A staple of the Attitude Era, The Texas Rattlesnake retired from professional wrestling in 2003, when he was beaten by The Rock in his final match at WrestleMania 19. According to multiple sources, WWE wants Stone Cold back in the ring at 2022's Showcase of the Immortals. Although the match was clearly curated around what Austin would and wouldn't be able to do considering his age and how long he had been away from the ring, it was a huge success. The Texas Rattlesnake brought joy into my home on a weekly basis, and theres no other performer I was more invested in as my fandom began. Otherwise, he was a talent WWE could unabashedly tout as a homegrown star before he left home behind. Austin took an unlikely path to become the face of the company as an antihero. Published Feb 4, 2021. Kevin Owens would have made an appropriate opponent for Austins swansong, but so would John Cena in an Attitude Era vs Ruthless Aggression clash. In 2022, Stone Cold Steve Austin will return for one last time against Kevin Owens. What were some of the details involving Stone Cold Steve Austins self-imposed exile? After Punk walked out in early 2014, another unconventional superstar who was greatly influenced by Austin would have emerged. A part of what was harder about Steve Austins retirement was that, even if his legend did grow in the years to follow, he had legitimate neck issues thatprevented him fromwrestling again. Yes He went on to wrestle his fellow biggest names of the Attitude Era like The Rock, Triple H, and The Undertaker. Stone Cold Steve Austin retired from the company 19 years ago. So it was that WWE lost two huge stars. Digital Spy participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. The Rattlesnake had been ornery since before WrestleMania X8 and supposedly upset that he was not in a main event spot; even though his match with Scott Hall was one of the featured undercard matches. Stone Cold made a triumphant in-ring return after 19 years and yes, the bell rang. Austin then suggested that he would have had to put in serious work - a three or four-month camp - just to get into shape for one final WrestleMania match. We need to confirm your email address. Hulk Hogan had his public fall from grace with recordings using racist epithets. The die-hard fans knew this was most likely happening, but just like with Austin, there were enough seeds of doubt planted in order to make you think otherwise. A fresh take on sports: the biggest news and most entertaining listicles, Stone Cold Steve Austin reveals why he refused Vince McMahon's offers for WWE return, Tommy Fury clarifies rules for Jake Paul fight (exclusive), Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk: Ukrainian's current physique ahead of fight, Tyson Fury interview: Tommy Fury has his work cut out with Jake Paul. Stone Cold Returns As Co - General Manager 4/28/2003 AttitudePOP 1.9M views 2 years ago Stone Cold Confronts The Purple Bastard Simon Dean! Feeling slighted, the guy, who by his own admission and the offices, was one of the most demanding superstars of all time; took his ball and went home. Even in predicting that the bell would actually ring and a real match would happen in my article leading up to the event, a piece of me still thought there was no way it would. Who would get the honor of wrestling Austin in his last match? "Stone Cold" Steve Austin thanks the WWE Universe for supporting him during his time off in 2002. . Nowadays you can find him standing between WWE and AEW fans wondering why everyone just can't get along. Fans were immediately drawn to the new Steve Austin, and the Texas Rattlesnake racked up a total of 6 world championship titles - a number that would've undoubtedlyrose higher were it not for a career-ending neck injury that forced Stone Cold to retire in 2003. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. Related:Why WWE's 2022 Royal Rumble Was Such A Disappointing Show. 6:55. 0:57. More:Why WWE Fired Shane McMahon (Will He Return?). Highlights Austin's 1st year in the WWE. Stone Cold would have no longer wrestled a full-time schedule, but there would have been a few intriguing scenarios that may have convinced The Rattlesnake to don the black jacket from time to time. March 30, 2003. Steve Austin would fall into a similar category. 