential along with Vince McMahon. Apparently, McMahon won't be holding anything back which wouldn't really clear up whether or not this is a shoot or a work, but the Jim Ross statement should. If this is a shoot, I wouldn't expect Jim Ross to openly trash Austin on the program. If this is a shoot, expect Jim Ross to talk about it in a professional manner, not rage - which many predict Vince will do on the show. Something big is brewing, but no one is sure what it is. Is WWE working the internet in a big storyline to be brought to television? It's a possibility. Is this is a legitimate situation that could show the end of the business relationship between Steve Austin and WWE? It's a possibility. Quite frankly, there is no conclusive statement to make, but more should be known after Saturday's Confidential. There was a lot of confusion over what WWE meant by saying Steve Austin is "no longer an active member of WWE�s talent roster." While I was told he wasn't fired, and there is no definite label to give what is going on, if you were forced to give it a title it would be something along the lines of "suspension" although nearly no one within WWE expects to see Steve Austin back full-time ever again. Jim Ross cleared some of the cobwebs in his latest Ross Report when he said "his WWE career looks to be at its end as a result of this matter." Ross claimed Steve Austin "left the company" over differences in creative direction. Vince McMahon and Jim Ross both taped interviews to air Saturday on WWE's new program, "Confidential" regarding the situation. Jim Ross is expected to have a more formal interview from the perspective of being Austin's friend and Senior Vice President of Talent Relations. Vince McMahon on the other hand has many believing he will have some very candid comments to make regarding the situation, with everyone comparing this incident to the Montreal screw job involving Bret Hart in 1997. While it's improper to say Steve Austin was "fired" or to say Steve Austin "quit" it is a fair statement to say that Steve Austin will not be on WWE programming for quite some time, if ever. The reason Steve Austin walked out on RAW was because he was asked to do a job for Brock Lesnar. Austin felt he didn't want to be used in hotshot angles with no build-up just to pop a good rating and make the writing team look good at his expense. He expressed concern that he was being used to make up for overall bad writing from WWE's creative team lately, and mentioned that even if Brock was ready to be elevated by beating him, there should be a build-up for such a match - not just an announcement at the beginning of the show, and the match itself at the end. Because of his concerns not being addressed by anyone in hiVince McMahon was in good spirits last night at RAW despite problems with Steve Austin. The general feeling is that original plan was for Steve Austin to put over Brock Lesnar last night on RAW. Lesnar is in for a huge push over the next few weeks/months.gh regards in WWE, Austin decided to just walk out on RAW and fly back home to Texas with Debra. WrestleMania checks were also sent to wrestlers recently, which some claim could tie into Austin's problems with WWE. He did work a relatively low spot on the card, which could turn out to effect his pay. Although many say it's just bad timing that WrestleMania checks went out during another Austin/WWE management dispute and that it has nothing to do with the issues involved. Wrestlers were informed that because McMahon won ownership back on television, it does not mean the end of the brand extension. Although there is nervousness about that because of the declines across the board. There is a rumor going around claiming Steve Austin walking out on RAW last night could be part of a "shoot style" storyline, something WCW was infamous for doing towards the end of their tenure. Many say the shoot comments made by Vince McMahon and Shawn Michaels on RAW, as well as the hyped segments on Byte This! featuring Austin outwardly open with his frustration in the creative direction, and Vince McMahon following up on those the following week. It is a possibility that WWE rushed the storyline of getting ownership away from Ric Flair storyline-wise, so that Steve Austin can return and bring what was, and possibly still is, a real life situation with frustration in the company on-air as a storyline. Rumors claim he will return with Eric Bischoff, and create a new faction trying to gain control of WWE over Vince McMahon Vince McMahon was in good spirits last night at RAW despite problems with Steve Austin. The general feeling is that original plan was for Steve Austin to put over Brock Lesnar last night on RAW. Lesnar is in for a huge push over the next few weeks/months. WWE is planning for life without Steve Austin. While they'd like to have him back for obvious reasons, they are writing storylines with the mindset that Austin will not be coming back for quite some time. Flair was turned babyface so suddenly to replace Austin as the top active babyface on the RAW roster. McMahon wasn't planning on wrestling until he got to the arena, and the same with Flair - but they shot that angle almost at the hip after re-writing a lot of the show due to Austin leaving and having been written into many vital parts of the show. With Steve Austin not getting his way last night and flying home, as I reported earlier, WWE is planning on life without him for a while. They are in the slumps right now and trying to get out, so that is first and foremost on WWE's minds. Giving Brock Lesnar a push in hopes of him getting over on the level of a Steve Austin, or a Triple H, is what WWE is planning on doing right now. Even if Austin hadn't walked out last night, the plan was still to push Brock Lesnar to the moon, as Brock was set to get his first major win in WWE over Steve Austin originally on RAW. We saw signs of it stay within the writing of the show despite all of the changes due to Austin's absence. Paul Heyman introducing him to Vince McMahon and saying he has big plans for him after King of the Ring was not only a worked segment, but what WWE is really planning to do. Obviously Lesnar is a favorite to win King of the Ring, and probably will. After that it's known in the past for WWE to try hard to push that winner to obtain a bigger role in the company, see the birth of "Stone Cold" see Triple H, see Kurt Angle. However, if they want it bad enough, and need it bad enough - which they do, than we could see steps taken to do just that. You have to relate it back to Steve Austin again in that they need more star power on the show, because in a lot of WWE official�s minds, Austin was one of a few people holding the company together through the ratings/revenue drama they are currently in. |
