CM Punk vs “Stone Cold” Steve Austin isn’t a match most people thought about, at least not until The Master of the Middle Finger confirmed it.
In a revealing interview with ESPN, Austin shared insights into his thoughts on a possible if more involved return to competition again, reflecting on his surprise return at WrestleMania 38 against Kevin Owens.
The match against Owens marked his first in-ring appearance in 19 years, a widely celebrated occasion that surpassed all expectations, including Austin’s own. “I said I’d never get in a ring again unless all the stars aligned,” Austin stated, acknowledging that the WWE is as unpredictable as ever while noting his openness to the idea of another match if conditions were right.
Now 59, Austin’s love for wrestling remains as strong as ever, hinting at the potential for him to lace up his boots once more. He expressed a deep affection for the sport, describing it as addicting and something that he has missed greatly since stepping away. This sentiment is fueling speculation about his future involvement in WWE, especially considering the recent return of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to the company.
With The Rock reigniting his feud with Triple H, fans are buzzing about Stone Cold finding his match as well. A name frequently brought up is CM Punk.
The two have never faced off in WWE, despite both being celebrated for their microphone skills and in-ring prowess. Austin himself acknowledged the appeal of such a mega matchup, noting, “It 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.” This candid admission from Austin adds fuel to the fire of speculation regarding a possible showdown between these two legends.
Austin’s potential return to the ring, whether against CM Punk or another opponent, would undoubtedly be a landmark event. His impact on wrestling is immeasurable, captivating the audiences around the globe with his charisma, intensity, and unforgettable moments. Stone Cold is widely credited as the face of the Attitude Era, helping usher WWF into the new millennia until his injury-forced retirement from in-ring competition in 2002.
From his legendary battles with Bret Hart and, eventually, the McMahons and The Rock, to his triumphant return at WrestleMania 38, Austin’s career is a testament to his enduring legacy in sports entertainment.
While Austin has carefully managed expectations of a return, his recent comments have opened the conversation, leaving fans anticipating what could come next.
But if the WWE is looking to pull out all the stops in its first post-merger WrestleMania, they know exactly the guy to call to kick ass and take names.
For now though, fans can look forward to playing as Stone Cold in WWE 2K24 and take part in the Showcase of the Immortals.