2:18. The No-Holds Barred stipulation allowed for Steve Austin to get some of his trademark brawling in, but dont get it twisted: The amount of actual bumps he took was shocking. Why Stone Cold's Exit From WWE Hurt Them Worst (& Why The Rock's Did), Stone Cold: The Inability To Return To The Ring, Stone Cold: Never Having Certain Dream Matches, The Rock: An Act That Could Work In Different Eras, Stone Cold: Unfinished Business With Triple H, Steve Austin was a defining star of theAttitude Era, 5 Reasons Stone Cold Was The Face Of The Attitude Era (& 5 Why It's The Rock), the high quality of work right up through his final matches, The Rock & 8 Others Who Quit Wrestling Too Soon, domestic violence and alcohol consumption, Every Major Steve Austin vs. Austin recently said on his podcast that he physically could have one more match. If Austin were still able to wrestle, Goldberg and Austin wouldnt have clashed as soon as people would have hoped. In that time, Michael has written over 2000 articles for the site, first working solely as a news writer, then later as a senior writer and associate news editor. McMahon explained that he wouldnt be able to answer to shareholders or fans by bringing back someone who he couldnt trust. Steve Austin (born Steven James Anderson; December 18, 1964), better known by his ring name " Stone Cold " Steve Austin, is an American media personality, actor, and retired professional wrestler. For whatever the reason, since the guy walked out on them, the brass decided they might as well monetize it, get ratings for their Confidential series and get in front of whatever Austin or the Dirtsheets might say about the incident. Such a success that whether it happens or not, there is clearly a desire for Austin to do more. Yes 6:17. - YouTube 0:00 / 4:47 Stone Cold Returns No Way Out 2003! TheSportster Podcast has returned! What followed was less a wrestling match than it was a wild brawl, with fighting in the crowd, tables, chairs, ATVs, beer, and the usual craziness that accompanied many of Austin's signature performances throughout the Attitude Era. Why WWE's 2022 Royal Rumble Was Such A Disappointing Show, Why WWE Fired Shane McMahon (Will He Return? "Stone Cold" Steve Austin wrestled his first matchin 19 years at WWE WrestleMania 38, but that may not be the last time he laces up the boots. | It was a win for the fans, as they got to feel genuine surprise and excitement. Something went wrong. The Mandalorian's Pedro Pascal on season 3, Neighbours announces seven more returning cast. Likely as not, it would have happened in both contexts and more. Austin never held the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. After several months of being incommunicado and not doing anything except wallowing and wasting away in San Antonio, the Rattlesnake one day received a postcard from his friend and Head Of Talent at that time, Jim Ross. CM Punk Confronts Stone Cold Steve Austin Funny Backstage Segment WWE RAW 6/13/11. He then, in classic "Stone Cold" fashion, asked the crowd to give him a "Hell Yeah!" Austin surely would have had his hand raised against his former WCW counterpart. If an Austin comeback were to occur, then there is no better time than now for Stone Cold to make a huge payday. Ironclad Wrestling. vinyl figure, Mon brings NJPW title to Mandalorian premiere, WWE WrestleMania 39 Match card and predictions, Complete WWE and NXT pay-per-view schedule, WWE Champions: Complete list of every title holder, Cardi B reacts to Trish Stratus returning to WWE, WWE's Bayley on Mercedes Mon's NJPW debut, Nikki Bella says she misses being in WWE, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's family want WWE return, Mercedes Mon releases doc on journey to NJPW, 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin reportedly set for WWE return at WrestleMania 38, DIGITAL SPY, PART OF THE HEARST UK ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK. Sports Tube. I just simply looked in the mirror and realized I look like shit. Austin reiterates at the end of the clip that he is back in the gym, and sharing his progress on social media, because he didn't like what he saw in the mirror. Having previously written for various sports and music outlets, Craig's interest soon turned to TV and film, where a steady upbringing of science fiction and comic books finally came into its own. Stone Cold Steve Austin was a defining star of the Attitude Era , and so was The Rock. Speaking to Chris Jericho on the latest episode of his Broken Skull Sessions Podcast, Austin explained why he'd always turn the boss down. Thank you! Stone Cold Responds To WrestleMania 39 Return Speculation, he has been asked to wrestle again by WWE's new regime, Why Steve Austin Had To Retire Early From WWE In 2003, Explained. Austin has seen that speculation and decided to respond. How much trust was now gone, not to mention the sheer amount of money that was left on the table by leaving the company. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. The actual match was a disaster due to WWEs poor layout and the fans negative reaction to both Superstars leaving the company. 