The Steve Austin Show – Rip Rogers PART ONE (SAS CLASSIC)

Original Air Date: December 16, 2025
Host: Steve Austin
Guest: Rip Rogers
Location: 317 Gimmick Street (Steve’s home podcast studio, Los Angeles, CA)

Episode Overview

In this classic edition of "The Steve Austin Show," WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin sits down with legendary wrestler and renowned trainer Rip Rogers. The episode is a deep-dive into Rip’s wrestling philosophies, old-school psychology, and hilarious road stories. Together, they break down what’s lacking in modern pro wrestling, the lost art of match structure, and how Rip went from a diehard fan to an influential teacher. This episode is brimming with wisdom for wrestlers and fans alike.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Scene: Studio Life, DIY, and Rug Shopping Woes

Steve opens with colorful updates about construction at his famed 316 Gimmick Street property, buying a rug at Home Goods, and bizarre encounters with space-oblivious shoppers.
- “God damn them son bitches [rugs] are higher than giraffe pussy. I just want something to walk on.” (03:39)
Anecdotes about Etiquette and LA Living: Steve laments a lack of courtesy in public spaces, connects over shared pet stories, and details driving rituals with his wife.
- “People got no awareness of space or etiquette anymore… it’s like there’s no etiquette or awareness. People got their head up their ass.” (06:41)

Wrestling Talk: Construction, Upcoming Events, and Guest Tease

Excitement for wrestling’s big calendar: Steve previews an action-packed weekend with UFC 209, WWE’s Fastlane, and the looming WrestleMania.
Guest Introduction: Steve sets the table for Rip Rogers’ appearance – touting Rip’s decades of experience as a wrestler and trainer.

Rip Rogers Joins: Workingman’s Wrestling Wisdom

Rip’s Resilience: Surviving a Hit-and-Run (15:35–19:50)

Rip recounts being hit by a co-worker’s uninsured car while working at UPS, the hospital aftermath, and the long-term physical effects (“a couple hips in you and neuropathy in your feet”).
- “Some girl at work come around the corner, knocked me better than a hammer. Boom, I was down… got her license plate number… All of a sudden I was the persona non grata because it made them look bad.” (16:29) – Rip Rogers
Humor about wrestling “angles” vs. real injuries: Steve compares this story to a staged TV hit-and-run he once did.

Gym Stories & Recovery Training (19:50–22:00)

Rip details working around injuries with machine-based workouts and endurance sets, puking from intensity, and why he gave up heavy free weights.
- “I’m not getting ready for the Olympia… just trying to look above average for the 63-year-old. I said, you’ll never look this good.” (20:22) – Rip Rogers

Training the Next Generation at OVW (22:00–24:00)

Talks about his two-decade run developing talent at OVW:
- “64 people have got jobs with WWE, ROH… started in beginner’s class. I taught ’em old-style wrestling, call it all in the ring… Everybody had to go an hour.” (21:00)
Philosophy: Get the basics, then adapt to whatever the company needs.

Becoming a Wrestler: Rip’s Entry and Old-School Training (24:00–26:25)

Rip describes how, with no wrestling school to attend, he learned from veterans in cars and in the ring, debuting at 22 while teaching and coaching football.
- “I wasn’t even smart… the guy says, ‘you go over’ – go over what?” (24:00) – Rip
Brushes with Dick the Bruiser, getting “kayfabed,” and early struggles.

Legends, Old-School Psychology, and Territory Tales

Dick the Bruiser Stories (26:25–31:30)

Legendary aura: “He was stone cold before Stone Cold was interesting… he’d take those teeth out and he’d register and he’d spit…” (30:02) – Rip
Infamous for riots and wild antics—throwing someone in a wheelchair, barroom brawls, banned from major venues.

