«Stone Cold» Dan Cole makes his first appearance imitating the WWE legend

Dan Cole comes across as wrestling legend «Stone Cold»; Steve Austin Photo: Joe Marler on Instagram

And that's the point, because…Dan Cole says that? While England's rugby fans may be used to seeing their veterans battle and ruck, he sent his teammates into hysterics on Thursday with a supernatural impersonation of Steve Austin, one of WWE's most famous wrestlers, nicknamed «Cold» stone».

In a joint Instagram post with fellow Englander Joe Marler, Cole can be seen, bald as a Rattlesnake wrestler, crashing into a door mid-practice to Austin's «I Won.» «Do what you tell me.» Introductory music plays in the background.

Tighthead, dressed in black trunks, socks and sneakers like Austin, continues to imitate the famous Rattlesnake loop walk by using water bottles instead of beer cans. The 36-year-old treats the chair like a lanyard, climbs high and takes a shower, replicating Austin's iconic beer shower.

STONE COLD DAN COLE.

Elite content via @JoeMarler on Instagram!#RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/PqOOCqL0h3

— Tight Five Rugby (@TightFive_Rugby) September 21, 2023 The real Stone Cold Steve Austin does his thing. Photo: MediaPunch Inc/Alamy Stock Photo/John Barrett

Head of strength and conditioning Aled Walters, as well as a large group of team players — Billy Vunipola, David Ribbans, Will Stewart, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam and Kyle Sinclair — were thrown into hysterics by Cole's antics, which culminated in a further nod to the Rattlers Vipers who rose to prominence during the Attitude Era of the then WWF, with a boneheaded prop offering a frantic kick. to the door as he left.

The reason for the impersonation remains unclear, but it could be due to a penalty or fine. Walters' presence in such a frivolous moment is also very poignant. The Welshman has previously explained that his joviality means he is the perfect foil to the more serious Steve Borthwick. Walters himself recalls Borthwick saying, «I'm glad you're smiling because I'm not.» Either way, Cole certainly «opened a can of whoops» at his teammates, some of whom remained lie on the floor laughing after hearing that Chile will take on the challenge on Saturday.