WWE Hall of Famer ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin is regarded as one of the best pro wrestlers to have ever competed inside the squared circle. However, he wasn’t always as successful as Austin made his WWE debut as the Ringmaster. A few years ago, Steve Austin also wanted to sing at WrestleMania, but Vince McMahon rejected that idea entirely.
The WrestleMania 30 opening segment was undoubtedly one of the most memorable in the history of the event, featuring three of the biggest stars in wrestling history: Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan, and The Rock. But as it turns out, the segment could have looked very different if Vince McMahon had agreed to Austin’s pitch on the day of the show.
Austin had approached McMahon earlier that day with a unique idea for his appearance in the opening segment. Rather than simply delivering a promo with Hogan and The Rock, Austin had proposed that he come out on stage and sing the classic Hank Williams song Jambalaya.
While speaking with Ring Rust Radio, The Texas Rattlesnake revealed that Vince McMahon immediately rejected his request to sing at WrestleMania 30 along with The Rock and Hulk Hogan.
“I actually pitched to Vince in the back that I wanted to sing Jambalaya – it’s an old Hank Williams song – and he shot that down. He didn’t think it would get over and I think there are some copyright issues or whatever, but could you imagine 70-80 thousand people singing Jambalaya? It would’ve been bada**.”
It’s unclear why McMahon ultimately decided not to go ahead with Austin’s idea, but the segment that aired on the night was still a huge success. The trio of wrestling icons traded barbs and shared laughs in a memorable back-and-forth that set the tone for what was to come throughout the night.
What’s your take on what Steve Austin said? Do you think he should have sung at WrestleMania? Sound off in the comments!