Stone Cold loves NXT

In 1997, if you were to guess which Attitude Era star would transition into a dynamic internet radio show host who does great research, has a flawless delivery and a certain journalistic integrity, you might have guessed The Rock or perhaps Shawn Michaels. But as it turns out the anti-authority, beer guzzling Stone Cold Steve Austin has a flair for broadcast journalism. Austin posts two podcasts a week: a family friendly show on Tuesday and an uncensored, Unleashed show on Thursdays. The Texas rattlesnake covers many topics but unsurprisingly, he shines brightest when talking wrestling.

Unlike many wrestlers from previous eras, Austin isn’t a grizzled vet complaining about these young whippersnappers. Instead, he showers praise where praise is due on the stars of today, inviting the likes of Ricochet and The Revival on his show to tell their stories. After most PPV network specials, Austin brings on PW Torch editor Wade Keller to breakdown the action. Keller and Stone Cold’s chemistry is truly wonderful and brings a new excitement to today’s product. This excitement was never more evident than their recent better-late-than-never analysis of NXT’s Takeover from Brooklyn.

During the must-listen podcast, Steve makes one thing perfectly clear: he loves NXT. He heaps praise on NXT’s presentation of pro wrestling as sport, marks out for Bobby Roode and finds almost no flaws in the show. It’s podcasts like this that helps fans remember exactly why we love wrestling. We suggest listening to the entire 90 minute show but here are some of highlights:

On No Way Jose
“Here’s a guy with a good look, good size and very good mechanically in the ring.” “This (No Way Jose gimmick) could be his Ringmaster…his foot in the door. I think the kid has talent…and the sky is the limit for him…I think there is a lot of upside.”

On Ember Moon and Billie Kay
“Oh I loved it. I loved the fact that (Ember Moon) was kind of yelling or growling to show that aggressiveness and fire….(The flying stunner) was spectacular. Very nice match from both women….Pretty damn good workers.”

On Bobby Roode:
“That Bobby Roode Glorious vignette was off the charts.”

On The Revival and Gargano/Ciampa
“As I watched this match, I started smiling. By the time I was finished, I was laughing because I was having so much enjoyment….(they) knocked it out of the park. Bases loaded. I loved it.”

On Bayley/Asuka
“That back third. It was epic. The finish was phenomenal….Just the way Asuka was kind of nudging Bayley…’hey get up’ and they hug and it was just like…I dug that.” 

On Samoa Joe
“Here’s the thing, let me say this about Samoa Joe, I wish he was around in WWE when I was in my prime because I would have loved to tangle with this guy….He needs to be in there with top (WWE) guys because he’s one of the best there is. Period.”

On Nakamura
“Boy what a charismatic individual…This guy is very special.”

Stone Cold isn’t a company mouthpiece. He calls it like he sees it when WWE fails. So to hear this unabated adoration for the NXT show, you know he means it.  Obviously Keller and Austin have much more to say and we simply cherry picked a few words from the rattlesnake. Download this one to your device, find 90 minutes this weekend to listen to it….And that’s the bottom line.