‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin is swapping stunners for sand dunes after being announced as the grand marshal for the 2025 BFGoodrich Tires Mint 400. Austin will kick off race week in style, leading the Mint 400 parade on Wednesday, March 5, at 3 p.m. Mint 400 CEO Matt Martelli couldn’t hide his excitement about having the wrestling legend on board.
“We are thrilled to have Steve leading all the main Mint 400 festivities as grand marshal, including the Mint 400 Parade, The Mint 400 kick-off party, Mint 400 Off-Road Festival, and of course, he will be dropping the green flag at the start of the race on Saturday.”
Austin won’t be just a bystander after kicking off the race, however, as he will also race his Kawasaki KRX UTV on Saturday. In typical Austin fashion, the Bionic Redneck shared that competing in the race has been a long-time dream.
“It has been a goal of mine to race The Mint since I first got introduced to off-road racing. ‘The Great American Off-Road Race’ is going to be very special – and ‘that’s the bottom line, cause Stone Cold said so!’”
The action kicks off Wednesday, March 5, with the 12th Annual Mint 400 Vehicle Procession, followed by the Mint 400 Off-Road Festival on Thursday, March 6, on Las Vegas’ Fremont Street East. With over 150 off-road vendors, the festival is free to the public and promises a wild time. The real horsepower takes over on Friday, March 7, and Saturday, March 8, with racing action roaring out of Buffalo Bill’s Hotel and Casino in Primm, NV.
Today, January 29, marks the start of the Chinese New Year, which this year is the Year of the Snake. With that in mind, let’s look back on some of the most iconic legless reptiles from the world of professional wrestling.
Stone Cold Steve Austin (“The Texas Rattlesnake”) Known as “The Texas Rattlesnake,” Stone Cold Steve Austin proved to be as slippery as the serpent with his “Don’t Trust Anybody” attitude. Despite this, the Texas Rattlesnake would hold tag team gold multiple times, and is one of WWE’s biggest ever stars.
Jake “The Snake” Roberts One of the most iconic wrestlers associated with snakes, Jake Roberts carried a python named Damien to the ring. He was known for his psychological warfare, methodical in-ring style, and devastating DDT finisher. His career would often see him use his pet snake to scare his opponents senseless.
CM Punk’s Anaconda Vice CM Punk’s signature submission move, the Anaconda Vice, is a jiu-jitsu-inspired chokehold that immobilizes opponents. Like the move, the Anaconda is a snake that constricts its prey, reflecting its crushing effectiveness.
Randy Orton (“The Viper”) Nicknamed “The Viper” due to his cold, calculating in-ring style, Randy Orton remains one of WWE’s top stars. The elusions to snakes continue in the ring for Orton, who often slithers on the mat before delivering an RKO.
Santino Marella (“The Cobra”) Santino Marella often used The Cobra, a comedic yet surprisingly effective finishing move. The move would prove to be even more ‘dangerous’ when the former Intercontinental Champion added a snake-themed sock to his arm.
The Cobra Years before Santino Marella would use the name for his finisher, The Cobra competed in the in the 70s and 80s. Played by George Takano, The Cobra was a two-time (and final) WWF Juniour Heavyweight Champion.
Kobra Moon (Lucha Underground) A dominant female wrestler in Lucha Underground, Kobra Moon was the leader of the Snake Tribe. Her character was portrayed as a cunning and manipulative queen with snake-like agility. Kobra Moon is better known today as former AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa.
WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin says he needs a “new left knee” in the near future.
Austin revealed the news on the Bobbycast podcast and explained his knee troubles began during his college football days at North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas).
He tore his ACL during his junior year, while covering a kickoff. He described it as a “mop-end tear,” where the ligament tears in the middle with frayed edges.
“I need a new left knee here pretty quick.”
– Steve Austin, Bobbycast
At the time, doctor opted not to repair the ACL, relying on the strength of his surrounding muscles instead. These early injuries set the stage for persistent knee issues throughout his wrestling career.
Over the years, Austin has had multiple surgeries, including the replacement of his ACL and PCL using cadaver ligaments.
There have been some incredible finishing moves throughout WWE history, but some have stood the test of time better than others. Whilst hitting just one finisher isn’t always the end of a match in modern-day wrestling, finishers are still an integral part to the formula of how a match is put together.
Here, we’ll be looking at some of the greatest finishers in the history of WWE, including the RKO, Stunner and Sweet Chin Music.
Top-Tier Finishers
Stone Cold Stunner
At the pinnacle of WWE finishers stands the Stone Cold Stunner. Popularized (but not created) by “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, this move combines simplicity with devastating effect.
The Stunner begins with a kick to the opponent’s midsection, followed by Austin grabbing the opponent’s head and dropping to a seated position, driving their jaw onto his shoulder. Its versatility and Austin’s charisma made it an instant crowd-pleaser, capable of ending matches in dramatic fashion.
RKO
Randy Orton’s RKO has earned its place as one of the most electrifying finishers in WWE history. What sets the RKO apart is Orton’s ability to execute it “out of nowhere,” creating countless memorable moments.
The move, a jumping cutter, sees Orton grab his opponent’s head in mid-air and drive it into the mat. Its unpredictability and Orton’s smooth execution have made it a fan favorite and a cultural phenomenon beyond wrestling.
The Undertaker’s Tombstone Piledriver is synonymous with the iconic character. This inverted piledriver sees The Undertaker lift his opponent upside down, tucking their head between his thighs, before dropping to his knees and driving their head into the mat.
The move’s visual impact, combined with The Undertaker’s mystique as a character, has made it one of the most protected and respected finishers in WWE history.
Sweet Chin Music
Shawn Michaels’ Sweet Chin Music is a superkick that has ended countless matches. The move’s effectiveness lies in its simplicity and Michaels’ ability to hit it suddenly.
