on May 24, 2024, 11:44 am
At the centre of the room sits a formidable wooden table, solid and unyielding, much like Austin himself. Microphones, poised like sentinels, stand ready to capture every gravelly word and candid confession. Behind the table, a wall adorned with memorabilia tells a visual history: championship belts gleaming under soft spotlights, framed photos capturing moments of triumph and camaraderie, and shelves lined with vintage beer cans, a nod to Austin’s infamous in-ring celebrations.
The lighting is both practical and atmospheric, with overhead fixtures casting a warm, golden glow that softens the room's edges, creating an inviting space where guests can feel at ease. A pair of leather chairs, worn in all the right places, invite both host and guest to sit back and let the conversation flow.
In the corner, a compact bar setup is stocked with an assortment of beverages, from artisanal beers to fine whiskeys, ready to lubricate the wheels of dialogue. The room is equipped with state-of-the-art recording technology, ensuring that every nuance of Austin’s famously raspy voice is captured with crystal clarity.
Yet, amidst the high-tech equipment and nostalgic artifacts, there’s a sense of authenticity that permeates the space. It’s in the raw, unfiltered honesty that Austin brings to every episode, the way his gravelly laughter fills the room, and the palpable respect he has for the craft of storytelling.
This studio isn’t just a place where podcasts are recorded; it’s a sanctuary of sorts, where the past and present collide, where legends are made, and where the stories of wrestling’s greatest can be told, preserved, and celebrated.
Stu-E Price, the famed HWA wrestler, arrived at the studio with a mixture of excitement and reverence. The modest yet assertive click of his boots on the concrete floor echoed through the corridor as he approached the podcast room, his mind racing with the anticipation of meeting both a legend and an old friend. The door to the studio, adorned with a modest plaque bearing the iconic skull logo, stood ajar, inviting him into a space that radiated history and camaraderie.
As Stu-E crossed the threshold, he was immediately struck by the rich atmosphere of the room. The walls, lined with memorabilia, seemed to whisper to him. His eyes scanned the array of championship belts, framed photos, and vintage beer cans, each item a testament to the storied career of his host.
Then, from behind the central table, Stone Cold Steve Austin emerged. Clad in his signature black t-shirt and jeans, his presence was as commanding as ever. The years had only added to his aura, each line on his face telling a story of resilience and triumph. He moved with a purposeful ease, his every gesture brimming with the confidence of a man who had seen and done it all.
"Stu-E Price," Austin's voice, a gravelly drawl that was instantly recognizable, cut through the room with the warmth of an old friend. He extended a hand, firm and steady, to greet his guest. "Welcome to the Broken Skull Studio, brother."
Stu-E clasped Austin's hand, the handshake solid and sincere. "Good to be here, Steve," he replied, his voice tinged with a mix of respect and admiration. "I've been looking forward to this."
Austin grinned, his eyes twinkling with genuine pleasure. "Likewise, man. Take a seat and make yourself at home. We've got a lot to talk about."
As they settled into the leather chairs, the studio seemed to shrink around them, becoming an intimate space where stories could be shared freely and openly. The microphones stood ready, but for a moment, they were just two wrestlers, swapping tales and reminiscing about the wild ride that is professional wrestling.
Austin leaned back, a bottle of beer in hand, and gestured around the room. "This place has seen a lot of great conversations, Stu-E. I'm glad you're here to add to that legacy."
Stu-E nodded, feeling the weight of the moment. He knew that this encounter wasn't just another interview; it was a meeting of minds and spirits, a chance to connect with one of the true legends of the sport. And as the recording light flicked on, he felt a surge of excitement, ready to dive into the conversation that awaited, knowing it would be one for the ages.
Austin leaned forward, a nostalgic smile playing on his lips as he began to speak.
"Stu-E, I gotta say, it's damn good to have you here. I was just thinkin' about the first time we crossed paths. Remember the WXWA? Pascal Mageau's little wrestling promotion?"
Stu-E Price chuckled, nodding his head. "How could I forget? That place was like a wrestling boot camp and a family reunion all rolled into one."
Austin laughed, the sound rough yet filled with fondness. "Yeah, it was somethin' special. I was recoverin' from that injury, needed some ring time to get back in shape. Pascal offered me a spot, said he had this up-and-comer who could use some time in the ring with someone like me."
