Steve Austin Claims He Doesn’t Believe in CTE

– The new Netflix docuseries, Mr. McMahon, is streaming now on Netflix, and the Chris Benoit murder-suicide was one of the topics that was covered, with former WWE talent Chris Nowinski discussing the effects of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). After Benoit killed his wife Nancy and son Daniel before committing suicide in 2007, Benoit’s brain was studied for concussion trauma, bringing more awareness regarding the effects of CTE in professional wrestling. WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin was among the subjects who were interviewed, with Austin noting that he’s “not a CTE guy.”

According to Austin, he doesn’t “believe” in the idea of CTE. He states in the docuseries (via Fightful), “I worked for a long time. I got dropped on my head on time. I got concussed. Other than that, I can’t remember having too many concussions in the business of pro wrestling.” Austin continued, “My take on that has always been, if you were just wrestling, and you got a bunch of concussions, you’re probably doing something wrong. I’m not a CTE guy. Just don’t believe in it.”

In later years, WWE added an ImPACT Concussion Management Programm as a baseline tests for all in-ring talents, who are all tested annually under the program’s guidelines. You can read more details on the concussion management program instituted by WWE RIGHT HERE.

Steve Austin stepped away from in-ring activity following his match with The Rock at WrestleMania 19 in 2003 at 38 years old due to multiple injuries and wear and tear he sustained throughout his career. He later returned to the ring for a match against Kevin Owens at the age of 57 for WrestleMania 38: Night 1.

The Mr. McMahon docuseries, featuring Austin’s comments, is streaming now on Netflix.