The trademark tuning up the band sequence, where Michaels stomps his foot repeatedly before delivering the kick, added anticipation and excitement to every execution.
Mid-Tier Finishers
Attitude Adjustment
John Cena’s Attitude Adjustment (formerly known as the F-U) has become one of the most recognizable finishers in modern WWE. This fireman’s carry takeover sees Cena lift his opponent onto his shoulders before slamming them back-first onto the mat. Cena’s strength allows him to execute this move on opponents of all sizes, adding to its credibility.
Pedigree
Triple H’s Pedigree has been a staple of WWE main events for decades. This double underhook facebuster sees Triple H grab his opponent’s arms, jump, and drive their face into the mat. The move’s impact and Triple H’s status as a top star have made it one of the most protected finishers in WWE history.
WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin has sparked controversy with his recent comments dismissing the existence of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). The legendary wrestler, known for his hard-hitting style and numerous championships, stated that he is “not a CTE guy” and does not believe in the condition.
In a recent interview on the Vince McMahon Netflix documentary, Austin expressed his skepticism about CTE, a progressive and fatal brain disease associated with repeated head trauma. He suggested that wrestlers who suffer multiple concussions are, “probably doing something wrong.”
This stance has raised eyebrows in the wrestling community and beyond, given the growing body of scientific evidence supporting the existence and dangers of CTE.
Steve Austin declares, “I just don’t believe in [Chronic traumatic encephalopathy]” in the Netflix docuseries, Mr. McMahon
Austin’s Wrestling Career and Concussion History
Steve Austin’s wrestling career spanned from 1989 to 2003, during which he became one of the most popular and influential figures in professional wrestling. Throughout his career, Austin was known for his physical style and high-impact moves, which likely exposed him to numerous head impacts.
While the exact number of concussions Austin suffered during his career is not publicly documented, he does admit to getting getting dropped on his head and concussed once in his career on the Mr. McMahon documentary.
Other Athletes Skeptical of CTE
While Steve Austin’s comments about CTE have garnered significant attention, he is not the only athlete to express skepticism about the condition. Some other notable athletes who have questioned or downplayed the existence or severity of CTE include:
NFL Players
Brett Favre: The former Green Bay Packers quarterback has expressed doubts about the link between football and CTE. In 2018, Favre suggested that the media had exaggerated the risks of playing football.
Merril Hoge: A former NFL running back, Hoge co-authored a book titled “Brainwashed: The Bad Science Behind CTE and the Plot to Destroy Football.” He has argued that the evidence linking football to CTE is overstated.
NHL Players
Gary Bettman: While not a player himself, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has consistently downplayed the link between hockey and CTE. He has stated that there is not enough scientific evidence to establish a causal relationship between hockey and the disease.
Boxers
Floyd Mayweather Jr.: The undefeated boxing champion has dismissed concerns about CTE in boxing, stating that he’s never had any issues despite his long career in the sport
The Science
Steve Austin swung a few chairs in his day (Image Copyright: WWE)
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a neurodegenerative disease caused by repeated head injuries. It has been found in the brains of athletes who participated in contact sports, as well as military veterans and others exposed to repetitive brain trauma.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
CTE can cause a range of symptoms, including:
Memory loss
Confusion
Impaired judgment
Impulse control problems
Aggression
Depression
Suicidal thoughts
Currently, CTE can only be definitively diagnosed through post-mortem examination of the brain. However, researchers are working on developing methods for diagnosing CTE in living individuals.
Athletes Supporting CTE Research
Many former athletes have become advocates for CTE awareness and research. Some notable examples include:
Chris Nowinski: Former WWE wrestler and co-founder of the Concussion Legacy Foundation
Junior Seau: NFL linebacker who was posthumously diagnosed with CTE
Dave Mirra: BMX rider who was the first action sports athlete diagnosed with CTE
These athletes and others have helped raise awareness about the potential long-term effects of repeated head trauma in sports.
The Impact of Austin’s Comments
Austin’s comments have sparked debate within the wrestling fanbase and beyond. Many fans and fellow wrestlers have expressed disappointment in his stance, given the growing body of evidence supporting the existence of CTE and its impact on athletes.
The Importance of Athlete Safety
While Austin’s opinion may be influenced by his personal experiences, it’s crucial to consider the broader implications of such statements.
Professional wrestling, like many contact sports, carries inherent risks of head injuries. Acknowledging these risks and taking steps to mitigate them is essential for protecting current and future athletes.
When Heroes Disappoint: The Perils of Knowing Too Much
Austin’s comments serve as a reminder that sometimes learning about the personal beliefs of childhood heroes can be disappointing. Many fans who grew up idolizing “Stone Cold” Steve Austin may find themselves conflicted by his stance on CTE.
This situation highlights the importance of separating an athlete’s on-screen persona from their personal beliefs and opinions. It’s a valuable lesson in critical thinking and the need to form our own opinions based on scientific evidence rather than solely relying on the views of public figures we admire.
As an icon of pro wrestling, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin forged a legion of fans as one tough S.O.B and worked with the very top stars of the Attitude Era. Over his career, the Texas Rattlesnake fought the likes of Triple H, Mankind, and The Rock, but now a teenage girl is proving to be Austin’s main adversary.
In recent years, Austin has gotten involved in the sport of off-road racing and has wasted no time in racking up wins. Speaking to Too Much Access, Austin gushed about his love of getting behind the wheel.
“I’ve been doing it for about a year and a half, and I’ve absolutely fallen in love with it. It’s just so different from anything I’ve ever done.”