| JUNE 16, 2002 at 5:20 p.m. Police were called to the home of WWE superstar Steve Williams, better known to most as "Stone Cold" Steve Austin from World Wrestling Entertainment last night. Apparently Austin had attacked his wife Debra, but was not at the house when police arrived at approximately 4:00am. Debra had a welt under her eye and bruises on her shoulder and back. She said things like this has happened before, but she was reluctant to call police due to Austin's celebrity status. |
| JUNE 16, 2002 at 11:30 a.m. Vince McMahon and Jim Ross appeared on Confidential with interviews they taped this past Thursday relating to the Steve Austin situation. We will have a full report from Confidential later on, but for now, here is a few things mentioned on the show. Vince McMahon said the door is not open for Steve Austin to return because he has a responsibility to uphold for WWE share holders, fans, and him looking in the mirror at himself. He said it would be completely unacceptable for someone to walk out on WWE twice in 4 months and then be welcomed back with open arms whenever he decides to grace them with his presence. Jim Ross compared Steve Austin walking out on WWE to John Wayne being a coward in a big fight - he never saw it coming. He said Austin went through a broken neck (which he said with some vulgarity), a terrible divorce, and loads of personal and professional problems while in WWE and for him to walk out on WWE and go home when they hit a bump in the road is just cowardly. Overall, the interviews basically explained everything already known to those who follow news on the internet, but did confirm that this is not a work and that Steve Austin won't be coming back to World Wrestling Entertainment anytime soon - if ever. |
| JUNE 17, 2002 at 6:51 a.m. I have had enough of the "rumors" of Stone Cold Steve Austin, and the incident of him abusing his wife, so I took it upon myself to verify this story on my own by contacting KMOL Channel 4 (NBC Affiliate) in San Antonio, Texas...This is what I found out - I contacted KMOL and spoke to an editor named Adrian Castillo. Adrian, who could not release the Officer's Report to me was more than happy to read from it after he confirmed that the story was broadcasted last evening. The Officer's official Report stated that Debra Williams was treated on the scene at 4:00 a.m;. Saturday June 15th for both swollen cheeks, both eyes blackened and bruised, and various abbrasions on her back. She was quoted in the report in saying. "I can't believe he hit me! This has happened before, but I was too afraid to call the Police, because of his Star status.....I can't believe he hit me." The official Report states the he hit her a multitude of times and then fled the scene.....His tattoos were listed by Debra Williams to the Officer for identification of Steve Williams if the matter does go further, and place him under arrest. A copy of this report can be requested from the San Antonio Police Department, which I will be trying to get my hands on as well. |
| JUNE 17, 2002 at 3:57 p.m. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, who walked out on WWE, and allegedly assaulted his wife Debra, has started to get some national exposure. On Tony Bruno's nationally syndicated radio show today, there was mention of the controversy surrounding the former (technically current) World Wrestling Entertainment superstar. Also, as reported yesterday, the NBC affiliate in San Antonio, Texas, KMOL, reported the story on their news cast, as well as an article on their website with quotes taken from Confidential. For what it's worth, Austin's bio page has been removed from the official superstars page at WWE.com. If you type in the direct URL to his page, it is no longer valid. His name as well has been removed. Wrestling star and one-time co-host of "Celebrity Deathmatch" Stone Cold Steve Austin (real name Steve Williams) is currently wanted by police in San Antonio, Texas, after he allegedly attacked his wife, Debra, on Saturday. According to police reports, Debra � who performs alongside her husband as part of World Wrestling Entertainment � suffered a swollen cheek and eye and bruises to her back and shoulder. Austin was suspended by WWE last week after he failed to appear at one of the company's live television broadcasts. The wife of Stone Cold Steve Austin (real name: Steven Williams) told San Antonio cops Saturday (6/15) that the professional wrestler assaulted her following an argument, leaving her with a welt on her face and bruises on her back, according to this police incident report. Responding to a 911 call, officers found Debra Williams, 42, standing at the front door of her home crying. She told cops that her husband "hit her several times after an argument," and left the residence after she called police. While cops redacted Steven Williams's name from the report, it is clear that he is the assault suspect referred to since the document indicates that Debra Williams told officers she "was nervous because she said her 'husband is famous.'" She added, "I can't believe he hit me." While cops were interviewing Debra Williams, the wrestler twice called his house and spoke to officers, though he "declined" police requests to return to the residence. As is customary in domestic abuse cases, a "uniformed evidence technician" was dispatched to the Williams