Opinion

King: Survivor Series 2003 (Team Austin vs. Team Bischoff)

Chris King traveled back to 2003 where Steve Austin and Eric Bischoff handpicked five top superstars to battle in a 5-on-5 Elimination Match where Stone Cold’s career was on the line.

Published

6 years ago

November 12, 2019

Chris King

Chris King traveled back to 2003 where Steve Austin and Eric Bischoff handpicked five top superstars to battle in a 5-on-5 Elimination Match where Stone Cold’s career was on the line.

This is an event that I hold dear to my heart because I was in attendance inside the American Airlines Center for Survivor Series 2003. It was a really cool experience to see this five-on-five match live pitting Team Austin (Shawn Michaels, Rob Van Dam, Booker T, and The Dudley Boyz) vs. Team Bischoff (Chris Jericho, Randy Orton, Christian, Mark Henry, and Scott Steiner).

On the July 15, 2002, episode of Raw, the Chairman of WWE Vince McMahon did the unthinkable when he hired his long-time opposition as the brand-new General Manager of Raw Eric Bischoff. The Monday Night Wars had finally commenced a year ago when McMahon defeated his competition WCW along with several of their top stars. “You keep your friends close and you keep your enemies closer,” and that’s exactly what McMahon did. The two embraced on the entrance ramp to seal the deal.

It didn’t take long for Bischoff to go back to his egocentric ways forcing talent to do exactly as he said. On the following week, the egocentric boss forced “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels to become Triple H’s manager. Later that night, during a match between D-Lo Brown and Shawn Stasiak Bischoff gave them three minutes to entertain him. When that didn’t happen, he sicced two monstrous Samoans on them named “Three Minute Warning” Rosey and Jamal.

After months of abusing power and taking over the show and sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong, McMahon returned to deliver an announcement. Every GM has faced the same fight and Bischoff is no different if he didn’t turn things around in thirty days YOU’RE FIRED!!! With the egocentric boss running on borrowed time, he decided to make a bold move by asking Austin to return back to Raw.

Stone Cold hasn’t been seen on WWE programming since “he took his ball and went home,” when he refused to put over Brock Lesnar in a King of the Ring Tournament qualifying match. McMahon returned a month later just as promised to ask the GM one question “did you hire back Stone Cold Steve Austin?” Bischoff said no, he had tried everything in his power. Then, McMahon uttered two words to the GM YOU’RE FIRED!!!!

Later that night, McMahon came out to announce the new General Manager but was stopped by Austin’s long-time friend and commentator Jim Ross who declared that he just got off the phone with Austin and guaranteed he’ll be at No Way Out.

McMahon then reinstated Ross (who was fired earlier by Bischoff) and the GM with one stipulation that he joined a certain club. Bischoff refused to kiss McMahon’s ass so the Chairman made a blockbuster announcement that at No Way Out Bischoff would face the man he fired in WCW Stone Cold Steve Austin!

For weeks, the GM was wearing a black karate outfit and breaking boards with his foot claiming to be a black belt in karate. Every amount of training and Kung Fu wouldn’t protect Bischoff from the ass-kicking he would receive from “The Texas Rattlesnake!” Austin whooped his ass all over Montreal Quebec, Canada and finally got his comeuppance over his former boss delivering three glass- shattering Stone Cold Stunners!!!!

A few months later, after Austin made his long-awaited return to Raw the two rivals faced each other again in a lumberjack match with all of the roster surrounding the ring and anyone who wouldn’t comply would be fired. Once again, Bischoff got his ass handed to him by Austin and the WWE Universe loved every second of it.

At WrestleMania XIX, Stone Cold had his final match in WWE against his long-time nemesis The Rock who for the first-time-ever in his career defeated “The Texas Rattlesnake.” A few weeks later, Bischoff would be given a rude awakening as then-CEO of WWE Linda McMahon informed him that going forward there will be a new Co-General Manager STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN!

There was a condition that was added by Linda that Austin cannot put his hands on a superstar unless he’s provoked. So, for months “The Texas Rattlesnake” would beg anyone to physically provoke him so that he could open up a can of whoop-ass. After several months of the co-general managers butting heads, Bischoff makes Austin a challenge that he could not refuse.

He proposed a 5-on-5 Survivor Series Traditional Elimination Match if Austin’s team wins he can put his hands on anyone he pleases but if his team loses he’s no longer the GM.

Let’s fast forward to Survivor Series 2003 in Dallas, TX Austin’s hometown it was Team Austin (Shawn Michaels, Rob Van Dam, Booker T, and The Dudley Boyz) vs. Team Bischoff (Chris Jericho, Randy Orton, Christian, Mark Henry, and Scott Steiner).

Bischoff and his team made their entrance to the ring followed by Austin and his team. The hometown crowd erupted when the glass shattered and “The Texas Rattlesnake” made his way down to the ring. Just as I did last week, I’ll be listing the eliminations and I’ll do a quick summary of the match as well.

Scott Steiner was eliminated after taking a 3D from The Dudley Boyz and a Bookend from Booker T.
Booker T was eliminated after a World’s Largest Slam from Mark Henry.
Mark Henry was eliminated after crashing into the turnbuckle, and a 3D, and a Five-star Frog Splash.
RVD was eliminated after Jericho knocked him off the top rope and Orton hit an RKO.
Devon Dudley was eliminated after Jericho delivered a swinging facebuster.
Bubba Ray Dudley was eliminated after Christan hit an Unprettier.

We are down to Jericho, Christian, and Orton against “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels. After a relentless attack, Michaels responds back with his signature moves and Orton inadvertently blasted the official. HBK hits a Superkick but Bischoff kicks him in the gut. Austin proceeded to beat the holy hell out of his rival and delivered a Stunner to Orton.

Michaels falls into the cover but Evolution’s Batista hit a Batista Bomb and Orton made the cover 1.2.3!

After the match, Stone Cold came back out to one of the loudest pops I’ve ever heard to a very sympathetic hometown crowd. His departure was short-lived as Austin would return on the New Year’s Eve episode of Raw announcing that he been rehired as Sheriff of Monday Night Raw. This run would continue all the way up to WrestleMania XX where Austin would be the special guest referee for Brock vs. Goldberg.

After Mania, the WWE Universe wouldn’t see Austin until 2005 and his returns following that would be sporadic. The match was amazing to see live and the pop that Austin received blew the entire roof off. Stone Cold Steve Austin has provided us with some iconic moments throughout his career and he’s one of my all-time favorite superstars in WWE history!

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
Andrew – @IWCWarChief
Dave – @AttitudeAgg
DJ – @TheMindlessPod
DPP – @itsmeDPP
Jason – @JediFett
Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
Rey – @itsreycash
Rob – @rbonne1
Greg – @gregdemarco44
PC – @PCTunney
TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1