Jim Ross shut down speculation that Stone Cold Steve Austin could be added to the WrestleMania 42 card, saying flatly that another match is not happening.
“As far as to have another match, I don’t see it,” Ross said on the latest Grilling JR. “He’s just – it’s not where his head is, and he’s trying to take care of himself health wise.”
The speculation intensified after WWE announced that the March 16 episode of Monday Night Raw will be promoted as “3:16 Day,” a celebration of Austin’s legacy. The date falls roughly one month before WrestleMania 42 on April 18-19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, leading some fans to hope that Austin might be setting up a match or angle.
Ross acknowledged Austin could appear on that episode but drew a hard line at anything physical. “To make an appearance, or to shoot an angle, or something along those lines – I could see that potentially happening,” he said. “But as far as to wrestle – no way.”
Austin’s last match took place at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022, where he defeated Kevin Owens in a No Holds Barred match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. It was his first match in 19 years, and while it was widely praised, Austin has not competed since. He has made occasional non-wrestling appearances for WWE, including at WrestleMania 39 in 2023.
Ross pointed to Austin’s extensive injury history as the deciding factor. “These guys are not Iron Man. When they’re hurt, they’re hurt. Austin’s got that bad neck. He’s had bad knees,” he said. “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.”
Austin suffered a serious neck injury in 1997 during a match with Owen Hart at SummerSlam, which required spinal fusion surgery and shortened his full-time career. He has spoken publicly about ongoing neck and knee issues in the years since his retirement.
Ross and Austin have one of the most iconic partnerships in wrestling broadcasting history. Ross called many of Austin’s biggest moments, including his first WWE Championship victory over Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 14 in 1998.
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