If you spent any time watching WWE in the late 2000s, you probably have one specific image burned into your brain. It’s Donald Trump, wearing a suit that’s a bit too big, looking like he’s about to have a heart attack while Stone Cold Steve Austin kicks him in the gut and drops him with a Stunner.
It was messy. It was uncoordinated. Honestly, it was one of the worst-executed moves in wrestling history. But it was also one of the most famous moments in pop culture.
Because of that moment at WrestleMania 23, people have been asking the same question for nearly two decades: Does Stone Cold support Trump? You see the clips every election cycle. Fans want to know if the "Baddest SOB on the Planet" is a MAGA supporter or if he’s just a guy who happened to share a ring with a future president.
The truth is a lot more nuanced than a simple "yes" or "no."
The Battle of the Billionaires: Where It All Started
To understand where Steve Austin stands, you have to look at 2007. This was the "Battle of the Billionaires." Trump and Vince McMahon each chose a wrestler to represent them, and Austin was the special guest referee.
Backstage, Vince McMahon reportedly pulled Austin aside and asked if he thought Trump would take the Stunner. Austin told him, "I don't know." When they asked Trump, his advisors were screaming for him to say no. They thought it would look "unpresidential" or just plain stupid.
But Trump looked at Vince and asked, "Will it help the show?"
Vince said yes. Trump said, "I'll do it."
Austin has talked about this a dozen times on his podcast. He gives Trump "props" for being a "gamer." In Austin's eyes, Trump was a "stand-up guy" because he was willing to get embarrassed for the sake of the business. But "respecting someone as a businessman" isn't the same thing as "voting for them in 2024."
Austin’s Surprising Stance on Social Issues
If you think Stone Cold is a cookie-cutter conservative because he’s a "beer-drinking redneck" from Texas, you haven't been paying attention. Austin has always been an outlier in the wrestling world.
Back in 2013, Austin went on a legendary rant on his podcast about marriage equality. He didn't mince words. He basically told anyone who was against same-sex marriage to mind their own business and "get over it."
"I’m for gay marriage. I don’t give a s*** what people do. None of my business. If you want to get married to another man, go for it." — Steve Austin.
That’s not exactly the typical talking point for a hardcore Trump supporter. Austin has also spoken out against racism and has generally stayed in a more "libertarian" lane rather than a strictly partisan one. He’s the guy who wants to be left alone on his ranch in Nevada (or his "Broken Skull" ranch in Texas) to hunt, fish, and drink his IPA.
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So, Does Stone Cold Support Trump Today?
Here is the flat-out reality: Steve Austin has never officially endorsed Donald Trump for president.
He hasn't shown up at rallies. He hasn't worn the hat. He hasn't posted "Trump 2024" on his Instagram.
In fact, Austin is notoriously private about his actual voting record. He’s often said that he tries to stay out of politics because it's a "no-win situation" for a celebrity. He’s following the old Michael Jordan rule: "Republicans buy sneakers, too." Or in this case, "Republicans drink Broken Skull IPA, too."
Comparing Austin to Other Legends
When you look at other WWE Hall of Famers, the contrast is sharp.
- Hulk Hogan gave a massive, shirt-ripping speech at the RNC.
- The Undertaker has donated to Republican causes and appeared on conservative podcasts.
- Kane (Glenn Jacobs) is literally a Republican mayor in Tennessee.
Austin? He’s stayed quiet.
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When people ask him about Trump now, he usually redirects the conversation back to the Stunner. He treats Trump as a former "co-worker" rather than a political leader. He’s been quoted saying that seeing the guy he stunned become president is "a hell of a story," but he stops short of saying he likes the job Trump is doing.
Why the Misconception Persists
People see a guy in a camo hat with a Texas accent and they make an assumption. It’s a stereotype. Also, Trump is in the WWE Hall of Fame. The wrestling world is historically very conservative.
But Steve Austin has always been the guy who "defied the authority." His whole gimmick was about sticking it to the boss. If he were to suddenly become a vocal political advocate, it might actually hurt the "Stone Cold" brand. He’s the ultimate everyman. The moment he picks a side, he loses half his audience.
The Actionable Truth
If you’re looking for a smoking gun that proves Steve Austin is a MAGA loyalist, you aren't going to find it. Likewise, if you want him to be a card-carrying liberal, you'll be disappointed.
What we know for sure:
- He respects Trump’s willingness to "do business" in 1991 and 2007.
- He holds progressive views on several social issues (marriage equality, civil rights).
- He values his privacy and doesn't want his brand tied to a political party.
Basically, Steve Austin is exactly who he says he is. He’s a guy who likes his ranch, his dogs, and his beer. He’s not going to tell you how to vote, and he sure as hell isn't going to tell you who he’s voting for.
If you want to keep up with what the Rattlesnake is actually doing, skip the political blogs. Check out his work with Kawasaki or his latest beer collaborations. That's where his heart is. He’s retired from the ring, and it looks like he’s retired from the cultural wars, too.
To stay truly informed about celebrity political stances, always look for direct quotes or FEC donation records rather than "vibes" from a 15-year-old wrestling clip.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to see the nuance of Austin's personality for yourself, go back and listen to the The Steve Austin Show archives from 2013-2015. You’ll hear a man who is much more thoughtful and independent-minded than the "Stone Cold" character suggests.