The Story Behind TNA’s Iconic Promo: Steiner Math
TNA Wrestling has produced many unforgettable moments and historic matches, but if you ask wrestling fans about their top memories, chances are they will mention "Steiner’s Math."
On the May 1, 2008, episode of TNA Impact, Scott Steiner delivered a promo hyping his upcoming TNA World Heavyweight Championship match against Kurt Angle and the then-champion Samoa Joe, set for the May 11 Sacrifice pay-per-view. Unbeknownst to Steiner or the audience, the words he spoke would resonate for years, becoming one of the most iconic moments in modern wrestling.
Steiner undermined Joe’s chances of retaining his title while claiming that statistically, Joe’s odds were dismal. In a typical one-on-one match, a wrestler has a 50% chance of winning. However, Steiner, declaring himself a "genetic freak," lowered Joe’s chances to 25%. Factoring in the additional complication of his belief that he could not be defeated, Steiner calculated that Joe’s chances plummeted to approximately 8.3%. Meanwhile, Steiner claimed his odds of victory were a staggering 141 and one-third percent. Clearly, his math foretold doom for Samoa Joe at Sacrifice.
In the nearly 18 years since Steiner made those famous calculations, the promo has been cited, analyzed, and turned into memes countless times. Let’s revisit the spring of 2008 for a closer look at this defining moment in TNA history—this is the tale of "Steiner Mathematics."
Evolution of Big Poppa Pump
Scott Steiner stands out as a professional wrestler with a fan base that appreciates him for two vastly different personas. Fans who remember him as one half of the Steiner Brothers recall a tag team that was among the most respected of their era, known for their high-energy style at a time when many wrestlers saved their best for big events.
By late 1997, Steiner underwent a significant transformation, changing up his appearance by cutting his signature mullet and opting for a more muscular look, complete with biker pants and sunglasses. He embraced the monikers "Big Poppa Pump," "Big Bad Booty Daddy," and "Free Whale." This transformation extended beyond his look; his promos grew in charisma and became can’t-miss segments during WCW shows. He cleverly showcased props, such as dentures to mock opponents, and claimed he was a "freak" who could manipulate time in his favor. Steiner’s eccentric promos became highlights in the latter years of WCW, setting the stage for his WWE debut in 2002, which sadly saw him frequently sidelined.
After a brief and underwhelming stint in WWE, Steiner returned to form in TNA in 2006. He revitalized his career and showcased the brash personality fans had missed.
TNA’s Road to Sacrifice 2008
The infamous "Steiner Math" promo is certainly the highlight of the lead-up to TNA Sacrifice 2008, yet it’s necessary to understand the events leading to the match. At the previous month’s TNA Lockdown event, Samoa Joe captured the TNA World Heavyweight Championship from Kurt Angle, marking Joe’s first world title victory since joining TNA in 2005. Their match is heralded as one of the greatest pay-per-view main events in TNA history, blending high-stakes drama with MMA-style encounters.
Steiner’s involvement arose when he came to Joe’s aid during Joe’s title defense against Angle, resulting in a triple-threat match at Sacrifice. To earn his shot at the title, Steiner had previously participated in a Feast or Fired match, which involved winning a briefcase that contained either a championship contract or a pink slip. He swapped briefcases with fellow competitor Petey Williams, ultimately securing a shot at the TNA X Division Championship.
After persistent victories in TNA, Steiner sought to replicate Williams’ success, but with the heavyweight title at stake.
The Calculations Didn’t Add Up
Even the most carefully crafted plans can falter, and while Steiner prided himself on his self-taught mathematics skills, he overlooked crucial elements in his calculations. Notably, Kurt Angle, who was expected to compete in the three-way match, had to withdraw due to a neck injury. This was a key detail often overlooked as fans remember the iconic promo.
Angle announced his inability to compete during the Sacrifice pay-per-view, having sustained an injury just days prior while competing abroad. In his absence, a "Terrordome" match was initiated to determine the next contender for the TNA X Division Championship, which Kazarian won. Unfortunately for Steiner, Kazarain’s inclusion altered the dynamics, leading to Joe retaining his title.
Joe maintained his championship reign for five additional months before losing it to Sting at TNA Bound for Glory. Steiner, meanwhile, would only have one more opportunity to challenge for the title, which took place in a multi-man tag match.
The First Take Was Used
Thanks to TNA’s practice of pre-taping episodes of "TNA Impact," many promos were recorded multiple times to ensure top quality. The "Steiner Math" promo was no different; however, the initial take was ultimately chosen. Samoa Joe recounted that he was present behind the camera during the session and struggled to keep a straight face as Steiner delivered his absurd calculations.
Joe found himself laughing uncontrollably due to how ridiculous Steiner’s assertions seemed. Ultimately, the first take was deemed to have captured the raw, hilarious essence of the moment, as it showcased the genuine reactions of those involved, particularly Petey Williams, who struggled to maintain his composure.
Williams reflected on the promo in a 2021 interview, revealing that it was the only take aired, attributing the decision to the frustrations built into Steiner’s character, which added authenticity to the delivery.
The Legacy of Steiner Mathematics
In the wrestling world, certain moments resonate for years, and "Steiner Mathematics" is remarkable for its odd charm and lasting quotability, even earning a page on Genius.com. Steiner has expressed pride in how the promo continues to spark discussions today, often reaffirming that his calculations were grounded in thought.
In fact, a Harvard professor analyzed the promo and confirmed its underlying logic, even leading some fans to acknowledge Steiner’s quirky approach as somewhat helpful in their studies. The promo’s enduring popularity has prompted various wrestlers to pay homage to it, including MJF, who referenced it in a segment leading up to a match against Joe. Steiner himself recognized and appreciated MJF’s nod to his iconic moment.
Steiner’s nephew, wrestling star Bron Breaker, even performed a "Breaker Math" promo during WWE NXT, humorously updating Steiner’s calculations for a title match. The ongoing discussions and references to "Steiner Math" by past and present wrestlers highlight its unique place in wrestling lore, with figures like TNA founder Jeff Jarrett citing it as a standout moment in wrestling history.
Ultimately, "Steiner Math" stands as a classic example of pro wrestling’s ability to create memorable content, showcasing the blend of humor and absurdity that can define the sport.
Fan Take
The "Steiner Math" promo resonates deeply with wrestling fans as it exemplifies the unique blend of charisma and absurdity that defines the sport. Its lasting impact not only demonstrates the creativity involved in wrestling storytelling but also serves as a reminder of how even humorous moments can carve a legendary place in wrestling history.
