Stone Cold Steve Austin: The Story Behind The Stunner

Hey guys, let's dive deep into the legendary world of Stone Cold Steve Austin and dissect one of the most iconic finishing moves in wrestling history: The Stunner. This move isn't just a simple wrestling maneuver; it's a symbol of an era, a representation of rebellion, and a key ingredient in the rise of one of the biggest stars the WWE has ever seen. So, buckle up as we explore the history, the impact, and the legacy of The Stunner.

The Genesis of The Stunner

The Stunner, in its basic form, is a three-quarter facelock jawbreaker. Sounds complicated, right? In simpler terms, it involves the attacker grabbing the opponent in a front facelock and then dropping down to a seated position, driving the opponent's jaw into the attacker's shoulder. While Stone Cold Steve Austin popularized it, he wasn't the originator. That honor belongs to Mikey Whipwreck, an ECW wrestler who used a very similar move called the Whippersnapper. So how did this move go from a relatively obscure maneuver to one of the most recognizable moves in sports entertainment?

Stone Cold adopted and modified the move during his time in WWE. Before the Stunner, Austin used the Stone Cold Stunner which looks like a normal stunner but Austin kicks the opponent in the midsection first. It quickly became his signature finisher due to its simplicity and the ease with which it could be performed on wrestlers of all sizes. Austin’s charisma and the move’s inherent visual impact made it an instant hit with the fans. The beauty of The Stunner was in its unpredictability; Austin could hit it out of nowhere, catching his opponents completely off guard. This element of surprise made every match exciting, as the crowd knew that at any moment, the match could end with a single Stunner.

Moreover, the way Austin sold The Stunner made it even more believable and devastating. He wasn't just dropping his opponents; he was launching them, creating a sense of raw power and impact. This, combined with his anti-establishment persona, turned The Stunner into more than just a move; it became a statement. It was Austin's way of saying, "I don't care about the rules, I'm going to do things my way," and the fans ate it up. They loved the rebellious nature of the move, and it perfectly encapsulated Austin's character.

The Stunner and Stone Cold's Rise to Fame

The Stunner played a pivotal role in Stone Cold Steve Austin's ascent to superstardom. In the late 1990s, WWE was embroiled in the Attitude Era, a period characterized by edgier storylines, more adult-oriented content, and a general sense of rebellion against the status quo. Stone Cold was the poster child for this era, and The Stunner was his weapon of choice. It was the perfect move for a character who defied authority and did things his way.

Austin's feuds with Mr. McMahon were legendary, and The Stunner was often at the center of their conflicts. McMahon, the tyrannical boss, represented everything Austin was against. The sight of Stone Cold delivering a Stunner to McMahon became a weekly occurrence, much to the delight of the WWE audience. These moments were cathartic for the fans, who saw Austin as their champion, standing up against a corrupt and oppressive authority figure. The Stunner became a symbol of defiance, a way for Austin to stick it to the man and give the fans what they wanted.

Furthermore, The Stunner wasn't just used on authority figures; it was used on fellow wrestlers, celebrities, and anyone who crossed Stone Cold. This indiscriminate use of the move added to Austin's unpredictable nature and made him even more popular. You never knew who was going to get Stunner next, and that was part of the fun. It created a sense of excitement and anticipation that made every Stone Cold segment must-see television.

The Impact on Wrestling

The Stunner's impact on professional wrestling is undeniable. It popularized a move that was once relatively unknown and turned it into one of the most recognizable finishers in the industry. Many wrestlers have since adopted variations of The Stunner, but none have been able to replicate the impact and legacy of Stone Cold's version. The move's simplicity and effectiveness made it appealing to wrestlers of all styles and sizes, and it continues to be used in various forms to this day.

Moreover, The Stunner influenced the way wrestlers told stories in the ring. Its unpredictable nature allowed for more spontaneous and believable moments, as wrestlers could use it to turn the tide of a match at any time. This added a sense of realism to wrestling, making it more engaging for the audience. The Stunner also paved the way for other unconventional finishing moves, as wrestlers began to experiment with new and innovative ways to end their matches.

