Vince McMahon wanted Steve Austin phrase removed from WWE publication, ex-writer says (Exclusive)

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon is widely viewed as one of the greatest rivalries in WWE history. Netflix's Mr. McMahon docuseries referenced the legendary feud, including the creation of the "Austin 3:16" catchphrase. However, Vince Russo believes the series failed to mention one key detail.

Russo was a WWE magazine writer when The Texas Rattlesnake said "Austin 3:16" for the first time at King of the Ring 1996. The phrase caught on with fans and "Austin 3:16" merchandise quickly became best-sellers.

On Sportskeeda's The Wrestling Outlaws, Russo recalled how McMahon initially had no interest in marketing Austin's popular promo:

"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.'" [7:01 – 7:30]

Watch the video above to hear Russo's conversation with host Dr. Chris Featherstone and former WWE star EC3 about Miro's AEW status.

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Vince Russo on one negative of Vince McMahon's creative approach

The topic of "Austin 3:16" came up during a discussion about Vince McMahon's failure to capitalize on Miro's popular "Rusev Day" phrase in WWE.

Vince Russo believes McMahon often struggled to understand why something resonated with fans:

"Unless it's something that strong and happens that quickly, where there's not a damn thing you can do about it, that's what happened with Austin 3:16. It happened that quickly. When it's that powerful, at that point he's got to go with it. But something like a Miro Day [Rusev Day] and The Hardys at their complex, it's gotta literally bang him over the head." [7:34 – 8:04]

In 2022, McMahon was replaced as WWE's creative figurehead by Triple H amid misconduct claims. He resigned as a board member of WWE's parent company TKO in January 2024 after more allegations emerged.

What are your thoughts on the Vince McMahon docuseries? Hit the discuss button and let us know.

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