I have not been able to confirm this through any traditional means, but Keith Young (of Pro Wrestling Weekly) is a law student who came across something interesting on LexisNexis...
Apparently, Steve Austin has filed for divorce.
A Texas Civil Case filing (#2002CI10602, to be specific, on the off chance you also have LexisNexis access and would like to confirm) is dated July 22, and lists Austin (actually as "Steve Williams") as the plaintiff and Debra ("Debra Gale Williams") as the defendent. It lists this as a divorce case pending in Bexas County.
To the best of my knowledge this isn't something that has been disseminated among the wrestling community at large, so it's been impossible to find confirmation that way. Also, I don't have free access to Lexis, so I couldn't double check that, either. But if this is the real deal, I'm not sure what kind of spin would be appropriate... it could be a bad sign that Austin's personal life is coming apart; but sometimes a separation can mark a fresh start and a chance for both Steve and Debra to end up in happier places.
More on this at a later time...
By the way, Storm's gimmick includes 1.) telling the audience to shut up, and 2.) occasionally making everyone stand for the Canadian national anthem. You know they don't know what to do with a wrestler when he's making fans stand for a national anthem. It's like waving a white flag and saying, "This guy has no personality -- we give up."
I think it's a good sign. Austin's cutting her from his life and there's no kids involved (between those two, at least).
Although, how Debra will feel about the divorce may distort her willingness to press charges now. Maybe she'll be much more motivated to go after Austin for everything he's got.
It's probably the best for the two of them. Austin wanted to settle down and have children, according to reports, and Debra most likely doesn't like getting hit, so those two are better apart.
I really don't want to comment until something more specific comes out. But, keeping this under wraps is a good thing and not uncommon for people in the public eye.
These commercials are superfine because they pay for the production costs of putting CHRIS MOTHERFUCKING BENOIT on my GODDAMN TV SCREEN! I will GO GREYHOUND! I am thinking OUTSIDE THE BUN! Dean Rasmussen 8/1/2002 Smackdown Workrate Report
The interesting part in this is that it was Austin who made the move to get the divorce, not Debra. Have to wonder under what grounds he is going to try to get the divorce, and if he can pull it off without losing alot of his money.
Thank you Mr. Wanz for the check, now you get an AWA World Title Reign. But be careful, my boy Greg is a heat machine.
Originally posted by redsoxnationThe interesting part in this is that it was Austin who made the move to get the divorce, not Debra. Have to wonder under what grounds he is going to try to get the divorce, and if he can pull it off without losing alot of his money.
Im almost positive that if this is legit, Austin and Debra have a prenuptial agreement in place. So Austin is probably not in danger to lose much.
When a chicken in this neighborhood gets angry, it will chase you down...
If Austin want a real relationship he should quit marrying skanky wrestling chicks. Especially ones who have had 100K in plastic surgery. Of course 3rd time could be the charm.
I just have 13 words for you. How much wood would a woodchuch chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
I would imagine that this will delay Austin's (inevitable) WWE return. It's only a matter of days before the major media outlets pick up on it and it's gonna be bad publicity for all parties. WWE will probably distance themselves even more from Austin while he goes through this. (especially if it gets messy in court, etc.) I don't even think they'll publicly comment.
Originally posted by DahakIf Austin want a real relationship he should quit marrying skanky wrestling chicks. Especially ones who have had 100K in plastic surgery. Of course 3rd time could be the charm.
Smnartest thing I've ever read. Really. "Skanky Wrestling Chicks". Yeah. Austin's a real winner. Say what you want about Debra, she looks good according to our society's F'ed up standards, but Austin's trash. Period.
Also, it's being reported on a couple of wrestling websites that Austin is "working out heavily." Boy, I can't wait until HE returns. I don't know if I can forgive ol' Steve on this one. Although, who knows? Maybe this will prove how much of a hypocrite I can be when he comes back and does something totally awesome and I "forget" about all this. The upset, the disappointment, the let down. But, then again, who knows? Where Austin stands right now, screw him. I never wanna' see him again.
I'm betting he's back by 'Mania, or shortly after.
(edited by WhoBettahThanDeion on 28.8.02 0911) On the seventh day God Didn't REST! He sat on his can and played No Mercy for sixteen hours. THEN he rested.
I can't figure out if people on this board have a problem with Austin for leaving the WWE or for his personal issues. Maybe a combination of both? Will this divorce really affect your enjoyment of his CHARACTER when he returns?
Precedent: Jerry Lawler was a *hell* of a lot closer to a WWF return AFTER he got his divorce. I'm not sure this is all that different. Also, I want Austin back YESTERDAY.
Me, personally, I hate Austin for both. Leaving was childish. Period. And as for him beating Debra, while that may be his "personal" life, who cares? It's not right and I can't forgive the guy for being an asshole. Anyone who beats his wife isn't a real man. Therefore, what he's done in his personal life has ruined anything he could possibly do in that ring. But, that's just me.
On the seventh day God Didn't REST! He sat on his can and played No Mercy for sixteen hours. THEN he rested.
Austin stated in several interviews that he had a prenup with Debra.
Debra would of course know this, therefore would have a reason (and the experience in her own job) to stage such an event.
Given his actions with WWE, Austin was clearly not in a normal frame of mind. So he could be capable of getting to the extreme of committing the act.
The point being, we don't know if Austin hit her or not. All we know is Debra called the police and made the claim. Only Austin and Debra know for sure.
I am therefore not willing to call either one names, write either one off for good, or accuse one or the other of being at fault.
Originally posted by CRZ Also, I want Austin back YESTERDAY.
Yes, yes, yes. It is really getting pathetic watching HHH trying to be Austin. You can tell he is envious of the Rock and Austin.
These commercials are superfine because they pay for the production costs of putting CHRIS MOTHERFUCKING BENOIT on my GODDAMN TV SCREEN! I will GO GREYHOUND! I am thinking OUTSIDE THE BUN! Dean Rasmussen 8/1/2002 Smackdown Workrate Report
Austin was just as bad as Hunter the last two or three months he was there. Other than his feud with Booker and Hall I can't remember a damn thing he did. He was unmotivated and definitely the "What" factor of every promo was boring him AND me. He got old and his segments got old, I was tired of Austin when he left. Sitting and thinking what the product would be like WITHOUT Stone Cold.
On the seventh day God Didn't REST! He sat on his can and played No Mercy for sixteen hours. THEN he rested.
Hadn't even thought of doing this.. I recall from the RR2000 that when we did the tour in the afternoon, the ring was there and a lot of guys were hanging out at ringside (HHH, Test, Albert, Hardcore Holly with BB) and up in one corner there was Tazz......