Yeah, I remember watching Austin back in the 90's and he rarely ever even looked close to kicking the guy when he was stomping him - it was hideous. Just like today's "5 Knuck Shuffle" or whatever it is called and it was relatively the same in the 70's/80's when I was watching heavily. I'd guess that "back in the day" the hard hits to the floor were more painfuil though as most guys were heavier. I don't see how it doesn't hurt their back so much when they like go off the turnbuckle and "miss" but whatever. There was one time, I saw Jeff Hardy give a DDT to Rob Van Dam and it was like a head spring the way he landed, really freaky.
It is for entertainment but the fact that every single one of those guys put they're damn health on the line do do that stuff is unquestionable....let's just say it's half a lie. cheers