The Steve Austin Show: Bob "Hardcore" Holly Part 2 – SAS Classic
Date: October 21, 2025
Host: Steve Austin
Guest: Bob "Hardcore" Holly
Overview
In this lively and candid second part of his conversation with Bob "Hardcore" Holly, Steve Austin dives into the realities of professional wrestling, competition, camaraderie, memorable backstage stories, and life beyond the squared circle. Recorded with the usual mix of humor, honesty, and mutual respect, this episode is rich with wrestling history, firsthand accounts, and the no-nonsense wisdom both men are known for. Hardcore Holly reflects on his career, friendships, infamous in-ring moments, the “Brawl for All,” and his present-day focus on survivalism and personal happiness.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Brotherhood and Competitiveness in the Wrestling Locker Room
[01:30 – 06:33]
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Camaraderie Among Wrestlers:
Holly and Austin agree that the locker room was filled with big personalities, but most were down-to-earth, helpful, and fun to be around.“Everybody was just always fun to be around. They were always there to help you out in any way they could. … There was a camaraderie there where we were a tight knit group of guys that we loved what we did and we looked after each other.” — Bob Holly [03:11]
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Competition for Spots:
Despite the family feel, wrestling was fiercely competitive, and no one’s spot was ever safe.“As much as we liked each other, dude, you had to fight tooth and nail to keep your spot.” — Steve Austin [05:22]
“Every time I went out … I felt like I was on audition.” — Bob Holly [06:33]
The Toughness of Steve Blackman
[07:40 – 12:41]
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Holly recounts stories of Steve Blackman’s legendary toughness, martial arts skill, and seriousness in the ring and life.
“He’s one of those people that. He knows every pressure point, every. Every spot to. To hit someone to where it could fatally kill him. He practices that all the time.” — Bob Holly [10:54]
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Blackman’s life post-wrestling includes running a bail bonds business and an MMA school — and he’s content outside the business now.
The “Brawl for All” Tournament: Behind the Scenes
[13:36 – 22:51]
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Set Up and Fallout:
Originally set to make Dr. Death Steve Williams a major TV star, the shoot fight tournament goes off-script when Bart Gunn knocks out Williams.“Bart actually took Steve down more than Steve took him down and Bart outpunched him. … Bart just went out there and did what Bart does and Bart knocked him out and ended up screwing up their whole thing.” — Bob Holly [16:47]
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Real Danger & Surprises:
Holly expresses the unpredictability and risk of shoot fighting, both physically and for professional reputation.“You cannot plan for something like that to work out in your favor … when you dangle a hundred thousand dollar carrot in front of somebody, especially a bunch of hungry boys.” — Bob Holly [19:36]
“It almost wipes out [Steve Williams’] whole credibility, even though anybody can get knocked out at any given second.” — Bob Holly [20:26] -
Bart Gunn’s Dominance:
Holly describes being shocked at Gunn’s knockout power—and experiencing it firsthand.“I know he hit me, Steve. I was on one side of the ring and when he hit me, I was on the other side.” — Bob Holly [21:56]
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Entering a Real Fight:
Holly shares the mindset shift when going into real combat versus performing.“The whole thing I was thinking is obviously I wanted to win … but I had no idea. … The shit’s real. It’s like, okay, we’re fixing the fight for real.” — Bob Holly [23:32]
“When Bart, when he hits you, you know you’ve been hit. It’s like, I might as well have got ran over by a fucking truck.” — Bob Holly [24:18]
Classic Road Stories & In-Ring Stiffness
[25:18 – 35:34]
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Double Shots and the Slap Spot:
Austin and Holly reminisce about working double shots (two shows in a day) and nearly knocking each other out with real slaps—protecting the business by making things look real.“Holy shit. Bob reared back … He slapped the dog shit out of me. My jaw went over like one of them old school typewriters and dinged and I pushed it back in place.” — Steve Austin [27:04]
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Working Stiff:
Both discuss their preference for a snug, believable style, and sharing receipts (payback for stiff shots).“I wanted it to be believable. I am one of the biggest believers. I take what I give, and I am the first person. If I crack somebody, I expect it back.” — Bob Holly [31:55]
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Notable Opponents:
Holly shouts out Benoit, Jericho, Eddie Guerrero, Brock Lesnar, Test, and Gene Snitsky as memorable, physical opponents.
