Honky Tonk Man compares The Rock, Steve Austin, Triple H in 2000

[@TitleMatchWrestling]

Shout out to the legendary Honky Tonk Man🔥 Watch Every HTM Interview Instantly ➡titlematchnetwork.com/wrestling-shoot-interviews-results/

[@JGD185]

HTM knows the business. He knew how to get heat very well. He also did probably the greatest shoot interviews ever.

[@M.M.Mask83]

Love Honky Tonk Man shoots...his Austin crituque is fairly spot on in hindsight

[@chrisjames5188]

Austin definitely wasn't a flash in the pan his run was legendary but honky was right that he wouldn't last another 10 years with his injuries.

[@ballsdeep5336]

Someone gets it

[@PAPITOFLOW6969]

honky was right on the money

[@bradleyrobinson7552]

It was a short run in regards to his athletic peak. Dec 1995 is when Austin debuted in WWF, and June 1996 was King Of The Ring which took him over the top. Aug 1997 was the botched piledriver at SummerSlam, and Austin was never the same wrestler again.

[@adamirishconundrum851]

​@@bradleyrobinson7552Owen did it on purpose and Vince McMahon whacked him for the millions of dollars lost.

[@digknight4455]

He was right about steve not being able to last ten years because of his injuries. I took the flash of the pan comment as his time at the top wouldn't last long, which it didn't. He was basically full-time as the face of the company three years. Remember, he missed a year for his neck surgery. But what a three years! 98-2002 missing a year in between. Steve is still top three all time which some would say he's #1

[@ABSQUARE85]

Stone Cold despite his short in ring career is was always da man and today in 2024 still top ten in merchandise sales after 21 years retired from in ring competition besides WM 38 cameo brawl segment with KO in Texas two years ago speaks volumes of impact he had on industry

[@TOOL-22]

Love Honky he always tells it as he sees it he doesn't give a crap!😂 Honky is old school & he knew how to work & be a heel who got over bc all the fans wanted to see him lose he did his job tremendously.

[@SmallBallPoker]

HTM was totally right (& has been) in his shoot about HHH, The Rock, & Austin. & for those mad about his comments about Austin: Austin’s body was pretty much completely broken down by the time he got to the WWF. He was a shell of his former self wrestling-wise. The incident with Owen only added to his injuries. HTM’s “flash in the pan” comment may have been a bit too critical, but his overall assessments were 100% correct.

[@charleswilson4526]

Austin was a short term main event guy which is what HTM is referring to. He was just too beat up, but for the amount of time he had on top, he maximized the hell out of it. He probably thought Rock would be around for several more years but he already had his eyes on Hollywood by 2001. Again, like Austin, he maximized that run on top. Those two had basically what amounted to a few years each on top and they’re arguably the two biggest stars of all time (with Hogan in there) HHH was always a good talent. He may have been over pushed and over emphasized, but he was always a talented guy who could always be relied on

[@alk3345]

He's still kinda right about The Rock, even without the context of movies. The guy can still wrestle in his 50's. The big breaks from wrestling help, for sure, but his style was always storytelling-based, rather than taking big risks in the ring. To be fair, Austin was similar with his style.. he just had the misfortune of the bad injuries.

[@BrokenTablesPodcast]

I can confirm i was 100% WCW 4 Life and the Mike Tyson WrestleMania pulled me in.

[@kenterminateddq5311]

8:40 Honky Tonk Man's opinion on Triple H's success.

[@daveschannel747]

Kenny!!!! 🫡 💪 💪 💪

[@laurenced2916]

Owen Hart (RIP) shortened Stone Cold's career in the ring

[@Juan_rivera]

It was his knees not his neck

[@ADAMdinho1]

​@Juan_rivera It was both Austin was a great draw & a wonderful worker but the neck & knees shortened his career it's a real shame his run was short but legendary he drew big houses & big numbers for tv it was a ridiculously good time I loved watching RAW Is WAR.

[@banksta3]

​@@Juan_rivera It was his neck more than the knees. He started losing feeling in his arms.