"That was a golden opportunity for me," Stu-E interjected, his eyes gleaming with the memory. "Getting to train with you, learn from you firsthand, it was like a dream come true. I remember those sessions vividly."
Austin nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I remember seein' the fire in your eyes, kid. You were hungry, and you weren't afraid to put in the work. We had some pretty intense matches, and you soaked it all up like a sponge. It was clear you had what it takes to make it big."
Stu-E smiled, a touch of humility in his demeanour. "You pushed me to my limits, Steve. Every time we stepped into that ring, I felt like I was being tested, but I also felt like I was being moulded into a better wrestler."
"That's the thing," Austin said, leaning back in his chair. "In this business, you gotta be tough, but you also gotta be willing to learn and adapt. You did that, and look where it's gotten you. You're a household name in the HWA now, and you earned every bit of it."
Austin leaned back, a playful glint in his eye. "Alright, Stu-E, why don't you tell the fans how we first met, properly? Let's see if you embellish anything."
Stu-E chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, Steve, I'll let them know. Basically Steve was told he’d be working with me and that was it. Well, being young and stupid, I had better ideas!”
Austin nodded, his smile encouraging. "That's right. Go on."
Stu-E continued, "So, there was this small-town show in a gymnasium, nothing fancy. The locker room was buzzing because 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin was gonna be there. Everyone was excited, but also a bit nervous. I remember you walking in, that intense look on your face. You weren't there to take it easy—you were there to work."
Austin's eyes twinkled with amusement. "I remember that look. What happened next?"
Stu-E grinned. "You went out for your match, and just as you were about to get to the ring I came out of nowhere and hit you on the back of the neck with a full beer can!"
Austin nodded. "Son of a bitch nearly put me back on the shelf!”
Stu-E laughed, a bit sheepishly. "Yeah, I did. I thought I picked up one that was almost empty so the visual would look great of beer splashing everywhere but you were walking too fast so I had to almost jog, and I picked up the wrong beer! You said you were gonna kill me!"
Austin grinned, raising his beer bottle. "I did say that, didn't I? So, no embellishments, huh?"
Stu-E shook his head. "No need to embellish, Steve. That day was a turning point for me. I got to learn from one of the best, and it motivated me to push even harder in my career. And you were so pissed at me, you didn’t let up so I might have lost 99% of the matches but damn, it was fun."
Austin clinked his bottle against Stu-E's. "To the good old days and to never stopping."
Stu-E echoed the sentiment, "To the good old days."
As they shared a drink, the studio resonated with the warmth of shared memories and the bond forged through their mutual love of wrestling. The story, told with honesty and respect, highlighted the journey of two wrestlers who had walked the same path and found camaraderie along the way.
Austin's voice softened slightly as he continued. "Pascal's promotion might have been small, but it had heart. And it brought out the best in both of us."
Stu-E nodded, his gaze steady. "Those days in the WXWA were some of the most formative of my career. I learned the ropes, quite literally, and I got to do it alongside one of the greatest."
Austin again raised his beer bottle in a toast. "To Pascal Mageau and the WXWA, and to the journey that brought us here."
Stu-E raised his own bottle, clinking it against Austin's with a sense of camaraderie. "To the journey."
As the bottles met with a satisfying clink, Austin took a sip of his beer, leaning back in his chair as he regarded Stu-E with a curious glint in his eye. "So, Stu-E, after WXWA, you went down a different path than I did. I headed back to WWE, but you stayed in the smaller promotions and took to the road. What was that journey like for you?"
Stu-E Price leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as he began to recount his story. "Yeah, after WXWA, I felt like I needed to find my own way, carve out my own path in the wrestling world. I knew I wasn't ready for the big leagues just yet, so I stayed with the smaller promotions. There was a rawness to those places that appealed to me, a sense of grit and authenticity."
Austin nodded, his eyes never leaving Stu-E's face. "There's somethin' about those smaller promotions, ain't there? The intimacy, the raw energy. It's a different kind of battleground."
"Exactly," Stu-E agreed. "I started with some local circuits around North America, wrestling in high school gyms, community centres, wherever they'd have me. It was tough, but it was real. Every match was a chance to learn, to get better. And the fans, they were right there with you, close enough to feel every hit, every fall."