home to document Debra's injuries. The police probe of Steven Williams will be held in abeyance until Debra Williams decides whether to pursue charges against her husband. You can view the photos by CLICK BELOW FOR PHOTOS OF THE POLICE REPORT: PHOTO #1 OF THE POLICE REPORT PHOTO #2 OF THE POLICE REPORT SAN ANTONIO, June 17 (Reuters) - The wife of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin has accused the wrestling star of beating her after a weekend argument at their home in an upscale neighborhood of San Antonio, police said on Monday. Debra Williams, also a professional wrestler, called police to the couple's home on Saturday night and told officers that Austin had beaten her on the head, back and legs then stormed out of the house before police arrived. Austin called the house while officers were there and was told he was in trouble, according to a police report. Austin told them he understood, but declined a request to return to the house or report to the police station, the report said. Williams has not filed a formal charge, so Austin is not considered a fugitive, according to Sgt. Gabe Trevino. Williams was not hospitalized after the alleged assault. Austin, a native Texan and former North Texas State University football player began wrestling professionally in 1992 and is one of the leading stars of World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. WWF.N , formerly known as the World Wrestling Federation. World Wrestling Entertainment spokesman Gary Davis said Austin recently failed to appear at two scheduled performances, one in Montreal and one in Austin, Texas, describing the no-shows as an "unacceptable violation of his contract." Davis said Austin was apparently dissatisfied with the way his character was being developed for WWE shows. Williams, a former beauty queen, is also affiliated with World Wrestling Entertainment. It appears that Steve Austin will not be in any legal trouble for his actions on Saturday morning at 4:00am. Despite assaulting his wife Debra, who called the police because of it, it looks as though Austin will get away with this one. If Austin had returned to his house when police called him and told him to, he would have likely been arrested on the spot. However, since he choose not to, and Debra is refusing to press charges, the police will not be taking it any further. Debra has two years to press charges for the incident at which point police would re-open the investigation and use evidence of her injuries gathered that morning. |
| JUNE 18, 2002 at 7:36 p.m. A terrified Miss Debra called 911 early Sunday morning to report a violent argument with her husband at their luxury home inside a gated community in San Antonio. Police say they found her weeping with a welt under her right eye and bruises on her back. Sergeant Gabriel Trevino says, "We saw some very visible signs of bodily injury to the victim." Trevino says "Stone Cold" had fled before officers arrived on the scene and they're yet to make an arrest or even question him. He says, "We're in the middle of the investigation process now." The scandal has rocked Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Entertainment empire, which had molded "Stone Cold" into one of its biggest stars. WWE honcho Jim Ross says the alleged assault comes just a week after another "Stone Cold" furor in which the wrestler suddenly walked out over creative differences. Ross says, "There's something else bothering him and I wish I knew what it was so I could help him." "Stone Cold" is believed to have finally returned to his home yesterday. News choppers spotted him driving away in a yellow corvette to rendezvous with an unidentified companion. Police say they are unable to take any further action against him unless Miss Debra files formal assault charges, which seems unlikely. Ross says, "My sources have told me they've reconciled and are working things out." Austin was not at Raw either though even though he was a highly talked about topic it seems now that we will never see Stone Cold Steve Austin ot Steve Williams on Raw ever again! |
| JUNE 21, 2002 at 9:54 p.m. THE ROSS REPORT ON STEVE AUSTIN Greetings from under a somewhat well-worn black Resistol hat from what has been one of my most challenging weeks in recent memory. It is hard to believe that Stone Cold Steve Austin has left the company over differences in creative direction. It is even harder to believe that his WWE career looks to be at its end as a result of this matter. There is no secret that Austin and yours truly are very close friends and have been for years. This was simply as tough a week for me personally as when I unexpectedly lost my mother and father, at different times, over the last few years. Steve walking off the job and ending his career with this company at this own hand is damn hard to swallow and I still do not fully understand why this method of protest was selected by one of the fiercest competitors in the business' I have been aware of his unhappiness as of late regarding creative and we have had several spirited conversations over this subject as a result. However, I never in my wildest dreams ever expected the Rattlesnake to walk out on his commitments just as he did immediately following WrestleMania, which was at that time credited to burnout. My last of many conversations over the past few weeks with Steve occurred on our cell phones as he was sitting on a Delta Airlines jet in Atlanta Monday afternoon, preparing to fly back to San Antonio. Our conversation was candid and honest as they always were and he knew how strongly I felt against the emotional decision he was making. To no-show an event is not the way to do business. There is no way it can be justified no matter how drastic the circumstances seem to be or actually are. Problems are solved, or at least thoroughly addressed, by communicating and when that communication is done in person it seems to me that these issues generally get worked out and some degree of closure achieved. We were not given that opportunity Monday. Instead, the most productive superstar