Key Takeaways:
- “What?” chants became an iconic catchphrase associated with Stone Cold Steve Austin.
- The “What?” chants started in 2001 and quickly became a popular crowd response during his promos.
- The purpose of the “What?” chants was to disrupt his opponents and create an entertaining atmosphere.
- Stone Cold’s “What?” chants continue to be used in wrestling events even after his retirement.
Hey there! If you’re a wrestling fan, chances are you’ve heard the iconic “What?” chants echoing through WWE arenas.
And if you haven’t, get ready to dive into the electrifying legacy of Stone Cold Steve Austin and how he single-handedly popularized this famous catchphrase.
From its origin and evolution to its impact on the wrestling industry and beyond, this blog article will explore the phenomenon of the “What?” chants like never before.
So, get ready to step into the ring with Stone Cold and uncover the story behind this unforgettable wrestling tradition.
Let’s go!
| Aspect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Audience Reaction | Chanting “What?” as a response to prompts or speeches, creating an amusing and interactive environment |
| Origin | Popularized by professional wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin during his WWE career in the late 1990s |
| Effectiveness | Became an iconic catchphrase associated with Austin, creating memorable moments and adding to his charisma |
| Continued Usage | “What?” chants are still used by fans at wrestling events and occasionally in other contexts |
| Controversy | Some critics argue that the “What?” chants can sometimes hinder the delivery of promos or distract performers |
The Legacy of Stone Cold Steve Austin
Stone Cold Steve Austin’s legacy as an iconic WWE superstar has left a lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling.
Steve Austin: The Iconic WWE Superstar
Steve Austin is truly an iconic WWE superstar.
His electrifying personality, unmatched charisma, and in-ring skills have earned him a special place in wrestling history.
Austin’s rebellious character and catchphrases like “Austin 3:16” and “Hell Yeah!” resonated with fans across the globe.
His feuds with Vince McMahon and The Rock are legendary, creating some of the most memorable moments in WWE history.
From his stunning Stunner finisher to his beer-drinking antics, Steve Austin’s impact on the wrestling world is undeniable.
He will forever be remembered as one of the greatest WWE superstars of all time.
The Origin and Evolution of the “What?” Chants
The “What?” chants originated from Stone Cold Steve Austin’s promos and quickly became a phenomenon in the WWE universe.
The Birth of the “What?” Chant
The “What?” chant was popularized by professional wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin in the late 1990s.
It began as a way for Austin to express his frustration towards his opponents and the audience.
Whenever he asked a question in his promos or interviews, the crowd would respond with a loud and mocking “What?” chant.
It quickly caught on and became one of the most iconic chants in wrestling history.
The “What?” chant continues to be used by fans and wrestlers today, adding an interactive element to live events.
An Instant Hit with the Fans
An Instant Hit with the Fans Stone Cold Steve Austin’s “What?” chants became an instant hit with the fans.
The simplicity of the chant, where the crowd responds with a loud “What?” to Austin’s questions, created an engaging and interactive atmosphere during his promos and matches.
Fans quickly caught on to the chant and it spread like wildfire, becoming a regular occurrence at WWE events.
The chant allowed fans to actively participate in the show and added an element of unpredictability to Austin’s performances.
It truly became a memorable part of wrestling history.
Spreading like Wildfire in the WWE Universe
The “What?” chant originated from Stone Cold Steve Austin in the late 1990s.
It quickly caught on with fans and spread throughout the WWE Universe.
The chant involves the audience responding with “What?” after a wrestler’s every sentence, creating an interactive and entertaining atmosphere.
It has become a trademark of the WWE and is often used to provoke or taunt wrestlers during their promos or matches.
The “What?” chant has since become iconic and continues to be heard at WWE events today.
Impact on Stone Cold’s Promos
Stone Cold Steve Austin’s “What?” chants had a significant impact on his promos.
The crowd’s chants not only added an element of audience engagement, but they also served as a tool for Austin to control the pace and direction of his promos.
By pausing after each question and waiting for the audience to respond with a resounding “What?,” Austin could both build anticipation and create a rhythm that added to the overall entertainment value of his promos.
The “What?” chants became synonymous with Austin’s character and added an iconic and memorable element to his performances.