Austin grinned, clearly appreciating the sentiment. "Those fans, they're the heartbeat of the sport. They keep you honest."
Stu-E smiled. "They sure do. After that, I decided to branch out. I travelled to Japan and wrestled in some of the smaller promotions there. It was a whole new world. The style, the culture, the respect for the craft—it was intense, and I loved every minute of it. I picked up so much from the Japanese wrestlers, their discipline and technique."
"I bet that was an eye-opener," Austin said, his tone genuinely intrigued. "Japan's got a hell of a wrestling scene. They take it seriously over there."
"Absolutely, I just wanted a Ribera jacket…" Stu-E continued. "From there, I went to Europe, wrestling in the UK, Germany, wherever I could get a match. Each place had its own unique flavour, its own style. It was like a master class in professional wrestling. I felt like a journeyman, picking up new skills and perspectives everywhere I went."
Austin raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "That's a hell of a journey, man. Must've been tough, though, bein' on the road all the time, away from home."
"It was," Stu-E admitted, his voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia. "But it was also exhilarating. I was chasing the dream, and every new city, every new promotion was a step closer. It wasn't just about the destination, but the journey itself. The people I met, the matches I fought, they all shaped me into the wrestler I am today."
Austin nodded appreciatively. "And that's what it's all about, ain't it? The journey, the growth, the experiences that mould you. You've earned your stripes, Stu-E. Every step of the way."
Stu-E smiled, a sense of pride evident in his expression. "Thanks, Steve. Coming from you, that means a lot. It's been a wild ride, but I wouldn't change a thing."
The two men shared a moment of mutual respect, their paths having diverged yet intersected in ways that defined their careers and their lives. Austin leaned forward, a look of genuine curiosity on his face. "So, Stu-E, you travelled the world, wrestled in all those promotions, but you never made it to WWE, WCW, or even ECW. Why is that? Was it a choice or just how things turned out?"
Stu-E Price took a deep breath, his expression thoughtful as he considered the question. "You know, Steve, it's a bit of both. There were opportunities along the way, no doubt about it. I had a couple of try-outs with WWE, and there was some interest from WCW and ECW as well. But for one reason or another, things just didn't align."
Austin nodded, understanding the nuances of the wrestling business. "It's a tough game, no doubt. Timing, luck, and a bit of politics too."
"Exactly," Stu-E agreed. "With WWE, I remember having a try-out match, and it went well. The feedback was positive, but they were looking for something specific at the time, and I didn't quite fit that mould. It was disappointing, but I didn't let it deter me. I figured there were other paths to success."
"How about WCW and ECW?" Austin prompted, clearly interested.
"WCW was an interesting one," Stu-E continued. "I had a couple of matches there, and they went well. But just when things were looking promising, the whole place was going through a lot of changes, and the timing just wasn't right. I could never really trust a promotion that didn’t know what to do with a Bret Hart. With ECW, it was a bit different. I loved the hardcore style, the intensity, but I also knew it came with a lot of risks for low pay. At that point in my career, I was weighing the longevity of my career against the immediate impact."
Austin's eyes narrowed with respect. "Smart man. ECW was a hell of a place, but brutal on the body. You've gotta think long-term in this business."
Stu-E nodded appreciatively. "That's what it came down to, really. I wanted to have a career that lasted, not just a flash in the pan. So, I focused on building my reputation in the indie circuits, honing my craft, and learning as much as I could from every match and every opponent. Plus, I’m a bit of a loner and enjoy doing whatever I want, so I’ve never really fit in hugely corporate businesses."
Austin leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "You took the road less travelled, and it made you who you are. Sometimes, it's not about the big names or the bright lights, but the journey and the stories you collect along the way."
"That's exactly it, Steve," Stu-E said with a smile. "I have no regrets. I've had an incredible career, met amazing people, and learned from the best. And I believe everything happens for a reason. The path I took was the one I was meant to walk, and the hangovers were meant to be experienced!"
Austin raised his beer bottle in a toast. "To walking your own path, and making the most of every beer!"
Stu-E clinked his bottle against Austin's, a sense of satisfaction in his eyes. "To the journey, and the stories that make us who we are."
