Steve Austin came out of retirement at WWE WrestleMania 38 for a match with Kevin Owens, his first since WrestleMania 19 against The Rock in 2003.
While speaking with ESPN for a new interview, Austin discussed a potential return to the ring.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below:
On a potential in-ring return: “I said I’d never get in a ring again unless all the stars aligned & for some reason, somehow, they all did. And at the age of 57, I headlined the first night of #WrestleMania [38]. I never thought I’d do that. If you’d have told me that when I retired in [2003], I’d have said, ‘You’re crazy.’ So I’m not gonna sit here & say no to anything because you never say never in this crazy business of sports entertainment.”
“I love the sports entertainment business more than anything I’ve ever done in my life. And you get a dose of it, and you want more. And so here I am talking to you a couple years later about doing it again. And that’s how addicting it is to me, just to talk about it. And I get excited, and I’ll start talking too fast. But it’s not gonna happen. But it could.”
On potential match with CM Punk: “I like Punk, and I think Punk likes me — so, as long as he can take a [Stone Cold] Stunner. I consider him a great friend, a great guy and a great wrestler who’s had a great career. We’ll see.”
Steve Austin, one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history, recently made a surprising return to the ring at WWE WrestleMania 38. This marked his first match since WrestleMania 19 in 2003, where he faced off against The Rock. Austin’s comeback has sparked speculation about the possibility of him returning for more matches in the future.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Austin discussed the potential of stepping back into the ring. He admitted that he had previously stated he would never return unless all the stars aligned, and surprisingly, they did. At the age of 57, Austin headlined the first night of WrestleMania 38, a feat he never imagined possible when he retired in 2003. This experience has made him realize that in the unpredictable world of sports entertainment, one should never say never.
Austin expressed his deep love for the sports entertainment business, stating that it is the thing he loves more than anything else in his life. He described it as addicting and mentioned how just talking about it gets him excited. While he acknowledged that a return to the ring is unlikely, he also left the door open by saying, “But it could.”
One potential dream match that fans have been buzzing about is a showdown between Austin and CM Punk. Austin spoke highly of Punk, considering him a great friend, a great guy, and a great wrestler with an impressive career. He even joked that as long as Punk can take a Stone Cold Stunner, a signature move of Austin’s, he would be open to the idea of facing him in the ring.
Austin’s comments have ignited speculation and excitement among wrestling fans worldwide. The possibility of witnessing another match featuring the Texas Rattlesnake is tantalizing. However, it is important to note that Austin’s return would require careful consideration of his physical condition and overall well-being.
Regardless of whether Austin steps back into the ring or not, his impact on the world of professional wrestling is undeniable. He revolutionized the industry with his rebellious attitude, captivating promos, and intense in-ring performances. Austin’s influence can still be felt today, as he remains one of the most beloved and respected figures in the history of WWE.
As fans eagerly await any updates on Austin’s future in wrestling, they can take solace in knowing that his passion for the business continues to burn brightly. Whether it’s through interviews, appearances, or potential matches, Austin’s presence will always be felt in the world of sports entertainment.