Stone Cold Steve Austin was the company's top guy in the Attitude Era, arguably the most commercially and critically successful time for WWE.
Follow Us
When talking about the biggest stars in the wrestling business, it’s hard to look beyond the impact had by one Stone Cold Steve Austin.
The ‘Texas Rattlesnake’ was the company’s top guy in the Attitude Era, arguably the most commercially and critically successful time for WWE.
And given the company’s recent trend of bringing back old stars, it should be of little surprise that they want Steve Austin back for one more match – this time at WrestleMania 38.
A report in Fightful Select says the company have ‘made overtures’ the the Hall of Famer. It would, in some ways, make sense. Austin is from Texas, and the showcase event is set to take place in Dallas.
The man he could face at the event? Kevin Owens. The Canadian star has also been insulting the state of Texas on TV and social media recently.
Another wrestling journalist in Brian Alvarez also tweeted that the match has been discussed for ‘Mania.
Yes, Steve Austin vs. Kevin Owens has been discussed for WrestleMania.
— Bryan Alvarez (@bryanalvarez) February 15, 2022
Given Owens only recently re-signed with the company, a marquee ‘Mania match could be his reward. But, as things stand, there’s no official confirmation of this.
It is, of course, worth noting, that Austin has not wrestled a match since 2003. He’s also just turned 57 years old a couple of months ago.
As far as wrestling retirements go, Austin’s has been one that largely stuck. Even though he’s been on TV multiple times, he’s never really wrestled a match; just dished out the occasional Stunner.
Few knew it back in 2003, but his match in WrestleMania 19 against The Rock would indeed be his last. In fact, Austin also had the words ‘OMR’ emblazoned on his jacket for that match.
That stood for ‘one more round’, thus indicating it was his final match. And even though wrestlers are known for coming out of retirement, Austin has not.
As mentioned earlier, there is no official confirmation as of now whether the match will happen. But Vince McMahon values his part-timers, meaning he will happily pay whatever he can to get Austin back.
It’s also worth noting that Austin has directly or otherwise influenced Owens’ career in many ways. Austin has advised Owens in the past to talk as much trash as possible, and even gave the former NXT champion his blessing to use the Stone Cold Stunner as his finisher.
So there is a backstory that could be used as a feud. Will it be though? Only time will tell.