in WWE history decided to take his black boots and go home without confronting his problems, unlike the way the character had confronted every enemy in his history-making career in this company. The Austin I know was the same guy whose bedside I sat at after what many thought was a career-ending neck surgery. Flat on his back and in the most challenging of times, he vowed to an audience of two that he would return to the ring to do what I truly believe he was put on this earth to do, and that's entertain our audiences with his "hell-bent for leather" style that sold more tickets than anyone in this business' history. I have been at his side during an ugly divorce that would separate him from his two lovely little daughters and he survived and persevered. We have talked each other through many tough personal issues in our lives, including my two bouts of Bells Palsy that some in the business found amusing. He was one guy I knew on a personal level I could always count on to be there for me and me for him -- until this week. I truly do not know everything that is bothering Stone Cold Steve Austin but my guts tell me it is more than simply creative issues. I wish I did know so I could help make things right for Steve and our company. As I look around my office here at home, I see many pieces of memorabilia from the world of sports and entertainment my wife and I have collected over the years, including items from my boyhood heroes John Wayne and Mickey Mantle. But nothing means more to me than a pair of well-worn black boots Stone Cold Steve Austin wore during his greatest matches since arriving in this company. On them he wrote, "J.R., 'Stone Cold! Stone Cold! Stone Cold!' To the best in the business! Your friend, Stone Cold Steve Austin." None of us can or should ever attempt to take any of Steve Austin's amazing accomplishments away from him or downplay his overwhelming work ethic and drive to be the very best in the long and complex history of this industry. But what Steve did Monday by no-showing an event for the second time since WrestleMania was wrong and I believe that down deep in his guts he knows it. Perhaps I was wrong as Senior Vice President of Talent Relations for WWE to develop such a close friendship over the years with Steve. Many of my detractors have pointed that out on occasion and maybe they were technically right. So be it. However, I am, and will remain, very proud of our friendship which makes this entire ordeal so tough. I was asked to do a candid interview Thursday for our new TV show Confidential that will air this Saturday night about what went down this week regarding Stone Cold. The first question the interviewer asked me was, "You don't want to be here do you?" My answer, "Hell, no. " This was the toughest one on one interview I have ever had to do in my 25 plus year career. As a broadcaster and administrator, I have found myself in some pretty emotional and tragic situations on the job, as many longtime fans know, but this was just so damn hard to discuss and to explain. Our challenge as a company is to regroup, refocus, and to rebuild. We owe that to ourselves, our stockholders, our talents and, most importantly, to our fans. This journey back to prominence, notwithstanding Austin's departure, was always going to be a long and challenging one and nothing has changed really. It is still going to be tough but now it looks like several new faces will be provided an opportunity to step up and play on the very top level. I do not know who these talents specifically are as I compose this report but I do know they are on this roster and will give us all they have once their number is called. I hope they are young and fresh hands. I hope they realize the opportunity that awaits them. I hope that they do not utilize the negative traits of some talents who came before them, a few still on our current roster, as their road maps to success. I hope that remaining veterans on our roster who have had box office and in-ring success step up and assume leadership roles in the WWE or, if not, simply step out of the way and make people miserable elsewhere. We are at a place in time where the things that are truly important are a positive attitude, work ethic, being unselfish, and focusing on what we all can do for our company, for the company that pays our bills, and for our fans who really make it all happen. Now is not the time for the remaining veterans who may see the end of their careers unfolding before their very eyes to react like insecure children and who refuse to count the many blessings that they have. This is not about "my people calling your people" or getting "my agent involved" in attitudinal issues disguised as financial ones. Now is the time for all of us to step up and do our absolute best work in our specific areas. Absolutely nothing else will do or should be accepted. For those who do not feel that way, as a company, we should do all we possibly can to eliminate these individuals from our roster as quickly as humanly possible. The results will be an exciting new product with compelling new stories to tell, rivalries to develop and fresh match-ups to highlight. Just as I was thinking of slowing down somewhat to stop and smell the roses, so to speak, and attend more Sooners football games and BBQs I am now re-directed to doing all I physically and mentally can to get our business healthy again. We will succeed with this task only when we are surrounded by positive people who care more about the product and the company than they care about their own careers and fragile egos. As the head of our Talent Relations department, if I am unable to accomplish this goal, maybe it is time for old J.R. to head back to Oklahoma and go fishing. However, I will not walk away from this task at hand without a fight and when I leave I will give my notice in person. Thanks for listening and I encourage you to stay tuned. Unpredictable and interesting times are upon us. I am very anxious to see how our entire WWE team responds over the next few weeks. Take care. J.R. |
