Published: Apr 30, 2023 by Sanchez Taylor | Last Updated: Apr 30, 2023 by Sanchez Taylor
Sanchez has over six years of pro-wrestling news writing experience, covering the biggest news stories in WWE, NXT, AEW, TNA Wrestling and more. He has personally interviewed a number of top stars, producing exclusive content with the likes of AEW's Swerve Strickland and WWE's Nick Aldis.
WWE
Stone Cold Steve Austin has shared his honest thoughts on the infamous ‘what’ WWE crowd chant which can be heard on most WWE shows nowadays.
Since Austin popularised the chant in 2001, the movement has evolved, with fans often asking ‘what?’ whenever a wrestler pauses during promos.
While it can be fun to see fans get the better of a heel during a segment, many find the chant annoying, and believe it has outstayed its welcome.
Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Austin noted that he finds it flattering that the chant is still used.
Addressing criticisms surrounding the chant, Austin said:
“It really does (surprise me), but it’s a testament to how impacted people were to that. You know, that started off as me leaving a voice message on Christian’s phone.
“I was working heel at the time, and I said hey man, this is a really good way to F with people and get on their nerves and under their skin.
“Because if you tell me something I just say What? And I throw it back at you, and it’s irritating, it’s what it was designed to be.
“Then I turned it into something that worked for me as babyface as a way to mock a certain situation. With cadence and delivery, people can escape it as far as talent doing a promo.
“But it’s very, it’s flattering to still see it around, but I have had so many people cussing me out and hating it.
“We ended up putting it on the t-shirt for God’s sake, and it sold a ton.
“So, I am thankful for the word, but if it disappeared tomorrow then I wouldn’t complain. I’m honored that it is still here.”
Austin recently discussed the scrapped plan for a WrestleMania 39 appearance, which you can read more about right here.
Transcription via Fightful.
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