The Sandman was best known for his iconic entrance, coming out to the riffs of "Enter Sandman" by Metallica. The entrance was enhanced by Sandman's crowd connection and drinking ability.
His presentation was scaled down in WWE with no Metallica and eventually no drinking.
Speaking to Rob Van Dam on 1 Of A Kind, Sandman was reflecting on his WWE exit in 2007.
"I assume this is right after SummerSlam, because right before SummerSlam, Johnny [Ace] calls me into his office and goes, 'You can't drink the beer anymore.' I'm pissed. I'm like, 'Johnny, how about you give me my release.' I got at least one raise out of him for asking for my release. It was up from $125,000 to $150,000. Then, I find out, I have to stop drinking. Next thing I know, Austin is in the main event for SummerSlam. They're taking the beer from me so I can't do it on my entrance. I was pissed," he said.
Austin was not in the main event of SummerSlam 2007, but did drink beer and deliver a stunner in a segment with Matt Hardy and MVP.
Sandman was released from WWE in September 2007.
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