Austin Idol Shoot Interview

Conducted May 15, 2026.  2 hours and 10 minutes.

In the professional wrestling world, it is rare for an individual to possess the intangible qualities and attributes necessary to achieve superstardom, but Austin Idol was the epitome of a wrestler who checked all the boxes. He possessed the physique, technical skill, distinctive look, and was one of the most exceptional promo cutters of all time. Austin Idol's career spanned several decades and took him to various locations worldwide, including New York City, Australia, Japan, and numerous territories across the United States. Notably, he was billed as being from Las Vegas on occasion, and remarkably, he survived a plane crash, which could be attributed to his good fortune. RF VIDEO presents an extensive shoot interview with Austin Idol, The Universal Heartthrob, which was years in the making. The interview covers his early days breaking into the wrestling business in Florida, his initial forays on the road working in various territories such as Australia, WWWF, Crockett, Georgia, Mid Atlantic, Portland, Japan, Continental, and most notably, Memphis, Tennessee, where he made a significant impact. His legendary programs with Kevin Sullivan and Jerry Lawler remain some of the most highly-regarded matches, with his empty arena match with Jerry Lawler, involving Paul Heyman and Tommy Rich, still receiving honorable mentions as one of the best feuds of all time, even in 2026. In this comprehensive interview, Austin Idol discusses his experiences in the territories, angles, major feuds, and the harrowing plane crash that nearly took his life. For fans of 1980s wrestling, this interview is essential viewing.