Ring Structure & Storytelling: “Book Backwards” (33:10–37:44)

Match philosophy: The purpose is to win, not to get all your shit in.
- “Book backwards. I’m winning… I’m gonna make you look like the greatest son of a bitch in wrestling, because I’m gonna beat you decisively.” (33:29)
Card Structure 101: Build the night, save the wild stuff for the main event, no false finishes for the openers, and always keep psychology.
- “Everybody’s got their own niche… like when you have the first match… whatever they did, don’t do it.” (36:32)

Tales About the Boys: Rick Rude, Paul Orndorff, and Ricky Morton (39:50–48:33)

Rude’s Headlock Spot Rivalry: “Rick the Rude come in and start getting mad at me because I used the headlock.” (39:50)
Praise for Ricky Morton: “Working with Ricky Morton was a dream… all his shit looked pro style, snugged up. You couldn’t feel a thing. Great worker, seller, great fire, great mean streak.” (47:55) – Steve

Wrestling Psychology, Crowd Reading, and In-ring Nuances

“Have Fun and Slow Down” (49:03–52:00)

Realization Moments: When learning the business, it’s hard to have fun; it comes after time, repetition, and confidence.
- “As a heel, I understood it pretty well… I had all these guys that were great pros… just shut the fuck up and watch ’em.” (50:10) – Rip

Match Adaptation: Reading the Crowd (52:02–54:50)

Every audience is different: Sometimes they want comedy, sometimes just violence—learn to read it and respond.
- “You gotta be able to read that audience. If he can do five things, we’re gonna do that five things…” (52:13) – Rip

Safety, Gear, and Bumps (55:57–58:34)

Baby Oil Rant: Both warn that it makes the ropes and people dangerously slippery—hated in the old days.
Gear Tips: Always tuck your laces in; one-in-a-million accidents aren’t worth risking.
- “I had three guys tear their knee up because their foot got caught in somebody’s t-shirt because the t-shirt wasn’t tucked in.” (59:13)

Bumps on Your “Bump Card” (75:17–77:32)

Longevity tip: “We all get carried away… but you’ve only got so many goddamn bullets in the gun, your body’s the same way… you can preach it all you want, but it ain’t gonna happen.” (75:29) – Rip
Steve echoes: “First of all, if you’re really, really over, you ain’t gotta do all that shit.”

Twitter Wisdom: Rapid-fire Takeaways (31:30–75:17, interspersed throughout)

Heels and Faces:
- “Let the heel be a heel… faces, never cheat first or throw the first punch.” (42:26)
- “Don’t be a cool heel. If you want cheers, be a goddamn babyface… but I love being a heel.” (43:06)
Booking & The Office:
- “WWE is VKM’s [Vince McMahon’s] company… it’s his. He’ll push who he wants and do as he wants.” (44:39)
Kickpads & Realism:
- “If you wear kickpads… you ever think the fans know you’re trying to protect your opponent, where you’re supposed to be trying to kill them?” (62:49) – Rip

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Rip on Pro Wrestling Training:
- “This is like being a doctor. This shit is so hard… anyone can do the moves. But to please the place, the timing, the facials… takes so much failure before that little light bulb goes off.” (51:09)
On Modern Shopping:
- “Home Goods… rugs are higher than giraffe pussy.” (03:39) – Steve Austin
Classic Wrestling Philosophy:
- “The false finishes should be safe for the upper echelon matches… we’re telling a story, painting a picture.” (35:18) – Rip
On Match Structure:
- “If I’m the boss—nobody does the stunner except you. Nobody does the DDT except Jake.” (36:32) – Rip
Rip’s Most Powerful Teaching:
- “When I got to have fun, it was after ten years… but you can always still go out and shit the bed and have to learn again!” (52:00)
Philosophy on Having Fun:
- “Sometimes you get on that streak and all of a sudden right when you think you got it, you shit the bed…” (52:02) – Steve Austin

Timestamps for Important Segments

15:35 – Rip joins the podcast
16:29 – Rip’s hit-and-run story
19:50 – Training methods and injury adaptations
21:00 – Training talent at OVW
24:00 – Breaking into wrestling without school
26:25 – Dick the Bruiser stories
33:10 – Match structure and old-school booking
39:50 – Rick Rude and Paul Orndorff stories
47:55 – Praise for Ricky Morton
50:10 – When Rip “got it” and started having fun
52:13 – Reading the audience and shifting a match
54:50 – Dick Murdoch memories
59:13 – Gear tips and boot laces
62:49 – “Kickpads” and realism in wrestling
75:17 – “Bump card” philosophy for long careers

Final Thoughts and Next Week’s Tease

Steve and Rip close by hammering the timeless truths of wrestling—basics always matter, protect yourself and your opponent, and adjust with the times but don’t lose the core craft.

