The Steve Austin Show – Raven Part One (SAS Classic)
PodcastOne | Aired: March 24, 2026
Episode Overview
Main Theme:
In this episode, Steve Austin sits down with Scott Levy, better known as Raven, for a classic, deep-dive conversation. Broadcasting from Austin’s legendary “317 Gimmick Street” in Los Angeles, the longtime friends reminisce about their early wrestling days, reflect on the evolution of the business, share war stories from the road, and delve into the psychology underpinning professional wrestling. The episode features frank discussions about addiction, health, character creation, and the often unpredictable nature of wrestling careers. The mood is candid, nostalgic, and filled with humor—perfect for wrestling fans and anyone interested in behind-the-scenes storytelling.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
Reunion and Introduction (15:01 – 16:14)
- Steve Austin welcomes Raven, highlighting his new podcast “The Raven Effect” (drops every Monday on the Jericho Network/PodcastOne).
- Both share memories as travel partners in the WCW days—the “Comedy Trio” with the late Brian Pillman.
- Raven plugs his podcast’s live show at The Improv in LA, humorously hoping at least “eight people show up” (15:45).
“Our podcast is… basically like me and you are doing right now: we just start talking and whatever comes up, comes up.”
— Raven [17:46]
Podcasting, Stand-Up, and Raven’s Approach (16:14 – 20:56)
- Raven describes his “lazy” approach to stand-up (“I’ll do like eight gigs a year… that’s plenty.”).
- Discusses the improvisational format of his Raven Effect show—with minimal planning and heavy banter.
- Show opening includes absurd rants, nonsensical rhymes, and running jokes.
“I’ll talk about my dog who is also the executive producer… my fire-breathing pet goat who doesn’t really exist, but I think he might in my mind…”
— Raven [19:00]
- The podcast is “loosely wrestling-based,” often drifting into pop culture, news oddities (“the mad pooper”), and fan mail.
Losing the Wrestling Passion & Industry Reflections (20:56 – 24:43)
- Raven candidly explains why he no longer watches much wrestling: WWE “broke my heart” by underutilizing him.
- Recalls feeling creatively fulfilled in ECW and WCW but “mistreated” in WWE.
- Critiques wrestling’s creative downturn and shift towards better television options outside wrestling.
“It’s a cruel mistress, the wrestling business… you know that. I mean, you were in your prime and got dropped on your head—career over.”
— Raven [22:42]
- Admits he now keeps up by reading “the sheets” and quick highlight updates.
Physical and Mental Health Post-Career (24:43 – 27:53)
- Both discuss chronic sleep issues (Raven’s severe sleep disorder; Austin’s sleep apnea).
- Raven links his health troubles to years of drug use during his career—and wishes he’d “cut out half my adventures for better health now.”
- Advocates for mental health checks: “Take yourself to the shop, get a look under the hood.”
“If I could go back and do it again… I would cut out half my adventures for better health now. I wanted to be elegantly wasted, that was my goal—but I made it come true way too much.”
— Raven [26:25]
- Describes the blurring between his dark “Raven” character and real life and regrets how that fueled excess.
Wrestling, Addiction, and Locker Room Culture (28:42 – 33:05)
- Austin talks about his first exposure to painkillers in wrestling: “Wanna bike?” on a road trip to Oklahoma [29:02].
- Both agree the business was a mix: part athlete, part rockstar, part “truck driver.”
- Raven shares vivid stories about pill distribution in locker rooms (e.g., chin lock with “placidils” in Memphis), and the dangerous camaraderie this fueled.
Learning the Craft: Early Territory Days (33:05 – 48:02)
- Raven recounts breaking into the business in Memphis, Florida, Portland, and Vancouver in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s:
- “Seven or nine matches” under his belt when he started in Memphis (34:10).
- Performing horrendous matches as a rookie, but quickly being thrown in deep and learning from veterans.
- Highlights workers like Jimmy Jack Funk and Billy Joe Travis—“one of the best workers nobody’s ever heard of” (32:55).
- Both swap stories about being “green as grass,” working TV tapings, and learning via painful on-the-job mistakes.
- Reminisce about learning psychology, working with trainers like the Grappler and Chris Adams, and discovering how to “have fun” in the ring only after several years.
