[Feature Story] Road to Redemption - Austin vs. Magnum

by Matt Saye

When you try and think of two of the biggest names/personalities in professional wrestling history, you think of these two men. One is, above everything, one the most successful wrestlers in the business during any period. He helped an organization win a war when it was struggling to survive. The other, classed as the World Champion that never was, is also credited as the longest reigning LCW Universal Champion in the long 4-plus year history of Legends Championship Wrestling. This Sunday, these two charismatic and popular Legends will step into the LCW ring with one purpose in mind: becoming the top dog.

It's Magnum vs. Austin – this Sunday at Redemption Day.

Looking at Magnum TA:

On June 22, 2008, Magnum TA's finest hour was viewed by the millions of LCW fans around the world. For on the premier stage that this company has to offer, Magnum TA would defeat friend-turned-rival Nikita Koloff in a match considered nothing short of a classic. The match, which went six minutes short of a half-hour, culminated in Magnum hitting Koloff with a belly-to-belly suplex and capturing the most prestigious prize for any Legend today: the LCW Universal Championship. No-one quite knew what direction Magnum's career would take now that he held the crown, and no-one would have expected Magnum's reign to last almost one entire year. Nikita Koloff, Dr. Death Steve Williams, The Raging Bull Manny Fernandez and even Stone Cold Steve Austin himself all fell at the feet of Magnum.

Magnum made an impact on the title, bringing honor, prestige and respect to the much coveted top championship. With so many obstacles set in his way, many didn't believe that Magnum was capable of such feats of heart and determination, but he proved them wrong.

"Magnum's run with the LCW Universal Championship, in my opinion, solidified Magnum as a top Legend in this company,” said Christian Calaway, LCW Founder and Chairman of the Board. “When you think about the enormity of the challenges he faced during his unprecedented run with the belt, it shows you the heart and determination the man had to prove that he deserved to wear the gold he wore.”

This year, at LCW Beach Brawl in July, Magnum's reign came to an abrupt end when he was assaulted in the locker room, moments before a big title defense against Bill Goldberg. To this day, no-one knows who it was that attacked Magnum, but we all know how much that crushed Magnum's soul as he was unable to defend his title.

LCW Commentator Tony Schiavone said, “I spoke with Magnum shortly after Beach Brawl. He was heart broken.” Schiavone continued, “His pride for wearing that LCW Universal Championship was crushed with three simple words: you can't compete. But I think, that night truly re-ignited Magnum's raging fire to be the best he can be, and regain the LCW Universal title.”

Looking at Stone Cold:

However, LCW Beach Brawl wasn't a complete bust for everyone. Due to Magnum's injury at the hands of his attacker, Eric Bischoff, then LCW General Manager, forced Magnum to forfeit the title and named Bill Goldberg the new LCW Universal Champion, but Calaway appeared and informed Goldberg he'd be forced to defend the title immediately. The man he defended it against was none other than Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Austin is a man who's no stranger to being at the top of his profession. For the last decade and more, Stone Cold has been selling out arenas, winning championships, kicking ass and drinking beer all over the world. Austin, who rose to fame during the infamous WWF Attitude Era, and helped Vince McMahon in his quest to defeat the mighty WCW empire, Austin's name was to be forever etched in history as one of the greats. Even as a Legend in Legends Championship Wrestling, Steve Austin's career has not been any less than his career in the WWF. Austin has held the belt no less than 3 times – his current being the third – the first two titles being won over against Nikita Koloff, and the third and current being over Bill Goldberg. His combined reigns spanning nearly 11 months, arguably as impressive as Magnum TA's one reign with the title.

“Stone Cold Steve Austin's accomplishments are endless in this business,” Christian Calaway said. “Steve and I have had our differences, much like he did with Vince McMahon, but I've always held a great deal of respect for the man. He wouldn't be in this company, my company, if I didn't.” Finally, Calaway added, “When you talk about someone who helped put professional wrestling in the mainstream, you have to mention Steve Austin. Truly a Legend worthy of the stature he has acquired.”

Steve Austin, much like challenger Magnum, knows no boundaries in the extreme lengths he'll go to not only win the championship, but to hold onto the championship – a war he's waging currently.

The Common Bond:

Earlier this year, these two soon-to-be opponents found a common bond. As Ted Turner – then LCW Chairman of the Board – tried to take over Legends Championship Wrestling once and for all, leaving Christian Calaway in the dirt, Austin and Magnum united.

Along with several other legends, including Bret Hart, Nikita Koloff, and Randy Savage, Magnum and Austin fought the battle alongside the Founder to put the company back in the right hands: the creator's hands. At LCW Caged Heat in August, Magnum and Austin fought in the ultimate steel cage match: WarGames. Ultimately, Austin and Magnum's contributions led to the success of Calaway over Turner, and Turner's permanent exit from Legends Championship Wrestling.

However, everyone knew that sooner or later, Austin and Magnum would have to collide.

Bringing it All Together:

Both of these men's paths have brought us to the culmination of this collision course. The grand finale, which will take place this Sunday night at the LCW Redemption Day pay-per-view event. Fans will finally witness the dream match so many years in the making: Austin vs. Magnum for the ultimate prize.

“For Stone Cold Steve Austin, it's all about solidifying his title reign,” said LCW General Manager Harley Race, former NWA Heavyweight Champion. “However, Magnum TA's dream is to once again become LCW Universal Champion and do as well, if not better, than he did the first time.”

“This match is the reason I founded Legends Championship Wrestling," said Christian Calaway. “It's not just some hyped-up dream match. It's a dream match from two men who can deliver. They've done it before, we've seen it before, and they've delivered every time they've stepped into the ring together, but it's never been like this. It's never been so important. This is about Magnum proving that he should still be champion, that he should have never lost the title in the first place. It's about Austin proving once and for all that he deserves to be champion by beating the man who defined the phrase LCW Universal Champion."

Conclusion:

At the LCW Redemption Day pay-per-view this Sunday, two of the biggest stars in Legends Championship Wrestling will collide, but only one can leave LCW Universal Champion. That, ladies and gentlemen, is what they call a dream match.

Join us tomorrow for the complete LCW Redemption Day pay-per-view preview.