Dutch Mantell on Steve Austin Refusing to Wrestle Again

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Legendary wrestler, manager, commentator, producer and booker ”Dirty” Dutch Mantell (WWE's Zeb Colter) brings his definitive takes on the latest news in the professional wrestling business as well as the most entertaining stories from years gone by to the podcast airwaves.
The Dirty Dutchman from Oil Trough, Texas has worked almost every single major promotion and wrestling territory in the United States over an illustrious 50 year career, including WWE, WWF, WCW, NWA, SMW, TNA, USWA, UWF, OVW, Impact, Georgia, Tennessee, Knoxville, Kansas City, St Louis, Florida, Memphis, Houston, Detroit, Mid-South, Kentucky, Mid-Atlantic, Dallas and even more - and that’s not counting Puerto Rico and Japan!
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[@sazmurph540]

Kudos to Austin for being able to walk away while still looking good. Seen too many who hang around too long and it can diminish a legacy. Steve won't let that happen.

[@thestranger3588]

Jericho still doing his thing*

[@tyyrreekk9005]

If Hogan did that everyone would call him selfish.

[@jorel6745]

His body has paid for it.

[@thestranger3588]

@@tyyrreekk9005 hardly matters since hulk is selfish for a lot of other reasons.

[@garethrevell5873]

​@@thestranger3588if that's what you call it...'his thing'. Its embarrassing 😂

[@virgilhawkins7368]

No disrespect to Undertaker, but I was on the edge of my seat waiting for Austin to come out and stun the Rock at Wrestlemania 40.

[@ValiantWrestling]

It would've made far more sense for Austin to save cody from Dwayne than Taker since Austin was the one he feuded with most and Dwayne vasically ended Austin's career...

[@TheFlamingPike]

@@ValiantWrestling He wouldn't have had a Taker reaction but it also made more sense seeing Ron Simmons standing up to Dwayne, like an old mentor calling him back to his roots. Nobody thinks about The Rock pairing or being enemies with The Undertaker so even without knowing Austin decided not to take part of it, we still knew it because he just wasn't there lol. But Taker did what he had to do and got a massive pop. Grown men cried lol. It was still the best choice even if it didn't make any sense. Now I'm wondering if we will see Taker as a manager role in special occasions to face The Rock again, or if Austin will eventually go along with it and be part of something in the near future.

[@arowefilms]

The gong was cool but the glass break and the bad mfer strut down the aisle would have blew the roof off... Especially getting a legendary Austin stunner to the rock..... But in a way its a good thing becuase u still have a pop in ur back pocket to do it again.... U still have potential to do the exact same thing setting rock vs reigns with a a bit of cm punk involvement and the face off with Steve...

[@MarcoNegrisEye]

And the slam looked pretty dodgy again

[@jimbowlan5804]

@arowefilms Austin would have made more sense on night 1 during the tag match taker made sense because one his histroy with rock and Roman and the fact he’s feuded with lots of members of the anoi family

[@TheStuport]

Stone Cold has standards....and if he doesn't feel he is up to meeting those standards, then he is smart enough to say Nope!

[@jrwizz]

Yeah standards if beating women... real tough... look up his real life convictions.

[@anthonypowell168]

@@jrwizzwhat about will osprsy getting Pollyanna blacklisted? Shall we go down than road?

[@DanielYahuahYahushaTorah]

​@@jrwizzbest hope nobody looks at you the same way you look at others and fail to forgive others and realize people change.

[@MarcoNegrisEye]

​@@jrwizzmate, this is KZbin not 'X'. You'll find what you're looking for there 😏

[@AaronLesterMedia]

Yea his standards are smacking his wives. But we're not ready for that conversation yet because he's everyone's hero. But he's no different than Diddy.

[@joeykulcsar2971]

I mean we got WM38 which we never thought would happen as is. And he took a suplex on steps😂 I’m fine with what we got

[@TruckerJenkins82]

The glass shattering in the main event and Austin coming down to confront Rock would've been one heck of a moment. Alas...

[@CJlopezV]

Yeah we gotta have the rock taking at least 1 more stunner before it's too late, doing his classic selling

[@ValiantWrestling]

​@@CJlopezV*overselling.

[@kiezersosay49]

​@@CJlopezVrock doesn't deserve to take the stunner...