| JUNE 20, 2002 at 10:02 p.m. And speaking of Raw, Steve Austin pops in my head. So WWE.Com last night officially announced that he is no longer on the active roster. They didn�t say he was fired and from what I�m reading he�s with them just not allowed to wrestle. Here�s how they worded it. "Therefore, Stone Cold Steve Austin is no longer an active member of WWE�s talent roster." WWE goes on to say they understand he was unhappy but what he did was unprofessional. So I read this I thought he was fired, but that does�t seem to be the case. I�m getting emails asking if this is a shoot or work, and that�s something I�m wondering too. I truly feel this is definitely a shoot, but I have this feeling that WWE will turn this into an angle like so many are saying. They are really hyping up this whole situation for tomorrow�s night�s Confidential, in fact if you go to their site there�s a picture of Austin, Ross and Vince. I say no matter how real this is, Austin will be back and back soon. Leave it to Vince to get all he can from it and even more importantly get the ratings. Really I can�t believe many won�t be watching tomorrow night to hear Vince and JR�s comments about Austin. Again from what I�ve read the remarks are extremely nasty. So Austin might be in the doghouse but watch this whole thing pay off for the company. I have to say there�s never a dull moment when it comes to Vince McMahon and WWE. |
| JUNE 23, 2002 at 12:18 p.m. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES STEVE AUSTIN As every wrestling fan knows by now Steve Austin has quit working with the WWE, I am writing this colum to honour the memories that steve austin gave us with his matches and speeches during his years in WWE! Click on the links below to see some great steve austin matches STONE COLD vs. THE ROCK, Wrestlemania X7 6 MAN HELL IN A CELL, Armaggedon 2000 STONE COLD vs. THE ROCK, Wrestlemania X7 6 MAN HELL IN A CELL, Armaggedon 2000 KING OF THE RING 1996, AUSTIN BECOMES KING! THE BIRTH OF 3:16 AUSTIN WINS HIS FIRST WORLD WRESTLING HEAVYWEIGHT BELT STEVE AUSTIN vs. THE ROCK, Wrestlemania 15 STONE COLDS BEST STUNNERS CLICK HERE FOR ALL OF AUSTINS AMAZING HISTORY CLICK HERE FOR STEVE'S BEST MATCHES |
| JUNE 24, 2002 at 7:13 p.m. Wrestlers in the WWE locker room were not shocked to hear about the domestic situation involving Steve Austin and Debra a few weeks ago. While they were surprised to hear the news, they claimed they weren't too shocked about it because they could see it happening. Wrestlers insist Austin was over-protective of Debra for as long they can remember. There was a situation once in the locker room where Raven and Austin got into a little bit when Debra was cutting a promo near the showers backstage, and Raven came out of the shower in a towel. Austin felt Raven was flaunting himself at Debra, while Raven claimed he didn't know Debra was around. The situation was cooled down immediately, but one of many times where Austin has blown up over something related to Debra. |
| JUNE 28.2002 at 10:34 a.m. Yahoo has picked up a National Enquirer story concerning the Steve Austin-Debra domestic incident (how sad that is). The article makes some weird claims such as "Debra doesn't want to have kids" also that she is "forcing" austin to keep wrestling or she will "leave him". I haven't heard either of those stories from anyone other than the Enquirer, so I would not take them to seriously if I were you. For the rest of the artice please visit the entertainment section at Yahoo. |
| JULY 8, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. World Wrestling Entertainment is going to court to battle against "Stone Cold", but it doesn�t involve Steve Austin. They filed a complaint with the United States Patent and Trademark office in Washington, DC, looking to stop the use of the name "Stone Cold Records" by a New Hampshire based record company. WWE is claiming that the name is confusing to customers and contend that they own the rights to the term "Stone Cold," citing they have been using the term in conjunction with Steve Austin since May 1996 and have used to name to move WWE products. WWE apparently learned about the record company when they attempted to trademark the name for their own use. |
| JULY 7, 2002 at 9:40 p.m. CLICK HERE FOR FOOTAGE OF AUSTIN RUNNING FROM THE COPS Thanks to �[email protected],� for sending in the following: Last night I was flipping through the channels and I was watching 'Ballroom Boxing'. During one of the shows intermissions it showed a rather strange commercial. It was a WWE Vengeance advertisement. The strange thing was that the advertisement was based on Stone Cold Steve Austin. They showed various clips of Stone Cold "raising hell" and at the end they said something along the lines like "he's coming....and he is going to unleash his Vengeance." I haven't seen the advertisement since Ballroom Boxing. I don't know if this is a mistake of some sort, but all I know is that I saw the ad and it makes you think of a Stone Cold return. |
| JULY 11, 2002 at 10:17 a.m. The National Enquirer is quoting Brian Pillman's widow, Melanie King, saying Debra is threatening to divorce Steve Austin if he does not get back into wrestling and chooses to retire. "The marriage between Steve and Debra is rocky at best," said Melanie, claiming Austin's wants to have children and Debra doesn't because it would affect her physical figure. "Debra keeps pushing him back into wrestling, saying that if he quits, she'll leave him. She is captivated by fame and their arguments are getting more frequent. She flatly refuses to have kids because she doesn't want to lose her figure. Steve is devastated by her decision." The Enquirer goes on to quote Debra from the police report where she says she cannot believe he hit her, followed by a description of phyiscal damages done to Debra from Austin, allegedly, during the assault. |
