The Untold Story: 5 Shocking Details Behind Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Stunner On Donald Trump

The iconic moment when "Stone Cold" Steve Austin delivered his signature move, the Stone Cold Stunner, to then-billionaire Donald J. Trump remains one of the most surreal and replayed segments in the history of professional wrestling. As of today, December 17, 2025, the clip continues to circulate across social media platforms, often going viral during political seasons, prompting fans to revisit the bizarre intersection of the WWE's Attitude Era and American politics. This deep dive uncovers the true context, the behind-the-scenes drama, and what Austin has said about the future 45th U.S. President in the years since the 2007 encounter.

The event, known as the "Battle of the Billionaires," was a high-stakes spectacle at WrestleMania 23 that perfectly captured the outlandish spirit of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It not only solidified Austin's role as the ultimate special guest referee but also cemented Trump's place in wrestling lore, leading to his eventual induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Stone Cold Steve Austin: A Biography and Career Entities

Steve Austin, born Steven James Anderson (later Williams), is an American media personality, actor, producer, and one of the most celebrated professional wrestlers in history. His anti-authority "Stone Cold" persona defined the highly successful "Attitude Era" of the WWE.

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• Born: December 18, 1964, Edna, Texas.
• Ring Names: "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Stunning Steve Austin, The Ringmaster.
• Trainer: "Gentleman" Chris Adams.
• Early Career: Started in 1990 in the USWA, then moved to WCW where he was part of the Dangerous Alliance.
• WWE/WWF Milestones: Six-time WWF/WWE Champion, two-time Intercontinental Champion, four-time Tag Team Champion, 1996 King of the Ring winner, and a record three-time Royal Rumble winner (1997, 1998, 2001).
• Finishing Move: The Stone Cold Stunner.
• Signature Catchphrases: "And that's the bottom line, 'cause Stone Cold said so!" and "Gimme a hell yeah!"
• Post-Wrestling Ventures: Host of the popular podcast "The Steve Austin Show," and founder of the Broken Skull Ranch and Broken Skull IPA beer.
• Hall of Fame: Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.

The Battle of the Billionaires: A High-Stakes Wager

The entire storyline culminating in the infamous Stunner was built around a rivalry between two real-life billionaires: WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and real estate mogul Donald J. Trump. The premise of the match, held on April 1, 2007, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, was a proxy fight with monumental consequences.

The match pitted Trump’s chosen representative, Bobby Lashley, against McMahon’s representative, Umaga. The stipulation was simple yet dramatic: the losing billionaire would have his head shaved bald in the middle of the ring. To ensure a fair outcome, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin was appointed as the Special Guest Referee.

The atmosphere was electric. Austin, known for his unpredictable, beer-swilling persona, was the perfect neutral—or perhaps, non-neutral—enforcer. Trump’s man, Lashley, won the match, meaning Vince McMahon had to face the clippers. What followed was a spectacle involving Lashley, Austin, and Trump all holding McMahon down to complete the humiliating shave.

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However, the real shock came immediately afterward. In a moment of pure, unscripted (or at least, loosely scripted) chaos, Austin turned his attention to the victorious Trump. The Texas Rattlesnake delivered a Stone Cold Stunner to the future President, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Austin then celebrated in his signature style, sharing a few beers over the downed body of the billionaire.

Stone Cold’s Retrospective View on Stunning the Future President

Years after the event, especially following Trump’s election to the presidency, Austin has frequently been asked about the famous Stunner. His comments, often delivered on his podcast or in interviews, provide a fresh, candid perspective on the man and the moment, offering a unique layer of topical authority to the discussion.

1. On Trump’s Professionalism and Attitude

Austin has been surprisingly complimentary about Trump's conduct during the entire WrestleMania process. He has repeatedly praised Trump for being a "stand-up guy" who was professional and committed to the spectacle of the show. Austin noted that in the high-pressure environment of a WrestleMania main event, Trump handled the situation well, despite the Stunner not being executed perfectly.

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2. The 'Less-Than-Perfect' Stunner

One of the most discussed aspects of the clip is Trump's less-than-textbook execution of the Stunner's bump. Instead of taking the traditional full-body flip, Trump simply dropped to his knees and then fell over. Austin himself has acknowledged this. He once said, "It wasn't a picture-perfect stunner, but I give Donald Trump a hell of a lot of credit for being a man. He was a stand-up guy, he was there to do business." This quote highlights that while the move itself was clumsy, Austin respected Trump's willingness to take the bump in front of a massive audience.

3. The Political Neutrality of the Stunner

While the Stunner on Trump is often viewed through a political lens today, Austin has maintained that the moment was purely for entertainment. His character, "Stone Cold," never adhered to a political party; he was the ultimate anti-authority figure who would Stun anyone—boss, celebrity, or politician—for the sake of a pop (audience reaction) and a cold beer. His general political views, such as his vocal support for gay marriage and comments on gun control, show a more complex personal stance than his wrestling persona suggests.

4. The Surreal Nature of the Aftermath

Austin has often reflected on the sheer absurdity of the situation: he stunned a man who would go on to become the most powerful person in the world. The moment is a testament to the crossover power of the WWE, which has always blended reality with kayfabe. The fact that a former President has a documented, televised history of being Stunned by a beer-swilling wrestling icon is a truly unique piece of pop culture history.

5. The Long-Term Friendship with Vince McMahon

The entire storyline underscores the deep, long-standing relationship between Donald Trump and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. Trump's involvement in WWE dates back to hosting WrestleMania IV and V at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City. His willingness to participate in a high-profile, humiliating segment like the "Battle of the Billionaires" demonstrates his commitment to his friendship with McMahon and his understanding of the entertainment business, which is a key entity in his public life.

The "Stone Cold" Stunner on Donald Trump transcends a simple wrestling segment; it’s a cultural artifact. It captures a moment in time when the lines between entertainment, celebrity, and politics were already beginning to blur. For fans, it remains a legendary highlight, forever linking the 'Texas Rattlesnake' with the '45th President' in an unforgettable, beer-soaked embrace of chaos.