[@CJlopezV]

@@kiezersosay49 aww c'mon for old times sake lol

[@Notoriouswrestlingfan12314]

I mean he doesn’t need prove at this point of his life and career The guy is legend it’s shame that he retire at the young age but man what career he had there will never be another star power like stone cold

[@johnlewisbrooks]

Arnold Anderson was asked when to stop wrestling. He said "Your body will let you know" lol.😅😅😅

[@marlondaniels7912]

Arnold Anderson 😂😂😂😂

[@benlittle1717]

This wrestling podcast Is the best of its type going today I reckon- Dutch and James work well together

[@user-lt4px7ld4u]

Sounds like two friends chatting.Dutch has good knowledge of wrestling

[@GLJosh]

Technically Austin did main event Wrestlemania 38 as his last 'match' that is a pretty amazing send off.

[@yardape99]

He doesn't need the money, nor has the need to embarass himself. He retired what? 20 years ago?

[@rondoughhowell6442]

well Austin has paid his dues been on top so let the man ride on off in the sunset

[@PaulShaw-ex7ri]

The Forrest Gump knees also.

[@johansmallberries9874]

You either retire a hero, or wrestle long enough to become Ric Flair.

[@rajakghosh6602]

What the other alternative be like Ric Flair and take a dump on your legacy? He doesn't know when to quit and still wants to have his last match till another promoter offers him money. Austin is nearing 60 and he can't no longer do the moves or move with speed like he did in his prime. Infact after the botched up pile driver that fractured his neck and almost left him paralysed in the ring, he had to changes his wrestling style. He became more of a brawler than a sound techinal wrestler.

[@Nick-s-f]

Austin quitting when he did was the best possible outcome. I'd rather see him happy/healthy today than crippled.

[@Stonehopper1067HMG]

He doesn’t need to, we want him to stay alive and healthy for a very long time. He doesn’t have a giant ego like Dwayne “The Ad” Johnson.

[@Notoriouswrestlingfan12314]

I think ric flair is way better example then the rock TBH 😂

[@watersandblue6001]

​@@Notoriouswrestlingfan12314 i don't know about that anymore. With Flair it's not really ego it's more delusional

[@Stonehopper1067HMG]

@@Notoriouswrestlingfan12314 that’s just more sad 😔 I used to enjoy ripping on Ric Flair but now it’s like beating up someone that’s not mentally there.

[@leethecomedian]

Its nice to see a wrestler not tarnish their legacy. Ko made sense and damn we don't need more last matches. At least his ko match was believable and fun.

[@marvellis6762]

Steve Austin's work is done and a golden legacy cemented

[@user-wp5yd3kp6o]

TKO trying to offer “Forrest Griffin money” to Stone Cold 😂😂😂

[@philm2217]

Let's say it was 500k. Would this have been the most money anyone ever made for a night in wrestling when you factor in how quick it was. I know people have gotten gigantic pay offs, but for 10 seconds of walking to the ring and doing ONE move?

[@evanamiart91]

I think based on Austin's popularity, instant draw, merch and his health. $1 million would probably have been the minimum. Shame he didn't appear to give one more stunner to Rock, but I respect his decision and fair play to him for not wanting to wrestle again. His send off at WrestleMania 38 in Texas, he got his closure.

[@LL-fd7xn]

Stone Cold is busy living the life on the farm and being a CAT DAD! Let the man be!

[@gethinap]

Has anyone asked Stone Cold ET?

[@johngallagher72]

Can Sone Cold ET get a HELL YEAH!

[@johngallagher72]

Stone Cold ET is a national treasure. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l37QcqanqayFo80si=ChBiIBLTsgoXWlrw

[@travistaylor4342]

Hes helped his legacy by not getting back in the ring. i remember a badass i don't want to remember an old man

[@jodybriggs1075]

Refusing is a silly way to put it. He's declining to wrestle again. Good on him not chasing the dying light

[@joe1940]

Austin is probably scared he'll get injured again and I don't blame him, being in pain 24/7 ain't no way to live.

[@thewarner2139]

From other interviews with Heyman, JR and the like, we know Vince was a control freak who wanted to govern everyone's creative and their finances. He never wanted anyone to get an attorney or think for themselves. Austin knew he was the main draw, so he had the power and position at the time to be able to tell Vince, "your idea is dumb." Props to him for standing up for himself and defending his gimmick. By comparison, Undertaker was too much of a company man. He should have done the same when Vince screwed him out of the streak (And yes, it was Vince's decision and he openly admitted to making the call).

[@amcdonald7479]

Stone Cold gave us the gift of that last match. It was enough for me to be honest. I never want him to become another goldberg

[@goldrush1008]

Dutch has the best, honest insights

[@HereBeRabbit]

I think it has to do with The Rock getting the rights to his ring name and Austin has been fighting to get the Stone Cold moniker for years... I think it was probably a slap in the face that The Rock got the rights to his ring name and Austin didn't..