Iconic Moments Featuring the “What?” Chants
Iconic moments in wrestling history have been marked by Stone Cold Steve Austin’s famous “What?” chants, adding an element of excitement and unpredictability to his matches and promos.
WrestleMania XIX: Stone Cold vs. The Rock
WrestleMania XIX showcased a legendary showdown between Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock.
It was an intense battle that captivated fans worldwide.
Both wrestlers gave their all, delivering electrifying moves and non-stop action.
The energy in the arena was off the charts as the two icons vied for victory.
It was a match that will forever be remembered as one of the greatest moments in WrestleMania history.
The clash between Stone Cold and The Rock was a testament to their skill, charisma, and the power of professional wrestling to create unforgettable memories.
The Invasion Angle: Stone Cold Leads the Charge
Stone Cold Steve Austin played a pivotal role in the iconic “Invasion Angle” storyline in professional wrestling.
As the leader, he led the charge against WCW and ECW wrestlers who were invading the WWF.
Austin’s rebellious nature and anti-establishment persona made him the perfect choice to rally the WWF roster and stand against the invaders.
His actions and fearless attitude made this storyline one of the most memorable and exciting moments in wrestling history.
Stone Cold truly proved why he was one of the greatest superstars of his time.
The Ruthless Aggression Era: Stone Cold’s Memorable Encounters
Stone Cold Steve Austin had several memorable encounters during the Ruthless Aggression Era.
From his intense rivalries with The Rock and Triple H to his unpredictable encounters with Mr. McMahon, Austin’s presence was felt in every storyline.
His rebellious attitude and fearless nature made for some electrifying moments in the ring, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Whether it was stunning his opponents with a Stone Cold Stunner or belting out his iconic catchphrase, Austin’s encounters were always memorable and left a lasting impact on fans.
Unforgettable Feuds Marked by “What?” Chants
Some of the most memorable feuds in wrestling history have been accompanied by the infamous “What?” chants.
These chants gained popularity during Stone Cold Steve Austin’s rivalry with Vince McMahon, as fans would chant “What?” after every question McMahon asked.
Another feud marked by “What?” chants was The Rock’s rivalry with Austin, where the chants added an extra layer of intensity to their verbal battles.
The use of the “What?” chants in these feuds became iconic and are still remembered to this day.
Other feuds may have had moments with “What?” chants, but none have quite matched the impact and lasting power of these iconic rivalries.
The “What?” Chants Beyond Stone Cold
The “What?” chants have had a lasting impact on the wrestling industry and have been adopted by other wrestlers.
Influence on the Wrestling Industry
Stone Cold Steve Austin’s “What?” chants have had a significant influence on the wrestling industry.
The catchphrase became highly popular and synonymous with Austin’s character, creating a lasting impact on audience engagement.
It revolutionized the way fans interacted with wrestlers during promos and matches.
The “What?” chants became a unique form of crowd participation, allowing fans to voice their opinions in real-time.
This influence can be observed even today, as wrestlers and fans continue to use and respond to the “What?” chants.
Pop Culture References and Parodies
Pop Culture References and Parodies: Pop culture references and parodies of Stone Cold Steve Austin’s “What?” chants have become a common occurrence over the years. Many TV shows, movies, and even other professional wrestling promotions have incorporated the chant or parodied it in some way.
It has become a recognizable catchphrase that has crossed over into mainstream culture, showing its lasting impact and influence.
This demonstrates the wide-reaching popularity of Stone Cold’s character and the lasting impression he has left on pop culture. Some notable examples include appearances on shows like “The Office” and “Saturday Night Live,” as well as references in movies like “Dodgeball” and “Tropic Thunder.” The “What?” chant has become an iconic part of Stone Cold’s legacy and continues to be referenced and parodied in various forms of media.
Resurgence of the Chant in Current WWE
The iconic “What?” chant popularized by Stone Cold Steve Austin is making a comeback in the current WWE.
The audience’s enthusiasm for this chant has reignited, creating an electric atmosphere during matches.
Wrestlers like John Cena, Roman Reigns, and Becky Lynch have embraced the chant, using it to engage with the crowd and enhance their performances.
The resurgence of this chant adds a nostalgic element to WWE events and further connects fans with their favorite superstars.
