Stone Cold Steve Austin returning to the ring at WrestleMania 42 might sound like a dream scenario for fans, but Jim Ross says it’s simply not happening.
Speculation about Austin stepping back into the ring started picking up after WWE announced that the March 16 episode of Monday Night Raw will be promoted as “3:16 Day,” a nod to Austin’s legendary catchphrase and legacy. With WrestleMania 42 set for April 18–19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, some fans wondered if the celebration could lead to Austin getting involved in a match or storyline. Ross addressed the rumors on the latest episode of the Grilling JR podcast and made it clear that another match for the Texas Rattlesnake is not in the cards.
“As far as to have another match, I don’t see it.”
Ross explained that Austin’s mindset and priorities right now are focused more on staying healthy rather than returning to the ring.
“He’s just – it’s not where his head is, and he’s trying to take care of himself health wise.”
That doesn’t necessarily mean Austin couldn’t appear on television during WWE’s 3:16 Day celebration. Ross acknowledged that an appearance or storyline setup could still be possible, but he made a distinction between showing up and actually competing.
“To make an appearance, or to shoot an angle, or something along those lines – I could see that potentially happening.”
However, when it comes to another in-ring performance, Ross didn’t leave much room for doubt.
“But as far as to wrestle – no way.”
Austin last wrestled at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022, when he defeated Kevin Owens in a No Holds Barred match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The match marked his first bout in nearly two decades and was widely praised by fans. Since then, Austin has appeared sporadically for WWE but has not returned to in-ring competition. Ross said the reason is simple: Austin’s body has taken enough punishment over the years.
“These guys are not Iron Man. When they’re hurt, they’re hurt. Austin’s got that bad neck. He’s had bad knees.”
Ross believes those injuries are exactly why Austin would think twice about risking another match.
“I just don’t think it’s worth the risk. I think that’s how Steve would look at it, and I know him pretty well.”
Austin famously suffered a serious neck injury during a match with Owen Hart at SummerSlam in 1997 that required spinal fusion surgery and ultimately shortened his full-time wrestling career. Even after retiring from active competition, he has continued to speak about lingering neck and knee issues.
Ross and Austin share one of the most memorable partnerships in wrestling broadcasting history, with Ross calling many of Austin’s biggest moments during WWE’s Attitude Era — including Austin’s first WWE Championship victory over Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 14 in 1998.
Even if a WrestleMania match isn’t in the cards, the possibility of Austin appearing during WWE’s 3:16 Day celebration could still give fans a nostalgic moment.
Would you want to see Stone Cold Steve Austin wrestle one more match at Wrestle Mania? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.