Rumors about a possible match of Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania 42 have been addressed by WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross, who made it clear that another in-ring return for the legendary star is not expected to happen.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Grilling JR podcast, Ross dismissed speculation that Austin could wrestle again at WWE’s biggest event of the year.
The Steve Austin WrestleMania 42 match discussion began to gain traction after WWE announced that the March 16 episode of WWE RAW would be promoted as “3:16 Day.” The special episode celebrates Austin’s legacy and his famous “Austin 3:16” catchphrase. With the date falling about one month before WrestleMania 42, some fans began speculating that the Texas Rattlesnake might appear to set up a match.
Ross, however, said that a return to the ring is highly unlikely.
“As far as to have another match, I don’t see it,” Ross said. “He’s just – it’s not where his head is, and he’s trying to take care of himself health wise.”
While Ross rejected the idea of a match, he did acknowledge that Austin could still make a non-wrestling appearance during the special WWE RAW broadcast.
“To make an appearance, or to shoot an angle, or something along those lines – I could see that potentially happening,” Ross explained. “But as far as to wrestle – no way.”
Austin’s most recent match took place at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022, where he defeated Kevin Owens in a No Holds Barred match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The match marked Austin’s first in-ring appearance in 19 years and received strong reactions from fans. Since then, he has not competed again but has made occasional appearances for WWE, including at WrestleMania 39 in 2023.
Ross also pointed to Austin’s long history of injuries as a major reason why another match would be unlikely.
“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 said. “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. The injury eventually required spinal fusion surgery and played a major role in shortening his full-time wrestling career.
Ross and Austin share one of the most iconic partnerships in wrestling history, with Ross calling many of Austin’s biggest moments, including his WWE Championship victory over Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 14.
Steve Austin WrestleMania 42 Match Rumors Addressed by Jim Ross