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When it comes to Austin I think people need to remember several things about him. Austin used his political power in the WWF... but he tended to use it for good. A case in point would be Mick Foley. Austin handpicked him and pulled him out of Midcard Hell and put him in the main event - this would have a ripple effect throughout the rest of the era. Think about it. If Mick Foley wasn't in and around the main event scene, never would have had Hell in a Cell, the I Quit match, or the historical night he won the belt. Austin also protected the Rock from HHH and Shawn, working with him and mentoring him - in the Rock's own words. Austin tapped out to Kurt Angel and when he was put in feuds with people, they were elevated. Jericho, Benoit, RVD, Kane, and even HHH. The secret behind Austin is that he rarely won clean and he was very giving in his matches against his opponents. Everyone who went against Austin, came out better, just like Austin did when he went against Bret. Winning doesn't mean you've been elevated - though it does help. And if you're not convinced, riddle me this, the people who went against Stone Cold Steve Austin and worked programs with him. Did their stock on the roster increase or decrease? In nearly every instance, the answer is yes, their standing and stock increased. That's the difference between guys like Austin, Rock, and Bret Hart vs Cunter, Philly, and Hogan. Even if you didn't win against Austin, you were better off than before. Austin did a lot when he was the top star to ensure the health of the company - which is in stark contrast to someone like Haitch. The problem with genuine megastars like Austin, Rock, Hogan and Macho, is that you can't have them just work with anyone. You have to think about your programs and build them up to gain maximum interest and get the highest returns. Austin did this. Sure, he protected his spot, but he also protected the business and was always thinking about the best way to make money.