| JULY 12, 2002 at 11:57 a.m. This has been a subject that many journalists have written about during the past few weeks: Steve Austin's place in the Vengeance commercials. Apparently this situation cannot be helped and the WWE owes some form of a disclaimer at least on the pre-game show and on Heat next Sunday. Many believe last year's advertisement that centered around the return of Triple H was a bad idea by the WWE, especially since he did not appear, even though he was at the show. The general consensus right now is that the WWE should be bending over backwards to make sure the casual audience aren't left with a bad taste in their mouths. |
| JULY 24, 2002 at 11:06 a.m. Sources are stating that the Steve Austin article in the latest RAW magazine has been very well put together. A great job is done highlighting what led to Austin's dissatisfaction in the company, which ultimately led to him walking out. |
| It is expected that many people who see the ads will immediately deduce that Austin will return for revenge on McMahon, a situation that is very unlikely to pan out given the current state of affairs between the two parties. The WWE cannot afford further setbacks with fans being unhappy, which will be the case if they are falsely lead to believe Austin is returning at the pay-per view. Another significant drop in viewing would be disastrous for the company, not to mention morale backstage, which is already low. Apparently, most of the wrestlers backstage are leaning on the shoulder of WWE management when it comes to the Austin situation, but none of them are saying negative things about Austin. This is simply because they all believe, that at some point in time, he will return to the WWE. |
| JULY 27, 2002 at 11:28 a.m. On sale this Tuesday! It�s the most controversial issue in the history of RAW Magazine. What�s the real story behind Stone Cold Steve Austin�s departure from World Wrestling Entertainment? What really happened behind the scenes? What do Vince McMahon, Triple H, Chris Jericho, Hulk Hogan, Bradshaw, William Regal, Brock Lesnar, Kevin Nash, Big Show and others have to say about the situation?In the August issue of RAW Magazine, you get an unprecedented look at one of the most incredible stories of our time. Be sure to check it out this Tuesday on newsstands everywhere! |
| AUGUST 4, 2002 at 11:05 a.m. Wrestlers say that Triple H has continued to attend production meetings held by WWE that gives HHH a lot of power from a creative standpoint as he is a big part of saying what storylines can go forward and which won't make it to television. Steve Austin had originally spoken out against HHH attending such meetings, with the logical theory that wrestlers have no business doing such a thing. Austin succeeded in his attempt as HHH was restricted from attending production meetings for quite a while, but just about the day Austin walked out on the company, HHH got himself right back into the mix. |
| AUGUST 17, 2002 at 1:08 p.m. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, one of the best known characters in professional wrestling, surrendered to law enforcement officials in Texas Tuesday on a charge of beating his wife. He posted $5,000 bond and was released pending future legal action, said a spokesman for the Bexar County Sheriff's Department. Austin, 36, a Texas native whose real name is Steve Williams, turned himself in after an arrest warrant was issued charging him with assault causing bodily injury on a spouse. Police were called to Austin's upscale San Antonio home in June by wife Debra Williams who told police the World Wrestling Entertainment star beat her on the head, back and legs, then fled. Williams, 42, is a former beauty queen also affiliated with WWE. WWE Comments According to KMOL, the NBC TV affiliate in San Antonio, TX, Steve Williams (Austin) has been arrested on charges of spousal abuse. The charges stem from an alleged incident on June 15th. Mr. Williams has been released on his own recognizance. At this time, World Wrestling Entertainment has no further information on this story. Steve Williams is currently not a member of the active roster. WWE wishes Steve and his wife Debra the best during this difficult time. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WARRANT FOR STEVE AUSTINS ARREST |
| AUGUST 27, 2002 at 9:29 p.m. Pro Wrestling Weekly represenative, Keith Young is claiming Steve Austin filed for divorce from his wife and former WWE superstar, Debra Williams. The case is apparently listed as 2002CI10602 for the 288th District Court in Bexar County, Texas. The record mentioned Austin filed for divorce on July 22, 2002, and that the case is currently pending. This is the latest chapter in a complex saga of Steve Austin in the past few months. It started with Austin walking out on WWE the second time, assaulting his wife Debra, and turning himself into authorites just a few weeks ago. Now all arrows are pointing at the two getting a divorce. |
| SEPTEMBER 7, 2002 at 9:27 a.m. 'Stone Cold' Drops Divorce Request SAN ANTONIO (AP) - The pro wrestling star known as "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, facing a misdemeanor charge that he assaulted his wife earlier this year, has dropped divorce proceedings. The San Antonio resident had filed for divorce from Debra Gale Williams in July in an attempt to end their two-year marriage. A Bexar County court last week dismissed the divorce case, stating that the wrestler, whose real name is Steve Williams, no longer wished to pursue it. The 37-year-old wrestler is charged with assault causing bodily injury from a June 15 domestic disturbance at the couple's Northwest Side home. His wife, also a wrestling personality, accused Austin of hitting her several times after an argument. No trial date has been set in the assault case |
| SEPTEMBER 8, 2002 at 10:42 a.m. Thanks to BackstageWrestling.com reader Blair for sending along the following: Just like to inform you in case you want to post that Stone Cold was on Riverwalk in San Antonio Friday Night with Debra, Jeff and Matt Hardy, and Lita. They were eating dinner at Joe's Crab Shack and were real nice to everyone. All of them signed a few autographs for people in the restaurant and Debra lent her hand to be kissed by a few fans. They were all real laid back and Stone Cold made no inclination as to when he might wrestle again. He just kind of laughed off any questions concerning when he might get back in the ring This is something I found on BackstageWrestling.com Hopefully Austin will be back in the ring within the next year because Austin will always be the #1 Superstar! |
