WWErecently confirmed that “Stone Cold” Steve Austin will be in Las VegasforWrestleMania 41weekendas part of Fanatics' WWE World fan experience. “The Texas Rattlesnake” is far from the only legend booked to appear at the event, but the announcement immediately launched speculation that Austin could get involved in some form or fashion atWrestleMania 41at Allegiant Stadium.
The prominent theory is that Austin could get involved in the Night 2 main event between Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and John Cena. Given howCena recently turned heeland joined forces with The Rock, it would make sense for Rhodes to call in some back-up from “The Final Boss'” ultimate rival. But as exciting as that moment could be in a vacuum, it’s actually a story WWE should avoid. Let’s dig in and examine why.
Steve Austin’s WrestleMania History Is Undeniable
Austin Is Never Too Far From WWE’s Grandest Stage
The six-time world champion retired as a full-time wrestler followingWrestleMania XIXin 2003, citing the various neck injuries and surgeries he endured throughout his career. However, WWE kept bringing Austin back for various roles (usually as a guest referee) atWrestleManiain the years that followed. From 2004-2016, he’d make some sort of appearance at sevenWrestleManias.
WWE Icon “Stone Cold” Steve Austin Questions John Cena’s Heel Turn Ahead Of WrestleMania 41: “Has He Turned Himself More Babyface
WWE icon Austin wonders aloud if Cena’s turn will generate louder cheers from WWE fans.
Austin would finally lace up the boots for one more match atWrestleMania 38in 2022, accepting a challenge from Kevin Owens for an impromptu No Holds Barred Match.He beat Owens with a Stone Cold Stunnerafter nearly 14 minutes of intense action.
WWE, as confirmed by Austin in various interviews, then tried to book “The Texas Rattlesnake” to appear at bothWrestleMania 39andXL, though plans fell through both times. Reports have indicatedAustin would have interfered to help Rhodesin his Undisputed WWE Championship match against Roman Reigns, and that spot eventually wound up being filled by The Undertaker.
Keep Steve Austin Out Of The WrestleMania 41 Main Event
He’s Not Needed This Time Around
Having Austin finally get involved in the Rhodes vs. Rock storyline after last year’s absence is tempting, but not entirely necessary. Roman Reigns' dominant tyrannical run as “The Tribal Chief” lasted nearly four years and directly affected dozens of wrestlers, so it made sense that his ultimate downfall would see so many wrestlers get involved - hence the comparisons fans made at the time tothe climactic battle at the end ofAvengers: Endgame.
But this time around, the main event is much more personal. Rhodes is taking on his former idol after a crushing betrayal. Cena is so desperate to beat Father Time that he has turned his back on the principles that guided him for over two decades. And The Rock, seemingly mad with power, wants total control and needs to dethrone Rhodes to accomplish that. There’s not an obvious fit for Austin anywhere there.
24 Years Ago, Stone Cold Steve Austin Broke The WWE Record He Might Finally Be Forced To Share In 2025
Stone Cold Steve Austin holds the record for most Royal Rumble wins, but he might have to share his record with another legend.
On top of that, Austin’s involvement would not only come off as a hallow echo of theWrestleMania XLmain event, but itcould hurt fans' perception of Rhodes. Were he to retain his title with Austin’s help, it would mark the second year in a row where the company’s top babyface needed to rely on stars of the past. It worked once, and it made perfect sense at the time. Doing it again would feel likeWWEis going back to the well of relying on the stars of yesterday one too many times.
