‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin is scheduled to make his triumphant return at WrestleMania 38. But the WWE is considering a last-minute change to their plans.
Since the announcement of the 57-year-old’s comeback, excitement for the biggest event of the wrestling calendar is off the charts. The beloved sportsman defined The Attitude Era with his charisma and sensational performances.
He resonated with the fans in a way that no wrestler had ever done before. Unlike the average sportsman, he tossed aside the protein shakes in favour of a good old-fashioned can of beer. This machismo helped Austin transcend the sport and ultimately win six world titles.
However, due to a neck injury, he prematurely called time on his career after a loss against The Rock in 2003. But after 19 years, he finally looks ready to return.
Who will ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin fight at WrestleMania 38?
After consistently mocking the state of Texas, Steve Austin couldn’t resist giving in to Kevin Owen’s goads. Regardless of whether he’s injured or not, nobody talks about ‘The Texas Rattlesnake’s’ home state and gets away with it. He released a video via the WWE’s Twitter page and made a very threatening statement.
He said: “19 years ago, I wrestled my last match in a WWE ring. After three Rock Bottoms—one, two, three—I lost the match. And for 19 years, I’ve had to live with that defeat, knowing my time was up.”
Austin continued: “Kevin Owens, I want to thank you. I want to thank you for waking something up deep inside me that I’ve kept buried for 19 years. Ever since you started to run that damn mealy-mouth of yours talking about the state of Texas—the great state of Texas—you’ve got my attention.
“And why would you want to do that Kevin? I can think of two reasons. One: You are one dumb son of a b**ch! Two: You are fixing to get your ass kicked by Stone Cold Steve Austin.
“Whether you want to call this a KO Show, a match, a fight, a brawl, whatever. I will guarantee you this: In Dallas, Texas, where I started my career, at WrestleMania, Stone Cold Steve Austin is gonna open up one last can of whoop-ass on you, Kevin Owens. And that’s the bottom line, because Stone Cold said so.”
Understandably, Austin’s appearance on ‘The KO Show’ has generated enormous hype. Therefore, the WWE are contemplating changes to the card’s running order.
‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin vs Kevin Owens to headline Wrestlemania
The monstrous collision between Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey was expected to main event the first night of the historic PPV on Saturday, April 2. But as per Reddit insider, Kerrmit125, the company has decided to go in another direction.
Esteemed journalist Dave Meltzer explained the decision in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
He wrote: “It would go against tradition to have a non-match go last, but if you think about it, the Owens-Austin segment probably should go last because it would be the biggest thing on the show and be expected to get the best reaction. Putting it in the middle would peak the show early, and putting it next to last would risk having people leave or heat being down for the Flair vs Rousey match, especially if it’s late.”
It doesn’t matter that Owens and Austin have only arranged an interview. The excitement for Stone Cold to step back through the ropes is off the charts.
He’s one of the most beloved stars in the history of the sport, meaning fans around the globe will be sat on the edge of their seats as they eagerly await the glass to smash before the icon makes his way to the ring.
If they’re lucky, the KO Show may even escalate into a full-blown brawl.
Featured Image Credit: Getty