The legacy of The Stunner extends beyond the ring as well. It has been referenced in countless movies, TV shows, and video games, solidifying its place in popular culture. The move has become synonymous with Stone Cold Steve Austin, and whenever someone performs a Stunner, it's almost always seen as a tribute to the Texas Rattlesnake. This enduring popularity is a testament to the impact that both Austin and The Stunner have had on the world of entertainment.

Variations and Evolution of the Stunner

Over the years, the Stunner has seen several variations and adaptations. While the core mechanics remain the same, wrestlers have added their own unique twists to the move. One popular variation is the RKO, made famous by Randy Orton. The RKO is essentially a jumping Stunner, where Orton leaps into the air and catches his opponent with a Stunner out of nowhere. This variation adds an extra element of surprise and athleticism to the move, making it even more visually impressive.

Another notable variation is the Diamond Cutter, used by Diamond Dallas Page (DDP). The Diamond Cutter is similar to the Stunner, but DDP would often add a jumping or twisting motion to the move, making it more dynamic. DDP's use of the Diamond Cutter helped to popularize the move in WCW, further cementing its place in wrestling history. These variations demonstrate the versatility of The Stunner and its ability to be adapted to different wrestling styles.

Furthermore, the evolution of The Stunner reflects the changing landscape of professional wrestling. As wrestling became more athletic and acrobatic, wrestlers began to incorporate more high-flying moves into their repertoire. The Stunner, with its simple yet effective design, was easily adapted to these new styles, allowing wrestlers to create innovative and exciting variations. This adaptability is one of the reasons why The Stunner has remained relevant for so long.

Memorable Stunner Moments

There have been countless memorable Stunner moments throughout Stone Cold Steve Austin's career. One of the most iconic is when he delivered a Stunner to Mr. McMahon in a hospital bed. The image of Austin invading McMahon's hospital room and hitting him with The Stunner while he was incapacitated is forever etched in the minds of wrestling fans. This moment perfectly encapsulated the rebellious spirit of the Attitude Era and solidified Austin's status as a folk hero.

Another unforgettable Stunner moment occurred at WrestleMania 13 when Austin faced Bret Hart in a submission match. During the match, Hart locked Austin in the Sharpshooter, a submission hold that threatened to end Austin's career. However, Austin refused to give up, and in a moment of sheer defiance, he flipped off Hart while still locked in the hold. This display of toughness and resilience endeared Austin to the fans, and he eventually managed to escape the hold and hit Hart with The Stunner. This match is considered one of the greatest in wrestling history, and The Stunner played a crucial role in its iconic status.

Additionally, the times Austin delivered Stunner to The Rock during their legendary feuds are unforgettable. These matches were often intense and physical, and The Stunner was always a game-changer. The crowd would erupt every time Austin hit The Rock with The Stunner, knowing that the match could end at any moment. These moments helped to define the Attitude Era and solidified Austin and The Rock as two of the biggest stars in wrestling history.

The Legacy of the Stunner and Stone Cold

In conclusion, The Stunner is more than just a wrestling move; it's a symbol of an era, a representation of rebellion, and a key ingredient in the rise of Stone Cold Steve Austin. Its impact on professional wrestling is undeniable, and its legacy continues to be felt to this day. The Stunner helped to popularize a move that was once relatively unknown and turned it into one of the most recognizable finishers in the industry. It influenced the way wrestlers told stories in the ring and paved the way for other unconventional finishing moves.

Stone Cold Steve Austin's contributions to wrestling are immeasurable, and The Stunner is a significant part of his legacy. He didn't just perform the move; he embodied it. He sold it like no one else could, making it believable and impactful. He used it to defy authority, stand up for the fans, and become one of the biggest stars in wrestling history. So, the next time you see someone hit a Stunner, remember Stone Cold Steve Austin and the impact he had on the world of wrestling. It's a move that will forever be associated with the Texas Rattlesnake, and its legacy will continue to inspire wrestlers and fans for generations to come. And that's the bottom line, because Stone Cold said so!