[@L.R.KNIGHT]

Austin a flash in the pan? He was head honcho for 5 years after many years of working his ass off. So he can't regard Austin as a flash in the pan for his wrestling career because it was long and hardworking. And he can't regard Austin as a flash in the pan as far as being over goes.. because he is still a legend.. A flash in the pan, is a quickly forgettable trend, correct? Like pogs. That's why I can't call Austin a flash in the pan. Nobody ever forgot. He is branded into wrestling, maybe even heavier than Hogan now. That shattering glass is the most legendary thing in entertainment.

[@Spongemonkey26]

mind you, this was recorded in 2000, so Austin had only been a top star for about 3 years at this point, and missed all of 2000.

[@bradleylepper]

Hurt for his entire main event run and had to take almost half of those 5 years off... Austin is still greatest draw in wrestling history, and the greatest Babyface the business has ever had.

[@Doragonrenaj]

Wasn’t an insult. He was speaking to Austin *_physically_* not being able to go much longer, which he didn’t.

[@Victor-cr3xi]

@@bradleyleppernah when 1999 came to a close The Rock surpassed Austin’s popularity. It’s easier in hindsight to say Austin was a bigger star bc he was better protected whereas Rock was in more secondary feuds. But when looking at their segments and merchandise Rock was the bigger draw

[@Hulkamania4eva]

This was the year 2000. Austin got over in 1997.

[@nostalgiaman6816]

I’m shocked I haven’t seen anyone say this yet, but on WRESTLING WITH SHADOWS - there’s a scene with him, Bret, and Neidhart in the back of a limo and HTM says: “This whole thing has gotten stupid.”

[@msw8966]

Exactly 💯 This man is always working. That's not how the night went. Honky Tonk is lying his ass off

[@nostalgiaman6816]

@ It was on the way to the show or the hotel - I can’t remember.

[@YoungGrizzly82]

People are butthurt cause Honky Tonk isn't singing Austin's praises. I don't agree with him being a flash in the pan, but the two knee braces really did look bad on Steve lol

[@bdot187um]

Indeed.

[@danielrierson6683]

They looked cool until you realize he had them for a reason

[@MR.__G]

@@danielrierson6683he definitely made them look cool. Is like how iverson made the arm sleeve look cool when he played

[@luisrizo8813]

01:01; harsh...but, not inaccurate.

[@abudujana13]

Thanks for the video, TITLE MATCH WRESTLING

[@rosspearman2808]

Stone Cold drew more money in one night than Honky drew his whole career.

[@Aimstrikes]

True!

[@aervaealtonelty9850]

Doesn't change he fact that he was effed up. Not his fault, just facts.

[@NeilDevlin-b5d]

@0:58 🤔 well when you put it like that 😂

[@michaelpoore21]

Even back then, HTM knew Vince Russo didn't turn WWF/E around.

[@TheGemGaming19]

Mind you this was said before wrestlemania 17😂

[@Bale4Bond]

Which was the beginning of the end for both Austin and the WWE for many years (almost up until now).

[@egomaniac247]

lol, I'm not an Austin fan and even if you think he's not the biggest draw in the history of the business you at least have to acknowledge he's top 5...so to say the top 5 draw in the history of the business is a "flash in the pan" is just silly or at the very least a terrible take/prediction.

[@chuckramone3374]

His 3:16 shirts were everywhere in Buckhead of Atlanta in WCW country back in the day

[@BrokenTablesPodcast]

He meant the longevity of his career. Hence why he asked the question will he last 10 years with his knees and neck.

[@coolguy298]

@@chuckramone3374 Austin was never as big as Hogan. Probably nobody was. Austin drew money at the peak of the attitude era for 2 years in 98 and 99. The most money he made. He was out in most of 2000. Made a comeback in late 2000s. The only thing Austin did was improve the TRP and buyrates and the reason for that was southern wrestling fans paid to see Austin. Austin was never big outside the bubble. His 3:16 shirt sales are also exaggerated. Sure he did sell more because WWF was selling merchandise in malls and supermarkets. In the 80s they didn't do it.

[@nwobw]

Austin was a flash in the pan. His historic run lasted for 2 years - 98 and 99. 4 if you give him 97 before he was champion and 2001 as a failed heel. Hell, his run honestly wasn't much longer than Goldberg's when you really break it down. Give Goldberg 98 and 99 that's two years. In 98 Goldberg actually rivalled Austin at times in terms of popularity. Austin was insanely successful, but his longevity was nothing compared to Hogan and Cena's time on top. Seriously, Stone Cold had a 2 year run and he was done.