Austin explained the similarities between learning to wrestle and learning to off-road race. Aside from initially “sucking” at both, a common mistake newcomers make in each discipline is wanting to “go fast” right from the start. He made the same error and quickly learned that mastering the fundamentals serves you far better in the long run.
Stone Cold and Off Road
At 59-years-old, Austin is facing off with racers decades younger than him. Most recently, a 14-year-old girl has proven to be a thorn in the pro wrestling icon’s side.
“One of my arch-rivals last year was a 14-year-old girl. She can drive her ass off. So when you’re born out there and you get that DNA in you, them kids are fast. It’s fun, it’s competitive, it gives me something to do.”
Austin is enjoying his newfound passion as an off-road racer, but fans may still see him in the ring yet. The Bionic Redneck has teased getting involved with WrestleMania 41 when the Show of Shows comes to April in 2025. If so, Austin’s off-road racer could give the Hall of Famer quite the entrance, as he’s not overshadowed by a certain teenage driver.
CM Punk is ready to throwdown with ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, but believes it’ll be the Rattlesnake’s call as to if a match actually happens. Speaking on The Masked Man Show during Fanatics Fest NYC, Punk was asked about the long-speculated dream match with the WWE Hall of Famer.
“That would be up to Steve. It’s not up to me… It should’ve happened ten-plus years ago, but if he wants to go to sleep, he can call me.”
Punk didn’t stop there, adding that he thinks Austin had a “pretty good return” with his WrestleMania 38 main event victory over Kevin Owens. Punk went on to say that Austin may have buried his proverbial six-shooters in the Nevada desert, but if he wants to dig them up, Punk will be his “huckleberry.”
For years, it appeared that this dream match would be nothing but a dream given that Austin retired from in-ring competition in 2003. Just over a decade later, Punk would walk out of WWE, again dashing the hopes of fans eager to see the two lock horns. As history has taught us, never say never in wrestling, as this match now looks more likely than ever before.
Fanatics Fest NYC
CM Punk made his comments at day two of Fanatics Fest NYC; an ongoing convention for sports fans and collectors alike. WWE has already had a huge presence at the event, with several celebrities showing their WWE spirit at the Javits Center. Want to know what else is happening at Fanatics Fest NYC? Check out our handy guide to everything wrestling at the exciting event.
Will Ospreay has an ecletic taste in music, but his wrestling fandom runs as deep as his affection for his favorite songs.
Speaking with Kerrang, ‘The Billy Goat’ listed 10 different songs that have changed his life and you better believe that one of them was a classic pro wrestling entrance song.
In addition to ABBA, Oasis, Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers, Will Ospreay listed Jim Johnston’s “I Won’t Do What You Tell Me” as the song that reminded him of his “first love” and that love so happened to be the one true sport. If you’re not familiar with the song titles “I Won’t Do What You Tell Me” is Stone Cold Steve Austin’s theme. Ospreay gives his reasoning as to why he chose Austin’s infamous song that begins with breaking glass.
“From the first time I heard that glass breaking as a kid, and saw the audience go crazy as this guy just ran to the ring and beat everybody up, I was like, ‘Oh, wow, wrestling is cool!’ I don’t actually remember when the first time was that I heard that track specifically, but it was during the Austin vs. McMahon era. I’ll always remember the time in 2001 when [the old] WWF bought WCW [with the ensuing Invasion storyline] and Austin being a big part of that.”
Austin’s theme was previously noted to be inspired by Rage Against The Machine’s “Bulls On Parade” and it’s arguably one of the greatest wrestling entrance songs of all time. In credit to Ospreay, he has himself a pretty catchy tune in AEW that cultivates that soccer chant mentality.
In the interview, Ospreay said that Oasis’ “Live Forever” is a tune that gets him pumped up for the wrestling ring. Funny enough, he got inspired by watching Oasis perform at Wembley, something he did in 2023 and something he’s planning to do in 2024.
In May 2001, Triple H suffered one of the most devastating injuries that a professional athlete could experience: a complete tear of his left quadriceps muscle. The damage occurred half through a World Tag Team Championship match, with The Game continuing the match despite excruciating pain. After an over 8-month hiatus to have surgery and rehab, Triple H would return to WWE inside The World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden.
The King of King’s triumphant return to MSG has etched its place in history as one of the greatest returns in professional wrestling history, as the WWE Universe welcomed Triple H back like a conquering hero. The moment has been referenced, reflected, and spoken about in countless mediums, with AEW’s MJF even referencing it in his return to All Elite Wrestling this past May.
This past Friday’s edition of WWE SmackDown saw Triple H return to Madison Square Garden again, this time in a much different capacity, as the company’s Chief Content Officer. Despite the turn taking place over 20 years ago, the moment’s significance still sticks with The Game, as he spoke about in a recent post on X.
In the short clip, WWE’s CCO recalled his grueling road to recovery, his anxiety about the fans’ reaction to him, and some wise words he received from WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
“I remember being two segments out, from me coming out, and [Steve] Austin came up to me…’I know what this is like. You’re thinking no one is going to give a sh*t right?’ and I said ‘that has crossed my mind’ and he said ‘yeah man, I went through the same thing. You know, when I broke my neck…what if your music hits and it’s crickets’. He talked to me about it.”
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin suffered a significant injury during SummerSlam 1997 when Austin took on Owen Hart for the Intercontinental Championship when a miscalculated piledriver caused Austin to become temporarily paralyzed. Austin would be plagued with neck issues for the entirety of his full-time WWE run, eventually leading him to retire at 38 years old from in-ring competition.
Triple H would later describe how it felt to hear the crowd’s reaction when his music hit. Stating how that moment was “10x more than anything I could have ever dreamed of. If all of it had been for that one moment, it would have been worth it.”
