WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin weighed in on the ongoing debate around kayfabe and the increasing transparency of the wrestling business during his appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show on April 30th.
When asked whether WWE may be going too far in revealing the scripted elements of its storylines, Austin made it clear that he prefers to preserve the mystique of professional wrestling.
“Man, I’m still a little old school on that,” Austin admitted.
To emphasize his stance, the former six-time WWE Champion used a clever comparison involving legendary magician Harry Houdini.
“I’m a big magic fan, but if Harry Houdini is still around, I don’t want him to tell me how he does it,” Austin said. “I want to figure out how he does it. And if I can’t, then I’m gonna keep wondering and I’m gonna keep watching.”
Austin, while fully acknowledging that wrestling is a performance, stressed that the illusion is part of what keeps fans captivated.
“I know it’s not magic, it’s an illusion,” he continued, “but let me keep wondering about that illusion.”
Austin’s remarks arrive amid growing discussion about kayfabe in today’s wrestling culture. From The Rock openly calling wrestling “a complete work” on social media to WWE producing more behind-the-scenes content, the business continues to evolve in how it blends reality and fiction.
Still, Austin’s classic approach resonates with fans who remember a time when the lines between character and performer were more strictly protected—an era where the mystery added to the drama inside the squared circle.
Stay tuned to PWMania.com for more reactions and insights from WWE legends and today’s top stars.
