February 10, 2003 Observer Newsletter: Steve Austin WWE Magazine interview, WWE buying ECW rights

The much ballyhooed Steve Austin story in the WWE’s Raw magazine turned out to be exactly what you’d expect from the company that gave you Confidential, a peak inside, combined with working a storyline.

Austin gave what appeared to be his legitimate reasons for being frustrated, dating back to Wrestlemania X-7. But the only names he specifically targeted with being upset with were Rock and HHH, his two most likely next opponents in what were clearly attempts to make people think his heat with them was legit while building up their program. It was nothing less, or more, than what you’d expect. It was a brilliant promotional move by the company, to jump-start sales to their magazine with an interview they can likely put on Confidential later, and use on television as well to build his return. The magazine article said he would return to the company, but claimed “I’m not 100 percent sure I‘d like to get back in the ring,” which is clearly storyline.

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