[@tyyrreekk9005]

I doubt it has anything to do with that Austin and Rock are always supporting each other I think it has more to do with Austin protecting his character.

[@HereBeRabbit]

I honestly think that's 100% what it's about. It's not about the Rock or Austin not supporting each other, it's about Austin feeling like he deserves the same respect of having the rights to his in-ring moniker. ..

[@tyyrreekk9005]

@@HereBeRabbit What if he just doesn't care he's not out and about in Hollywood he just lives in his own little bubble and he's Stone Cold Steve Austin his merch is still selling out till this day WWE constantly talk about his legacy and the importance of his run on top so I'm pretty sure he's highly respected and plus didn't Rock have to buy the rights to his stuff?

[@HereBeRabbit]

Austin cares... It was a big ordeal for him when he was renegotiating his contract 20 years ago... He's always wanted the rights to that Stone Cold moniker.... It's not about being against The Rock... Having the rights to the Stone Cold moniker is something he's wanted for over 20 years... Like I said it's probably a slap in the face to him that the Rock got the rights to his in ring moniker...

[@naturallawman2965]

​@@tyyrreekk9005 that's public working. Private shooting, from multiple sources has said the two are FIERCELY competitive from a business standpoint. My guess is Austin, rightfully so, asked for $1 dollar more than what The Rock got, and TKO turned him down flat, because "The Rock" is bigger... yeah... in showbiz. NO ONE is a bigger draw in pro wrestling history than Austin. No one. Austin also realizes too that he's only got so many, if any, paydays left in his career. So he's probably asking top dollar...

[@88smjls]

Stone Cold had the hottest run beyond Hogan even if it wasn't the longest.

[@MJFisAnOverratedBagel]

Austin wanted the same everyone else was getting, that's why he turned down 40. "Do you think that's too much for an unadvertised appearance ?" What a goober.

[@davidwilliams560]

Steve has nothing to prove to anyone kudos to him for walking away and calling it a career he’s a hall of famer former world champion he’s good

[@TheGeekBox]

Seems fair. Even now dropping the stunner etc can cause injury. Include travel etc with it too.

[@EvilChiId]

Why would he even need to explain himself? He's the biggest draw in the history of the business. He gave Owens the rub in what was one hell of a final send-off. No reason whatsoever to taint his legacy like so many of his contemporaries have just to try to chase glory he's already earned and basked in.

[@ericgilbert56]

He has done enough for me... He has my absolute love and respect. I hope his retirement is everything he wants.

[@NhBleker]

According to Jim Ross, Austin and Owens weren’t happy with the buildup to their match and rightfully so as it sucked which I’m guessing added fuel for both men to push harder in their match to get people forget about the awful build, which they accomplished in my opinion. All that being said, if the money is right, story is good with the perfect opponent like a Lexis King, John Cena, or CM Punk as examples, and physical he’s feeling good to do it then I don’t see why he wouldn’t go for it. I also see the odds of him returning being greater with what WWE and The Rock did in the lead up to Wrestlemania 40, Rock reinventing himself and in something new/fresh with talent like Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, as well as their consistent incredible booking that’s greeting stars, maintaining stars, and doing massive great business.

[@DarrensToychannel]

They are still selling 3:16 shirts at live events so they could have come up with more money

[@Connor-ki8zv]

I think the reason why Steve has actually stayed retired is not only cause of injuries (mainly his neck) but age has a lot to do with it.

[@662chillin]

Stone Cold has standards and respect for the industry. He's not that thirsty for a check (see Ric Flair) to mess up his legacy

[@troystaunton254]

I reckon the problem was Steve would have gone after the copy rights. Take ownership of “Austin 3:16” or “thats the bottom line” or “cause stone cold said so” or even just his name.

[@lastactionhero7541]

I think he asked for the rights to the “Stone Cold” name just like The Rock has now.

[@BeAwareTTV]

No way Austin would settle for 1m on a WrestleMania main event in this era...😳that would be like Tom Brady asking for $100 to play in the Super Bowl. that's SO low...😬

[@TheFlamingPike]

Austin has a great legacy. Kevin Owens did fantastic work with him. Looking back at The Undertaker's match Vs. Goldberg, old wrestlers walk on thin ice whenever they go further than they should. Austin knows that. A legacy can be stained rather quickly, even with just a failed stunner or something like that. I think he's rich enough to focus on that besides the extra money he could make at this point.

[@jamesbigham9036]

I respect Steve Austin because very few people ever stay retired completely. I think Wrestlemania 39 was Austin ending things his way. He has nothing left to prove and now is the time for the next generation. I wish more veterans would realize that

[@HotRodM4]

Because Stone Cold thinks like a pro wrestler, not a mark.

