The year 2022 was filled with surprises for the professional wrestling world, and one of the biggest surprises came when Steve Austin returned to the ring in his home state on the first night of WWE WrestleMania. What began as a discussion on the “KO Show” escalated into a full-blown match when Kevin Owens challenged Austin to a No Holds Barred contest. Austin, who had not wrestled since his defeat at the hands of The Rock at WrestleMania XIX in 2003, accepted the challenge.
In a recent appearance on Casual Conversations with The Classic, Steve Austin revealed what led to his decision to come out of retirement. Ultimately, it was due to sentimental value and the fact that he was physically able to compete.
“I got a call from WWE. They asked me if I wanted to participate in WrestleMania 38. It was in Dallas, Texas, and it was sentimental to me because I played football right outside of Dallas. I started my career in the Sportatorium with the world-famous Von Erich family, and it was a fitting way to come back.”
Stone Cold Steve Austin
Austin acknowledged that he never thought he would come out of retirement, but he was open to the opportunity if the stars aligned properly, and evidently, they did. After a brutal battle both inside and outside the ring, Austin delivered his signature move, the Stone Cold Stunner, to defeat Owens and claim the victory.
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