Steve Austin has shared a controversial view on CTE, a serious brain disease linked to concussions and repeated head injuries, often leading to dementia. The connection between CTE and contact sports has been studied extensively, as many athletes from football, ice hockey, and other combat sports have developed this condition later in life.
During the new Mr. McMahon docuseries on Netflix, episode six discusses CTE in wrestling, particularly in relation to the Chris Benoit murder-suicide case. Former wrestler Christopher Nowinski, who has researched the link between CTE and wrestling, appeared on the show, expressing that he was “certain” Benoit had CTE based on his wrestling style, particularly highlighting his diving headbutt.
Vince McMahon dismissed the theories surrounding CTE and steroid use, attributing Benoit?s actions to him “going nuts.” Afterwards, Austin talked about an injury he had during a match with Owen Hart at SummerSlam 1997. He admitted that he got a concussion from that match but mentioned that he doesn?t recall having many concussions during his wrestling career.
Austin is doubtful about CTE, suggesting that if someone has a lot of concussions while wrestling, they are probably “doing something wrong.” Austin made it clear that he does not believe in CTE.
?I worked for a long time, I got dropped on my head one time, I got concussed there. But other than that I can?t remember having too many concussions in the business of pro wrestling. My take on that has always been if you?re just wrestling and you got a bunch of concussions you?re probably doing something wrong. I?m not a CTE guy, I just don?t believe in it.?
Many fans will likely be shocked by what The Texas Rattlesnake had to say, as CTE is a very serious condition and the world of professional wrestling takes it more seriously now than ever before.
What do you think of what Steve Austin had to say? Do you believe CTE should be taken even more seriously? Let us know in the comments section below!
