Obviously no one saw what Austin was going to become, but looking back it seemed like Vince was opposed to him being the next guy (or maybe he wasn't 100% behind it). Austin was a SLOW build up, literally a whole year from 13 to 14, and that might have been the plan all along but he was a secondary player as far as storyline went while they went from Taker to Hitman to HBK and Sid was in there somewhere.
If Austin didn't happen WCW probably wins....
I think it was a slow buildup because the drastic transition required for that character and it's environment took time.
It was almost like Vince began transforming his product to meet the Austin persona, as other guys began ditching their character gimmicks and moved more towards just being personalities.
Plumbers, garbage men, and clowns were ushered out; jeans, black t-shirts, and leather jackets were ushered in along with the attitudes that came with them.
Also, the old man had to answer to sponsors and networks who carried his shows.
But, Austin seemed to be at the helm of that movement, which seemed tailored specifically TO him.
Must be a nice feeling.