Stone Cold Steve Austin has confirmed that WWE reached out to him regarding a potential appearance at WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia, a rumor that dominated the wrestling world leading up to the event. In a wide-ranging interview on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, the “Texas Rattlesnake” opened up about why that appearance never materialized and provided a candid, detailed update on the physical toll his legendary career has taken on his body, including a recent major surgery.
The main event of WrestleMania 40 Night Two, featuring Cody Rhodes dethroning Roman Reigns, famously included run-ins from legends like John Cena and The Undertaker. For months, speculation ran rampant that Austin was the intended surprise guest for the spot eventually filled by The Undertaker. Austin confirmed there were discussions, but logistical conflicts ultimately prevented him from being at Lincoln Financial Field.
“Things just didn’t line up,” Austin explained regarding the WrestleMania 40 pitch. “I had other things going on. I remember when they pitched that to me, I said, ‘Dude, I got some things going on. I don’t see myself being there.’ That was way in advance… It was a possibility that I could have been there had I chosen to go there. I had other sh*t going on”.
Austin highlighted the disconnect that sometimes exists between his current, more reclusive lifestyle and the massive machinery of WWE. He noted, “WWE is this multi-billion dollar corporation. I got a metal shop that we’re sitting in. Sometimes the multi-billion dollar company has an idea that the dude that has the metal shop just doesn’t work for. So it didn’t work”. Since retiring from full-time competition, Austin has traded the bright lights of Los Angeles for a quieter life in Nevada, where he spends his time racing off-road buggies (UTVs) across the desert and tending to his property.
“It Will Change Your Personality” A significant portion of the conversation focused on Austin’s physical health. He revealed he is exactly one year removed from total knee replacement surgery on his left knee, specifically marking the anniversary on December 4. Before the procedure, his quality of life had deteriorated significantly due to chronic arthritis, a condition he described as far more debilitating than he had anticipated.
The pain had become so normalized for Austin that he wasn’t even aware of how it affected his movement until others pointed it out. “I was limping around so bad, and I didn’t know I was limping,” Austin admitted. “People would ask me, ‘What’s wrong?’ I said, ‘What are you talking about?’ [They said] ‘You’re limping.’ I didn’t know, because I don’t watch myself walk”.
He described the chronic pain as transformative in the worst way, affecting his mental state as much as his physical capabilities. “I’ve always wondered what arthritis felt like. Man, I found out firsthand. And it’s chronically over time, years and years and years of it. It’ll change your personality. It just puts you in a state of mind where you just want some relief”.
The surgery has seemingly revitalized him. Austin noted that he can now walk without the limp and remains active, engaging in high-speed desert racing where he recently drove 100 miles in his buggy. However, despite the successful surgery and his belief that he could physically handle another match, he tempered expectations for fans hoping for one last run.
“I could still do it,” Austin said when pressed on a potential return. “I’m not advocating for nothing, so I’m not selling a match here… You asked me, ‘Could I?’ Yes… Probably not. But you say never say never”.
Austin referenced a conversation with The Undertaker a few years ago at WrestleMania that sticks with him regarding maintaining mobility in retirement. “We were by the ring, and we’re like, ‘God dang man, it seems like it just passed by so fast’… Taker said this, he goes, ‘Motion is lotion.’ And I remember that, so I always stay active”.
While Austin remains retired, his comments confirm that the door isn’t entirely welded shut, provided the creative, timing, and his “metal shop” schedule all align perfectly.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Chris Van Vliet with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
