WWE Hall of Famer ”Stone Cold” Steve Austin continues to stand as one of the most significant and influential figures in the history of professional wrestling. Often credited with spearheading the Attitude Era, Austin’s impact reshaped the landscape of pro wrestling. Recent developments suggest that WWE has more prominent names in mind for WrestleMania 40, in order to steal The Rock’s thunder at the Show of Shows.
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 Isn’t The Only Major Name Returning at WrestleMania 40
There have been numerous legendary WWE Superstars who have clashed with The Rock throughout his illustrious career, but none have left as indelible a mark as WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin are synonymous with the Attitude Era, their rivalry defining an era in WWE history. Their iconic trilogy of matches at WrestleMania 15, 17, and 19 stands as the pinnacle of their storied feud and is widely regarded as the best trilogy in WWE history.
The Texas Rattlesnake’s last in-ring appearance was at WrestleMania 38, where he emerged victorious against Kevin Owens in a No Holds Barred match. This marked Austin’s first match in 19 years, cementing his status as one of the all-time greats in WWE history.
According to the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter by Dave Meltzer, it’s anticipated that The Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and John Cena will have some involvement in WWE WrestleMania 40 on April 6 & 7, 2024. However, as of now, there is reportedly no confirmed creative direction for their participation, or if there is, it’s being kept tightly under wraps.
Meltzer’s report suggests that while there’s a belief that these iconic figures will feature in some capacity at WrestleMania, the specifics remain uncertain. The extent of their involvement may hinge on various factors, including their willingness to participate, and financial considerations.
For John Cena, his availability could be affected by his acting commitments, and the timing of his filming schedules may impact the extent of his participation due to insurance reasons.
As for ”Stone Cold” Steve Austin and The Undertaker, their involvement would largely depend on their willingness to participate in the event.
Nothing is official but the belief right now is that Steve Austin, Undertaker and John Cena will have something at WrestleMania in some form.
At press time, there is no creative locked in for Cena and Austin at this moment, or if there is it’s a well-guarded secret.
A lot depends on how much they are willing to do and money.
Cena is free but depending on what acting stuff he has and how quick after he’s filming would determine how much he can or can’t do for insurance reasons.
Austin and Undertaker would be based on willingness that they have.
We’ll have to see whether Steve Austin will return to WWE television at WrestleMania 40.
Steve Austin Previously Teased His In-Ring Return With An Interesting Opponent
CM Punk’s return at the Survivor Series Premium Live Event quickly ignited speculation among fans about 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, and 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 currently 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.