Life Beyond Wrestling
[38:03 – 43:52]
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Camping, Survivalism, and Future Goals:
Holly describes his love for road trips, camping, and survivalism; his and his wife’s dream to hike trails like the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail, and potentially be on ‘Alone’ (the survival show).“That’s another goal of mine … to go do that. And I’m gonna … video all of it.” — Bob Holly [39:21]
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Modern Wrestling & TV Preferences:
Holly admits he doesn’t follow current wrestling, preferring UFC, survival shows, and series like Dexter and Ozark.“I just. I have no desire to watch wrestling.” — Bob Holly [44:25]
Early Wrestling Fandom
[49:10 – 53:09]
Both Holly and Austin share their childhood fascination with wrestling and roller derby—“I wanted to be a roller derby person. … Then saw wrestling … and I was like, oh, wait a minute, this is even better.” — Bob Holly [49:15]
Where Is Hardcore Holly Now?
[52:55 – 65:05]
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Now semi-retired, Holly only accepts wrestling gigs or appearances sparingly, devoting most of his time to his wife and dog and enjoying a quieter, outdoor lifestyle.
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He relishes being a "loner," noting he has little need for social crowds or material things, just the company of those closest to him and his outdoor hobbies.
Social Media and Staying In Touch
[64:08 – 69:05]
- Holly is only on Twitter (@TheBobHolly) and insists he answers (eventually) every fan message personally.
- Steve suggests he join Instagram to easily share his travel and adventure photos; both men rail against the negativity on social media but agree that muting/blocking is the way to go with online trolls.
“I’m at the stage in my life where, like I said, glass half full. If someone wants to be an asshole … I’m not going to get dragged down by it.” — Steve Austin [67:56]
Notable Quotes & Moments
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On the wrestling business:
“[Wrestling] was like a family ... but it was extremely competitive. ... You had to fight tooth and nail to keep your spot.” — Steve Austin [05:22]
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On Steve Blackman:
“He’s dangerous. He’s just flat dangerous.” — Bob Holly [09:24]
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On receiving a stiff shot from Bart Gunn:
“All I know is I got hit and next thing I was on the other side of the ring.” — Bob Holly [21:56]
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On living simply:
“As long as I wake up in the morning and see my wife laying next to me, that’s all that matters to me. And my dog, of course.” — Bob Holly [63:30]
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On handling negativity online:
“When you get somebody hiding behind this picture of an egg, calling you every name in the book, it’s like, all right, you brave son of a bitch ... Mute and block. We’ll catch you down the road.” — Steve Austin [68:22]
Timestamps of Key Segments
- Locker Room & Competition: 01:30 – 06:33
- Steve Blackman Stories: 07:40 – 12:41
- Brawl For All Deep Dive: 13:36 – 22:51
- Stiff Working & In-Ring Stories: 25:18 – 35:34
- Life Post-Wrestling & Survivalism: 38:03 – 43:52
- Wrestling Fandom Origins: 49:10 – 53:09
- Social Media Practices & Promos: 64:08 – 69:05
Recap & Final Thoughts
This episode is a must-listen for wrestling fans longing for real stories, inside insight, and entertaining banter. Whether it’s the infamous “Brawl for All,” wrestling’s unsaid rules of toughness and respect, or tips for living happily outside the limelight, Holly and Austin serve up a conversation as raw and genuine as the style they wrestled. If you miss the glory days or simply want a window into the world of tough men who still know how to laugh, don’t miss this one.
Connect with Bob Holly:
- Twitter: @TheBobHolly