Every time @WWE comes to @TheGarden, all the memories come back… and this one will always be at the top of the list. Moments like these are what our business is all about. pic.twitter.com/saC0A5NPb0
WWE SmackDoxwn (6/28) Saw The BloodlineKick Out Paul Heyman
In a shocking turn of events, The Bloodline’s Acknowledgment ceremony turned into a vicious beatdown, as Solo Sikoa ordered the rest of the group to attack The Wise Man Paul Heyman. The New York native found himself being smashed through an announce table as the show closed out.
Heyman refused to acknowledge Solo Sikoa as the true Tribal Chief, sparking a brutal assault on The Godfather of Extreme. Later, Paul Heyman was taken out of MSG in an ambulance, leaving the WWE Universe wondering what comes next for the self-proclaimed tribal chief and the rest of The Bloodline.
In May 2024, WWE Shop saw notable sales in their apparel category, and we have a full list of top-selling products.
Wrestlenomics reports that CM Punk emerged as a top seller for May 2024, showing his strong connection with fans, even though his injury hiatus. Jey Uso followed closely, which shouldn’t be a huge surprise considering the incredible reception his Yeet entrance has received in recent memory.
Cody Rhodes, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Rock also featured in the sales rankings, showcasing the appeal of both current and legendary figures in wrestling. Other superstars such as Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, Bray Wyatt, Rey Mysterio, and Liv Morgan also made the top ten list, reflecting a range of interests among the WWE fan base.
Best-Selling Items
When it comes to individual items, the “Men’s Black Jey Uso Yeet T-Shirt” led the pack, staying in the top 10 for 22 days throughout the month. This was followed by the “Men’s Black Return of CM Punk T-Shirt,” which also enjoyed significant daily sales.
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s merchandise, particularly the “Stone Cold” Steve Austin & Booker T Rivals T-Shirt and the classic “Stone Cold” Steve Austin 3:16 T-Shirt, remained fan favorites. CM Punk’s “Best In The World” ringer T-shirt and The Rock’s “Final Boss” T-shirt also saw strong sales.
It’s also notable that Liv Morgan topped WWE’s sales charts after her King & Queen of the Ring Women’s World Title win, which landed her the #10 spot for the entire month.
Top-Selling WWE Merchandise for May 2024
Top Superstars:
CM Punk
Jey Uso
Cody Rhodes
Stone Cold Steve Austin
The Rock
Randy Orton
Roman Reigns
Bray Wyatt
Rey Mysterio/Mysterios
Liv Morgan
Insights and Trends
The data from May 2024 reveals a few key trends. The continued sales of CM Punk’s merchandise underline his lasting impact and popularity. Jey Uso’s rise in the rankings reflects his growing influence and appeal within the WWE universe.
The presence of both legendary figures like Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock, alongside current superstars such as Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes, indicates a broad spectrum of fan interests spanning different eras of WWE.
Overall, WWE Shop’s apparel sales for May 2024 highlight the dynamic nature of wrestling fandom and the continued popularity of both past and present WWE superstars.
Steve Austin has a new resident of the Broken Skull Ranch, and it’s a feline with a moniker fit for a one of a kind WWE Hall Of Famer.
Over the weekend, ‘Stone Cold’ shared the unfortunate news that he found one of his cats, a black cat named Lefty, passed away inside of his barn, noting that the animal had been acting erratic as of late. The main eventer of the ‘Broken Skull territory’ has been Austin’s friendly cat named Pancho, who Austin noted was beside himself after losing Lefty.
‘The Texas Rattlesnake’ made plans to rectify that, noting that he’d be getting a new tag partner for Pancho in the near future. That came in the form of a little orange tabby kitten on Wednesday morning.
The kitten is only six weeks old, but clearly has a lot of energy. Austin shared a video of his new furry friend and it appears Pancho is more than appreciative of ‘Stone Cold’ merging the new ‘Mega Paw-ers’ together. In homage of such, Austin was sure to give the new kitten after the late great Randy Savage,
“Introducing Macho. Macho is from a town called Austin, Nevada. Thanks to @huntressdivine for finding him for us. Pancho is already getting used to him, although he is letting him know who the boss is. With Pancho mentoring him, He should be a helluva cat. He certainly has a lot of personality. And is not afraid of anything. He is about 6ish weeks old.”
While Austin didn’t appear at WrestleMania 40 as many expected, ‘Stone Cold’ has stayed very busy enjoying his life out of the limelight and a big partner in crime for that has been Pancho. Now we will have to wait and see the rising star of Macho moving forward.
Steve Austin still holds one of his WrestleMania matches in the highest regard, and it didn’t happen to have the WWE Title at stake. During an interview with Justin Barrasso, Stone Cold named his classic match against Bret Hart from WrestleMania 13 as an all-time favorite.
“If it wasn’t for Bret Hart, I don’t know that I would be having this interview right now,” said Austin. “My feud with Bret changed everything.”
Two years ago, Hart claimed that him and Austin clashing at WrestleMania 13 were like “two asteroids hitting at the right time.”
“The match with Steve, that’s the greatest song I ever sang. When I watch it back, I wouldn’t change a thing. I still love seeing that spot where I’m punching the daylights out of Steve in the corner and he kicks me in the groin. It was a beautiful, violent piece of art. Working with Steve was easy, it was fun, and it was memorable.”
Austin talked about how he and Hart delivered on arguably the greatest double-turn ever executed in pro wrestling and that was due in great part to what both men did in the ring that evening.
Stone Cold & The Hitman
After 19 years, Austin finally returned to in-ring action at WrestleMania 38 in Los Angeles. He faced Kevin Owens and came out victorious. Steve has some fond memories of that, but it still won’t shake off his number one with Bret.
‘I have a lot of fond memories of WrestleMania, but whenever I have to pick one, it’s always going to WrestleMania 13 with Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart.”
