The Steve Austin Show: Becky Lynch – SAS CLASSICS
Date: September 9, 2025
Host: Steve Austin
Guest: Becky Lynch
Location: Hollywood, CA (by way of the Broken Skull Ranch)
Episode Overview
In this episode, WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin sits down for a deeply personal and wide-ranging talk with “The Man” herself, Becky Lynch. The conversation traverses Becky’s remarkable journey from Ireland to global stardom, exploring her passion for wrestling, struggles, reinvention, and the philosophy underpinning her career. The pair trade stories about life on the road, the psychology of wrestling, and the art of connecting with the crowd, giving listeners an authentic, inside look at what it takes to thrive in WWE and beyond.
Becky Lynch’s Wrestling Odyssey
Early Days and Traveling the World
- Gypsy Spirit & LA Dreams
- Becky describes her love of travel:
- “I love the city and I'm a bit of a gypsy, so I'm always trying to figure out where I want to go, what I want to do next... every time I come out to LA, I ask myself why I'm not living here.” (01:11)
- Becky describes her love of travel:
- Origin Story
- Started wrestling at 15, left home at 18 to pursue wrestling in Canada.
- Spent time in Japan as the youngest foreign female wrestler, learned to hustle on small shows.
- Bodybuilding filled the gap when bookings in Europe were sparse.
- Visa Troubles and Struggles
- Ended up in Orlando via a personal training course; hated it but needed a backup plan.
- Admitted to isolating herself, focusing on diet and training rather than socializing.
Wrestling Setbacks and Sabbatical
- Leaving Wrestling
- “I'd given up for seven years, okay... I didn't have any friends over there, and I had no way of getting around because I isolated myself." (02:47, 02:59)
- Nerve Injury as Turning Point
- At 19, suffered a head/neck injury.
- “That was my way out… I was lost, confused, didn't know what I was going to do with my life.” (10:33)
- Self-Discovery and Return
- Struggled with self-doubt, lacked role models from Ireland making it big.
- Eventually reignited her career and passion for professional wrestling.
Life as a Pro Wrestler
The Indie and International Scene
- Making Ends Meet
- “You were getting $50 a night and that was great. Thought I was rich. There was one time I went over to Japan and I was getting $100 a night... I was like, I have made it, I'm rich.” (05:24)
- Landed a short-lived advertising contract in Japan.
- Friendships and Travel Buddies
- Traveled with Charlotte, now with Alexa Bliss (“Alexa”).
Identity & Character Evolution
- Debuting the Iconic Look
- Red/orange hair debuted in the NXT TakeOver match with Sasha Banks.
- Steampunk goggles and a new style: “That was my coming out party." (06:34)
- Trained by Finn Balor
- Began wrestling at 15 under Finn Balor’s mentorship.
Philosophy and Psychology
- Introversion and Finding Balance
- “I call myself Quinderella sometimes because it comes to a certain stage and I’ve just got to go... and be in my own head.” (11:33)
- Keeps a lifelong journal for self-reflection and to record her journey.
- Glass Half Full
- “I'm glad I have a glass and put glass half full.” (12:11)
Moving Up & Reinventing in WWE
The NXT to Main Roster Transition
-
Securing a Tryout
- Contacted WWE herself after encouragement from a friend in NXT.
- “There wasn't a doubt in my mind that I was going to get signed.” (22:52)
- Nailed promos thanks to acting background: “That just helped me.” (25:33)
-
Heel vs. Babyface Work
- “At the moment I like working baby. I'm excited for when I turn heel eventually... On the Indies, never worked baby, hated it. Always worked heel.” (25:44, 26:08)
Connecting with the Crowd
- Authentic Connection
- “They know that I'm passionate about this. They know that I've worked hard for this, and I think it's a genuineness. They can sense that or something. They can sense that it's real.” (27:09)
- On Losing and “Getting Over”
- Discussion of her acclaimed NXT match with Sasha Banks:
- Steve: “That’s how you lose a match and just get over... you can get over as much or more in losing a match as you can by winning a match.” (32:04)
- Discussion of her acclaimed NXT match with Sasha Banks:
Women’s Wrestling: Competition and Chemistry
- Competitive Division
- “It's extremely competitive, and I think that's why it keeps getting better, because nobody can rest on their laurels.” (32:48)
- Favorite Wrestlers & Influences
- Shawn Michaels, Dynamite Kid, Tiger Mask, English World of Sport stars ("Johnny Saint, Mark Rocco").
