The end of Steve Austin’s in-ring WWE career in 2003 could have been one of the saddest moments in wrestling history. Fans didn’t have the same emotion compared to other retirements since Austin remained a major part of the show. WWE placed Austin in the co-General Manager position with Eric Bischoff to add more drawing power to Monday Night Raw.

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The tenure of Austin would see him helping run the show for about a year. Austin delivered a combination of humorous moments and having the fans’ best interests at heart. There were more than a few entertaining memories from the legend. Austin deserves more love for his short time as an authority figure for WWE.

10 Saving Stacy Keibler

Stacy Keibler and Test

The relationship between Stacy Keibler and Test turned abusive when Test verbally and even physically harmed her. One segment saw Stacy getting the better of Test when Austin called him out for his actions.

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The rule of Austin not being able to harm any wrestlers unless they touch him first played out in humorous fashion. Keibler shoved Test into Austin who used the physical touch to strike him with a Stone Cold Stunner.

9 Stunning Vince McMahon As Santa Claus

Steve Austin stuns Vince McMahon as Santa Claus

WWE always loved to find the right moment to sneak in Steve Austin hitting Vince McMahon with a Stone Cold Stunner. Nostalgia will see that always get a pop as long as both men are physically capable of pulling it off.

One of the Tribute to the Troops holidays during Austin’s time as an authority figure found a creative way to hit the Stunner. Austin impersonated Santa Claus before striking both Vince and a young John Cena to get a great ovation.

8 Rehiring Shawn Michaels

Shawn Michaels in the Elimination Chamber

The dynamic between Steve Austin and Eric Bischoff allowed them to play off each other for various stories on the show. Bischoff received huge heel heat when he fired Shawn Michaels for hitting him with Sweet Chin Music after he was robbed of the World Championship.

Austin was already a beloved icon by the fans, but his decision to bring back Michaels would have helped him became a fan favorite if not. Michaels was arguably the top WWE face at the time still relatively shortly into his return from retirement.

7 Competition With Eric Bischoff

Steve Austin stuns Eric Bischoff

WWE came up with a comedic route to pay off the Eric Bischoff vs Steve Austin feud at Bad Blood 2003. Austin couldn’t wrestle, so the two enemies faced off in a trilogy of competitions throughout the night called the Redneck Triathlon.

Bischoff getting embarrassed each round was what the audience wanted and enjoyed getting their wish. Austin won a belching contest and pigpen contest to score two of three victories. Bischoff’s sole win came when he received a bronco buster from Mae Young that Austin comically forfeited when it was his turn.

6 Mocking Lance Storm

Lance Storm

Even the biggest Lance Storm fans find some entertainment value in the nature of his boring persona. Storm had impressive matches, but he was never going to cut the best promo of the night or show outward charisma.

Steve Austin made this known during one of Storm’s matches when he started chanting “Boring” during the bout. Storm used this night to change his gimmick into a fan favorite doing wacky things to get over like dating women with Val Venis or showing off his cabbage patch dance.

5 Getting ATV Back From Brock Lesnar

Steve Austin attacks Brock Lesnar

WWE told a unique story ahead of WrestleMania 20 when Brock Lesnar stole Steve Austin’s ATV. A Smackdown wrestler stealing the property of a Raw GM led to a big interpromotional moment with Austin looking to answer a challenge.

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The entire Smackdown roster moved out of the way for Austin to walk to the ring. WWE told the story of the locker room losing respect for Brock getting ready to walk out a few days later. Austin got the better of the beast and left with his ATV in a tremendous moment.

4 Coming With CLB Name For Christian

Christian in 2001

WWE found success with Christian as a heel when he separated from Edge in the early 2000s. Steve Austin had a few issues with Christian when the heel tried to skirt around the rules or cheat to get ahead on the Raw brand.

One of the many humorous interactions between the two featured Austin coming up with the CLB nickname. Fans enjoyed the moment enough to start chanting it during Christian’s matches.

3 Bringing Back Jim Ross

Steve Austin and Jim Ross

Linda McMahon named Steve Austin as the co-General Manager and Sheriff of Raw due to Eric Bischoff abusing his power. One of the moves from Bischoff during his reign of terror featured Jim Ross getting fired for petty reasons.

Austin wasted no time during his first week as the co-GM and brought back his close friend. Fans loved JR and it was a great use of storytelling for both characters. Bischoff did a terrible and selfish act with Austin saving the day.

2 Forcing Triple H Into WrestleMania XX Main Event

Steve Austin and Triple H

The tenure of Eric Bischoff as Raw General Manager saw Triple H using that to his advantage as the top heel on the show. Triple H tried to get out of defending the World Championship at WrestleMania XX when Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels were both contenders.

Steve Austin not only forced Triple H to defend the belt, but he booked the triple threat match everyone wanted. This bout ended up being one of the better WrestleMania main events of all time with Austin’s kayfabe booking responsible for it.

1 Stunning Brock Lesnar & Goldberg

Goldbergvs Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 20

Steve Austin used his authority to become the special guest referee for the big Brock Lesnar vs Goldberg attraction match at WrestleMania XX. WWE expected this to be a main event worthy match when booked, but things fell apart during the build.

Both Lesnar and Goldberg revealed they were not coming back to WWE with their contract expiring after the show. Fans found out and heckled them all match for the all-time embarrassing disaster. Austin stunning both men after the match was a great moment that provided happiness for all fans watching live and at home.

NEXT: Every Version Of Steve Austin, Ranked From Worst To Best