WWE has something special planned for their upcoming WrestleMania 40 event, but plans are being kept under wraps for the time being.
WrestleMania 40 will be the promotion’s fifth two-night WrestleMania, a tradition that began in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The show will take place on April 6 and April 7 from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.
John Cena & Steve Austin on Raw
During the March 25, edition of WWE Monday Night Raw, The Rock battered Cody Rhodes in the closing moments of the show, leaving the American Nightmare in a bloody heap.
During the assault, production trucks were seen in the background bearing the faces of John Cena and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin. This immediately led to speculation that either (or perhaps both) could play a role at WrestleMania 40.
A WrestleMania Mystery
In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer addresses the rumors of Cena and/or Austin being part of the WrestleMania 40 main event. He was “told not to read into that regarding the main events.”
While Cena and Austin may not interfere with the main event of the show, it appears something is in the works for WrestleMania 40. Meltzer writes that there is said to be a “mystery slot” on the card for the show. It is currently unclear if this is for Cena or somebody else.
WWE’s biggest event of the year is coming up in 10 days, and there is no shortage of WrestleMania hype. It appears that fans may need to expect the Texas Rattlesnake as well.
Although nothing has been confirmed, WWE has been in contact with Steve Austin about making an appearance at WrestleMania 40.
WWE Wants Austin For WrestleMania
PW Insider reports that WWE is in discussions to include Stone Cold Steve Austin in WrestleMania 40 weekend. The details of Austin’s role are undisclosed, but an overture has been made.
Steve Austin’s appearance on a production truck during this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW was noticed by many fans. Several other legends have also been rumored for WrestleMania 40 weekend, because John Cena was on that truck as well.
WWE’s WrestleMania Aspirations
It was previously reported that WWE is looking to have John Cena, Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Undertaker at WrestleMania 40. As of this writing, we have not heard of any possible role that they will play at the show of shows.
Steve Austin’s last match took place at WrestleMania 38 in a No Holds Barred match against Kevin Owens. That marked Austin’s first match to date since WrestleMania XIX in 2003.
John Cena and WrestleMania 40
It was reported in February that John Cena wants to do “something” for WrestleMania 40. He has since confirmed that he has the day off.
Cena is going to start shooting the second season of Peacemaker in the early summer. We will have to see if WWE can get Cena to appear at the show of shows before that obligation starts.
SEScoops will have more on this story, and many more from the pro wrestling world. Keep checking back throughout the day for more updates.
‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin was part of some of wrestling’s biggest angles, but there was one storyline in his career that the Rattlesnake is not a fan of.
Austin was one of, if not the big star of the Attitude Era. During the acclaimed era of wrestling, Austin held the WWF Championship on multiple occasions and won the gold at WrestleMania on three separate occasions.
Austin’s Worst Storyline
In 1999, Austin’s lengthy career and litany of injuries were catching up to him and he needed time off from the promotion to recover. In one of the most infamous angles, Austin was run down by a mystery assailant at Survivor Series 1999.
On a recent edition of his Stone Cold Podcast, Austin recalled the angle. The WWE Hall of Famer made clear that he was not a fan of the storyline.
“Me being clipped by a god dang car! S**t, that was the worst storyline I was ever involved in. But we had to come up with a way so that we could get my a** out of the way.”
Austin added that while he needed to have his neck fusion surgery, the storyline was still a “suck-a** angle.”
What Came Next?
After a one-off appearance at Backlash 2000, Austin returned to programming in late 2000, determined to find his attacker. It was revealed that Rikishi ran down Austin and falsely claimed he “did it for The Rock.”
This led to a brief, one-sided feud that saw Austin demolish Rikishi on pay-per-view. Feeling the angle wasn’t working, the storyline changed and it was revealed that Rikishi was the driver but was working on the orders of Triple H.
Austin At WrestleMania 40?
With WrestleMania 40 mere weeks away, there has been speculation regarding a role for Stone Cold at the two-night spectacle. Austin’s status for the show would depend on what he’s willing to do. The Texas Rattlesnake was shown on a production truck on this week’s Raw, a move many feel was more than mere coincidence.
Becky Lynch’s new memoir is proving to be a hit with WWE Superstars and legends alike with glowing reviews pouring in for the new book.
Becky Lynch: The Man: Not Your Average Average Girlis due to release later this month, and will tell the tale of how young Rebecca Quin became the internationally recognized WWE Superstar she is today. The book is 384 pages long.
The Reviews Are In
Lynch’s memoir will hit shelves on March 26 but some WWE stars have been able to get their hands on an advanced copy of the book. In reviews from Simon & Schuster Publishing WWE Hall of Famer ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin was impressed with how well The Man writes about her life.
“Becky’s writing style is infectious and contagious. Just like her personality. From hard times and hard decisions, to changing the landscape of sports entertainment, the self-described ‘underdog’ has always been destined to do great things. I’m sure there is more to come.”
John Cena, somebody Lynch shared the ring with for a segment in 2018, believes the memoir shows the merits of a three-word mantra of his.
“Her authenticity allows us to feel her struggles and mature alongside her as the story unfolds… It might just be the new Underdog’s Guide to the Galaxy. A trailblazer, a groundbreaker and a great example of my 3 favorite words, Never Give Up.”
Lynch’s husband Seth Rollins said that the book shares plenty in common with its author.
“Effortlessly authentic, poignant without ever trying too hard, and a little rough around the edges—that’s my lovely wife, and it’s also her lovely book… Between being a full-time WWE Superstar, a full-time mother, and a GOAT life partner, my one and only somehow casually found the bandwidth to pen a perfect memoir…because of course she did.”
Mick Foley, who knows a thing or two about writing a gripping memoir, was very impressed with the tome.