Next Week: Part Two with Rip Rogers—more road stories, deep dives on teaching, and old-school knowledge.

Further Viewing and Contact

For classic Rip Rogers promos, matches, and lectures:
- Search “Rip Rogers Monster Factory” on YouTube for more wisdom.
Stay in touch with Rip on Twitter: @hustler2754
Help Rip get a new set of wheels: GoFundMe: Rip Rogers Raw Deal

This episode is a goldmine for wrestling fans, students, and historians—packed with salty wisdom, hilarious tales, and proof that, as Steve says, “Some things never go out of style.”

The Steve Austin Show – Rip Rogers PART ONE (SAS CLASSIC)

Original Air Date: December 16, 2025
Host: Steve Austin
Guest: Rip Rogers
Location: 317 Gimmick Street (Steve’s home podcast studio, Los Angeles, CA)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Scene: Studio Life, DIY, and Rug Shopping Woes

Steve opens with colorful updates about construction at his famed 316 Gimmick Street property, buying a rug at Home Goods, and bizarre encounters with space-oblivious shoppers.
- “God damn them son bitches [rugs] are higher than giraffe pussy. I just want something to walk on.” (03:39)
Anecdotes about Etiquette and LA Living: Steve laments a lack of courtesy in public spaces, connects over shared pet stories, and details driving rituals with his wife.
- “People got no awareness of space or etiquette anymore… it’s like there’s no etiquette or awareness. People got their head up their ass.” (06:41)

Wrestling Talk: Construction, Upcoming Events, and Guest Tease

Excitement for wrestling’s big calendar: Steve previews an action-packed weekend with UFC 209, WWE’s Fastlane, and the looming WrestleMania.
Guest Introduction: Steve sets the table for Rip Rogers’ appearance – touting Rip’s decades of experience as a wrestler and trainer.

Rip Rogers Joins: Workingman’s Wrestling Wisdom

Rip’s Resilience: Surviving a Hit-and-Run (15:35–19:50)

Rip recounts being hit by a co-worker’s uninsured car while working at UPS, the hospital aftermath, and the long-term physical effects (“a couple hips in you and neuropathy in your feet”).
- “Some girl at work come around the corner, knocked me better than a hammer. Boom, I was down… got her license plate number… All of a sudden I was the persona non grata because it made them look bad.” (16:29) – Rip Rogers
Humor about wrestling “angles” vs. real injuries: Steve compares this story to a staged TV hit-and-run he once did.

Gym Stories & Recovery Training (19:50–22:00)

Rip details working around injuries with machine-based workouts and endurance sets, puking from intensity, and why he gave up heavy free weights.
- “I’m not getting ready for the Olympia… just trying to look above average for the 63-year-old. I said, you’ll never look this good.” (20:22) – Rip Rogers

Training the Next Generation at OVW (22:00–24:00)

Talks about his two-decade run developing talent at OVW:
- “64 people have got jobs with WWE, ROH… started in beginner’s class. I taught ’em old-style wrestling, call it all in the ring… Everybody had to go an hour.” (21:00)
Philosophy: Get the basics, then adapt to whatever the company needs.

Becoming a Wrestler: Rip’s Entry and Old-School Training (24:00–26:25)

Rip describes how, with no wrestling school to attend, he learned from veterans in cars and in the ring, debuting at 22 while teaching and coaching football.
- “I wasn’t even smart… the guy says, ‘you go over’ – go over what?” (24:00) – Rip
Brushes with Dick the Bruiser, getting “kayfabed,” and early struggles.

Legends, Old-School Psychology, and Territory Tales

Dick the Bruiser Stories (26:25–31:30)

Legendary aura: “He was stone cold before Stone Cold was interesting… he’d take those teeth out and he’d register and he’d spit…” (30:02) – Rip
Infamous for riots and wild antics—throwing someone in a wheelchair, barroom brawls, banned from major venues.

