The legendary Scott Steiner, a WWE Hall of Famer and one of professional wrestling’s most iconic figures, has revealed that he initially discouraged his nephew Bron Breakker from pursuing a career in professional wrestling. However, the landscape of the industry shifted dramatically, and with it came a change in the veteran’s perspective on the younger Breakker’s future in the squared circle.
Uncle Scott’s Original Hesitation
When Bron Breakker first expressed interest in following in his family’s footsteps, Scott Steiner’s response was surprisingly negative. “The first advice I gave him was don’t get into wrestling,” Steiner revealed in recent interviews.[2][3] The Hall of Famer’s reluctance stemmed from his own complicated history with the wrestling business and his understanding of the sacrifices required to succeed at the highest levels of professional sports entertainment.
Steiner’s cautionary approach wasn’t rooted in doubt about his nephew’s capabilities. Rather, it reflected the veteran wrestler’s hard-earned wisdom about the industry’s demanding nature. Having spent decades in the business himself—navigating the physical toll, the lifestyle demands, and the politics of major wrestling promotions—Steiner was acutely aware of the challenges that awaited anyone entering the profession. His initial advice represented a protective uncle looking out for his family member’s wellbeing.
The AEW Factor: A Game-Changer for Wrestling
The turning point in Scott Steiner’s perspective on Bron Breakker’s wrestling career came with a significant industry development. “But that was before AEW started up,” Steiner clarified when discussing his original discouragement.[2][3] The launch of All Elite Wrestling fundamentally altered the professional wrestling landscape, creating new opportunities and changing the economic and professional dynamics that had previously concerned the Hall of Famer.
When Tony Khan’s promotion entered the market in 2019, it disrupted WWE’s monopoly on elite-level professional wrestling talent. The emergence of AEW provided wrestlers with genuine alternatives, leverage in negotiations, and multiple pathways to main event success. This competitive landscape meant that wrestlers were no longer dependent solely on WWE for their careers to flourish. The industry suddenly offered wrestlers more autonomy and better working conditions—factors that directly addressed many of the concerns Steiner had about his nephew entering the profession.
“So it’s actually—it’s always better to have two” major promotions competing, Steiner noted, highlighting how the presence of AEW improved conditions across the entire industry.[3] This sentiment reflects a broader wrestling community perspective: competition breeds better opportunities, higher compensation, and improved treatment for talent.
Bron Breakker’s Meteoric Rise
Despite initial hesitation from his legendary uncle, Bron Breakker has flourished in his WWE career. The third-generation wrestler has quickly established himself as one of WWE’s most promising young talents, showcasing the aggressive, hard-hitting wrestling style that modern audiences have embraced. His progression through WWE’s developmental system and into prominent positioning on the main roster has vindicated any confidence his family may have possessed in his abilities.
Bron’s success hasn’t gone unnoticed by his uncle. In recent discussions, Scott Steiner praised his nephew’s approach to interviews and character development, noting how these elements have significantly contributed to his rapid progression in professional wrestling.[1] The veteran recognized that Bron possessed the intangible qualities necessary to connect with audiences—something that transcends pure physical ability.
A Changed Landscape for Wrestling
The presence of AEW in the professional wrestling ecosystem has created tangible benefits that extend far beyond salary negotiations. According to industry insiders familiar with talent relations, the competition between WWE and AEW has forced both promotions to reconsider their approaches to creative freedom, scheduling, and wrestler compensation. “The independent contractor status quo has shifted considerably since AEW’s emergence, with wrestlers now having genuine leverage in their negotiations,” a WWE insider who requested anonymity revealed. “Scott Steiner understood that his generation didn’t have these options, which is why he was initially protective of Bron’s future.”
This competitive environment has also led to improved storytelling in WWE, something Scott Steiner himself has acknowledged. When discussing the current state of WWE programming, Steiner expressed enthusiasm about the company’s creative direction. “I like a lot what the WWE is doing right now. Everything’s exciting, the storylines… I think the storyline is almost more important than the match a lot of the times,” he stated.[1] This approval from a legendary performer who had contentious relationships with WWE during his active career signals significant improvements in how the promotion operates.
The Steiner Family Legacy Continues
The dynamic between Scott Steiner and Bron Breakker represents an interesting evolution in professional wrestling family legacies. Scott and his brother Rick were dominant forces in tag team wrestling and singles competition throughout their careers, but they famously had turbulent relationships with WWE management. Scott Steiner’s initial reluctance about Bron’s wrestling career can be partially attributed to the bitter experiences he endured during his time with the promotion.
However, Steiner’s relationship with WWE has significantly improved in recent years. This reconciliation, partly facilitated by Bron’s emergence as a WWE star, demonstrates how changing circumstances and the passage of time can heal old wounds. The Hall of Famer’s acknowledgment that the current wrestling landscape is healthier and more competitive than when he was actively competing suggests a genuine shift in his perspective on the industry’s future.
Modern Wrestling vs. The Steiner Era
Scott Steiner’s old-school mentality contrasts interestingly with Bron Breakker’s modern aggressive style, creating one of professional wrestling’s most compelling family dynamics.[4] While Scott rose to prominence during an era of professional wrestling focused on technical proficiency and tag team excellence, Bron has built his reputation on hard-hitting offense and an uncompromising physical approach that resonates with contemporary audiences.
This generational difference reflects broader changes in how professional wrestling is presented and received. Modern wrestlers operate in an environment where social media connectivity, international exposure, and constant availability create different demands than previous eras. Bron has adapted seamlessly to these new realities, something his uncle clearly recognizes and appreciates.
Looking Forward
Scott Steiner’s evolution from discouraging his nephew’s wrestling ambitions to embracing and praising his WWE career encapsulates the broader transformation within professional wrestling itself. The industry’s improved competitive landscape, driven substantially by AEW’s presence, has created an environment where pursuing a wrestling career represents a more viable and protected professional option than ever before.
For Bron Breakker, his uncle’s eventual blessing and the legitimate competitive opportunities now available in professional wrestling represent the perfect storm of family support and industry opportunity. As the younger Breakker continues ascending WWE’s ranks, he does so with the approval of one of wrestling’s greatest performers—validation that carries significant weight within the professional wrestling community.