WWE Hall of Famer ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin remains one of the biggest and most influential names in pro wrestling history. After all, he single-handedly ushered in the Attitude Era and changed the course of pro wrestling for good. With that said, he has an interesting opponent in mind for an in-ring return and it’s not with The Rock.
Throughout his career, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin has squared off against some of the most iconic wrestlers in WWE history. From legendary battles with The Rock to intense rivalries with Triple H and Mick Foley, Austin never failed to create history at every turn.
Steve Austin Teased His In-Ring Return With An Interesting Opponent
CM Punk’s comeback at the Survivor Series Premium Live Event quickly sparked fan interest in a potential match between Punk and Steve Austin. The history between CM Punk and Steve Austin includes a notable interaction on WWE RAW on June 13th, 2011, and they were also featured together in promotional segments for the WWE 13 video game alongside Jim Ross.
In an interview with ESPN, Steve Austin discussed the possibility of returning to the ring. Reflecting on his recent in-ring comeback at WrestleMania 38, Austin mentioned that he had never ruled out a return. He highlighted how, at the age of 57, he headlined the first night of WrestleMania, a feat he hadn’t anticipated when he retired in 2003.
“I said I’d never get in a ring again unless all the stars aligned,” Austin said. “And for some reason, somehow, they all did. And at the age of 57, I headlined the first night of WrestleMania. 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.’
Austin emphasized the unpredictable nature of the sports entertainment business, stating that he won’t definitively reject any future opportunities, as one never says never in this industry for good reason.
”So I’m not gonna sit here and say no to anything because you never say never in this crazy business of sports entertainment.”
When questioned about the prospect of facing CM Punk in a match, Steve Austin made it clear that he would definitely be interested in squaring off against the Second City Saint, as he feels it would be a good match.
“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.”
CM Punk is presently sidelined with a triceps injury, but a return is expected in the coming months. Whether a match between CM Punk and Steve Austin materializes in the future remains uncertain and will only become clear with time.
Real-Life Bloodline Member Recently Exposed The Rock’s Family Drama
At the WrestleMania 40 Kickoff event, The Brahma Bull presented The Bloodline family tree, asserting them as the exclusive royal family in pro wrestling. Plans for a match between The Rock and Roman Reigns were interrupted by Cody Rhodes, who declared himself as The Tribal Chief’s challenger. Tensions escalated as Reigns and Rhodes exchanged verbal jabs about their families, culminating in The Rock slapping Rhodes and ensuing chaos.
Lance Anoa’i, an actual member of The Bloodline, took to Twitter to express the uniqueness of their family, highlighting the rarity of third-generation wrestlers. In doing so, he addressed The Rock’s Bloodline family drama. Lance Anoa’i had previously made appearances in WWE, representing the Anoa’i family in a match against Shane McMahon in 2019.
Fun Fact: As big as our Bloodline is we have only 2 3rd Generation Wrestlers! Myself and @TheRock ! With the first ever 4th Generation Wrestler!
— Lance Anoa’i ランス・アノアイ (@lanceanoai) February 9, 2024
However, the next destination on the Road to WrestleMania 40 is the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event scheduled for February 24th. We’ll have to wait and see how WWE will develop The Bloodline’s storyline for the event until then.