“Becky Lynch: The Man is one of the finest wrestling books—or memoirs of any kind—I have had the pleasure to read… I am so glad she has chosen to share that voice and her remarkable life story with all of us.”
Stephanie McMahon is confident about how the book will fare once readers get their own copies.
“Becky Lynch: The Man is the story of a remarkable woman who had the guts to put it all on the line… Becky Lynch defies every stereotype. The crowd loves her because she is vulnerable and real, and I have no doubt you will too!”
The Man at the White House
One person who may be reading the book soon is U.S. President Joe Biden. The Man was recently a guest at the White House as part of the recent St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Lynch even left a copy of her book in the White House, as she made clear with a tweet.
It’s fitting that Lynch was at the White House this past week as she’s been feeling a lot more American as of late. After this week’s Raw, Lynch had some big news to share with the WWE Universe.
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin has told several stories in the ring during his time with WWE. Although it’s been a while since he laced up his boots, the Texas Rattlesnake isn’t shutting the door on having another match.
Steve Austin Speaks on a Return
Steve Austin competed in a No Holds Barred match against Kevin Owens on February 4, 2022, at WrestleMania 38. AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas played host to a historic performance, but it might not be his last.
While speaking to ESPN, Steve Austin spoke on the possibility of having another match. He gave the classic “never say never” approach to things, but this could mean a lot coming from Austin.
“I said I’d never get in a ring again unless all the stars aligned. And for some reason, somehow, they all did. And at the age of 57, I headlined the first night of WrestleMania. I never thought I’d do that. If you’d have told me that when I retired in [2003], I’d have said, ‘You’re crazy.’ So I’m not gonna sit here and say no to anything, because you never say never in this crazy business of sports entertainment.”
Austin also mentioned that a potential match with CM Punk “would be a good one.”
“I like Punk, and I think Punk likes me — so, as long as he can take a [Stone Cold] Stunner,” Austin said with a laugh. “I consider him a great friend, a great guy and a great wrestler who’s had a great career. We’ll see.”
Steve Austin in WWE 2K24
Austin will have a significant role in WWE 2K24’s latest game mode, “Showcase of the Immortals.” This mode lets players experience 21 historic WrestleMania matches, commemorating the 40th anniversary of WWE’s premier event. These matches include iconic showdowns like Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant from WrestleMania 3 and the memorable ladder match between Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon from WrestleMania 10, as well as more recent bouts such as the first women’s WrestleMania main event featuring Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania 35.
In the game, players will be able to replay Steve Austin’s legendary match with Bret Hart at WrestleMania 13 in 1997, a bout that propelled the “Stone Cold” character to new heights. Additionally, Austin’s WrestleMania 17 clash with The Rock in 2001 and his comeback match against Owens will also be available.
What’s Next
The Rock’s recent return to WWE may have sparked interest in Austin to do the same. Only time will tell if he locks up in a WWE ring again, but his match at WrestleMania against Kevin Owens, which Austin won, was a well-produced 13-minute street fight that had fans on their feet the whole time. Odds are, Austin is in good enough shape to give the same performance, or even better, at 59-years-old.
WWE is in a booming period in their history, and they are definitely in a position to offer big compensation if Austin does decide to return. If anything, his comeback will likely be much more well-received than The Rock’s was.
It’s been decades since ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin had a head of hair, but the Rattlesnake was rocking a mullet in a new commercial for the Super Bowl.
The commercial from Kawasaki promotes the all-new Kawasaki Ridge vehicle. The Ridge, much like the infamous hairstyle, is business in the front and party in the back according to a voiceover in the commercial.
To hammer this point home, two mulleted men ride the Ridge around, with mullets sprouting wherever they go. That includes on the beautiful bald head of the Texas Rattlesnake, who appreciated his new head of hair.
Fans of Steve Austin who have seen him in WCW will know of the Rattlesnake’s luscious locks during his time as part of the Hollywood Blonds. ‘Stunning’ Steve Austin teamed with ‘Flying’ Brian Pillman and their past would be alluded to in their WWF feud in 1997. Speaking on his podcast, Austin recalled losing his hair early into his career.
“I had that long blonde hair but it was kind of thin and I was starting to get those widows peeks, starting to creep up and I had that little crown in the middle — I knew my days with long hair were numbered.”
Austin added that Bruce Willis’ role in Pulp Fiction inspired him to go bald and believes the bold move was for the best.
“It didn’t deter me from success and was probably one of the biggest reasons why I had success, because it was the best look for me.”
Stone Cold was recently feeling pretty chilly in a hilarious video…
WWE’s next video game is on the way. Plenty of rumors are bound to come out about the release, as we expect. Now, we have a tease with a bit more weight, because it came from 2K themselves.
The Latest WWE 2K24 Tease
The 2k team sent out an Instagram post that is getting some attention. In the new drop, they posted a photo of a referee shirt. That wasn’t as interesting as the fact that they also tagged “Stone Cold” Steve Austin in the photo.
Although no direct involvement with Steve Austin has been confirmed for the new WWE video game yet, tagging him certainly draws a connection. It is expected that the Texas Rattlesnake will be featured in the game as a playable character, perhaps even in multiple versions, but he may be even more involved with the project.
WWE’s next video game, WWE 2K24, is coming. The teases are starting to flow in, and those may provide clues on what’s to come. Plenty of featured are desired by gamers, and they are a tough crowd to please. 2K knows what it’s like to botch a video game release, if you remember 2k20, and they don’t want to repeat history at all in that regard.
When WWE 2K24 Will Be Released
The release date for WWE 2K24 remains undisclosed at this point, but we might receive this vital information within the next few days. The latest release in the series, WWE 2K23, became available on March 14th, 2023, offering gamers the chance to experience it on various platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
A comprehensive review of the last game is accessible on Amazon for those interested in exploring its features and gameplay.
‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin certainly lived up to his moniker by submerging his body in freezing water as part of his first ‘Cold plunge’ experience.
On Instagram, Austin shared footage of his first experience of submerging his body into icy-cold water. The WWE Hall of Famer was clearly not a fan of the freezing temperatures and let off the occasional expletive.
In a second video, Austin said he ‘chickened out’ in the first video after ten seconds. The Texas Rattlesnake was told that the experience was “Supposed to get your endorphins going or some sh*t.” Austin added that he was “freezing my f***ing ass off!”
In the comments, several people shared their own experiences with doing cold plunges. Matt Cardona said that Diamond Dallas Page “tortured” him with a cold plunge. WWE’s Robert Roode called the videos the best thing he’s seen in a long time. ‘Hurricane’ Shane Helms added that Austin’s commentary was top-notch.
Cold Plunge: The Science & The Risks
Cold plunges are nothing new in the world of sports, as athletes have been using ice baths for decades. Ice baths are often used to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness and perceptions of fatigue after heavy exercise.
Risks include hypothermia, shock, and the possibility of sudden cardiac death. It is with this in mind that those who use cold plunges are advised to not spend more than 15 minutes immersed. People are also advised to use warm clothing on areas of their body that aren’t submerged, such as their torso.
When not doing a cold plunge, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin can be found behind the wheel of his 3:16-inspired vehicle…
Bret Hart was a part of many famous moments in WWE history. The Hitman is a two-time WWE Hall of Famer, and he fought hard to keep his spot in the company. Many fans see WrestleMania 13 as a massive turning point in Hart’s career, but it was also the start of an even bigger change for the pro wrestling business.
Setting Up WrestleMania 13
While speaking to Inside the Ropes, Bret Hart remembered his big feud against Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13. The Texas Rattlesnake was just getting momentum, and that was reflected by the changing audience at the time.
Bret Hart mentioned that he had a match with Steve Austin at the previous Survivor Series, and they wanted to take time building a rematch. Bret was originally scheduled to face HBK at WrestleMania, but Shawn Michaels went home to “find his smile,” and the match between Hart and Austin was put together at the last minute.
“The audiences were changing in that time period. Especially I remember particularly on the East Coast. I think that was probably due to ECW but the fans started to kind of find it was more fun to cheer the bad guys and piss the good guys off. So they were there to kind of make trouble at the shows lot of the times and they’d start chanting for all the bad guys. During that time period, I noticed that it really changed the atmosphere of the matches.”
“I remember a lot of the good guys having a lot of trouble getting reactions and the bad guys were getting, like Steve Austin was getting all the reaction in the world. You could sort of sense that he was gonna become a babyface, and guys like me would move over to the side. I just saw it as a chance ‘So I should just change styles. I’ll just wrestle like Bret the Hitman, the old Hart Foundation days.’ It wasn’t such a hard transfer for me. I could work heel or babyface pretty easy.”
The WrestleMania 13 Match
When it comes to building the match, Bret Hart stated that it was “pretty nice” how they went about it. Then, when they showed up for the match, there wasn’t much of a plan in place.
“So it was just building up pretty nice. I think my momentum was going pretty well. But when I showed up to wrestle Steve at WrestleMania 13. I don’t think either one of us had much of a plan for the match. I remember we started talking about it in the dressing room. I was like ‘So what are we doing?’ And he was like, ‘I don’t know, what do you want to do?’
“Me and Steve, we were just kind of trying to figure it out. We sat on the ring apron and we just started talking about it and I said ‘The way I see this fight or this match is like a school fight’ I was sort of the guy that was the cool guy in school. [I was] popular with everybody and I was maybe the quarterback on the football team kind of thing. Steve Austin was the new guy that came to school, [who] had a shaved head, was kind of a badass. The way I remember talking to Steve about it is like ‘So this should be like a school fight and all the fans are basically all the kids at the school watching this flight.’ That’s where we started kind of the psychology of the match and how we should build it.”
Steve Austin & Bret Hart’s Future In Pro Wrestling
Bret Hart hasn’t wrestled a match since he teamed with John Cena to beat Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez on September 12th, 2011 during an episode of WWE RAW. Hart didn’t do much in that match, but it still wrapped up his career in WWE.
Steve Austin, on the other hand, is not 100% retired from in-ring competition. You can never say never with him, although there are no reported plans for him to lace up his boots again any time soon. His match against Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 38 was proof that the Texas Rattlesnake can still go in the ring.
WWE paired up Grayson Waller and Austin Theory to form A-Town Down Under, and that heel team is making a lot of noise. They are also responsible for Kevin Owens’ recent injury, and they are not afraid to rub salt in the wound.
Kevin Owens will take on Austin Theory on the December 15th episode of WWE SmackDown in the current United States Title #1 contender tournament. That match could be a rough one for Theory, but he’s not making it any better for himself.
Grayson Waller and Austin Theory appeared in a backstage promo that was released online after the December 9th episode of SmackDown.
During the video, Austin Theory broke out his uncanny “Stone Cold” Steve Austin impression, as he cut a promo on Kevin Owens while showing off a t-shirt that said “Grayson 3:16” on the front and “I Just Broke Your Hand” on the back.
“Grayson 3:16 son, why don’t you turn around and show ’em! Look at that, ‘I just broke your hand,’ son! Kevin Owens, we broke ya hand, ya ain’t got one no more! WHAT?! Grayson Waller’s gonna beat ya? WHAT?! Austin Theory’s gonna beat ya? WHAT?! We broke ya hand! WHAT?!”
