Vince McMahon Initially Refused to Promote ‘Austin 3:16’ Catchphrase

WWE Hall of Famer ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin is one of the most iconic names in the history of professional wrestling and his rise to superstardom is well documented. However, it appears Vince McMahon allegedly refused to promote his iconic ‘Austin 3:16’ catchphrase at first.

Vince Russo was working as a writer for WWE magazine when Stone Cold Steve Austin first said “Austin 3:16” at the King of the Ring in 1996. The phrase quickly became popular among fans, leading to a surge in merchandise sales and even now, it remains incredibly popular with fans.

While speaking on The Wrestling Outlaws show on Sportskeeda, Russo shared that Vince McMahon initially showed no interest in promoting Austin’s catchphrase. After Austin’s promo, Russo rushed back to the office that Monday and put “Austin 3:16” on the magazine’s cover.

When he presented it to McMahon, Vince McMahon asked him what “Austin 3:16” meant. Russo explained that it was part of Austin’s promo and that it would be a big moneymaker. However, McMahon’s response was to reject the idea as he didn’t want to promote the catchphrase.

“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.'”

On the other hand, a former WWE star claimed that Steve Austin cost them thousands of dollars after walking out on a match. Regardless, fans are relieved that Vince McMahon came to his senses and allowed the catchphrase to be promoted, as one cannot imagine professional wrestling without ‘Austin 3:16.’