- Among current roster, speaks highly of Asuka, Peyton Royce, Billie Kay.
Training, Health, and Longevity
Workout and Wellness Regimen
- Workouts
- Favors CrossFit and LA-based trainers.
- Uses yoga for flexibility.
- “I've been fairly injury free... sprained my hip flexor a couple of times, but that's it.” (50:31)
- Avoiding Dangerous Moves
- “I only bust [missile dropkicks] out on special occasions. They're a Christmas time move.” (51:10–51:13)
Life on the Road and Self-Care
-
Handling Mistakes in the Ring
- “Just keep going. That’s all you can do. Grab a hold. Grab a hold and talk.” (47:49)
-
Financial Advice and Humility
- Drives a 2007 VW Beetle (“It was my dream car”).
- “Nothing's really ever about the money... It's just about, you know, doing good work and making art and having adventures.” (59:59–60:50)
Broader Passions: Music, MMA, and Future Dreams
Musical Tastes and Time Off
- Grew up a “music lover,” especially rock/grunge (Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains).
- Attends concerts, enjoys the energy of live shows.
MMA Fandom and Opinions
- Huge MMA Fan
- “Conor [McGregor] wins the fight before he gets in the octagon.” (57:39)
- Admires Ronda Rousey’s intensity, but predicts Amanda Nunes has the edge (56:40).
- Parallels with Wrestling
- Discusses the psychology of fighting and “breaking codes” (as in Rousey's loss).
Looking Ahead: Life Beyond Wrestling
- Acting Aspirations
- "Performing, writing, being in some sort of creative field. I always say that I’d like to own my own little cafe or restaurant… But I think I’m just a performer." (59:06)
- Personal Life
- Wants marriage and kids after WWE.
- Struggles With Reinvention
- “Staying on top, I think that's the hardest thing because you always want to be that top dog... It's a mental thing where you just constantly like, how can I be the absolute best?” (60:55)
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On Passion and Longevity:
- “Until the wheels fall off… maybe another 10 [years].” (53:33–53:46)
- On Character:
- “Becky Lynch, fiery, stands up for what’s right. Full of integrity, not to be messed with, full of charm, full of harm and ready to break your arm.” (42:19)
- On Being Real:
- Steve: “Sometimes I see people acting like professional wrestlers rather than being a professional wrestler… there’s a big difference.” (44:00, 44:48)
- On Reinvention & Staying Relevant:
- “It's always just trying to reinvent yourself and just find a way that you can be unforgettable... I think that can be the toughest.” (60:55)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Becky’s Wrestling Journey, Early Struggles – 01:30–05:44
- Transition to WWE/NXT, Character/Look Evolution – 06:23–07:01, 22:50–25:33
- Travel, Personality and Journal Writing – 11:33–14:00
- Dealing with Setbacks and Injury – 10:22–11:03
- Parental Influence/Support – 15:42–17:59
- Connecting with the Crowd & Psychology – 26:42–28:23
- Women’s Division and Ring Psychology – 32:48–34:10
- Influences and Favorite Performers – 36:34–38:56
- Training, Injury, and Stretching – 49:27–51:27
- MMA Talk (McGregor, Rousey, Parallels to Wrestling) – 54:41–58:32
- Plans for Future, Acting, Life Goals – 59:06–61:28
Closing Thoughts
This episode offers an honest, entertaining, and enlightening journey through Becky Lynch's rise in professional wrestling, blending industry wisdom, personal anecdotes, and hard-won lessons. Steve and Becky’s banter ranges from deep dives into wrestling psychology to advice on handling life’s curveballs. For fans and aspiring wrestlers alike, this episode is both a candid look behind the curtain and a motivational playbook for turning passion into sustained excellence.