| SEPTEMBER 15, 2002 at 2:34 p.m. According to the Zap2It RAW preview, which I reported earlier, Eric Bischoff will somehow "shock the world again" this coming Monday night. Rumors are already running rampant of a Steve Austin return, and oddly enough RAW being transformed into Nitro. No word has come in on Austin's status with WWE, but last I heard things haven't progressed at all. As far as RAW turning into Nitro goes, that is probably the least likely thing to happen at this point, or anytime in the forseeable future for that matter. Hopefully this is no rumor and we will get Stone Cold Steve Austin back! |
| SEPTEMBER 17, 2002 at 4:05 p.m. Steve Austin's next pay-per view match could end up being against none other than Bill Goldberg. Both Austin and Goldberg have been friends for a few years now and have always had small discussions about the possibility of working against each other in a co-promoted event outside the WWE. While Austin is restrained due to his contract with WWE, even though it is technically 'suspended', talks have once again picked up about the possibility of the two promoting their own show for pay-per view with a main event featuring what many have considered a 'dream match' Steve Austin vs. Bill Goldberg. There have been absolutely no talks between Stone Cold and the WWE and even though Ross mentioned something regarding this topic in a recent report, chances of Austin returning to the WWE are very scanty. Austin being good friends with Bill Goldberg has sparked off rumors of both of them starting their own promotion. They were often heard talking about promoting a head-to-head match against each other outside the WWE or WCW. According to recent reports, Austin has been working with a legal team to check out the terms of his current WWE contract and how he could start his own promotion |
| SEPTEMBER 22, 2002 at 12:06 a.m. Pro wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin appeared today in a Bexar County courtroom to lay groundwork for a trial on a misdemeanor charge of assaulting his wife earlier this year. The 37-year-old world-renown wrestler and San Antonian is scheduled to go before a jury Oct. 9. Wearing black jeans, black dress shoes and a black and gold knit polo shirt, Austin seemed in relatively good spirits after his lawyer met with prosecutor Scott Simpson and County Court-at-Law Judge Bill White. Austin, whose real name is Steve Williams, chatted briefly with reporters and sounded relieved that his marriage was saved. He is reconciling with Debra Gale Williams, his wife of two years, after dropping divorce proceedings against her. �We�re doing great, as a matter of fact,� he said. �I just want to get past this� assault charge. The charge, assault causing bodily injury, stems from an argument June 15 with his wife at the couple�s Northwest Side home, during which the 6-foot-2, 260-pound wrestler is accused of hitting her several times with his hands. While Simpson declined to comment about specifics in this case, he did say that the woman�s injuries weren�t serious enough to warrant felony assault. However, he added, that a guilty verdict in this case could land Austin in jail for up to a year and include up to a $4,000 fine. Although a trial date has been set, Simpson said that 95 percent of misdemeanor cases like this are settled before ever reaching a jury. Simpson, who looks like a slighter version of Austin with the same bald scalp, stressed that the wrestler would not see preferential treatment because of his celebrity. He then quipped: �My head is always like this, I didn�t shave it for this case.� While a monetary fine is a drop in the bucket compared with what Austin is worth, jail time could hurt the hero image he�s carried for many young and old wrestling fans. When asked if he was worried about that image, Austin appeared stone-faced and replied: �I just want to worry about this right now.� |
| SEPTEMBER 30, 2002 at 5:41 p.m. WWE is attempting to create a "buzz" about Steve Austin being on tonight's RAW. WWE has aired the Confidential footage regarding the Steve Austin story three times since it happened, once again this past Saturday knowing RAW was headed into his home state of Texas tonight. While signs would seem that Austin could easily appear on tonight's RAW, it is more than doubtful. Sources indicate Vince McMahon definitely wants Austin back due to WWE being in a period of desperation lately, as far as the business side goes. McMahon is under the impression that Austin could cure those plummeting numbers as he has done so many times in the past. Basically, the ball is in Steve Austin's court right now. It will remain in his court, basketball court that is, as Austin wants to clear his domestic situation up with another court. "Stone Cold" has a court date of Oct. 9 scheduled stemming from the assault to his wife Debra Williams a few months ago. |
| SEPTEMBER 6, 2002 at 6:58 p.m. Gave his two cents on the Steve Austin situation. Despite internet rumors there are no conversations between Austin WWE, the usual. Made sure to inform everyone to not listen to anyone who says "sources say" or "backstage talk was" in reports. Made mention that Austin is more concerned with straightening out his domestic situation in Texas with wife Debra, before even thinking about getting back into WWE. Put over the competition between the RAW and SmackDown! rosters. Quite the rant actually. Mentioned competition is good for business, but they do not want to do anything that would have a negative impact on one of the two rosters as they are all want what's best for WWE |