Ring Structure & Storytelling: “Book Backwards” (33:10–37:44)

Match philosophy: The purpose is to win, not to get all your shit in.
- “Book backwards. I’m winning… I’m gonna make you look like the greatest son of a bitch in wrestling, because I’m gonna beat you decisively.” (33:29)
Card Structure 101: Build the night, save the wild stuff for the main event, no false finishes for the openers, and always keep psychology.
- “Everybody’s got their own niche… like when you have the first match… whatever they did, don’t do it.” (36:32)

Tales About the Boys: Rick Rude, Paul Orndorff, and Ricky Morton (39:50–48:33)

Rude’s Headlock Spot Rivalry: “Rick the Rude come in and start getting mad at me because I used the headlock.” (39:50)
Praise for Ricky Morton: “Working with Ricky Morton was a dream… all his shit looked pro style, snugged up. You couldn’t feel a thing. Great worker, seller, great fire, great mean streak.” (47:55) – Steve

Wrestling Psychology, Crowd Reading, and In-ring Nuances

“Have Fun and Slow Down” (49:03–52:00)

Realization Moments: When learning the business, it’s hard to have fun; it comes after time, repetition, and confidence.
- “As a heel, I understood it pretty well… I had all these guys that were great pros… just shut the fuck up and watch ’em.” (50:10) – Rip

Match Adaptation: Reading the Crowd (52:02–54:50)

Every audience is different: Sometimes they want comedy, sometimes just violence—learn to read it and respond.
- “You gotta be able to read that audience. If he can do five things, we’re gonna do that five things…” (52:13) – Rip

Safety, Gear, and Bumps (55:57–58:34)

Baby Oil Rant: Both warn that it makes the ropes and people dangerously slippery—hated in the old days.
Gear Tips: Always tuck your laces in; one-in-a-million accidents aren’t worth risking.
- “I had three guys tear their knee up because their foot got caught in somebody’s t-shirt because the t-shirt wasn’t tucked in.” (59:13)

Bumps on Your “Bump Card” (75:17–77:32)

Longevity tip: “We all get carried away… but you’ve only got so many goddamn bullets in the gun, your body’s the same way… you can preach it all you want, but it ain’t gonna happen.” (75:29) – Rip
Steve echoes: “First of all, if you’re really, really over, you ain’t gotta do all that shit.”

Twitter Wisdom: Rapid-fire Takeaways (31:30–75:17, interspersed throughout)

Heels and Faces:
- “Let the heel be a heel… faces, never cheat first or throw the first punch.” (42:26)
- “Don’t be a cool heel. If you want cheers, be a goddamn babyface… but I love being a heel.” (43:06)
Booking & The Office:
- “WWE is VKM’s [Vince McMahon’s] company… it’s his. He’ll push who he wants and do as he wants.” (44:39)
Kickpads & Realism:
- “If you wear kickpads… you ever think the fans know you’re trying to protect your opponent, where you’re supposed to be trying to kill them?” (62:49) – Rip

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Rip on Pro Wrestling Training:
- “This is like being a doctor. This shit is so hard… anyone can do the moves. But to please the place, the timing, the facials… takes so much failure before that little light bulb goes off.” (51:09)
On Modern Shopping:
- “Home Goods… rugs are higher than giraffe pussy.” (03:39) – Steve Austin
Classic Wrestling Philosophy:
- “The false finishes should be safe for the upper echelon matches… we’re telling a story, painting a picture.” (35:18) – Rip
On Match Structure:
- “If I’m the boss—nobody does the stunner except you. Nobody does the DDT except Jake.” (36:32) – Rip
Rip’s Most Powerful Teaching:
- “When I got to have fun, it was after ten years… but you can always still go out and shit the bed and have to learn again!” (52:00)
Philosophy on Having Fun:
- “Sometimes you get on that streak and all of a sudden right when you think you got it, you shit the bed…” (52:02) – Steve Austin

Timestamps for Important Segments

15:35 – Rip joins the podcast
16:29 – Rip’s hit-and-run story
19:50 – Training methods and injury adaptations
21:00 – Training talent at OVW
24:00 – Breaking into wrestling without school
26:25 – Dick the Bruiser stories
33:10 – Match structure and old-school booking
39:50 – Rick Rude and Paul Orndorff stories
47:55 – Praise for Ricky Morton
50:10 – When Rip “got it” and started having fun
52:13 – Reading the audience and shifting a match
54:50 – Dick Murdoch memories
59:13 – Gear tips and boot laces
62:49 – “Kickpads” and realism in wrestling
75:17 – “Bump card” philosophy for long careers

Final Thoughts and Next Week’s Tease

Steve and Rip close by hammering the timeless truths of wrestling—basics always matter, protect yourself and your opponent, and adjust with the times but don’t lose the core craft.