[@coolguy298]

@@nwobw technically March 98 till end of 99. I think it was November 99. He came back in October 2000 and that's nearly a year later. Austins peak was Like 1 year and roughly 6 months. I'm not even counting 2001. Hogan was making money for WWF from late 83 till 91 as the top guy. The biggest boom the business had seen. I doubt Austin even sold a 30000 seated on his merit. Goldberg and Hogan sold out 50000 and 90000 seated arenas as the main event. Not taking away that Austin drew well on house shows and merchandise and even TV. He just isn't as big as some people say.

[@ducklife420]

honkey should have been a backstage talent if he wanted to his understanding of the business is amazing

[@GregF-k7w]

Austin is one of the GOATS

[@bdot187um]

Sure, but ain't THE GOAT.

[@My19812011]

Reality is that neither Austin or Rock were a long term main event star for the company as Austin was 1997 to 2002 and Rock was 1998 to 2003

[@jimmyplenderleith9471]

Funny to hear Honky say Austin was done in 2000 when late 2000-2001 may be his best in-ring stuff in his WWF/E run.

[@barrybanks8679]

StoneCold and The Rock are my Michael Jordan and Kobe or wrestling

[@bdot187um]

Stone cold was Tyson, he came he saw he conquered & was gone, Hulk is the MJ of pro wrestling...you didn't have to know anything about basketball to know the name michael jordan same goes for Hogan.

[@PAPITOFLOW6969]

nope hogan & undertaker are

[@bdot187um]

I wouldn't say stone cold was a flash in the pan, but I can understand what Honky is saying his body was too beat up add to the fact that atp he was pigeonholed with the mcmahons, & he wasn't that far off austin retired 2 years after this interview came out.

[@jeffwood7642]

Austin is the GOAT. The pops he got were bigger then everyone's. Triple H coming back from that torn quad at MSG was great.

[@bdot187um]

While I disagree, I can understand where your coming from.

[@PAPITOFLOW6969]

the goats are hogan & undertaker

[@broganchapman3731]

Stone cold was never a flash in the pan. Come on bro. I understand this was 2000, but even during that time, Austin was huge. Flash in the pan is an insult. The only guy out of everyone else who still gets a huge pop and being never get tired of him. Stone Cold was on another level

[@CatsClaw44]

Calm down, stop marking out kid

[@jaykid6595]

​@@CatsClaw44 How about you calm down and you stop 🛑

[@broganchapman3731]

@CatsClaw44 I don't mark out. I work. That's something you should try doing. Seems you got your feelings hurt that someone took Austin's side. Poor guy.

[@chrislaw3390]

​@@broganchapman3731 you're marking out kid

[@broganchapman3731]

@chrislaw3390 calm down girl.

[@777Eliyahu]

Foley did the jobs..

[@punaforager]

5 years aint long enough to claim anything but a flash in the pan, when you look at hulk and savage and many other careers. Honky talk is right.

[@majorbs1914]

He mad cus Jerry never knighted him😂

[@kchapo_4202]

Think he meant on Austin was physical wrestling. Not what he was or character or how over he was

[@vincenth.8793]

Thank you. Stop comparing Austin to Hogan. Hogan, a main-eventer in 3 different companies. Austin, a career mid-carder who got lucky toward the end. Thats it.

[@adamirishconundrum851]

Except Austin sold more merch and was actually a great worker before his neck injury

[@vincenth.8793]

@adamirishconundrum851 More merch? Who says, Vince? My argument is not saying Austin's "lack of talent", because I like Austin... he's just not Hogan. Longevity, cultural icon, level of pop icon and putting "asses in seats" is unmatched. Watch Hogan's work in Japan, Vince didn't want Hogan to wrestle like that.

[@adamirishconundrum851]

@vincenth.8793 not more merch overall but in the few years Austin was hot he sold more than anyone

[@adamirishconundrum851]

@vincenth.8793 I understand totally that Vince doesn't let his top stars risk injury

[@vincenth.8793]

@adamirishconundrum851 Yes and when it comes to merch, he's gonna put over his current star over his past star. I get that too. I could buy your previous statement.

