WWE Hall Of Famer Scott Steiner Reveals The Origins Of His Iconic ‘Big Poppa Pump’ Persona

WWE Hall of Famer Scott Steiner has shed light on the creation of his legendary ‘Big Poppa Pump’ persona, revealing that it was born out of real frustrations within the wrestling business.

Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Scott Steiner explained that his character evolved as a response to the challenges he faced throughout his career.

“Well, it first started like it was two different personalities,” Steiner said. “When I first came out of college, I was a college kid, happy-go-lucky, but when you’re in wrestling for a while, things change. Setbacks, people keep you down, politics, you get p*ssed off.”

His transformation into ‘Big Poppa Pump’ was fuelled by those frustrations, turning his real-life emotions into a larger-than-life persona.

“At that point, when I turned into Big Poppa Pump, I was very p*ssed off, and people could just kind of tell that in my interviews because I was tired of the bullsh*t of professional wrestling,” he continued.

Known for his intense promos and outspoken nature, Steiner admitted that the backstage politics of the industry played a major role in his shift.

“Things that happened behind closed doors, you don’t really know what’s going on. Luckily, I had some guys behind the back doors who told me what was going on most of the time, but a lot of times, I didn’t know,” he said.

He also touched on the industry’s hierarchy, where veteran wrestlers often hindered younger talent.

“That was a real thing back then, the older guys keeping the younger guys down.”

Scott Steiner’s transition into ‘Big Poppa Pump’ cemented his place in WCW history, with his brash attitude and high-energy persona making him one of the most unforgettable figures in professional wrestling.

Which Injury Did Scott Steiner Suffer That Nearly Cost Him His Life?

Scott Steiner spoke about a near-fatal injury he suffered at a 2007 TNA house show match in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Steiner recalled receiving a stiff kick from his opponent Apolo that struck him in the throat, and after the match, he remembered having breathing difficulties which led him to go to hospital where he learned he’d suffered a torn trachea and if he didn’t receive immediate medical attention, he would be dead in hours. Thankfully, Steiner received emergency surgery, and after a lengthy hospital stay, he was able to make a full recovery.

If you use any of the quotes from this article please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to TJR Wrestling.