| AUGUST 31, 2002 at 1:27 p.m. "According to KMOL, the NBC TV affiliate in San Antonio, TX, Steve Williams (Austin) has been arrested on charges of spousal abuse. The charges stem from an alleged incident on June 15th. Mr. Williams has been released on his own recognizance. At this time, World Wrestling Entertainment has no further information on this story. Steve Williams is currently not a member of the active roster. WWE wishes Steve and his wife Debra the best during this difficult time." It seems now that Austin has turned himself in and has been on bail. There are also many other reports on it. Watch for it here soon. |
| AUGUST 22, 2002 at 11:34 a.m. For those of you who follow the legal system, this is what is going on with the current 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin/Debra situation. First and foremost, the case itself is being brought on by the State of Texas and not Debra. The District Attorney's office has pursued the case and is using the original police report as documented proof of the 'assault'. Although Debra did not pursue the matter further, she could still be sworn into court by the Texas District Attorney's office. If the DA's office continues to go forward with this case which it looks like they will, they will continue to use the original police report filed by Steve William's wife, Debra. Steve Austin will be due back in court, but I do not have the date as of this time. VIEW THE WARRANT FOR STEVE AUSTINS ARREST |
| JULY 30, 2002 at 12:42 a.m. Steve Austin has made contact with WWE road agent Jack Lanza recently. Ever since the infamous "walk-out" a few months ago, Austin has been in contact with next to no one with the exception of Nash whom he contacted to send his best wishes on his recovery from a torn quadricep. It is considered by most to be a good sign that Steve Austin may not be out of action in WWE as long as expected. Austin would not answer any phone calls from wrestlers or management from WWE ever since walking out. So many feel that things could be, doesn't mean they will - but they could be, ironed out between Austin and WWE through time now that contact has been made between both parties.Vince McMahon has gone on record saying "the door is not open to welcome Austin to return" on a few seperate occassions, so it would take a lot of work from everyone involved to convince both Austin to want to return and McMahon to allow it. Austin was said to have shown interest in returning as he was "getting bored sitting home doing nothing" since walking out on WWE. |
| JULY 28, 2002 at 11:16 a.m. I have just finished reading the article of Stone Cold Steve Austin in the August issue of Raw Magazine. In my opinion i think that the story was very well put together it was a almost 10 page article on the problems that Stone Cold Steve Austin had or to others (Steve Williams) I was surprised to see that World Wrestling Enertaintment, (WWE) put the article of Steve hitting his wife. Appparently Austin was not upset with his match with Scott Hall at Wrestlemania X8 and he also says that he had no problems with the nwo behind the scenes of wrestling, but i dont know if he was actually being honest. But on the other hand there was a pic of him with Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and X-Pac together giving the finger and the Wolfpac sign. Stone Cold Also apparently only wanted to work with superstars such as Triple H and The Undertaker but everyone was tired of seeing them fight and they wanted something different. Steve Austin really expressed his dislike for the company on may 31, 2002 on WWE Byte This! Click here to view Stone Cold on Byte This! So anyway will Stone Cold Steve Austin ever be seen beer drinkin and trash talking again in WWE? Only time will tell!! |
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| OCTOBER 6, 2002 at 9:33 a.m. Since the departure of Austin, there has been a steadily decrease in the number of What chants. But some fans just can't help it but to blast every wrestler on the mike..WHAT?! WWE is now trying to tackle out this problem. On the latest Smackdown during Bald Angle's interview, there were many What? chants around the arena but WWE cut out most of it during post-production. The same goes for many other events. |
| OCTOBER 8, 2002 at 6:07 p.m. Steve Austin has continued to keep in shape since "walking out" on WWE. As far as contacts between Austin and WWE, Austin contacted WWE road agent BlackJack Lanza a month or so ago, but nothing really came of it. There have been a lot of second-hand discussions, but at this point Austin is more concerned with cleaning up his personal life, before even considering a return to WWE. Which interestingly enough, Austin's court date for the alleged assault on his wife, Debra Williams, is right around the corner. |
| OCTOBER 9, 2002 at 5:10 p.m. For those unaware, Steve Austin had a hearing today in Bexar County, Texas regarding charges filed against him stemming from the June 15th incident where Debra called the police on Austin. Debra claimed Austin had assaulted her, but did not press charges. The district attourney pursued the case on his own, and the hearing was today. Nothing of great significance came from today's hearing. Basically, another new court date was set. A warrant had been issued for Austin's arrest on August 12 and he turned himself into local authorities on August 13. He was charged with misdemeanor domestic assault and released after posting a $5,000 bond. |
| OCTOBER 16, 2002 at 10:51 p.m. Word is Steve Austin has no desire to return to WWE at the moment and despite keeping himself in great shape hasn't even spoke to Vince McMahon or Jim Ross in months. The only WWE official Austin has kept contact with is Blackjack Lanza, a road agent that Steve is friends with. |
| OCTOBER 19, 2002 at 11:17 a.m. There is a rumor circulating backstage that Steve Austin may have had another reason for walking out in June. As reported at the time, Austin was scheduled to lose to Brock Lesnar on RAW. However, Austin apparently had concerns that Lesnar wasn't going to co-operate with Austin during the match, making Austin look bad - possibly management's way of getting back at Austin after his WrestleMania walkout. |