In the world of professional wrestling, the absence of a legend like Stone Cold Steve Austin at a major event like WrestleMania 40 can raise quite a few eyebrows. Despite the anticipation and rumors that he would be part of The Show of Shows, Austin was conspicuously missing from the lineup. Fans and pundits alike have been left to wonder why the Texas Rattlesnake did not grace the event with his presence, especially given his recent activity on social media, where he has been actively posting videos from his Broken Skull Ranch, showing no signs of injury.
The reasons behind Stone Cold’s absence are varied and speculative. Some have suggested that he might not have been ready for an in-ring return, despite appearing to be in good health. The WWE Universe had high hopes of hearing the iconic glass shatter at the event, particularly because of the buzz surrounding a potential interference with The Rock’s appearance, similar to the roles John Cena and The Undertaker played. However, it’s possible that Austin simply didn’t have enough time to prepare for a match, leaving fans disappointed.
Another theory posits that Stone Cold Steve Austin did not want to be just “one of the several” legends returning at WrestleMania 40. Vince Russo, a former wrestling writer, shared his thoughts on a wrestling talk show, suggesting that Austin is very protective of his character. He speculated that Austin might not have wanted to share the spotlight or be lumped in with other returning legends, preferring a more unique and standout role.
Financial disagreements may also have played a part in Stone Cold’s absence. Reports have emerged claiming that a spot initially reserved for Austin had to be filled by The Undertaker due to an inability to reach a financial agreement between Austin and WWE. If the financial terms were not agreeable, it would make sense for Austin to skip the event, with the hope that both parties might come to terms in the future, possibly timed with The Rock’s return to the ring.
Ultimately, the true reason behind Stone Cold Steve Austin’s no-show at WrestleMania 40 remains a matter of speculation. The wrestling community can only guess at the various factors that might have influenced his decision. Fans continue to speculate and hope for a future confrontation between Stone Cold and The Rock, which raises the question: Will Stone Cold Steve Austin return to confront The Rock sometime in the future? Only time will tell if this much-anticipated moment will come to pass.
