Wrestling legend Stone Cold Steve Austin’s support for same sex marriage seems to making headlines since the comments he made on his podcast months ago went viral this week. For some reason, whilst Austin’s support of marital rights for all couples is of course welcomed, there’s a section of the internet that just didn't see this one coming. But really, should we be surprised when Austin 3:16 says, “I’m for same sex marriage?”

Steve AustinSteve Austin's views on same sex marriage have gone viral

If you’ve ever listened to Steve Austin’s podcast you’ll know that wether he’s doing his family friendly show or the ‘unleashed’ NSFW version, the former champion hasn’t changed very much since his days on top of the WWE. In his podcast he’s as straight talking as fans from his late 90’s heyday will remember him and as for the beer drinking and ‘working man’ references, they haven’t gone either. Maybe that’s why people were so surprised at Austin’s comments, but one does wonder what exactly people expected Austin’s stance to be?

Well clearly whatever they expected they weren't ready for such an impassioned rant and one which was not only in favor of marriage rights for all, but was also very much against those with an opposing view. Not only did Austin say, that he supports anyone who wants to get married and “if it's the same sex, more power to ‘em”, he also blasted those who in the church who disagree asking who “talked to God, and God said that same-sex marriage was a no-can-do?”.

Admittedly, WWE’s ‘Attitude era’ of the late 90s in which Austin rose to prominence, often set aside good taste in order to provide entertainment. Sometime’s when watching back old shows, it’s easy to find yourself cringing at a lot of what was said or labeled as comedy, whether it was, or verged on, out right homophobia or sexism. Austin’s ‘progressive’ views as some have called them, therefore might seem to be in contrast with both the WWE and his character. But really that's not true, we've all grown up from the 90s and so has the WWE.

John CenaThe current face of the WWE John Cena

Nowadays the WWE is in a different era altogether. Some call it the 'PG era' and recently others have labeled it the ‘reality era’. Whatever the name, both outside and inside the ring things have changed a lot in the past decade. For a long time the WWE has been using their popularity and influence with the younger generation to promote positive messages and work heavily with charities. Their ‘Be A Star’ anti bullying campaign works to “ensure a positive and equitable social environment for everyone regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation through grassroots efforts beginning with education and awareness,” and see superstars visiting schools across America to promote positive messages.

More recently they have teamed up with the NOH8 campaign which promotes same sex marriage. Then there’s Darren Young, the current WWE superstar who made headlines last year as the first active WWE wrestler to come out as gay. Young’s admission, which he made to TMZ, was met with immense support from both fans and fellow wrestlers, Steve Austin said at the time, “I think it’s the best thing in the world. If it inspires more people within the WWE or all walks of life or other sports then more power to them.”

Steve AustinStone Cold Steve Austin

So should you be surprised that Stone Cold Steve Austin supports same sex marriage? Of course not, after all, why wouldn't he? Perhaps if you were surprised you may want to think a little bit about your own stereotyping and prejudices. As for those who are still sitting on the fence over same sex marriage, Steve Austin has a few choice words for you and maybe even a stunner.

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