Matt Hardy says fans have probably seen the last of Steve Austin as a singles competitor, but believes a return in a tag team or multi-man environment could still be a possibility.
Speaking on the Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, Hardy was asked whether Austin might lace up the boots one more time following Austin’s own comments on Busted Open Radio on 3:16 Day, in which Austin said he has the itch for moments but not for another match.
“I would guess you have probably seen the end of it,” Hardy said. “I think Steve is one of those guys, like, if he cannot go out and feel like he is working on an appropriately high level, he probably is not going to do it.”
Hardy said the format of any potential return could be the key factor in whether Austin agrees to get physically involved again. “I guess I could never say never,” Hardy said. “Maybe he would, you know. I feel like if you could put him in some sort of environment where he is in a tag team match or a six-man match, then maybe he would consider it. As far as going out there and going one-on-one with someone, I do not think he is going to do that again.”
Hardy also weighed in on the long-discussed possibility of an Austin versus CM Punk match, a dream program for many fans that has been discussed for years but never materialised. “It would be a hell of an interesting match if him and CM Punk did end up squaring off, no doubt about it,” Hardy said. “Just because you have two of the greatest characters and greatest draws from WWE of all time.”
Hardy closed by expressing personal gratitude for the time he spent working alongside Austin during the Attitude Era. “I feel very fortunate that I got to work with him and got to know him,” Hardy said. “Big fan of his work.”
Austin was last physically involved in a WWE match at WrestleMania 38 in 2022 against Kevin Owens. He told Busted Open Radio on 3:16 Day that he is focused on an upcoming desert race and is not lobbying for a return.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit the Extreme Life of Matt Hardy with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