The two men shared a moment of understanding, their paths in the wrestling world different yet bound by the same passion and dedication. Austin's gaze softened with a hint of intrigue as he shifted the conversation toward a pivotal moment in Stu-E's career. "So, Stu-E, after all those years on the road, wrestling in promotions big and small, you eventually found your way back to the business, this time as one of the driving forces behind HWA. How did that come about?"
Stu-E leaned forward, his eyes bright with the memory of that transformative moment. "It was a turning point for me, Steve. After years of grinding it out on the indie circuit, I found myself wanting to give back to the business that had given me so much. I wanted to create a space where young talent could thrive, where they could learn and grow, just like I did."
Austin nodded, understanding the impulse to pay it forward. "That's noble, Stu-E. Wrestling's a tough business, and having a place where talent can develop is crucial."
"Exactly," Stu-E agreed. "Plus I was getting low on my savings, and needed a pay day so I figured the reunion show would be enough and I could walk in to the sunset. But… when I wrestled it didn’t hurt like a bitch and I enjoyed it, so I stuck around."
Austin's eyes gleamed with admiration. "Sounds like subconsciously you had a vision, and you made it happen. That's no small feat, jumping directly from what felt like a legends contract to a full time wrestling deal."
Stu-E smiled, a sense of pride evident in his voice. "It wasn't easy, but it was worth it. I worked hard to establish HWA as a place where wrestlers could thrive, and the response from both the talent and the fans was overwhelming. Just a shame some of the behind-the-scenes crap overshadowed what people like me were doing."
Austin leaned back, a satisfied expression on his face. "Sounds like you found your calling, Stu-E. Building something, leaving a legacy that'll last long after you're gone and not letting the bullshit bring you down."
Stu-E nodded, a sense of fulfilment washing over him. "We’ll see, Steve. HWA isn't just a promotion, it's a community. And being able to contribute to that, to help shape the next generation of wrestlers, it's been one of the highlights of my career."
Austin's brows furrowed with genuine curiosity as he broached the subject. "Stu-E, I gotta ask about something I saw that really caught my attention. I saw pictures of you with your daughter at ringside during some of your matches. How did that come about?"
Stu-E's face lit up with a proud smile, a hint of emotion glimmering in his eyes. "Ah, yeah, that's been great, Steve. Having my daughter by my side at ringside was something truly special."
Austin leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Tell me about it. How did she get involved?"
Stu-E took a moment, gathering his thoughts before he began. "Well, you know, wrestling has always been a big part of my life, and I wanted to share that with my daughter. So, when she showed an interest in coming to my matches, I jumped at the chance to have her there. Her Mother was seriously ill at the time so I said Laney could stay with me. Just one of those things that, all the stars aligned to let it happen."
Austin nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "There's somethin' powerful about sharin' your passion with your kids. Must've been a proud moment for you."
"It was," Stu-E agreed, his voice tinged with emotion. "Having her there, watching me do what I love, it was a dream come true. And she loved every minute of it, cheering me on from ringside."
Austin chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. "I bet that added a whole new level of motivation for you out there in the ring."
"It did," Stu-E admitted, a grin spreading across his face. "Knowing that she was watching, seeing the pride in her eyes, it pushed me to give it my all, to be the best wrestler and the best father I could be." Austin's expression turned serious as he shifted the conversation to a more sombre topic. "Stu-E, I gotta ask, having your daughter so close to the action, it's not without its risks. Did you ever worry about her safety, being at ringside during your matches?"
Stu-E nodded, his demeanour becoming more contemplative. "Absolutely, Steve. It's something that weighed on my mind every time she was there. Wrestling can be dangerous, and accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. But I made sure to take every precaution to keep her safe."
Austin leaned forward, his eyes searching Stu-E's face for reassurance. "What kind of precautions did you take?"
"We had a designated area for her at ringside, away from the action but still close enough for her to see," Stu-E explained. "And I’ve taught her how to behave in whatever situation arises."
Austin nodded, a sense of understanding passing between them. "Smart move. It's important to set boundaries and make sure she understands what to do and when to do it at her age."
"Exactly," Stu-E agreed. "And Laney, she knew the risks too. We talked about it beforehand, and she understood the importance of staying alert and staying out of harm's way."
