February 10, 2003 Observer Newsletter: Steve Austin WWE Magazine interview, WWE buying ECW rights
The much ballyhooed Steve Austin story in the WWE’s Raw magazine turned out to be exactly what you’d expect from the company that gave you Confidential, a peak inside, combined with working a storyline.
Austin gave what appeared to be his legitimate reasons for being frustrated, dating back to Wrestlemania X-7. But the only names he specifically targeted with being upset with were Rock and HHH, his two most likely next opponents in what were clearly attempts to make people think his heat with them was legit while building up their program. It was nothing less, or more, than what you’d expect. It was a brilliant promotional move by the company, to jump-start sales to their magazine with an interview they can likely put on Confidential later, and use on television as well to build his return. The magazine article said he would return to the company, but claimed “I’m not 100 percent sure I‘d like to get back in the ring,” which is clearly storyline.
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Dave Meltzer is the founder and lead writer on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the weekly constant when it comes to news and reviews in pro wrestling and mixed martial arts for more than 40 years. Dave also co-hosts Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and had had bylines for The National, Yahoo Sports, MMA Fighting and others.