Next Week: Part Two with Rip Rogers—more road stories, deep dives on teaching, and old-school knowledge.

Further Viewing and Contact

For classic Rip Rogers promos, matches, and lectures:
- Search “Rip Rogers Monster Factory” on YouTube for more wisdom.
Stay in touch with Rip on Twitter: @hustler2754
Help Rip get a new set of wheels: GoFundMe: Rip Rogers Raw Deal

This episode is a goldmine for wrestling fans, students, and historians—packed with salty wisdom, hilarious tales, and proof that, as Steve says, “Some things never go out of style.”

Rip Rogers PART ONE - SAS CLASSIC

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Summary

The Steve Austin Show – Rip Rogers PART ONE (SAS CLASSIC)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Scene: Studio Life, DIY, and Rug Shopping Woes

Wrestling Talk: Construction, Upcoming Events, and Guest Tease

Rip Rogers Joins: Workingman’s Wrestling Wisdom

Rip’s Resilience: Surviving a Hit-and-Run (15:35–19:50)

Gym Stories & Recovery Training (19:50–22:00)

Training the Next Generation at OVW (22:00–24:00)

Becoming a Wrestler: Rip’s Entry and Old-School Training (24:00–26:25)

Legends, Old-School Psychology, and Territory Tales

Dick the Bruiser Stories (26:25–31:30)

Ring Structure & Storytelling: “Book Backwards” (33:10–37:44)

Tales About the Boys: Rick Rude, Paul Orndorff, and Ricky Morton (39:50–48:33)

Wrestling Psychology, Crowd Reading, and In-ring Nuances

“Have Fun and Slow Down” (49:03–52:00)

Match Adaptation: Reading the Crowd (52:02–54:50)

Safety, Gear, and Bumps (55:57–58:34)

Bumps on Your “Bump Card” (75:17–77:32)

Twitter Wisdom: Rapid-fire Takeaways (31:30–75:17, interspersed throughout)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Final Thoughts and Next Week’s Tease

Further Viewing and Contact

This episode is a goldmine for wrestling fans, students, and historians—packed with salty wisdom, hilarious tales, and proof that, as Steve says, “Some things never go out of style.”

Summary

The Steve Austin Show – Rip Rogers PART ONE (SAS CLASSIC)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Scene: Studio Life, DIY, and Rug Shopping Woes

Wrestling Talk: Construction, Upcoming Events, and Guest Tease

Rip Rogers Joins: Workingman’s Wrestling Wisdom

Rip’s Resilience: Surviving a Hit-and-Run (15:35–19:50)

Gym Stories & Recovery Training (19:50–22:00)

Training the Next Generation at OVW (22:00–24:00)

Becoming a Wrestler: Rip’s Entry and Old-School Training (24:00–26:25)

Legends, Old-School Psychology, and Territory Tales

Dick the Bruiser Stories (26:25–31:30)

Ring Structure & Storytelling: “Book Backwards” (33:10–37:44)

Tales About the Boys: Rick Rude, Paul Orndorff, and Ricky Morton (39:50–48:33)

Wrestling Psychology, Crowd Reading, and In-ring Nuances

“Have Fun and Slow Down” (49:03–52:00)

Match Adaptation: Reading the Crowd (52:02–54:50)

Safety, Gear, and Bumps (55:57–58:34)

Bumps on Your “Bump Card” (75:17–77:32)

Twitter Wisdom: Rapid-fire Takeaways (31:30–75:17, interspersed throughout)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Final Thoughts and Next Week’s Tease

Further Viewing and Contact

This episode is a goldmine for wrestling fans, students, and historians—packed with salty wisdom, hilarious tales, and proof that, as Steve says, “Some things never go out of style.”