Stone Cold Steve Austin Reveals True Story Behind Missing WWE WrestleMania 40

Leading up to WrestleMania 40, rumors about a potential Stone Cold Steve Austin appearance picked up speed.

The initial reports suggested that Austin would interfere in the main event match of Night 2 between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

The bout itself witnessed multiple interferences from the likes of Solo Sikoa, Jey & Jimmy Uso, The Rock, John Cena, etc.

By this time, The Rock has emerged as the crux of The Bloodline vs. Cody Rhodes storyline, and his interference would prove to be pivotal.

However, the creative team had also planned a counter for it, with Stone Cold Steve Austin being the answer.

Unfortunately, Austin would not guarantee an appearance due to other commitments, a spot that ultimately went to The Undertaker, who appeared during the show and chokeslammed The Final Boss.

During a recent sit-down with Chris Van Vliet on his Insight podcast, the 61-year-old discussed what went behind the scenes that prevented him from turning up at WrestleMania XL.

Things just didn’t line up. I had other things going on. I remember when they pitched that to me. I said, ‘Dude, I got some things going on. I don’t see myself being there.’ That was way in advance. Was it pitched to me, or did they want me there? Yeah. But I wasn’t in a position to go.

Stone Cold Steve Austin Attended WrestleMania 41

While The Undertaker filled in for Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania 40, many fans felt let down, as they believed Austin attacking The Rock would have generated unprecedented pop considering the magnitude of their past rivalry.

Regardless, Cody Rhodes went on to ‘finish his story’ by beating Roman Reigns, ending his 1,316-day reign.

On the other hand, Stone Cold Steve Austin did not disappoint his fans at WrestleMania 41, where he made a guest appearance to read the attendance number on Night 2.

He later claimed that he was open to such fun opportunities if they fit his life.