Austin's expression softened with empathy. "Must've been tough, though, havin' her there, knowing the dangers of the business."
"It was," Stu-E admitted, his voice tinged with emotion. "But at the same time, for any experience with your kids you have to judge their maturity first, but she knows enough. It brought us closer together, sharing those moments of triumph and adversity. And it showed her firsthand the dedication and passion that goes into pursuing your dreams." Austin's expression softened with admiration as he turned the conversation toward a more uplifting topic. "Stu-E, I gotta hand it to your daughter, Laney. I've seen her in action, handling herself with grace and determination, even in the face of adversity like Legion. She's got a real talent for this business."
Stu-E's face lit up with pride, a smile spreading across his features. "Thanks, Steve. Yeah, Laney's been a force to be reckoned with. She's got that same fire and determination that I had when I was starting out, maybe even more."
Austin nodded, his respect evident. "She's definitely made a name for herself, both in and out of the ring. And those merchandise sales of hers, they're off the charts. Fans can't seem to get enough of her."
Stu-E chuckled, a hint of disbelief in his voice. "Tell me about it. I think she's got more t-shirts and action figures than I ever did. But she's earned every bit of it. She's worked hard to build her brand and connect with her fans, and it's paying off."
Austin raised his beer bottle in a silent salute. "To Laney, and the bright future ahead of her."
Stu-E raised his own bottle, the clink of glass a symbol of their shared pride. "To Laney."
Austin's expression softened with sympathy as he broached the sensitive topic. "Stu-E, I heard about your older daughter and what she went through in the Manchester bombing. How's she doing now?"
Stu-E's demeanour shifted, a mixture of sadness and resolve evident in his voice. "Thanks for asking, Steve. Caitlin went through a lot during that time, but she's doing okay now. It was a traumatic experience for her, as it would be for anyone. But she's strong, resilient. She got the help she needed to deal with it."
Austin nodded, his gaze steady. "I'm glad to hear she's getting the help she’s doing alright. It's tough to go through something like that."
"It is," Stu-E agreed. "And it's something that's stayed with her, even now. It's changed her in a lot of ways."
Austin leaned forward, his brow furrowed with concern. "And I heard she didn't want to be part of the wrestling business, despite your involvement. What's behind that?"
Stu-E took a deep breath, his voice tinged with regret. "Yeah, that's right. Caitlin's always been a private person, and after what happened in Manchester, she was hounded by the media for a story. It was relentless, invasive. She never wanted to be in the public eye, and that experience only reinforced that feeling."
Austin's expression softened with understanding. "I can't imagine what she went through. It's no wonder she wants to keep a low profile."
"Exactly," Stu-E said, nodding in agreement. "She's been through enough already. The last thing she needs is more attention on her. So, she's chosen to stay out of the spotlight, focus on her own life away from the business. It took a lot of threatening certain people, but I’ve managed to keep her picture out of the media. She could walk past the screen now and you wouldn’t know it was her."
Austin raised his beer bottle in a silent salute. "To Caitlin, and to finding peace and privacy in a world that can be all too intrusive."
Stu-E raised his own bottle, the clink of glass a symbol of their shared understanding. "To Caitlin, I love and miss you and I’m very, very proud of you."
As they shared a moment of quiet solidarity, the studio seemed to echo with the weight of their shared experiences. Austin's curiosity peaked as he inquired about the future plans. "So, Stu-E, what's next for you and Laney? Any big plans on the horizon?"
Stu-E's eyes gleamed with excitement as he leaned forward, eager to share their upcoming endeavours. "Well, Steve, we've got some exciting things in the works. First off, we've got the Ring Master tournament coming up. It's a chance for the HWA wrestlers to showcase their skills and compete for a shot at glory."
Austin's interest was piqued. "Ring Master tournament, huh? Sounds like a hell of an opportunity."
"It is," Stu-E confirmed. "We’re training hard, preparing to give it everything we've got. It's gonna be a tough competition, but we're ready for the challenge."
Austin nodded, a look of approval on his face. "How does it all work?"