It’s another example of how the WWE continues to evolve while honoring its rich history.
Controversies Surrounding the “What?” Chants
The “What?” chants have sparked controversies in the wrestling community.
Criticisms and Backlash
Criticisms and Backlash: Critics argue that Stone Cold Steve Austin’s “What?” chants have had a negative impact on wrestling events. They claim that the repetitive chants disrupt the flow of matches and take away from the wrestlers’ performances.
Additionally, some fans find the chants annoying and believe it detracts from the overall experience.
While the chants have become a trademark of Austin’s career, they are not universally loved and have faced backlash from certain segments of the wrestling community.
Impact on Promo Delivery
The “What?” chants popularized by Stone Cold Steve Austin have had a significant impact on promo delivery in professional wrestling. These chants have introduced a new element of audience participation, making promos more interactive and engaging.
Wrestlers now have to be more deliberate and precise in their delivery to avoid getting interrupted by these chants.
It adds a challenge for wrestlers to capture and maintain the attention of the crowd, leading to more dynamic and entertaining promos. As a result, promo delivery has become a crucial factor in a wrestler’s success.
Superstars’ Reactions
Superstars have had varied reactions to Stone Cold Steve Austin’s “What?” chants. Some embrace it, using it as an opportunity to engage with the audience and add humor to their promos.
Others, however, find it disruptive and have voiced their frustrations.
The reactions depend on the individual’s style and comfort level with improvisation. Some Superstars have even incorporated the chant into their own catchphrases, while others prefer not to acknowledge it at all.
It ultimately comes down to personal preference and how each Superstar wants to connect with the fans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the “What?” Chants
How did the “What?” chant become popular?
The “What?” chant became popular thanks to Stone Cold Steve Austin, a WWE wrestler.
He started using it in 2001 as a way to mock his opponents and fans during his promos.
The catchphrase quickly caught on with the audience and spread to other wrestlers and events.
The simplicity and humor of the chant, combined with Austin’s charisma, made it a fan favorite and a memorable part of WWE history.
Did Stone Cold Steve Austin create the chant himself?
Stone Cold Steve Austin did not create the “What?” chant himself.
The chant actually started spontaneously during a match in 2001 when Steve Austin was cutting a promo.
The crowd began to chant “What?” after each sentence he spoke, and it caught on from there.
The chant became synonymous with Austin and is still used by fans today.
So, while Austin didn’t create it, he certainly embraced it and made it his own.
What is the significance of the “What?” chant in WWE history?
The “What?” chant in WWE history holds great significance. It originated with Stone Cold Steve Austin and became one of the most iconic chants in professional wrestling.
The chant emerged as a tool for audience engagement, allowing fans to interact with the wrestlers and express their opinions.
It added an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the matches. The chant also became synonymous with the rebellious, anti-establishment character of Stone Cold, further solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the wrestling world.
Do other wrestling promotions use the “What?” chant?
Yes, other wrestling promotions have used the “What?” chant, but it originated with Stone Cold Steve Austin in the WWE. It has become a popular crowd participation chant in the wrestling world and has been adopted by other promotions to engage the audience.
While it may not be as prevalent as in the WWE, you might still hear it occasionally in other wrestling shows.
Has Stone Cold ever addressed the “What?” chants?
Stone Cold Steve Austin has indeed addressed the infamous “What?” chants.
In an interview, Austin explained that the chant actually started as a way for him to pause for laughter or applause during his promos.
However, it eventually got out of hand and became annoying to both him and the audience.
Austin has made it clear that he does not like the chants and has even asked fans to stop doing it.
He believes it’s disrespectful and hinders the flow of his promos.
Final Verdict
Stone Cold Steve Austin’s “What?” chants have undeniably left an indelible mark on the wrestling industry.
Originating from a spontaneous interaction with a fan, these chants quickly became an iconic part of Austin’s promos and garnered immense popularity among fans.
From WrestleMania moments to memorable feuds, the “What?” chants have enhanced the electric atmosphere of WWE events.
Despite some controversies and criticisms, the influence of the “What?” chants cannot be denied.
Today, these chants continue to make their presence felt in the current WWE landscape, showcasing their lasting impact on wrestling culture.
