Stone Cold Steve Austin Explains Why He Doesn't Much Appear On WWE TV

Originally posted on The Sportster | By Ethan Schlabaugh | Last updated Apr 30, 2025 4:53 PM ET

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Steve Austin prefers leaving fans wanting more than wanting less over his appearances.
He talks a bit about his career, WrestleMania 41, and the future of the company.

After retiring from in-ring action in 2003 with a WrestleMania 19 match against his long-time rival, The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin started appearing on television occasionally, delivering Stunners and wreaking havoc. Austin would later be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009, headlining that class alongside the Von Erichs, Ricky Steamboat, Howard Finkel, and more.

Austin still appears on WWE television once in a while, but those appearances are definitely starting to wind down just a bit. Most recently, he came out to accept his match induction into the Hall of Fame for his WrestleMania 13 bout against Bret Hart, as well as announcing the attendance for WrestleMania 41.

Appearing On Television Less Often

During an interview with Ariel Helwani on his podcast, the topic of Austin appearing on television came up. They spoke about the offer Logan Paul made for him to wear a Prime bottle mascot outfit, which Austin turned down. Austin also admitted that he is at peace with his WrestleMania 38 bout with Kevin Owens being his official final wrestling match.

The big talking point was when Ariel asked Austin about maybe sticking around too long and how fans want to see Austin, since he wasn't around as long as many other wrestlers due to his injuries. Austin responded that he would rather leave fans wanting more than wanting less, pointing out that fans possibly get annoyed with him being around.

What Stone Cold Has Left To Do

via IMAGN Image Services

Stone Cold is in his early 60s and obviously is no longer an in-ring competitor, so there isn't a ton left for him to do. While it is great for many fans to see him come out and do any sort of thing, be it a Stunner to someone or just cutting a promo of some kind, it would make sense to start winding down before fans get tired of hearing that signature glass-shattering entrance.

The rest of the interview with Ariel Helwani saw Austin talk about what stars are doing great work in the WWE right now, his ATV accident at WrestleMania, his feelings on kayfabe fading out, and more.

This article first appeared on The Sportster and was syndicated with permission.

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