You're right about Austin, and when it comes down to it, Austin is from a different era, when there were more barriers to entry in this business and there were many vets on the circuit. Can you name on one hand that amount of vets working your local indys that have ever done anything of importance?
I saw the comment above about the 15 year vet, did that guy do anything in his career? Not bashing, but there are many 10, 15, and 20 year guys that claim they're vets, and they might have worked 40 matches in their life. In present day wrestling, the only way to start is by getting trained by someone reputable. Working once a month with other yarders isn't going to get you anywhere.