One of the biggest parts of WrestleMania 38 was the in-ring return of Stone Cold Steve Austin. Though his appearance was only promoted as being the guest on The KO Show, there was a strong suspicion it would turn into a match with Kevin Owens.
Which it did. Austin turned back the clock, putting in a very entertaining performance in a No Holds Barred match with Owens that closed out the first night in Texas. He returned on the second night as well, drinking beer with and then delivering Stone Cold Stunners to Austin Theory, longtime rival Vince McMahon, and even Pat McAfee.
With that still fresh in the minds of WWE leadership and fans alike — and Austin posting evidence to social media that he’s kept himself in tremendous shape — it’s only natural that many would hope for an encore this year in Los Angeles. There have been reports that Austin was pitched a variety of matches, with the thinking being that they were for WrestleMania 39.
Yet according to Austin himself while speaking to The Wrestling Classic (h/t Wrestling Observer), that’s not the case. And he believes that’s just fine, because WWE can shine the spotlight on its current talent.
You know, I haven’t heard anything. We’re literally, as we speak right now, it’s about two weeks away and it’s the biggest show of the year. Right now, I think WWE has got as good a roster that they’ve had since the Attitude Era. They got a deep roster.
So, I think so many guys and gals need those coveted sports. They’ve got plenty of names to draw from. Plenty of talent to draw from. I think they should shine the light and the cameras on their current Superstars.
On the other hand, Austin definitely didn’t shoot down the idea that he might appear at WrestleMania 39 if asked, saying “to be determined” when questioned about the chances that he’d be in L.A. That sounds like he’s still open to it, so if WWE finds him the right dance partner (ahem, LA Knight), the Rattlesnake could still strike in Hollywood.