WWE’s final fight for Austin took place at WrestleMania XIX in 2003, in a defeat against The Rock. Apart from Stone Cold himself, no one knew it would be his last cry within the square circle, and the fact that he decided to give up while he still could was admirable.
That hasn’t stopped countless fans from asking the same tired question since then: When will The Texas Rattlesnake fight again, especially since almost everyone ends their retirement at some point? If it was not yet apparent enough, the answer is that he will not be, especially because of how happy he is now.
If Austin’s popularity peaked at the time of his retirement and he never experienced that level of relevance again, the chances of him fighting again these days are much more likely. But because he had a successful career outside the ring, there is no need to spoil what was a perfectly good farewell and potentially put himself at risk of injury.
Despite not having tied a pair of boots in almost two decades, younger fans still know who Austin is. Most of those same fans will know him more through the interviews he gives and the reality shows he presents than through his career in the ring.
“I love it because I’m creating a new fan base or maintaining and growing a fan base,” he said. “What I did at that time, as you said, started in 1989 and stopped in 2003. I am still one of the most searched, if not the most, people on the WWE Network.
“A few months ago, this guy said to me, ‘Hey, man, you’re my son’s favorite fighter.’ My first question is, ‘Well, how old is he?’ He said: ‘He’s five years old’. I’m like, ‘Man, I retired in 2003!’ He says, ‘It doesn’t matter. It’s video games, it’s the WWE Network and it’s YouTube ‘. I’m thinking, I’m not going to argue with him, right? “
Austin appreciates being able to expand his legacy beyond what he has achieved in the ring, even if that is what he will most likely be remembered for. But he is constantly looking for new ways to improve his skill set in other areas as well.
“It is great to be known for something other than wrestling and I am proud of my wrestling career, but as I have said many, many times, I have changed that and left lasting memories in so many people that have supported me for so long,” he said.
“They had to live indirectly through these stories, but it’s 2021 now and that’s where I’m living and that’s where my head is. I appreciate the memories, but yes, I’m super happy [some people] know me more of my recent things. “
Don’t miss the premiere of season 2 of Straight Up Steve Austin this Monday, immediately after WWE Raw at 11 / 10c, on the USA Network.
Graham Mirmina, also known as Graham “GSM” Matthews, has specialized in sports and entertainment writing since 2010. Visit his website, WrestleRant, and sign your Youtube channel for more content related to wrestling.