[@tristhekid]

There goes my want to hear glass shatter once more. Damn

[@harrygreb3457]

His match against Owens was very very good, im happy for him and hope he enjoys a well deserved retirement

[@ElmoKnowsWhereYouLive5150]

I suppose we're never getting Punk vs Austin... That's actually good for both men's legacy: Every fan of a certain age KNOWS it wouldn't have come close to living up to expectations. If they didn't book it last decade, it sure shouldn't be booked in this one.

[@ElmoKnowsWhereYouLive5150]

Idk which story about this is true since there seems to be several, but Austin not appearing was a horrible idea. It would've given Cody a major rub, electrified the live audience, been a legendary moment for WWE, and made WM XL even more significant than it already was. I'm a much bigger Undertaker fan than one for Austin, but 'Taker himself would likely admit that Austin in his place would've been more significant (there was no serious story to his appearance). If it was about money, they should've definitely met Austin's demand.

[@NEILAMALONE]

Could be a case of him simply not wanting to be a part of it so asked a ridiculous price, he knew they wouldn't pay, so at least he could say they wouldn't meet his price!

[@alexandru5369]

Yeah if I was Austin I wouldn't wrestle either his match with Owen's was a tremendous last match for him

[@dgilroy26]

He does not want to disappoint like Flair. Taker also stayed a bit too long. Austin is getting money from other projects and does not need it.

[@thomashenley1903]

Plus we don't know how he would look in black trunks again; Wrestlemania 38 was an impromptu match thankfully.

[@positively_broad_st3780]

Austin said that he doesn't have a bad neck. He says he has permanent nerve damage. After he wrestles or does anything really strenuous, he feels like he's on fire from his neck, down through his shoulders on down through his legs. That more than anything keeps him out of the ring. It's the reason he retired early...

[@girldaddividendinvestor]

@1:36 Wrestlemania wasn't TKO's first PPV.

[@ModernDayRenaissanceMan]

I think they meant their first WrestleMania

[@ConcreteRoseCJ]

First of all the only person who woulda made sense was Brock…second, asking Dutch why Austin doesn’t want to wrestle again is wild

[@aintyouthatguy7855]

I genuinely believe Steve doesn't want to tarnish his legacy, he foesnt want to be another old guy who can't cut it. Can you get Austin on the show for a 10min quest spot?

[@ModernDayRenaissanceMan]

Notice that Austin only came back during the Vince McMahon era and probably only because he knew he was going to get to stun Vince. The minute that it was triple h running the show he had no interest in coming back and was holding them up for more money. He had no interest in giving stunners to anyone else other than Vince McMahon. Was that love? Or was that hate that drove that man

[@dhornjr1]

They would have paid a million. I bet he asked for five million or more.

[@iomis2001]

I prefer Austin to not return than Austin turn into Flair.

[@TheChodax]

I think he wanted a Rock deal where he gets his name.

[@wce05308]

Hes well into his 50s, saved his money and doesn't crave the limelight... thats all you need to know.

[@TaravistaVelvetSmoov]

Nice hat Dutch! 🌈

[@iceteehehe754]

I believe STEVE is a TAX RESIDENT of ARIZONA. They have a 2.5% income tax rate. Pennsylvania has a 3.07% Fed is 37%. Austin asked for $1 million AFTER TAXES. I don't know if was 39.5% or 40.07%. After Taxes Steve SHOULD WANT $1 Million. That about $1.8 Million before taxes.

[@ffvffv5709]

Never say never, but I do thin we have seen his last match. But I'll be god damnned if Rock will retire before being able to sell at least one more stunner. Dutch is a bit off on the numbers though. Heenan always stayed firm that he got 250k for III, Hogan was clearing a million for his main events. So you can be damn sure Austin at least got 2 mil to make it worth his while.

[@ModernDayRenaissanceMan]

I was thinking the same thing. They were getting million-dollar checks 30 years ago 40 years ago. It could even be as high as 5 million now

[@brodywinrow9222]

He simply doesn't need the money.

[@jumbothompson]

He would need to start taking whatever The Rock is taking.

[@michaelbraswell2803]

WHY would Austin come back to wrestle at his age? Now coming back as a special guest referee or authority figure with minimum physical contact during Mania season would be fun.

[@davidmoore664]

Bravo Stone Cold!

[@michiganjack1337]

Yeah no need to end up HBK he went back on his word for that sweet saudi blood money, and it turned out to be the biggest cluster muck of a match I’d ever seen with three incredible wrestlers who are all well past their primes

[@LoPhatKao]

nice picture of Battersea behind James i'd like to think there's an inflatable pig just out of frame 😉

[@timomajere]

Steve knows his legacy was almost damaged by Vince screwing up the stunner. He is not someone who lived their whole life as a wrestler and therefore has no reason to go back it seems. He has NOTHING to prove.

