With reports circulating that Stone Cold Steve Austin has been in discussions for a return to WWE in the near future, Jim Ross offered his perspective on his close friend’s potential comeback. Ross emphasized that Austin has earned the right to dictate his own path.
“Stone Cold is going to do whatever the hell he wants to do,” Ross stated. “He has the freedom, creative freedom, to do whatever the hell he wants. And he has earned that right, in my opinion, if anybody has earned the right to work their way in and work their way out or make an appearance here or there, it’s Stone Cold.”
Ross speculated that a WrestleMania appearance seems more likely given Austin’s residence in Nevada, where WrestleMania is set to take place. He noted that while Austin doesn’t need the money, he is loyal to the business.
“I thought the biggest WrestleMania was viable because, you know, Steve’s living in Nevada, right? So that gives me pause to say, well, maybe he’s going to get a big payday and help with the promotion of WrestleMania. He’s very loyal… But WrestleMania seems logical and it seems real. So let’s all stay tuned and wait and see… he would add to the mystique of the build-up to the event.”
Expect Physicality
Regarding the physical nature of any return, Ross assured fans that Austin wouldn’t just be there for a handshake.
“If Steve returns for a one-off, or a little push to the Royal Rumble, then I say it will be good, and he will help sell pay-per-views, if you’re a Stone Cold fan from the Attitude Era, so forth. And you know he’s not going to come out there and shake hands and bullshit. There’ll be some physicality. He’s not fragile.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Grilling JR with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. – Subscribe to Grilling JR with Jim Ross on Apple Podcasts.
