Stone Cold Steve Austin, WWE
Stone Cold Steve Austin during WrestleMania 38. WWE

KEY POINTS

  • "Stone Cold" Steve Austin created buzz among WWE fans when he started posting workout videos
  • The WWE icon said that he only wanted to return to peak physical condition
  • Multiple outlets and insiders have reported an Austin return at WrestleMania 39

WWE icon "Stone Cold" Steve Austin is not letting the talks of a rumored in-ring return go unnoticed this time around.

During WrestleMania 38, Austin participated in his first pro wrestling match in 20 years against Kevin Owens in a No Holds Barred match, which both fans and critics alike had high praises for despite concerns for Austin's health.

Fans began speculating that Austin signed on for a match at next year's WrestleMania after he posted a few videos of himself working out. But in a new Instagram video, Austin shut down the rumors and revealed his motivations.

"Speculate what you want, I just simply looked in the mirror and realized I look like [expletive]. I just got tired of looking in the mirror, I got tired of looking like [expletive], so I'm taking action to do something about it," Austin said in the video.

He added, "I still drink beer on Friday nights. Get three Broken Skull IPAs, and that's pretty much it. I'm probably, as far as body weight goes, sub-232, the leanest I've been in forever."

Rumors had been circulating around pro wrestling outlets that Austin has been in negotiations with WWE for another match sometime soon.

Fightful Select claimed to have been told that Triple H, the new chief content officer of WWE, "actually made an offer for Austin to do another match," though its sources did not reveal when it would happen or who he would face.

If a deal did happen, it would be safe to assume that an Austin match would take place at WrestleMania 39 as the event marks the culmination of WWE's pro wrestling calendar and his match would serve to draw more eyes to the show.

The report was confirmed by longtime pro wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, who said that "there is smoke to that fire and there are discussions happening" for an Austin match at the "Showcase of the Immortals." International Business Times could not independently verify the claims.

Fans' reverence for the 57-year-old legend has continued to grow since he officially retired in 2003 following his final match, which was against Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson at WrestleMania XIX, and conversations about what could have been still dominate forums.

Against Owens at WrestleMania 38, Austin proved that he can still have a solid match – albeit having no rules to it in order to cater to some of the limitations that come with age.

The gnarliest bump of that match for Austin was when he was suplexed by Owens onto the concrete floor, with fans completely amazed by the spot.

Austin has nothing left to prove in his illustrious pro wrestling career and will always have the adulation of the fans, but if he does decide to give it another go, the hype surrounding that match will surely be another big one.

Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kevin Owens
Stone Cold Steve Austin and Kevin Owens brawl atop the WrestleMania 38 ramp during their No Holds Barred match on WrestleMania 38 Night 1 on April 2, 2022. WWE