[@sjdhgydhfyrn1023]

Stone Cold is the biggest wrestling star of all time, along with Hulk Hogan and Gorgeous George. He's also old and his neck and knees have been fucked up for at least 30 years. What's the point?

[@MrMctuck]

Another thing to think about. Stone Cold hasn't really got any history with Roman so he wouldn't have a reason to show up. The Rock yes but it wasn't his match.

[@GATTUSO455]

Yes it was, the rock made that whole rivalry interesting.

[@jakejonas7366]

Why wreck your body when you’re retired and rich? Austin walked away at the right time and he’s smart to hold out for the right price. He’s a way better human than hogan even knowing he beat Debra up which was slimy as fuck and he still is a better person than hogan after that.

[@davidjsaul]

If he doesn't need the money then why not walk away with most of your health intact? Smart move.

[@HistoricallyRomantic]

They will throw the Netflix money at him and get him involved again, not necessarily in a match.

[@theboxingboy7422]

The guy has tens of millions of dollars and he lives a quiet life on his ranch so he doesnt need to be getting in the ring at 58 years old taking bumps just for the sake of it. Austin has always been a guy who has always protected his character so if he feels like he cant live up to something then he isnt gonna do it. The wrestlemania 38 match with owens was his swansong and a thank you to the fans in the place he started his career and hes content with that. Whats the point of keep going to the well over and over again when it just isnt there anymore. Than you end up like flair and hogan did in TNA and even flair in that last match fiasco where its just cringe to watch.

[@MB-oc1nw]

He's 60. He has no place wrestling at the top level anymore. He doesn't need to. He's a wrestling immortal with Flair, Hogan and Dusty

[@theradgegadgie6352]

I don't blame Austin for staying out. Not for one little bitty second.

[@pulsarstargrave256]

Why would Austin risk his health over peanuts?

[@scottdukes1578]

I promise you it was more than milly one million was on the low end trust me

[@bigrigjoe5130]

Every wrestler ever "I'm not gonna wrestle again" *Proceeds to wrestle again* Until they die.

[@southsudani983]

he has a life now .. he’s normal ..unlike ric flair n so forth

[@SoleEpiphany]

Too bad Flair didn’t follow that lead 20 years ago 🤣

[@matthewthomas9194]

If tko offered him 30 milliion like they gave the rock he would say yes. Like ted dibiase said everyone has a $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!!!!!!

[@gunnarjordan6980]

Austin is Easily worth 1 Million a match at WM.

[@gunnarjordan6980]

Not like he needs the money at all. Either pay what he wants or he doesn’t go. No biggie to him.

[@mcknice]

He wanted more than the rock

[@laurenceamspoker782]

Steve was never the same after piledrived by Owen.

[@france2j]

Hes the biggest draw in wrestling history, he deserves every penny of what he feels he's worth

[@nseric1233]

Why does everyone expect retired people who have millions of dollars in the bank to keep working? Would you?

[@biga.b.1079]

Shout out to Stone Cold E.T.

[@ricksanchez2425]

I don't blame him it's a shitty product now a days he dont always see eye to eye with triple h he was more a Vince guy

[@harryprater9014]

with a net worth of 25-30 million. Why continue to beat your body up ?? Getting a little older..enjoy life..!!!

[@goldenagenut]

A great way to bring him back for a spot is to make him the special referee in a big match, been done already. He may have to throw a few punches and do a powerbomb when the heel ' gets out of hand and attacks the ref ' but I think Dutch hit it. How many of us can say , " Yeah im not doing anything Saturday night, I think I'll go down and make a quick quarter mil, be back later. " Not me, that's for sure. Even if you don't need it, fine, go give 250 poor families $1K each, that'd make a huge difference for them - for fiddling around for a few minutes. Those with gobs of money so need to become much more involved in philanthropy.

[@EwanCumia]

Steve had a horrific neck injury. The last thing he needs is to spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair.

[@brettriverboat9920]

No way his last match is against jobber Owens at Mania? seriously? his last match is against him?

[@epichitmark811]

Owens isn’t a jobber. He’s had multiple titles.

[@SatanSquad]

​@@epichitmark811Consolation prize. Owens is clown and sucks ass.

[@dalliepool550]

He was loyal to Vince

[@ericgilbert56]

He wanted his name rights... Rocky got his and Austin asked for the same. The difference, NOT CHOOSING A SIDE. was Rocky became a shareholder.