[@danielrierson6683]

Tbh I don’t think Austin would have fit in very well in the later eras

[@michaelallen9571]

When are we getting the entire interview?

[@jimdebow2552]

Brian Christopher is not Honky’s nephew. Lawler is Honky’s cousin so Brian can’t be his nephew

[@Iam_saeed]

Flash in the pan LOL. In just 6 years he become the biggest star and drew the biggest numbers the business has ever seen.

[@NoneofYabiz-rx3zi]

if you adjust the numbers based on inflation he didn't though. Titan Towers and WWF was the house that Hogan built, broski. Once Hogan came back, Austin was back playing second fiddle wrestling Hall in the middle of the card and shortly after took his ball and went home like a spoiled brat

[@Iam_saeed]

@ Austin turned that main event slot down at wrestlemania against hogan…Austin was actually the first choice …the next year rock and Austin main evented and hogan was mid card. Yes hogan built the house no doubt but Austin took it to a higher level. Nothing will ever compare to that Attitude era and Austin was king of that era.

[@PhantomDreamer_]

Brian Christopher wasn't Honky Tonk Man's "nephew", he was his first cousin once removed.

[@BkZ1AnD0nLy]

Austin had a better look that's relatable. Talked better on a mic before Rock, and Saved the business

[@billybadass3056]

I know this will go over your head but do you really see ppl responding like they did in the late 90's to that gimmick in the late 2000's going into the 2010's?? I don't... i see at some point ppl getting very tired like they did with Hogans shtick in the 90's...

[@gertpacu3926]

I always called Bill Goldberg "WCW's budget version of the WWE's Stone Cold Steve Austin".

[@dlabrooknaum7316]

Just admit your trash

[@dlabrooknaum7316]

I guess thats why rock is Hollywood biggest star and Austin is doing nothing....go touch grass man

[@gertpacu3926]

@@dlabrooknaum7316 Rock has acting experience before going to the WWE when he was playing football. Stone Cold isn't an actor, but he's still been in some big movies as one of the featured stars.

[@bigdaddy0614]

Flash in the pan?.. lol. Okay Felecia.

[@givem110]

Honkey is hating right here. Vince managed to have 2 of the 3 biggest stars at the same time and jobbing wasn't an issue. Foley didn't really have to live up to what he did because he went into 90% retirement after 2000. Austin was still over af until he walked out which is why he walked out and work rate had nothing to do with it. Austin became a the biggest star when he stopped working like he did before the neck injury. This is just what he's hoping is true because alm the other wrestlers at that time had to try and follow 98-00.

[@anthonyscrima8900]

I mean, i don't think honky was hating at all. In fact, his points about austin were correct, as austin had to retire 3 years after this interview because he was so banged up. Foley retired shortly after the interview. Rock on the other hand never got hurt and had all the tools he mentioned. He was so good that hollywood came calling, but had they not, rock would've been the main guy for the next 20 years if he wanted to be

[@arkansasgreg]

Think HHH's promos have always sucked....js

[@williewest2998]

2000 Triple H was crazy!!!!

[@arkansasgreg]

@@williewest2998 He was crazy ummm messing with the boss's daughter ummm...

[@majorbs1914]

Flash in the pan?? You wish you had Austin’s career. And that’s the bottom line

[@brianmcdonald7017]

They should have had shamrock beat bret

[@Halbared]

That would have been great.

[@rickpierce3231]

P3do rock

[@brocksmith2298]

Funny how bad this take was!! Steve is considered one of the goats now!!

[@genarosalazar2818]

Stone cold flash in the pan? Hhh good talent? Honky is on payroll.

[@brocksmith2298]

When a jobber makes a prediction 😎

[@paulfaamao4200]

Seems like Elvis is a hater!

[@jorgerosas5138]

This didn’t age well 😂

[@ashleyquintanar727]

Sounds like Ryback

[@dantecarroll2435]

Honky tonk is just bitter because he was never good enough and was never main event material especially being an Elvis impersonator

[@paulknight5300]

He sounds a little bitter

[@steelflex]

What a miserable man

[@inutero10]

I like him but he seems bitter and angry.

[@adamirishconundrum851]

Shawn Michaels got the better of Bret in that fight, Bret marks cope.