Wrestling legend Stone Cold Steve Austin backs same-sex marriage

Steve Austin jokes with news photographer Vince Bucci. Steve Austin jokes with news photographer Vince Bucci. Photo: REED SAXON, AP Photo: REED SAXON, AP Image 1 of / 12 Caption Close Wrestling legend Stone Cold Steve Austin backs same-sex marriage 1 / 12 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO — Stone Cold Steve Austin, a professional wrestling legend and proud Texan, took to the airwaves on his podcast in July to discuss the controversial issue of gay marriage.

“I'm for same-sex marriage,” he said. “I believe that any human being in America, any human being in the world, that wants to be married … if it's the same-sex, more power to them.”

Austin delivered a Stone Cold Stunner to religious groups who say “no can do” to gay marriage during his discussion, which includes a few too many profanities to link.

“I have some damned good friends who are gay and I'm absolutely for same-sex marriage,” said Austin, who lived in San Antonio late in his career.

Austin, also known as the Texas Rattlesnake, gained international recognition during the 1990s as a beer-drinking, rugged Southerner in the World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment. Austin won more than 20 professional wrestling titles in his career before retiring because of neck injuries in 2003.

Austin was born in Victoria and played football on a scholarship at the University of North Texas. He has appeared in six feature films, including “The Longest Yard” and “Grown Ups 2.”

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