6-Time WWE Champion Unlikely To Wrestle Again
As WrestleMania 42 draws closer, rumors of 6-time WWE Champion Steve Austin returning to the ring are spreading on the internet like wildfire. However, WWE veteran believes that there is no way Austin is returning to the ring next month.
WWE promoted the March 16 episode of Monday Night Raw as “3:16 Day” as a tribute to Austin’s legacy. This has led many WWE fans to become curious and excited that the Texas Rattlesnake might be on his way to make an in-ring return at WrestleMania 42 on April 18 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
WWE veteran Jim Ross addressed the rumors of Steve Austin’s in-ring return on the latest episode of his Grilling JR podcast, where he said that he does not think Austin is returning for another match.
Ross reminded fans that Austin has retired from the ring for good because of the toll wrestling has taken on his body, and he doesn’t see him competing at the Showcase of the Immortals next month or ever again.
Steve Austin Could Appear At WWE WrestleMania 42, But Only In Non Wrestling Capacity
Jim Ross did admit that Austin could show up at the event. However, he firmly believes that the WWE Hall of Famer will not wrestle in any capacity.
“As far as to have another match, I don’t see it. He’s just – it’s not where his head is, and he’s trying to take care of himself health-wise. To make an appearance, or to shoot an angle, or something along those lines – I could see that potentially happening. But as far as to wrestle – no way.”
“These guys are not Iron Man. When they’re hurt, they’re hurt. Austin’s got that bad neck. He’s had bad knees. I just don’t think it’s worth the risk. I think that’s how Steve would look at it, and I know him pretty well.”
Stone Cold Steve Austin retired from full-time in-ring competition on March 30, 2003, following his match against The Rock at WrestleMania XIX.
However, he made a one-night-only comeback in April 2022 to face Kevin Owens in a no-holds-barred match at WrestleMania 38, which he won. Austin was only 38 when he had to retire due to severe neck injuries and knee issues.