“If you’re having fun, they’re having fun. If you’re not, you’re screwing yourself.”
— Austin [49:28]
The Art of Storytelling & Ring Psychology (52:04 – 64:56)
- Raven and Austin discuss how psychology and the “feel” for the audience make a great worker, more than physicality.
- Emphasis on the importance of poise, timing, and recognizing crowd reactions.
- Raven recalls elaborate crowd warmup routines (like teasing with robe removal for 13 minutes in Portland) and being taught when “enough was enough.”
- Both swap stories about idolizing technical, expressive workers like Flair, Ricky Morton, Bobby Eaton, Brad Armstrong, and the subtleties that made them pros.
“Leave them wanting more. Hardest thing to learn.”
— Raven [59:04]
Humor, Mistakes, and the Evolution of "High Spots" (74:03 – 81:12)
- Sharing embarrassing stories of botched spots—tackle/drop-down/hip-toss miscues, both as greenhorns and veterans.
- Reflecting on how high spots and wrestling routines evolved: from classic “drop-downs” to the move toward faster, more athletic sequences.
- Comparing pro wrestling’s creative evolution to martial arts/jiu-jitsu—questioning who first invented these core sequences (79:11).
“I always thought about this… where did the drop down come from? And I guess it came from the guy rolling at you to take a knee block… and someone goes, ‘What if I just step over that?’”
— Raven [78:27]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On under-appreciated talent:
“Billy Joe Travis… was probably one of the best workers that nobody’s ever heard of.”
— Raven [32:55] -
On wrestling’s relentless grind:
“Six days a week… Battle Royal months… you had a thousand matches in three years. Now, indie guys, ten years—only 150 or 200.”
— Raven [57:36] -
On wrestling addiction and regrets:
“Here I found something I was really good at: taking pills. What a stupid skill, but that was my skill set.”
— Raven [31:00]“That’s why I always give the 800 number for the addiction hotline. It’s funny now, but…”
— Raven [31:25] -
On matching up with wrestling legends:
“Bobby Eaton, if you look at the way he incorporated the second rope on some of his high spots… phenomenal.”
— Austin [55:04] -
Mistaken high spots, greenhorn lessons:
“I sent Billy off… thinking certainly he’s going to go down for the tackle—nope! … Time stops, and you’re like: I’m a freaking idiot.”
— Austin [73:39, 73:45]
Timestamps for Important Segments
| Time | Segment | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15:01 | Start of interview: catching up and Raven’s podcast intro | | 16:14 | Raven on live shows, standup, podcast format | | 20:56 | Discussing passion for wrestling, “divorce” from WWE, creative heartbreak | | 24:43 | Health issues, addiction regrets, crossover of real life and ring persona | | 28:42 | Drug culture in wrestling, rookie misadventures | | 33:05 | Early days in Memphis, Portland & learning territory life | | 49:28 | Realizing the importance of enjoying oneself in the ring | | 52:04 | Deep dive into match psychology and reading the crowd | | 57:36 | Territory schedules, grind of learning, evolution of the road | | 74:03 | Botched spots, humor in high spots, learning from mistakes | | 78:27 | Discussion: evolution of “the high spot” and wrestling’s creative ancestry | | 81:11 | End of part one, Raven plugs, preview for next episode |
Tone and Language
- Conversational, candid, self-deprecating, and filled with insider lingo and humor.
- Both men are open about their failings and learning curves, offering a mix of nostalgia, advice, and sharp observations on the wrestling business.
For New Listeners: Why This Episode Matters
- Unique behind-the-scenes perspective from two true industry veterans who’ve seen both sides of wrestling’s glory and grind.
- Candid discussion of personal and professional struggles: from addiction to career setbacks.
- In-depth wrestling psychology talk: invaluable for aspiring wrestlers or hardcore fans seeking to understand how the art of the match really works.
- Rare, hilarious road stories and technical breakdowns you won’t get on TV.
Where to Find Raven’s Podcast
"The Raven Effect"
Drops every Monday on the Jericho Network, PodcastOne & iTunes
“Leave five stars—even if you hate it, just leave a funny comment and five stars to humor me.”
— Raven [81:21]
Next time:
Raven and Steve continue their conversation with more stories, lessons, and laughs. Don’t miss Part Two!