Arn Anderson didn’t just look back favorably on the drinking stories or the shenanigans abroad. He took some time on his podcast to acknowledge how great it was to be there at the very beginning as Steve Austin blossomed into the superstar that the history books would remember today and beyond.

“I saw you when you were struggling and you first started in the business,” he said. “I saw what your work rate was and your attitude and all those positive things. Forget it. Forget your talent. Just all those intangibles that you had at the time. I saw you when you were first starting and I watched your growth and I saw you where you ended up. Nobody could be happier for you than me. I’m glad you have all had all the success that you’ve had.”

Though their partnership didn’t last very long, it’s clear that Anderson and Austin have a great deal of respect for one another. It’s also obvious why WWE and AEW utilized the “Master of the Spine Buster” in a coaching or managerial role after he hung up his boots, and hopefully, Anderson will have a hand in shaping more of the future greats of the squared circle.