Austin Says Del Rio Not Ready To Be Champion
Posted by Dave Mitchell on 09/30/2011 at 12:56 PM

During an interview with Patrick Lennon of the UK's Daily Star, WWE Hall of Famer "Stone Cold" Steve Austin had some criticism for Alberto Del Rio - saying he's not ready to be WWE champion just yet.

"Well I don’t think Del Rio is ready to carry that belt. It’s ok for a short period of time, give him his first mini title run and try to groom him. He’s still got another year or two to go before he learns the US system.

He’s a good looking kid and I know he’s been around Mexico and MMA."

Despite the fact that many WWE fans are sick of John Cena as the face of WWE, Steve Austin says Cena is the most polished performer in WWE and right man for the job.

“When I look at that company right now, John Cena is the guy who anchors it all. Some people get mad because they feel like WWE shove it down your throat, but he’s the main guy! Whether you love to hate him or you love to love him - you gotta respect him.

“I have a lot of respect for John - he’s been carrying the company for several years and he comes into work every day with a smile on his face and does all the promotional work and never complains."

Austin put over John Cena's track record of great matches and says he's probably got several more years in him on top:

“I tell you John Cena has had some great matches with some great guys - sometimes his body of work gets overlooked, the guy has proven himself over and over again. I call a spade a spade and John has done a tremendous job and he’s got a few years left yet. He’ll keep riding that lightening bolt."

For more from Stone Cold Steve Austin's interview, check out DailyStar.co.uk.