A part of the 2025 Hall of Fame class, Stone Cold Steve Austin made a shocking appearance during WrestleMania 38.
Ahead of Night 2’s main event match between Cody Rhodes and John Cena, ‘The Texas Rattlesnake’ Stone Cold Steve Austin appeared in front of the live crowd in his ATV and announced Night 2’s attendance figures.
Unlike WrestleMania 38, Austin did not perform any physical feats this time and was only presented as a verbal figure. Recently, during his appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Austin explained his role at Mania 41 and if there had been discussions about him doing more at the event. Just happy to be a part of the show, the Hall of Famer revealed that he had undergone a knee replacement surgery a few months ago, and had a few limitations ahead of his Mania appearance.
“I was just happy to be there. I had a knee replacement about four months ago. For a total knee replacement to heal up 100%, you’re looking at about a year. That was on December 4th. I don’t squat anymore, I’m doing some Hindu squats along with my workouts, but I haven’t even tried to run yet. I don’t even know if I can run, not that I run a lot to the ring. I would imagine about I’m 30-35% of capacity. I did what I could.
Just to be involved in the show, go out there and announce the attendance, that’s what I did. That’s about all I could do. Earlier in the year, not really discussions, just brief, ‘Hey, if you want to be there, maybe we can figure you in.’ I said, ‘I’m getting my knee replaced. We’ll see what happens when that time comes.’ Time came and I can’t do much.”
H/t Fightful
Austin’s last in-ring match took place against Kevin Owens, a few years ago in Texas during WrestleMania 38.
Stone Cold Steve Austin Discusses What Caused His ATV Crash At WWE WrestleMania 41
Despite making a show-stopping entrance during WrestleMania 41, fans remember vividly about Austin’s unfortunate ringside ATV crash. Speaking in a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Steve Austin explained what caused his ATV to crash.
“Different throttle set up than what I’m used to. Long story short, just a different throttle system. I’m pretty dang handy on a four-wheeler.”
In other news: This former champion wanted to face Will Ospreay before his AEW exit.