1:00. Visit Sony LIV to sign in or sign up and enjoy WWE's premium content. The Rock and Stone Cold helped make WWE as popular as ever in the late '90s but both were gone by 2003. FIFA World Cup - Best Goals from Every Angle, Draw for the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023. Indeed, The Rock may well have been a key star in retaining the Attitude fan base into the Ruthless Aggression Era, had he hung around. Follow him on Twitter @miketchin. Kevin Owens is perfect as a safe-pair-of-hands opponent, and Stone Cold's return would be huge for both WWE and its fans (not to mention Steve himself, most likely). Then the unthinkable happened. As WWE rebuilt after The Rock left, it was particularly bittersweet for the knowledge that a talent theyd launched, in some ways,bcame bigger than wrestling itself. Austin then popped up again during WrestleMania night two, stunning his old nemesis Vince McMahon, wrestler Austin Theory, and former NFL star Pat McAfee. However, when Stone Colds music hit and he came out wearing those knee braces every wrestling fan knew that we were about to see something special. Had Austin not had to retire, it seems obvious they would have battled again, whatever the face-heel alignment. While it's not confirmed that Austin will actually wrestle a match at this year's 'Mania, reports say he is in talks with WWE for a big appearance at the show which will be held in his home state of Texas. Sporadic appearances gave way to a nearly seven-year absence from Raw, SmackDown, or PPV. Ryan Satin reacts to Bianca Belair reclaiming the RAW women's title after defeating Becky Lynch at WrestleMania. He hasn't wrestled for almost two decades since he faced The Rock at WrestleMania XIX. For his part, one can be sure WWE boss Vince McMahon will be ready and willing to offer Austin tons of money to do so, and that temptation may just be too much to resist. Use of this website (including any and all parts and components) constitutes your acceptance of these, Carlos Beltran admits 'stain' on Astros' 2017 World Series title. There wouldnt have been a better opponent for Punk then Stone Cold. The promos between the two would have been some of the best in wrestling history. | Related: 10 WWE Superstars That Will Carry The Company In The 2020s. The Rock has managed to keep his nose clean. Its always very frustrating when communications break down, not because you cant reach an agreement, but because one side just decides to shut down. - YouTube 0:00 / 9:53 Stone Cold Surprise Return 2003! Most recently, Michael helped launch Screen Rant's new horror section, and is now the lead staff writer when it comes to all things frightening. So when "Kingdom" began to play over the loudspeakers at WrestleMania, it was one of those moments where I said to myself, "I never thought Id see this happen.". The weapon use, the brawling into the crowd and around the arena, and the wild and unpredictable progression of Austin vs. Owens were all straight out of Austin's heyday in the late-1990s. A long-term member of the Screen Rant family, Michael looks forward to continuing on creating new content for the site for many more years to come. Free shipping for many products! Kevin Owens is perfect as a safe-pair-of-hands opponent, and Stone Cold's return would be huge for both WWE and its fans (not to mention Steve himself, most likely). "Stone Cold had a comeback, and the match was a three and a half on Meltzers five-star rating. 'Stone Cold would have challenged for RAWs top title in the Spring of 2003, whether in one-on-one bouts with Triple H or as a part of multiple person matches. From coming back to induct his father and grandfather into the Hall of Fame, to saving Roman Reignsat Royal Rumble, to other rumored advocacy behind the scenes for relatives like Nia Jax, The Rock has always stayed connected with WWE. More: WWE: Every Vince McMahon WrestleMania Match Ranked From Worst To Best. As Austin was gearing up to head to Raw, JR gave him a ring and told him what the Creative would be for the evening. He reportedly requested Yokozuna and The Ultimate Warrior for the Greatest Royal Rumble show. Stone Cold Steve Austin, Test And Stacy Keibler Segment,Raw 10.13.2003. These events suddenly became WWEs top priority, even above WrestleMania due to the amount of money they generated for the company. In retrospect, Austins time at the top was short. He, of course, uttered the instantly iconic, Austin 3:16 promo that practically shot him straight up to the top of the card. Instead, he donned a Stone Cold t-shirt. The Rock and Stone Cold helped make WWE as popular as ever in the late '90s but both were gone by 2003. The "Texas Rattle Snake" cut an inspired, angry promo on Tuesday to accept. Austin took great pride in his work, and he knew not to outstay his welcome. Stone Cold Returns To RAW / The Rock Confronts Steve Austin 3/3/2003 AttitudePOP 1.66M subscribers Subscribe 12K Share 1.1M views 9 months ago RAW March 3, 2003 For Full Unedited Segment. Still, while Austin was happy to go out by putting over The Rock, it was clear his early retirement never quite sat well with the man whose entire character was based on doing things his way. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. New York would have been 100% behind Stone Cold. How do you think Austins career post-2003, would have gone and if Stone Cold were to make a comeback, who would you like to see him wrestle? 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