Austin Theory walked off as he busted out in a Steve Austin laugh, which caused Grayson Waller to shout, “What?!” as his partner exited the frame. The two are certainly taking digs at Kevin Owens, but they might need to be careful about invoking Steve Austin’s name like that.
What’s next for Steve Austin in WWE
WWE is not currently talking about bringing Steve Austin in for a CM Punk dream match at this time. Although that rumor hit the Internet Wrestling Community in a big way, it’s not being discussed. Although fans may not see Steve Austin actually return at this time, it’s still good to hear his voice via Austin Theory’s spot-on impression.
You can watch Austin Theory and Grayson Waller’s little backstage promo in the video below.
Kevin Owens might not be able to utilize his KO punch right now due to his affliction, but there are still other ways that he is a very dangerous opponent. It will be interesting to see how Owens does in the United States Title tournament, as he has already teased having beef with Logan Paul.
You may check out the card for the December 15th episode of WWE SmackDown below. Keep checking back with SE Scoops for more!
December 15th, 2023 WWE SmackDown Card
Roman Reigns returns to SmackDown
Kevin Owens vs Austin Theory – 1st Round United States Title #1 Contender Tournament Match
Grayson Waller vs NXT Superstar – 1st Round United States Title #1 Contender Tournament Match
Will Kevin Owens beat Logan Paul for the United States Title after winning this tournament? Are you impressed by Austin Theory’s Steve Austin impression? Let us know what you think by engaging with us on social media!
With WrestleMania 39 drawing closer, WWE has yet to give any indication that Austin will compete at the show.
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that Austin has no intention on competing this April.
“They did talk about Austin. As far as Austin goes, Steve might be at the show. I mean I wouldn’t be surprised at all. He might do something on the show, but he did in fact turn down wrestling at the show. He was offered Brock Lesnar, he was offered Roman Reigns. Probably, he could have named his opponent if he wanted to do it with anybody else. But he did not choose to wrestle on the show.”
Dave Meltzer.
Austin at WrestleMania
If a match isn’t happening for the Rattlesnake, that doesn’t mean that Austin won’t be featured at WrestleMania.
As one of (if not the) biggest stars in wrestling, WWE would be wise to have Austin on the show, even if he doesn’t wrestle.
Austin has proven himself to be a referee at WrestleMania, officiating Brock Lesnar Vs. Goldberg (WrestleMania 20,) and Jerry Lawler vs Michael Cole (WrestleMania 27.)
The Texas Rattlesnake could also serve as a guest host, as we saw by The Rock (WrestleMania 27,) Hulk Hogan (WrestleMania 30,) Alexa Bliss (WrestleMania 35), and the combination of Hogan and Titus O’Neil (WrestleMania 37.)
This isn’t what fans had originally expected, as many believed it would have been Reigns Vs. The Rock, but that match is now unlikely to happen.
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said there has been talks in WWE about Austin facing Brock Lesnar this April.
“The match that was pitched was not with Roman Reigns. It was Brock Lesnar, but as you can tell, pretty much from the show tonight [Raw is XXX] it’s not happening. It’s not on. Something could happen now [but it’s not on at this time.]”
Dave Meltzer.
Meltzer added that talks of Lesnar Vs. Austin is nothing new and was happening backstage as far back as early December when reports broke that Lesnar Vs. GUNTHER was the WrestleMania plan.
“It’s been talked about, probably for months. Because I know when they had that Brock Lesnar-GUNTHER thing came up, I was told immediately it’s not happening, or that’s not the idea right now. Maybe it’s going to happen. But the idea [for Lesnar’s WrestleMania opponent] was a secret. Austin was that secret.”
Lesnar Vs. Lashley
On last night’s Raw 30th anniversary episode, Brock Lesnar made his TV return, costing Bobby Lashley a shot at the U.S. title.
On his show, Meltzer said that all signs are pointing to Brock Vs. the All Mighty at WrestleMania.
“The match is not on. It looks like it’s going to be Lesnar with Lashley, based on the show tonight. I don’t have that confirmed if it’s a WrestleMania match. Obviously, both will likely be in the Rumble, probably feud. Whether that means Montreal where the Pay-Per-View is there [Elimination Chamber 2023] or WrestleMania, I don’t know, but it seems like it’s probably something to do with WrestleMania.”
When speaking about Roman Reigns and a potential match with Austin, Meltzer said we should have a clearer picture after this weekend’s Royal Rumble.
“As far as Roman Reigns goes, I don’t know, but I figure that whatever Roman Reigns’ situation [for WrestleMania] will be, we will know on Saturday night, based on who wins the Rumble match.”
It sounds like WWE Hall Of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin is the most likely of three big names that could be at WrestleMania 39 next year.
Austin wrestled his first match in 19 years back in April. He competed against Kevin Owens in an impromptu No Disqualification singles bout to close out Night One of WrestleMania 38. Austin ultimately won the bout in his home state of Texas.
It was his first match since his retirement match against The Rock at WrestleMania 19 in 2003. Austin lost that bout before walking off into a silent retirement. However, after his return match earlier this year, many have speculated if Austin could wrestle yet again as WrestleMania season approaches.
Austin is one of three big names speculated for WrestleMania 39 this April, including The Rock and John Cena. According to a report from Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, Austin is actually the surest of the three to appear at the event, with Cena and Rock listed as “probable.”
via WWE.com
Meltzer noted that it’s ultimately a question of how Austin is feeling, and that “The Texas Rattlesnake” is going to do what he feels like doing. Since his return match against Owens, it was said that Austin was actually pleased with his performance in the matchup, likely leaving the door open for another return bout.
Perhaps that could very well happen this April in Los Angeles. Of course, the question then becomes – who would his opponent be? Let us know who you’d like Steve Austin to face off against in the comments below!