Stu-E's grin widened. "Well, it starts off in teams like a Lethal Lottery and goes from there. I’ve been training my arse off and avoiding the backstage crap I’ve not paid much attention to the specifics. I’m focusing on the return of the HWA World Championship. It's been a while since the title was last contested, but we're bringing it back bigger and better than ever. It's gonna be a landmark event for HWA, and we're pulling out all the stops to make it unforgettable."
Austin's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "The return of the HWA World Championship, now that's somethin' to get excited about. Any hints on who might be in the running for the title?"
Stu-E chuckled, a twinkle in his eye. "Definitely Sean Parker, he has the old X-Factor sob story behind him of his injuries and Michelle, his girlfriend being in a bad way. Joking aside, there’s a whole range of people who could make it, but my money is on Sean if I don’t make the Final."
Austin's curiosity was piqued about the tag team part of the tournament, “So who have you been stuck with?”
Stu-E sighed at the thought. "Oh, let me tell you about The Shark, Steve. New guy, haven’t worked him out yet, don’t know much about him. If I could have picked a worse partner, I just couldn’t. And that’s not me saying he’s a piece of trash like you would, I just would have preferred to go into this with someone watching my back who I trust can get the job done if I’m struggling."
Austin nodded, a knowing smile spreading across his face. "Could be a blessing, having to carry a piece of trash!"
Stu-E's grin widened, "Hell, it might be. Expect the unexpected in the wrestling business, they say. We might have a Bill Goldberg under that mask, for all we know!"
Austin chuckled, clearly impressed. "I can imagine, you go in for the hot tag and he comes running in and BLAM! Spear! Jackhammer… 1.. 2.. 3…!"
Stu-E nodded, "My DILF fans might know if he’s the sort of guy to finish quickly…."
Austin burst out laughing, Price joins him, and they laugh together for a moment, Austin's next inquiry touched on a potentially sensitive topic, but one that Stu-E was familiar with. "Stu-E, I've seen those D.I.L.F shirts in the crowd, and it looks like you've got quite the following among the female fans. How do you handle all that attention?"
Stu-E chuckled, a hint of sheepishness in his expression. "Ah, yeah, those shirts. They definitely make for some interesting moments in the crowd. As for the attention, well, I try to take it in stride. It's flattering, of course, but I also try to stay focused on the task at hand: putting on a great show for all the fans and winning my matches."
Austin nodded, understanding the delicate balance. "It's all about staying focused. But I gotta ask, does Laney ever give you a hard time about all the attention from the female fans?"
Stu-E's smile softened with affection as he spoke about his daughter. "Laney's pretty understanding about it all. She knows it comes with the territory, and she trusts me to handle it professionally. Plus, she's got her own fanbase to worry about."
Austin chuckled, a knowing twinkle in his eye. "That's true. She's carving out her own path in the business. But still, it can't be easy seeing her old man getting all that attention."
Stu-E nodded, a sense of empathy in his voice. "Yeah, it can be tough sometimes. But Laney did ask the other day why I didn’t have a girlfriend! I said because you had told me not to have one! Her reply was it’s been long enough now, so maybe I’ll take one of those dilf girls up on the offer once I’ve lifted the World Title!"
Austin raised his beer bottle in a silent salute. As they shared a moment of quiet anticipation, the studio seemed to buzz with the excitement of what lay ahead. And through it all, there was a sense of determination, of two wrestlers united in their commitment to pushing the boundaries of the sport and creating moments that would live on in wrestling history.
Austin leaned forward, clearly excited to dive deeper into the conversation. "Alright, Stu-E, I've got a few more questions for you. First off, name an opponent you never got to wrestle but wish you had the chance to."
Stu-E thought for a moment before responding, "That's a tough one, Steve. But if I had to pick, I'd say Bret 'The Hitman' Hart. His technical skills and storytelling in the ring are legendary. It would've been an honour to step into the ring with him."
Austin nodded, appreciating the choice. "Bret's a good one. I owe so much to the guy. Now, where do you see yourself in two years? If it's not in HWA, where would it be?"
Stu-E smiled thoughtfully. "In two years, I see myself still heavily involved in HWA, hopefully having helped elevate it to new heights as their World Champion. But if not, I'd love to travel the World with my kids."
Austin's eyes lit up with the next question. "What's your favourite beer, Stu-E?"
Stu-E chuckled. "That's an easy one. I’m a big fan of a good old-fashioned Stone Cold Steve Austin I.P.A!"
Austin laughed, clearly pleased but also knowing he’s just keeping him sweet. "I better ask you that off the air for a proper answer!" Price simply laughed, “Nah, I was putting a plug in there for you. I’d go with Mahou, it’s all I drink when I’m in Madrid.”
Steve nodding approvingly at the choice, it wasn’t something he expected to hear. “If you were to put together a card for Havoc, who would you book?”
Stu-E's face grew animated as he outlined his dream card. "For Havoc, I'd kick things off with a handicap match, Kain and Abel up against Tobias Clarke, just to see him to wriggle out of that! You’ve gotta have a high-flying, all action ladder match with Parker Vs. Branson Vs. Miller with a contract for World Championship hanging from the ceiling.
I can’t forget the ladies, so you’d have to have Michelle Vs. Erica in a Hell in a Cell match the way things are going. You’d have to get the Blackthorne’s on the show in an open challenge and I’d love to see someone like Liv Morgan and Trish Stratus show up but that’s for personal reasons.”
Both Austin and Price smile, before Stu-E moves on, “You don’t want to have people feel left out so you put together a Battle Royal with a twist, put them in a steel cage and whoever is the last one to escape the cage is simply fired! And finally, a main event featuring a world title match with Stu-E Price defending Vs. Maniac in an Iron Man Match, because the only person who can seemingly bring the best out of him, is me."
Austin nodded appreciatively. "That's a hell of a card. Going back to Ring Master, what about your strategy, how are you approaching it, how’s the preparation been?"
Stu-E leaned in, his expression serious. "For Ring Master, it's all about adaptability and endurance. I'll be focusing on my conditioning to outlast my opponents and stay sharp. Each match will be different, so I'll need to be ready to switch up my tactics on the fly. I’ve spent the last few weeks taking my foot off the gas, trying to save energy and avoid injury."
Austin leaned forward, his eyes glinting with curiosity. "Alright, Stu-E, let's talk about the competition. Who would you say on the HWA roster is your biggest threat right now?"
Stu-E's expression grew serious as he considered the question. "That's a tough one, Steve. There are a lot of talented folks on the HWA roster. But if I had to pick one, I'd say Sean Parker. The guy's a powerhouse, and he's been on a real tear lately. He's got the skills, the intensity, and the drive to be a major threat in any match."
Austin nodded, clearly impressed. "Sean Parker? I'll have to keep an eye on him. Now, on a lighter note, who would you pick as a drinking buddy from the HWA roster?"
Stu-E's face lit up with a grin. "Oh, that's an easy one. Hans! I bet that guy is absolutely hilarious pissed up!"
Austin laughed, raising his beer bottle. "To good friends and wild nights."
Stu-E clinked his bottle against Austin's, the sound of camaraderie and shared adventures echoing in the studio. "To good friends."
As the podcast conversation began to wind down, Austin took a moment to reflect. "Stu-E, it's been great catching up with you and hearing about all the amazing things you've got going on. Before we wrap this up, anything else you want to share with the fans?"
Stu-E's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Actually, there is one more thing, Steve. I've got a special invitation for you. How would you feel about being my special guest at the Ring Master tournament?"
Austin's eyebrows shot up in surprise and genuine pleasure. "Your special guest at Ring Master? Man, I'd be honoured. You sure you want an old rattlesnake like me there?"
Stu-E laughed, the enthusiasm evident in his voice. "Absolutely, Steve. It would mean a lot to me and the fans. Your presence would add an extra layer of excitement to the event, and I'd love to have you there to witness all the action firsthand."
Austin grinned, his eyes twinkling. "Well, hell, I can't say no to that. Count me in, Stu-E. I'll be there, cheering you on and maybe even sharing a beer or two after the matches."
Stu-E raised his beer bottle, his smile wide and genuine. "To Ring Master, and to having the original Ring Master, 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin as my guest."
Austin clinked his bottle against Stu-E's, the sound ringing out with camaraderie and anticipation. "To The Ring Masters!"
As they shared this final toast, the studio was filled with a sense of excitement for the future and the strong bonds of friendship and respect that had been reaffirmed throughout their conversation. The fans listening could feel the genuine connection between the two wrestlers and the promise of thrilling events to come.
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